Page 47 of Only You

“Positive.”

They pulled into the Somerset Mall parking lot. Even though it was early, the place was packed, and it took a while to find a parking spot. “Where to first?” Jack asked as they entered the mall.

“Macy’s,” Ryan said.

“What are you looking for?”

“A sweater for my mom, and cologne for my dad.”

“I should shop for my parents too,” Jack said. Usually, he didn’t brave the crowds on Black Friday, but it was a good distraction. He’d buy something for Kayla, too. It would be weird not to give her a gift when they’d be together at Christmas.

“Let’s head to the women’s section first,” Ryan suggested.

“Lead the way.”

Jack and Ryan rode the escalator to the second floor. When they stepped off, Jack glanced around. Wouldn’t it be funny if Kayla were here, too? She loved Macy’s and often shopped here. Jack scanned the crowd, even though he was supposed to be avoiding her.

Ryan approached a display of women’s sweaters. They waited for a few women to move off before they perused the selection.

A shapely brunette who was straightening the sweaters turned and smiled at them. “Is there anything I can help you with?” she asked.

Before, Jack would have chatted her up, but today, he hung back and let Ryan lead.

“Yes, please,” Ryan said, smiling widely. He was a natural born charmer, and together, they made quite a team when it came to impressing the ladies.

I have a girlfriend, Jack reminded himself.

“My friend and I are shopping for our moms,” Ryan said.

“How sweet,” the brunette gushed.

“We’re not sure what the latest style is, so maybe you can help us,” Ryan said smoothly.

“You can’t go wrong with a classic crewneck,” she said. “They come in all colors and sizes and they’re on sale today.”

“Perfect,” said Ryan.

“Let’s start with your mom. What color is her hair?” the clerk asked.

Jack smirked. Ryan’s mom liked to experiment with different hair colors. The last time he’d seen her, her hair was a bold shade of red.

“Her hair?” Ryan looked confused.

The brunette chuckled. “Yes. You should choose a color that compliments her hair and skin tone.”

“I haven’t seen your mom in a while. What color is her hair these days?” Jack teased.

Ryan shot him a warning look. “It’s similar to mine.”

The brunette studied him. “So sandy brown. Is her skin tone similar to yours too?”

Ryan nodded. The clerk pulled a couple of sweaters off the shelf. Then she held them up to Ryan like they were for him.

Jack burst out laughing. “Those really compliment your coloring.”

Ignoring him, Ryan conferred with the clerk. “What do you think?”

Suddenly, Jack heard a familiar voice behind him and whipped around. Kayla stood a few feet away with her roommate, Josie. Their backs were to him as they perused a rack of jeans.