The sales clerk's gaze clearly recognized him as she answered, "Just doingmyjob."
Belle picked out ten and then nodded like she'd be fast. "Okay, I like these. Is there adressingroom?"
He reached for his phone to check his messages as the clerk said, "This way,mamisita."
Belle's brown eyes cracked as her lipsparted. "I'm not a mom. I didn't evenhaveone."
"She meant no harm." Peter stared at Belle. Her presence calmed him, and he liked that feeling. He kept his phone in his hand and didn't look at it as he stared at her. "It's just anexpression."
She winked at him and followed the salesclerk into the dressing area. "Peter, I'll berightback."
He founda seat near thewindow, which must have been set up specifically for men to wait. The couch's cushions were sturdy as he read a few emails. His secretary needed a raise. He read another email about the financial portfolio of a mortgage lender as the doorbell chimed. He ignored the sound until Jennifer's Chanel perfume filledtheair.
He placed his phone down. "What are youdoinghere?"
She slippedonto the couch next to him. "Peter, I never dragged you into placeslikethis."
He stood. He'd not touch her ever again. "Placeslikewhat?"
Her nose curled as she stood like she was ascending royalty. "Retailstores."
He widened his stance and glanced at the sales clerk near the register. "Jennifer, I'm waiting forBelle."
Jennifer shrugged her well-moisturized shoulderthat was designed to shine. "Oh, you're still with your monthlychallenge."
He clenched hisjaw. "What?"
She brushed against his arm like they were friends or more. "At the rehearsal dinner, you and your brother weren't exactly alone when you made that bet. Peter, I am surprised at the lengths this bet hastaken."
He jerked his arm away from her and shook his head. "Jennifer,youshouldgo."
Belle's voice echoed in the store. "Peter, who are youtalkingto?"
The salesclerk's eyes were wide open as he called out, "I'll be free when you come out, Belle. Don'tworry."
The salesclerk then rushed into thedressingroom.
Jennifer cackled but kept her voice low, like they shared a secret. "Lying to the new girlfriend is hardly the best way to startarelationship."
Belle knew about the bet. He pocketed his cell phone and then tensedhisbody.
"Jennifer, whatever power or knowledge you think you have, you don't. I'd suggest walking out the door and leaving usalone."
Her mouth fell open like she was shocked, but he knew she mimed everything to make every moment larger than life. "Peter, don't belikethat."
Hestared at the dressing room door and not at her. "Goodbye."
Her voice was sing-song as she took his arm. "You used to find meinteresting."
Then he gazed at her like he would destroy someone across the boardroom that crossed his path. "I used to think you were all thatwasleft."
She crossed her arms, clearly unable to understand he didn't want her. "Excuseme."
Thedressing room made noises. Belle would return, and his heart would be calmagain.
Right now he had a storm that raged inside his chest, as he pointed to where Jennifer stood. "Leave.Now."
She tried to take his hand, but he pulled it out of her clutches. "Okay, Peter, I'm leaving, but I want to say I will alwaysloveyou."
