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But it was still shocking that a store like this existed.

There were aisles and aisles of anything and everything a Little could want.

Toys, clothes, diapers, bibs… all the stuff. You name it, and this shop probably had it.

Even stuff she’d never thought of before, liked adult-sized Big Wheels and giant rocking horses. It was paradise for Littles!

And she could pick anything out that she wanted.

The idea seemed crazy to her. She’d never had much money. Her family had always barely scraped by. Having near unlimited funds was not anything she’d ever come even remotely close to experiencing before.

Having to embarrassingly put back cans of food at the grocery store because she didn’t have enough to cover the bill at the register once the items in her basket were totaled was what she knew about.

Was she taking advantage of Damon right now?

That wasn’t the type of person she ever wanted to be. He had lots of money. Good for him. But that didn’t mean she had lots of money.

As if reading the inner turmoil she was feeling, he said, “I’m serious. Let’s shop. We need this to look real. And, as I said, consider it partial payment for helping me out.”

That didn’t really help matters at all. It felt even weirder taking payment for helping a friend out.

He really seemed to want this, though. And it was important it appeared authentic.

So, she forced a smile and said, “Thank you.”

After just a few seconds, she didn’t have to force it. The thrill of shopping in the unique store washed over her and she couldn’t help but giggle.

It seemed as if Damon liked what he heard. She caught him watching her affectionately several times. But maybe that was just part of the act, she thought. After all, he was an actor. She’d seen him pull off some huge roles in the movies, making it all look so believable.

Walking beside the shopping cart Damon now pushed, Tessa marveled at all the items as they slowly walked down one of the front aisles.

When they got to the end, Damon said, “You haven’t put anything in the basket.”

“Yeah. I’m just… looking.”

He stopped and waited for her to do the same. Once she got the hint and looked at him, she saw a smile on his face but a somewhat stern look in his eyes.

Damn. He was a good actor. His ability to sell this was amazing. She enjoyed seeing him practice his craft up close and personal.

Then it hit her: she could now say she’d acted with the great Damon Drake!

It wasn’t a movie, of course. But still… she’d done some scenes with him.

I bet the folks at home would love it if they knew!

Well, the ones who were cheering for her, that is.

“Little one, I expect you to do as I said and pick out some things to take back to Auntie Athena’s. Then, when you move out on your own, you’ll have some of your own stuff.”

Okay, was he acting? she wondered.

If so, he could win a damn Academy Award for this performance right here.

“Yes, sir. I just… well, like I said… I feel bad that you’re spending your money on me.”

He waved her concern off. “We talked about this. Now, start filling that basket, little missy, or the first thing I buy for you might just be a paddle.”

Gulping, Tessa managed to say, “Yes, Sir,” as she started looking at the merchandise again.