Page 35 of Tainted Blood

“Yes, loves. You both can have some fun together.”

“Please tell me you want to hit the shops with me this week.” She clasps her hands, begging me with her eyes. I nod, and she cheers and then throws her arms around me.

“I can’t believe I just agreed to this,” I say, shaking my head and smiling. This is going to be an adventure. Maybe it’s what I need…to forget the man I don’t even know.

****

We had to delay things a couple of days because the weather got a little shitty and we were slated to have thunderstorms that put the city in a chokehold. It was nothing like the storms in Chicago, but the traffic is more congested here, and it makes things messy.

Now we’re at one of the most lavish stores in all of Manhattan. I don’t feel overwhelmed because I grew up with this, but still, I’m not in the best humor.

“Mom, how does this look?” I ask, having tried on three dresses that she didn’t care for, and from the look on her lovely face, this was a no-go as well.

“Darling, that’s a little too plain for a girl like you.”

“Well, I’m not trying to attract attention.”

“Honey, you’re going to have heads turning with a sack on, but still, we’re having so many ladies and as your father’s daughter, it’s best you look like the belle of the ball.”

“I see.” There’s nothing more insidious than the wealthy letting their females loose on all the available men. The ladies want the men with the largest pockets, and the men want the hottest wife. Luckily, I am just there to show my face because I have no intention of chasing down a man.

I search through the dresses, and one in particular catches my eye. This time, I try on the dress I’d like Ian to see me in. I know he’d love to tear it off me. It screams power and class while still being sensuous. The material is barely held on by a few strings and then it wraps around the neck, leaving my back open.

I step out into the private viewing area to stare in the mirrors, and my mother’s mouth drops. “Now that screams ‘I’m a mafia princess,’ but I’m sure your father is going to lose his mind when he sees you in it.”

I view myself from head to toe, and I’m impressed. I never imagined that I’d look like a goddess in this gold number. A slinky strap wraps around the thigh in a cris-cross pattern.

“You need jewelry to go with this outfit. It’s perfect.” I slip inside the changing room and put on my regular clothes while my mom finds more things to buy me.

By the time we leave the shop, I feel like we’re being followed. I count the number of men that give me that mafia henchmen vibe; it totals five. It’s strange, but it’s probably just my dad’s men keeping a better watch on us. “Mom, how many people does dad have on us?”

“Three. Why?”

I wonder if I should tell her or not, because I don’t want her to worry. We’re almost to the car when my phone rings. I pull it out and smile. It’s been a long time since Claudia and I spoke. When she told me about Ian’s setback, I gave her some tips while I tried to hold back my tears. Still, she said she’d call when he was better. She did, but I didn’t hear from him and then I dropped my phone, shattering it.

“Hey, girl, what’s going on? It’s been a long time.”

“Sorry, my phone broke, and the replacement didn’t have my original contacts.”

“So it’s totally my fault for not calling. My bad,” she apologizes. “So what are you up to?”

“I’m out shopping with my mom.”

“Awesome. I wish I was out shopping, but I’m baking a cake. We’re having a wedding here soon.”

“A wedding? Who is getting married?” God, I hope that Ian isn’t engaged or anything.

“Jack and Nora. They’re finally about to get hitched. It’s only been postponed twice now.”

“Well, that’s wonderful. I’d love to see a pic of the cake when it’s finished. I’m sure it’s going to be spectacular.”

“Thanks, and I hope so. They’ve talked up my work so much that I need to do them justice.”

“I’m sure it will be fabulous. You make the most beautiful designs, and the flavors of your cakes are always delicious.” I love having her cupcakes. I picked some up and brought them into class one day. Everyone devoured them, and I gave them her business card. It’s a shame what happened to her business.

When she came into the hospital with the injury, I wasn’t there, but they talked about it. No one liked her fiancé. Well, he’s her ex-fiancé now. “I’ve got to get going, more to bake. I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“Thanks. It was nice talking with you.” I end the call and put the phone in my bag so I can speak with my mom.

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