"Thank god. I was starting to think I'd have to wear the same three outfits for the rest of my life."
He doesn't laugh, just flicks his eyes to me briefly before returning them to the road. "How many outfits do you think you need?"
The question catches me off guard so I reply with sass.
"I don't know. Enough? It's not like I packed for this…arrangement. Should I be counting?"
His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly.
"Get whatever you need."
‘Okay jerk. What is this man’s deal?’
I huff and cross my arms over my chest as I turn to look out the window. The mall rises before us like some gleaming monument. It's massive and nothing like the quaint shopping streets back home. When we park, I practically leap from the car, but Frankie's hand catches my arm before I can get far, reminding me that I have a babysitter.
"Stay close," he warns, his grip firm but not painful. "I'm not chasing you through a crowded mall."
"I'm not going to run," I snap, rolling my eyes at him, though the thought had crossed my mind briefly. "Where would I even go?"
His eyes search mine, and I have the uncomfortable feeling he can read every thought in my head so I look away. Finally, he releases me with a nod and doesn’t bother to reply.
Inside, the air conditioning hits me, making me shiver. The mall stretches out in all directions, glittering with endless possibilities. People mill about, in and out of stores, laughing and talking. Normal people living normal lives. For a moment, I almost forget why I'm here. Almost. The presence of the broody man next to me reminds me.
"Where first?" Frankie asks, sounding bored already.
I point to the nearest department store, not having a clue what kind it is.
"There."
What follows is the strangest shopping spree of my life. Frankie follows me from rack to rack, standing a careful distance away as I select clothes. He doesn't rush me, doesn't complain, just watches with those unreadable eyes. When I hesitate over prices, he shrugs. I never had to worry about those things back home but I’m not sure here.
"Don't worry about cost."
I test this by selecting a ridiculously expensive sundress. He doesn't even blink when we reach the register, just hands over a sleek black credit card. Interesting.
By the third store, I've amassed enough bags that Frankie has to make a trip to the car with me right behind him. When we return, I'm already pointing with an innocent smile at the other stores I want to visit. How long will he allow me to spend this money? How far can I push him?
"You're enjoying this," he says, and I swear there's almost amusement in his voice.
"Wouldn't you, if you were trapped in a stranger's house with nothing familiar?"
Something flickers across his face…not quite guilt, but close. "Keep going. We have time."
Hours later, my feet ache and my stomach growls loud enough for Frankie to hear. He leads me to the food court without asking, settling us at a table near the back wall where he can see all the entrances.
"What do you want?" he asks, scanning the options.
"Pizza," I say immediately, making me think of home.
His mouth quirks.
"Mall pizza isn't going to compare to Italy."
"I'll be the judge of that."
When he returns with our food, I dive in, suddenly ravenous. The pizza is exactly as mediocre as he predicted, but I devour it anyway. Frankie picks at his own food, eyes constantly sweeping the crowd.
"Do you ever relax?" I ask around a mouthful.
