Page 156 of Diego

“I have clothes.”

“You have clothes that fit right now.”

“I can buy clothes from where I usually do. Clothes within my budget. This is just for fun.”

Julia has apparently decided on a sweater for herself and pulls it on. “Blair, you’re arguing against free clothing. I need you to reconsider your priorities.”

“I’m serious.”

“So are we.”

“It’s not free, and I’m not taking Diego’s money,” I say firmly.

Both women go quiet for a second, and Donna’s expression loses the teasing edge. “This has nothing to do with Diego.”

I glance toward the employee, who has politely found something fascinating across the room. “Then whose money is it?”

“Mine,” Donna says.

Julia lifts a hand. “And mine.”

I stare at them. “It all comes from the same place. I barely know you. I am not letting you buy me a wardrobe.”

“You let us drag you out of your apartment,” Donna points out.

“That was temporary insanity.”

“Then stay consistent.”

I almost smile, but I hold my ground. “I mean it. I’m not comfortable with this.”

Donna studies me for a moment before gesturing toward the rack. “Fine. Pick two things.”

“What?”

“Two.”

“I said I’m not comfortable taking—"

“And I heard you. Maybe it's escaped you, but we have jobs too, and we have our own money. Julia here is actually loaded. Like, generationally,” Donna says. “So instead of a wardrobe, you let two women who came to spend the day with you each buy you one thing.”

Julia nods. “That is a good compromise.”

“That is not a compromise. That is manipulation.”

“Potato, potahto,” Donna says.

I look at both of them and realize I am losing. “Two.”

Donna smiles. “Three.”

“Two.”

“Two and the black dress.”

“That is three.”

“She’s really good at math,” Julia says.