“Yeah I know, but I have no idea where to buy food or toiletries or even tampons.” She realised how little she did know.
Juan put an arm around her and hoped he could replace the look of concern on her face with a more positive one. “This is the nearest mall to home and is fairly standard in what there is, but there are a few designer outlets. There is a huge supermarket down the road, which is where Sandra does the grocery shopping. We use the entertainment complex across from here for movies, bowling, pizza and stuff. For the more exclusive stuff we have Rodeo Drive. If you want to know anything about anything Tash, just ask. Consider me your gay best friend in L.A.”
She giggled. “You can be my gay best friend full stop.”
“Cool, but don’t tell Philip because he thinks that’s him.” Juan laughed and gave her a cheeky wink.
“Right, you’d better lead me to lingerie, shoes, tampons, chocolate and clothes, in that order,” she said as she linked her arm through his.
Tasha bought a white lace merry widow with a black bow detail and a matching thong which caused raised eyebrows from Juan.
“I think lingerie shopping is just for us, not one for you and Phil.” He laughed as he imagined Philip being privy to the saucy secrets she concealed beneath her clothing for his father’s pleasure and enjoyment.
“He does make me laugh, in a good way,” admitted Tasha. “I forget he’s Jim’s son when we’re talking and then I say something and he pretends to vomit and I remember.”
“For what it’s worth, despite the over the top vomiting motion, he likes you and he loves seeing Jim happy and you make him very, very happy, Tash.”
Tasha made no reply but allowed Juan to lead her away in the direction of the items she needed to buy.
She initially resisted the temptation to buy more shoes, but reluctantly bought tampons and chocolate which she thought should actually be sold together and then found a backless top in a Chinese design fabric that had a halter neck and a button at the waist on the back to secure it.
“Nice.” Juan nodded as she modelled it in the shop with a pair of cropped black trousers. “But the boots don’t work. Tash, get some shoes to go with it, or let me.” He disappeared into the store to return a few minutes later wearing a big grin. “I am a damn genius,” he said, revealing a pair of black glittery shoes with a heel of about five inches making her gasp.
“They are so beautiful. Give them to me!” she demanded in her best diva pose.
She slipped them on and clapped herself as she twirled in them.
“Now that works,” declared Juan triumphantly.
“How much?”
“You have to remember these are designer and this is a very exclusive outlet,” warned Juan.
Tasha frowned and repeated, “How much?”
“They are Christian Louboutin and discounted,” said Juan.
“How much?” asked Tasha again. “What?” Tasha asked now in response to Juan’s muttered reply.
“Nine-hundred and seventy-five dollars, but you know Jim won’t have a problem with the price tag when he sees you in them,” said Juan trying to persuade her to buy them.
“Jim doesn’t have a problem with price tags full stop, but I may have a problem with the price,” exclaimed Tasha. “That’s about six-hundred and fifty quid. That’s a lot of money for shoes.”
“But worth every penny, they’re hot and in the sale.” Juan sounded desperate for her to cave and buy them. “Call Jim and see what he says if you’re unsure and you can’t afford them yourself.”
She frowned. “I can afford them, but Jim gets all arsy if I pay for things myself. He likes me to charge everything, which I still find very odd.”
The sales assistant, who had refused to leave the shoes spoke, “Would you like a moment to decide?”
“Yes please,” said Tasha.
“Phone him,” urged Juan. “If you buy them yourself and he doesn’t like it you will end up fighting about it, so charge them or call him and tell him you are buying them yourself.” He grinned. “Maybe not tell him exactly and don’t say that I have encouraged this in any way.” He laughed, nervously, making Tasha laugh at him and his nervousness.
She pulled the phone out of her bag and after a few seconds of deliberation called Jim.
“Hey baby, what’s up?” he asked immediately.
“Nothing. I just wanted to tell you something, run it past you.” Juan was right about not telling Jim anything.
