***
Two and a half hours of shopping is absolutely exhausting. I’m out of practice. I used to be able to do that all day. And, shopping with a personal shopper is a little different. Once Tiffany had my sizes, she figured out my style and came up with everything, finding dozens of outfits for me to try on. And because Jackson had warned her that I would be price-conscious, she removed every price tag, so I knew nothing other than these were beautifully made clothes that looked incredibly nice on me.
In the end, she set me up with ten business outfits, several changes of casual clothes for Maui, and a tankini. She also insisted on some very racy lingerie. When I explained I had no one to wear it for, she said, “Never wear something for a man, and certainly never for another woman. Always wear your clothes for you.” I also left the store with jewelry, shoes, more handbags than I could count, and cosmetics.
It’s more than I need, but I can return what I don’t wear and credit his credit card. I don’t want him to think I’m taking advantage.
Tiffany said she would wrap things up and send the packages to me. She sent me home with just a small bag.
When I finally get back to Jackson’s apartment, I immediately lie down and put my feet up. I can’t believe how tired I am.
My phone pings.
Jackson: How did it go at Nordstrom?
Me: I bought one of everything. I hope you’re happy.
Jackson: Can’t wait to see it. Any interest in dinner tonight?
Me: I was just thinking about some takeout. Any preference?
Jackson: There’s a great Thai place that delivers.
Me: Sounds perfect. I can order. What would you like?
Jackson: I got it. I promised to take care of you, remember? Do you want the pad Thai noodles with shrimp, tofu, and chicken?
That’s what I always order. I’m stunned he’s paid attention. Stunned.
Me: Yes, please.
The doorbell rings, and Brian begins to bring all the shopping bags back to my room. There are so many, it’s embarrassing.
I follow him and begin to open the packages of clothes. Tiffany even included a suitcase and an overnight bag. As I unwrap, I feel like it’s Christmas morning.
It also feels like a big project. This is a lot of clothing. I’ve never bought this much at once ever. This might actually be a bigger wardrobe than I owned before my apartment was destroyed. I set about hanging things up, making piles, and filling the drawers in the room. That feels a little too much like I’m moving in—which I’m not—but I don’t know what else to do.
Finally, I come up for air and am pleased with the order I’ve imposed on the chaos. I open the small bag Tiffany sent home with me and hold up a bikini I didn’t pick out. There isn’t much to it.
Jackson sticks his head in. His eyes immediately go to the thin fabric. “Can’t wait to see you in that.”
I drop it and immediately feel my blush. “I didn’t pick it out. She included it with a note.” I stuff it back in the shopping bag.
“What did she say?”
I reluctantly pick it up. Why did I tell him she sent a note?
Corrine,
Thank you for spending the afternoon with me. I hope to see you again soon. A small token from me. This will look fantastic on you. Take a chance and wear it.
Tiffany
Jackson smiles. “Tiffany knows what she’s talking about. Dinner’s here. Come on out.” He disappears down the hallway.
Oh my God, I can’t wear this with Jackson. I might as well walk around naked. I take a few breaths and attempt to collect myself.
“Are you coming?” he yells.
I take one more deep breath. “Yes, I’m coming.”
Jackson has set the table and actually plated our food. I’m impressed.
“I have a nice bottle of pinot gris. Would you care for a glass with your dinner?”
“Sure.”
He places a glass of golden wine in front of me and sits down.
I take my first bite, and it’s outstanding. “How did the interview with Cheryl go?” I sip my wine and wait for him to tell me.
“I think she’s going to take the CFO position. Emerson Healy at SHN was clear with her about why the position was open, and she shared some thoughts about completing an audit if she’s hired. She’s worked in alternative energy before. But she’s asking for some serious options in the new venture.”
“How many options and what percentage of ownership would she hold? Can you give her what you got back from Jeremy?”
“That’s my hope. I need the lawyer at SHN to officially verify. That would make it easier. She’s looking at twenty percent, which is more than Jeremy had, so I’d have to give her some of mine. If he keeps his shares because of the contract, together they would own thirty percent, and I can’t let that happen.”
“Makes sense. What are your concerns about her?”
He sits back in his chair and studies me a moment. “That’s a great question. Without a doubt, she knows her stuff. I guess she reminds me of my mom a little bit, and I worry I’ll subconsciously treat her like I do my mom.”
This is a surprising statement. He dotes on his mom. “I’ve never seen you treat your mom poorly.”
“When she gets too bossy, I tend to tune her out, and I ignore her even if I know she’s right.”
I sit
