“What’sPip’s idea?” she presses urgently.
I gesture to the room, “Whatever you want.”
Her brows scrunch adorably. “I am so confused.”
I laugh and pull out my phone, quickly texting Pip for backup.
Instantly, Anya’s phone vibrates. She reads it quickly before showing me the screen.
Pip: Go crazy! On me xx
Pip: Enjoy!!
“How did she even get my number?” Anya grouses, as her fingers fly across the screen.
“Come on.” I say, tugging her further into the store. Luxury handbags are displayed on mahogany shelves and clothes are evenly spaced on delicate rails. I recognize some of the items from Pip’s never ending closet, and I can’t imagine Anya will want any of it. “What would you like?”
“What do youmeanwhat would I like? I’d like to not be here.” She glances at Gérard. “No offense.”
I laugh and gesture more at the racks. “Pip is a brand ambassador, anything you want is complimentary.”
Her eyes bug out of her head, “Anything? In the whole store?”
“Yes, freckles. You could take one of the mannequins if you want but you’ll have to explain to Jaques.”
“This feels so…wrong.”
“What will feel wrong is the harassment Pip will put us through if we walk out of here with nothing.”
“Well, what are you going to get?”
“Nothing.”
Anya throws her hands up. “This is ridiculous.”
I laugh, “What about these?” I direct her attention to the row of handbags lining a delicate trestle table.
She follows suspiciously and I gesture to the table.
Anya sighs and rests her fingers across the soft leather. “I’m more of a tote bag girl, I have way too much stuff to carry.” She flips the lid of a clear acrylic purse. “I don’t understand this one, everyone would be able to see your tampons.”
I told Pip that I didn’t think Anya was a luxury fashion lover, but she wouldn’t be told. If it wasn’t for the thought of finally being alone with Anya outside of her apartment or my hotel, I would have told Pip to back off. Plus, it’s amusing watching Anya be forced into accepting some generosity.
“Do you like it?” I ask in her ear.
She turns to me with a glare. “What do you think?”
“I think if you don’t get something, Gérard here is going to report back to Pip that her personal guest hates their lines. She’ll be devastated.”
Her eyes narrow as she hisses, “So you’re going to force me to buy a ridiculously expensive see-through bag, just so your sister doesn’t get upset?”
I shrug, “You said it.”
She huffs dramatically, “I know where she gets it from.”
She puts the bag down and wanders the store. She keeps her hands tucked by her sides as she wanders across the dark green carpet, barely touching anything like she’s in a museum. I watch as she sidesteps Gérard awkwardly and heads to the fragrance section. I step behind her and watch as she sniffs each bottle of perfume reluctantly. The third one she lifts to her nose twice before spraying it on a delicate wrist.
I clasp her hand and investigate for myself. My hand could wrap around both of her wrists easily. I bring her wrist to my nose and inhale, the floral notes invading my senses but not quite masking the sweet scent that is still distinguishably Anya.
