‘Yeah, but not likethat. I meant the whole being in a convertible, feeling the wind, the adrenaline. Iloveit. Thank you!’
‘De rien.’
‘And you drive it so well. It’s like it isn’t your first time.’
‘I have driven it before,’ he confirmed.
‘Wow. Nico really is a good friend.’
‘We are almost here,’ Gabriel said.
Soon afterwards we arrived at Nice and Gabriel led me to a street called Rue Paradis.
‘Whoa,’ I said as I took in the fancy designer boutiques. ‘I’m guessing thatParadismeans paradise in English, right?’
‘Oui. Why do you ask?’
‘Because the only way I could afford to buy anything from here would be if I was dreaming or a miracle happened and I woke up in paradise! I think this place iswayout of my price range. Actually, who am I kidding? It’s not just these shops that are out of my price range. It’s the hotel, this holiday, everything! People who earn what I do don’t get to come to these places.’
‘What if I said you did not have to work? That I would take care of you?’ Gabriel asked softly.
‘Come on.’ I rolled my eyes. ‘This isn’t the dark ages. I’m an independent woman. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I don’t need to buy fancy clothes. And anyway, it wouldn’t feel right taking money from you – especially when you’re trying to get your app off the ground. What did you say it was called again? I’d love to try it out. I’m sure it’s amazing!’
Just as Gabriel opened his mouth to speak, the phone rang.
‘Would you excuse me for one moment?’ he asked.
‘Course! Don’t worry about me. I’ll window shop.’
‘Ah, of course, I will leave you to lick the windows.’
‘Huh?’ I frowned.
‘In French, for window shopping we sayfaire du leche-vitrines, which translates as window licking in English!’ Gabriel chuckled.
‘No way!’ I laughed. ‘It’s pretty accurate though. Go on, you get your call. I’ve got plenty of windows to lick!’
I continued strolling down the street, thinking how lucky rich people were to be able to afford clothes as beautiful as this. Then again, I was sure that the vast majority worked hard to earn their millions so they deserved to enjoy their cash. I know I would if I was loaded.
‘Wow,’ I said out loud to myself as I stopped in front of a window and gawped at an orange silk dress.
‘Seen something that you like?’ Gabriel said as he came beside me then pushed his phone back in his pocket.
‘Yes. This dress is gorgeous!’ I pointed. ‘There’s no price though. Then again, as the saying goes, if you have to ask how much something is, you can’t afford it. Imagine being rich enough to just buy whatever you wanted. How the other half live, eh?’
‘You should try it on. It will suit you.’
‘Nah.’ I shook my head. ‘No point. I’d hate to try it on, love it then have to walk away, so better if I don’t.’
‘Laila.’ Gabriel placed his hands on my shoulders. ‘Try it on. Cassie sent me a list of shops and I am sure this was one where they get special prices. I will treat you.’
‘You’ve already done enough!’
‘Do you want to upset me?’ He crossed his arms.
‘Of course not, but…’
‘Then try it on!’
