I know because Celeste jumps and spins to look at me with big eyes. I relax a little and try again.
“I found a shirt for you to wear. Please put it on then write down your clothing sizes on the Post-it.”
Celeste dries her hands and slides into the shirt as I hold it for her. She smiles as she buttons it.
“Are you sure you want to take on this challenge?”
“You can’t.”
“True. I’ll make this as easy as possible.” She rattles off instructions as she writes. “My size varies by store so just go to New York & Company. I wear size eight in jeggings because of the stretch and ten in regular jeans. Curvy. I need a belt if you get regular jeans because my waist is smaller than my hips. I am a medium in shirts and dresses. Your life will probably be easier if you just get me a maxi dress and sandals.”
“Yikes. Men are much simpler,” I say as I stare at the list in her outstretched hand. “Size seven shoes…”
I scan the list. “I don’t see your bra or panty size.”
“I have the one pair; I washed them, and they are air-drying as we speak.”
I put the paper back in her palm.
“Write it down.”
Celeste does as I instructed while objecting the entire time. “I don’t need a lot of clothes just to turn myself in and probably go back to my parents’ house. I just need a dress and some sandals…”
“And what do you put on your hair?”
Celeste absently rubs her head. Her curls are all over her head and a little frizzy. “Huh?”
“I don’t know much about black hair, but I know the care is much different. What do you need?”
“You’re creating more work for yourself. You’ll have to go to JCPenney.” She tells me what I asked when I don’t speak. “I use Mizani Moisture Fusion Moisture Rich Shampoo, Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Anti-Breakage Spray, BioSilk Silk Therapy Miracle Leave-in Conditioner, and Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer Hair Lotion.” She shakes her head. “Scratch that. I can use your shampoo and conditioner and just get me the hair lotion, please.”
I nod although I fully intend to give her what she wants. Besides, she wrote it down already. I snatch up the list before she can remove anything.
“I’ll be back.”
She grins at my Arnold Schwarzenegger impression as I back out of the door. I love it when she smiles at me. I feel warm inside. I’m smitten. I know without a doubt I’m about to buy her more than she requested. I can’t help it. I want to spoil her for the last few hours she’s mine. The memory of her smile keeps a smile on my face the entire shopping trip—until I run into Wes.
Beau
I parkmy car in front of my home and take a few calming breaths before killing the engine. I drop my head on the steering wheel, grip it as hard as I can with my hands, and yell to myself. I take a few more breaths until I’m not visibly angry. Wes is infuriating. I wanted to punch that smug grin off his face, but I can’t. He cannot know that I know. He cannot see me so emotionally invested. I had to pretend he was just regular annoying and not abusive-husband-and-attempted-murderer annoying. I want him to fry then rot in hell for the way he treats people. Celeste may have gotten the brunt of it, but Wes treats everyone like shit. I shake away the encounter. He will not kill the last day I have with Celeste. I refuse to let him.
The breeze ruffles my hair when I step out of the car. I look heavenward and close my eyes. I let the heat from the sun warm me while the breeze soothes my frayed nerves. I will not tell Celeste I spoke to the enemy. She’s already jumpy and knowing that her abuser is a few miles away will tie her up in knots. I pop the trunk and retrieve my purchases. Celeste will freak, but I want her to have everything I bought.
I find her where I left her—in the kitchen. All of the bad tension leaves my body. Celeste causes a different kind of tension. I watch as she moves the melons she’d cut and cubed into a container, then wipes down the counter.
“I’m back.” My announcement is to keep from startling her as I put the bags on the empty island.
Celeste turns to me and her smile freezes.
“Did you buy some things for yourself?” she inquires carefully.
“Nope.”
She’s cute when she frowns. Celeste sighs, the shirt slips off her shoulder as she loudly exhales.
“Beau, that looks like way more than one dress, a pair of shoes, and one container of hair moisturizer.”
I move into her space because I missed her. “That’s because it is.”
