Tim’s form appears behind the two of us and we both jump.Callie lightly smacks his chest.“I’m going to make you wear a bell if you do that again.”
“Sorry, babe.Are you two about ready?If not, I might go grab a bite at the food court.I’m starving.”He makes a point to rub a hand over his belly.
“I’m going to change right now, and we will go.Callie, you want to make reservations somewhere?I feel like this mall probably has a bunch of good restaurants.”She nods.
I place the cap on the table with Callie’s outfit before heading back into the dressing room to change.When I come out, everything has been wrapped and boxed, but there is one box still open and waiting.I place my dress in the box and shuffle in my purse for my card.
“It’s already been paid for,” the sales attendant says with a groan.
“I’m sorry?”
She winces like I’m going to make her say it again, but Callie interjects.“Tim bought it.”
I look behind her to Tim.“You bought my dress?That’s crazy.You shouldn’t have...”
He just smiles and shrugs.“Let’s go eat.”
I place my dress into the box before the lady behind the counter loads everything into two large brown bags.
“Have a good day.”
Chapter 42
Levi
Iknow I told my momthat I wouldn’t say anything, but when I tracked Tim’s location to some fancy dress store in LA, something told me he wasn’t shopping for himself.So, when Tim randomly received a bonus deposit with a memo filled with dress and high heel emojis, I didn’t explicitly tell him I knew...right?
I got home about an hour ago.Tina and I talked pretty much the entire length of the cab ride from my mom’s hotel back to the house.It’s a small dent, but I feel good about it.The majority of the time was spent talking about Gabriella and how I’m supposed to live in this house with her for the next three days.Tina suggests I apologize again while holding my boundaries in a polite and kind manner, I’m just not sure I’m capable of that.
I walk around the mansion, looking for Gabriella while secretly hoping I don’t find her...and I don’t.She must have left.Maybe she’s plotting my demise.Who knows?I do, however, at some point need to figure out what song I’m going to perform for the show and get it approved by Jan.
I roll open the slider to the backyard and I take my well-worn path past the pool towards the tiny studio on the edge of the property.In one swift moment, I punch in the code on the door and let myself in.I’m not sure why it didn’t strike me as odd that all the lights were on, but surprise!I found Gabriella.Neither of us moves for a long time, but my eyes busy themselves calculating differences.Gone is all the makeup that I have begun to believe was permanent, and in its place, freshly washed skin.Her hair is tied into a messy bun instead of some extravagant style, and she’s wearing sweats.If I wasn’t so familiar with her, I would say she is a different person entirely.I suck in a gulping breath before taking steps towards the sound booth.
“Gabriella, can we talk?”
“Why would I want to talk to you?”she snaps.
