Page 83 of Rematch
“I hope so. Because that good deed of yours isn’t going to go unpunished.”
Chapter 33
Audrey
“How about this one?” Gianna asked, holding up a bright fuschia colored dress.
I wrinkled my nose. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Why? ‘Cause it has some color to it?” She examined the dress. “I think it’s cute.”
“Then, you should get it. You can wear it on your date next week.”
Her own nose scrunched up. “Hm, I don’t know if it’s first date material. This is giving more tropical vacation vibes.” She set it back down on the rack. “Maybe when it goes on clearance in the spring, I’ll come back for it.”
Smiling, I shook my head at her.
Gianna and I were at the mall, flicking through the racks at one of the stores and trying to cash in on their Black Friday sales. We’d already made plans to go shopping today, but after we shared our plans about our dates - mine with Max tomorrow and hers with Wesley next week - our shopping became more intentional.
Honestly, it’s been a good minute since I’ve gone dress shopping. When I moved back home, I was trying to lighten up the load for traveling so I donated a lot of my nicer dresses to thrift stores and any friends who wanted them. My remainingoptions were either too casual or too formal. Flicking through my closet last night, I ended up finding both of my prom dresses - still enclosed in their plastic dress bags for preservation. Clearly, I was in need of some new semi-formal wear. And some retail therapy of course.
Even though last night ended quietly, I still went to bed with a heaviness of my chest. Seeing the bags forming under Dad’s eyes and the dimming of his smile as the night went on made me fear next year’s festivities may look different.
It didn’t help that when Max came back, clouds of his own hovered over his head. Those, I expected though. An appearance from his dad was rarely ever a good thing. I was surprised Max didn’t slam the door in his face like we used to when we were younger.
I wanted to ask what Rafael wanted, but from the frown Max kept trying to hide, I knew better than to push the subject. If he ever wanted to talk about it, then he would. Until then, I was fine holding his hand and sitting with him through whatever he was feeling.
“Ooo, how about this one?” Gianna’s voice rang again.
I looked behind me to see her holding up a dress with a marble print swirling with brown, gold, and white. The dress looked long and form fitting, offering a perfect mix of classy and sexy. “That’s cute,” I said as I walked over to her. I grabbed the hanger out of her hand and held the fabric up to me.
“Oh yeah, that would look really nice on you,” she agreed.
Nodding, I mentally committed to buying it. Even if I don’t wear it tomorrow night, the dress was still a good find - and I couldn’t miss out on the sale price it was going for.
Gianna and I continued wandering around the store, examining and picking up items we liked. Another bag was added to the others hanging off of our arms before we walked out.
We took a break from our shopping and made a beeline for the food court. We took a lap around the U-Shape, indulging in the abundance of samples and debating which stand both of us wanted to order from. We ended up standing in line for Chinese food.
After acquiring our food, we found a spot at one of the small tables.
“I need to use the restroom,” Gianna said as she set her bags and food down. “I’ll be right back.”
Nodding, I watched her hurry off towards the signs of the nearby bathrooms. To occupy myself, I opened my phone and scrolled through my phone. The chatter of the crowd became background noise as I flicked through photos and posts. Occasionally, I glanced up from my phone, still alert and aware of my surroundings.
As I raised my eyes again after a few moments of scrolling, I was surprised to meet the gaze of my old fling. I haven’t spoken to him since the night before the one he and Max supposedly fought. I almost didn’t know what to say that would mend the silence between us.
Carter was walking through the food court with a small pizza box in his hands. His eyes were probably perusing the area when they fell on me.
I offered him a small smile, hoping he’d accept the token as a truce.
His lips didn’t mimic the action, but he did alter his course and walk towards me. “Hi, Audrey,” he greeted.
“Hey, Carter.”
His eyes flicked to the food and drink sitting on the other side of the table. “Are you with him?”
“No. I’m here with Gianna.”
