I also like ponies.
Um…
Too soon? ;)
When you said I should go shopping, I assumed I would shop. You know, walk from store to store, window to window, until something caught my eye.
Why would you think that?
Um, because that’s how people shop.
I frown.
But I told you what to buy, so why would you think I’d have you wandering around Paris like a lost puppy? (pun)
When she doesn’t respond, I peek outside Pavle’s shop and spot her in the boutique. She’s trying on a long black gown (not what I wanted).
I’ve never had a private viewing. There are people looking at me, and they can’t come in because I’m here.
And?
There are men securing the block of shops, Alessio. I don’t need this much security. It’s not like I’m a celebrity.
Celebrities have personal shoppers.
On the way out of the jewelry shop, I thank Pavle and grab Leo’s hand. We head in the opposite direction from where Lake’s shopping. I don’t want her to see me.
* * *
I’ve never beento a movie theater before. My parents wouldn’t allow it. I was groomed to become one particular princess’s husband, a royal who would serve the crown. And the princess, for that matter. In return, my family would regain power, since a while back, we lost it and much of our wealth.
I was young, and the promise of the crown sounded wonderful. But one summer, after I copiloted an airplane, I decided I wanted to go to a military academy. That summer, the princess told my parents that I had impregnated her, which led to my parents pressuring me to marry her. Val found out she lied about the pregnancy, and I’ve stayed away from romantic relationships ever since.
Turns out, there are other ways to gain power, and I managed to procure them for myself without sacrificing my life and tying myself to a manipulative woman who only ever cared about herself. I believe that people who love us also love our dreams. That princess hated mine.
Since then, I’ve met my sexual needs in various ways. I recognize that when I’m with Lake, I enjoy tending to the needs of my heart, which I express by spending a small fortune on her jewelry.
Half an hour into the movie, my personal line pings again.
Leo gives me a dirty look. On the big screen, the yellow sponge is having a crisis, and I’m interrupting it by texting my romantic interest. Bad uncle.
There were no price tags anywhere on it, so I had no idea the dress would ring up for over $300,000. I’m returning it.
Did you find a purse?
Did you read my message? I’m returning the dress.
Shoes?
NO.
You’ll walk around barefoot?
I’m going back to the room.
I sit up on the chair.
Keep the dress. Buy black leather shoes with heels and a purse to match. Stop talking about the prices of items or I’ll have Annette confiscate your card and spend more than she should on it.
