Page 117 of Derailed
“What?” Jess’s gaze widens as the words setin.
“I booked us two nights on Catalina Island. Is thatokay?”
“Okay?” She laughs and clears her throat. “I think I can deal withthat.”
“So, what kind of clothes are you looking for? Beachwear? Evening gowns?” the salesperson asksJess.
“I’m not sure what I want,” Jess says, and I can tell by the way she hasn’t let go of my hand, this makes her nervous. She’s not one for the center of attention or spending money that’s not hers. But being with me automatically requires she goes outside her comfort zone on both of thosecounts.
“Well, that’s my job. I’ll help you figure out what exactly you want and make it as painless as possible. Promise.” She winks at Jess. “Why don’t you both come withme?”
We follow her down two hallways to the private dressing room atrium. “Can I get either of you something todrink?”
“I’m fine.” Jess waves ahand.
“I’m good for now,” I say and try to hold in mygrin.
“My name’s Candice, so if there’s anything at all you need, just ask. Now, since we’re shopping for Jess, I’ll have you sit over there while she and I take a little walk to get an idea of where tostart.”
“I’m okay with that.” I plop into a comfortable leather loungechair.
“Sure, smile now. You get the easy part.” Jess glares over her shoulder as Candice drags her back out toward the clothes. She thinks we’re here to pick up a few things for a weekend getaway. With her out of the room, I don’t even try to rein in my excitement for what I haveplanned.
Jess and Candice return moments later with several items to startwith.
“Let me see them all!” I call to her when she disappears behind the dressing roomdoor.
“Only if they look good,” she retorts, but I think she’s still too hard on herself. Nothing she wears could ever lookbad.
“Just come out and show me anyway,” I plead and she answers withlaughter.
Candice brings clothes quicker than Jess can try them on, and I swear I’m living the dream, kicked back in this chair while my gorgeous girlfriend models just for me; I might be biased because I really do love everything she puts on. Eventually, Candice and Jess put together a rack of must-buys and another ofrejects.
“This is more than I’ll need for a weekend,” Jess complains, but she’ssmiling.
“Try this next.” Candice hands over a sundress and light jacket, and once Jess disappears inside the changing room she winks at me. Mycue.
A few moments later Jess exits the room and scrunches her face. “I don’t know. What do youthink?”
“Let me see.” I furrow my brow and act much more interested than I am. Like everything else, she’s beautiful in it, but that answer won’t do right now. I rise from the chair and walk closer as she twists in front of the mirror and examines herreflection.
“I like the print, but it’s a little much,yeah?”
“What about the jacket?” I step to her side and meet her stare in the mirror. “That’s funny.” I point at thepocket.
She lifts the pocket flap the rest of the way open and retrieves an envelope marked with her name. “Strange . . .” Her brow pulls with concern when it hits her. “Sean!” Her eyes widen and she turns to face me. “You’ve already done toomuch.”
“Just openit.”
Her lips mash together and she drops her gaze to slide out the card and note inside. The itinerary and ticket vouchers are there, too. I love that I get to watch every stage of her reaction. Surprise. Shock.Excitement.
“We’re going to Bali? You’re taking me to Bali!” Her mouth falls open and she shakes her head as if she can’t believeit.
“I’ve wanted to since the gala.” My smile is wide with her excitement. “The tickets are for next year, but you can use them anytime—for you and a guest. I hope you’ll takeme.”
Her gaze darts between me, the note, and the rack laden with clothes as her brow pulls low with a frown. “Sean, this is toomuch.”
“It’s not.” It’s not enough. There are no material possessions on this Earth great enough to show her how thankful I am to have her in my life. I want to buy her all the things. I want to jet set around the world with her, one trip at a time. There’s no way I’d waste this time off without taking her someplace memorable . . . or without a beach. I wish we could do Bali now, but I only have a few days before I’m back on theroad.
