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"Hi, Boris," Anoushka says coolly.
The secretary pouts, looking straight at Anoushka. "I’m sorry, do you have an appointment?” Suzannah’s gaze flicks to me, questioning.
“That’s my sister,” Boris says harshly, and Suzannah turns red.
Anoushka gives her the most smug, sweet smile, and I can see Suzannah simmer with embarrassment.
“I’m afraid Robin won’t be available today,” Anoushka tells Boris, now ignoring Suzannah. “We’re going shopping.”
Boris nods absent-mindedly.
“Wait, shopping?” I say. I thought we’d go for a walk or a quick lunch. Shopping would take all day. “But I have so much work.”
“Don’t worry,” Anoushka says loudly, slinking her hand through mine and walking out the door. “Your new secretary will handle it.”
The door swings shut behind us, muffling the secretary's protests.
Anoushka turns to me, eyes blazing. "What was that?"
I sigh, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. "It's nothing. Just a misunderstanding,” I say, trying not to add fuel to the fire.
"It didn't look like nothing." Anoushka crosses her arms, her glare deepening. "Do I need to have a talk with my dear brother?"
"No, please don't. Can we just go?"
Anoushka hesitates, then nods. "Fine. But if you ever need help with her, just call me."
So, Anoushka can tell there’s something off, too. Interesting. I follow her out of the building, breathing in the fresh air. At least I have Anoushka on my side, even if Boris's affections are fleeting.
***
We slide into Anoushka's Mercedes, trailed by the usual contingent of bodyguards. I've gotten used to their presence, although it still feels strange having my every move monitored.
Anoushka turns up the radio, humming along to some pop song. The familiarity is comforting. It reminds me of therare moments I got to experience as a normal teenage girl, hanging out with my best friend without a care in the world.
The rest of the drive passes quickly, filled with Anoushka's laughter and off-key singing. By the time we arrive at our destination, some of the tension has seeped from my shoulders.
We step out of the car, and to my surprise, all the car doors open from our entourage. Anoushka doesn’t notice as she edges me forward to walk. A clatter of feet follows.
I turn to notice over a dozen men walking with us.
“They aren’t going to come with us, are they?” I ask, nervous. I look around and see people staring at us, trying to understand who we are.
Anoushka chuckles, unfazed by the attention we're attracting. "Oh, don't worry about them. They're just here to make sure we have a good time and stay safe."
She winks mischievously at me before leading me to a luxurious store nearby. "Welcome to Barneys!"
My eyes widen as I take in the familiar signage. I’ve never stepped foot in the upscale department store.
As we walk in, the tinkling of a bell announces our arrival, and a sales assistant hurries over, eager to assist us. Anoushka waves her off with a charming smile, indicating that we want to browse on our own.
Anoushka's eyes light up as she scans the racks, pulling out outfits with a flourish and holding them against me to gauge their potential. "What do you think of this one?" she asks, her excitement infectious.
I look at the price tag. “Four thousand dollars? For a dress? You can’t be serious!” I exclaim, casting it aside.
“Oh, darling! Today we’re going to do things my way,” she says, not giving me a chance at an argument.
I follow her, disbelief warring with delight. I’ve never had the money to just shop without a reason, without looking at a price tag. My life has been all about budgeting and ensuring Adam gets what he needs first. But today, I taste a freedom I never thought I could have.
