Page 12 of Broken

“Don’t worry. You’ll love it.”

Damon finished his mug of coffee just as Matteo came over. “She needs to go shopping for clothes. Then she is going to the shelter where we have the women. So, you can drive her.”

“Sounds good, boss.”

Damon looked to me as he buttoned his white dress shirt. “I will see you in a few days, okay.”

I smiled. “Okay.”

He leaned in to kiss my lips and he was gone.

Chapter Eight

KARA

“Let me shower and get ready and we can go,” I told Matteo.

He sat in the chair closest to the door. “I’ll be here.”

In my room, after a shower, I changed into a pair of jeans and put on a hoodie since it was cooler outside. I put my hair into a messy bun; and I never achieved the style how most people wore them in. Mine was never that perfect. Finishing the look, I grabbed a pair of white tennis shoes and changed the contents from my clutch last night to a regular handbag.

“Okay, let’s go.”

“You tell me where to go,” Matteo told me as we walked down to the SUV.

“I think there is a shopping center nearby.”

“Central Park Mall?”

“Yes. That’s the one.”

“Okay.”

The mall was only a short distance away when driving. We arrived nearly five minutes later. I hated crowds and being that it was close to the weekend, the mall was packed with people shopping. I bet some were already shopping for the holidays. And the thought of the holidays nearing made me more nervous. Would I spend it with Damon? I wondered if he ever celebrated. Did he have family? I needed to ask him the next time I saw him.

“Let’s go in here,” I suggested once I spotted a store that seemed to be a good fit.

Inside, I started browsing since Jacinda had already sent me everyone’s sizes. So, I grabbed some t-shirts, short sleeves and long sleeves, in different colors and sizes. Next, I knew leggings would be a big hit. Who doesn’t love leggings? Then I grabbed a variety of jeans such as skinny jeans, bootcut, and regular fitted. I also got a few dressy skirts in case they needed something dressy for an interview. Then I got some black dress pants, because I knew some women didn’t like to wear dresses and skirts.

I piled everything on the counter and I had a load of clothing for the women. I happily handed them Damon’s black card. But they looked at the name and knew I wasn’t Damon.

“Ma’am, we need ID for the purchase. It appears this is not in your name.”

“Oh, it’s my boyfriends. I can call him. The clothing is going to a women’s shelter.”

“Yes. Can we call him?”

“Sure. I’ll get him on the phone.”

“Hey, Damon. I’m shopping with the card you gave me. And the lady at the counter needs your approval. I’m going to put her on the phone.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Okay.”

I only heard her end of the conversation.

“Yes, sir. I just need your approval since it’s a large purchase and we can’t be too careful as holiday season approaches.”

“Thank you, sir. Of course.”

---