"I know that. So does he," Toya said. "That doesn't mean you don't need to set the bar high to mold and shape his future behavior. Don't ever try to save a rich man money, girl. Let him spend it if he's willing to."
"I'm not a gold-digger," Meka hissed.
"You don't have to dig when he's offering it to you on a gold platter. Look, I don't know who raised y'all, but my mama told me never to limit myself," Toya whispered.
Monique chuckled. "Whatever he spends on us today, let's agree to pay him back in installments," Monique suggested.
"I will not," Toya scoffed. "I mean, if he asks me to, I will. But I'm not about to volunteer to pay for some shit that was offered to me. The fuck!"
Meka shook her head. "I'm not asking him to take us there, then."
Toya moved closer to Meka. "Meka, don't make me fuck you up in this store," Toya hissed.
"Toya, let's not tear these nice folks store up just because you're crazy," Meka hissed back.
The room to the private door opened. "No need for all of that," Cas said, entering the room. "I agreed to buy your dresses. The cost doesn't matter. Buy whatever you need for the Gala. I can afford it," Cas told them.
Damn, he'd overheard them. They couldn't take Toya's crazy behind anywhere!
"See," Toya hissed. "If Cas isn't worried about the price, why are you, Meka?"
Meka rolled her eyes as Cas strode over and kissed the top of her head.
"It's okay, love," Cas told Meka. "Get whatever you all need." Meka sighed, still reluctant to dig so deep into Cas's wallet. Cas leaned closer to whisper in Meka's ear, "There are other ways you can pay me back, love."
Even if they hadn't overheard him, Meka's blush would've told them everything they needed to know. Even the sales clerk giggled.
"Let's get out of here," Meka muttered, rising from her seat, clearly embarrassed.
Both Toya and Monique laughed as they prepared to leave the store. Monique sat her glass back down on the table andthanked the clerk for her help. Monique opened her purse to tip the woman.
"No, no, Ma'am, you don't have to tip me. Mr. Cattaneo already paid me for my time," the clerk beamed.
"Oh, okay. Thank you again," Monique said before following Toya and the others out of the boutique.
Their next stop was Luxe Regal. When they arrived, Monique could tell from the store's exterior that their bill was going to be a small fortune. She stared down at her attire, making sure she was dressed up to par for a place like this.
She'd chosen to wear one of the outfits Raz had gotten her. Her dress was black, form-fitting, and stopped a few inches above her knees. A hint of cleavage was showing, thanks to the dip in the front.
The sleeves were long and sheer, adding an element of allure. She hadn't gone with much jewelry, just a silver necklace, matching dangling earrings, and a ring. Toya had styled her hair up in a cute updo, with ringlets framing her face.
Her black heels finished the outfit off right, making her look taller and adding an extra hint of sexy. Too bad Raz couldn't see her right now. Monique gritted her teeth. She didn't even want to think about his crazy ass right now.
She just wanted to find a dress that would make him regret ever thinking he could breathe without her in his life. Feeling cute, she entered the store as Cas held the door open for them, ever the gentleman.
"Welcome to Luxe Regal," a saleswoman greeted them with a warm smile. "How may I assist you?"
"Private room," Cas stated.
The woman nodded and led them through a maze of exquisite gowns to a secluded area. As they entered, Monique couldn't help but marvel at the dresses on display, each one unique, stunning, and available in her size.
It wasn't long before another clerk entered the room, carrying a tray of champagne and glasses. Monique stared at the dresses positioned all around the room. There were so many to choose from, and they were in her size. She was in curvy girl heaven.
"Take your time, ladies. And remember, nothing in here is too expensive," Cas told them.
"Thanks, Cas," Meka muttered, looking adorably shy.
"Anything for you, love. I'll be in the other room."