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ELLA
“That one looks so hot on you,” Mia says, playing with the satin tulle on the navy blue Gucci dress she made me try. It’s a fortune, so there’s no way in hell I’m buying it.
I think Mia forgets I don’t come from a billion-dollar family.
While my earnings from my book allow me to live comfortably, a five-thousand-dollar dress is certainly out of my price range.
“It’s nice, sure. I’m not buying it, though.”
Mia groans. “Why not?”
“I can’t afford it.”
She waves her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. My treat.”
I clench my jaw. “I’m good, but thanks for the offer.”
Mia sets her hands on her hips, and I know from the look in her eyes we might end up spending the entire afternoon arguing about this. “You get lunch. I get this dress. Deal?”
“Right, because they have the same monetary value.”
Mia’s jaw clenches. “It doesn’t matter about the money. You look fucking gorgeous in it, and it’s a crime to fashion if you don’t have it.”
“That’s a bit dramatic.” I laugh. “I don’t even know where I’ll wear it.”
Mia’s lips purse. “Well, there’s the pre-auction dinner at the weekend.”
A dinner I have no intention of attending. I’ll be gone by then. I’ve paid for my plane tickets to take me to Texas. As far as fucking possible away from Remy. I feel a little bad leaving Mia, as we’ve become good friends, but I won’t be sold off. Once I’m gone, I doubt Remy will put too much effort into finding me.
I shake my head. “You’re not going to drop it, are you?”
Mia shrugs. “If we don’t leave here with the dress, I’ll come back and buy it on my own and put it in your room.”
I sigh. “Fine. Deal.”
Mia smiles. “Great. Now get dressed, I’m starving.”
I return to the cabin and change into my blouse and skinny jeans. There’s no point in Mia buying this dress, as once I’m in Texas, I won’t attend any fancy dinners or events. Maybe I can leave it, and she’ll return it.
I place the Gucci dress back in the garment bag and place it carefully over my arm.
Mia takes it from me when I step out of the changing room. “Vivian is going to hold it for us while we have lunch. We’ve still got lots more time to shop.”
I groan. “I’ll drop dead if we shop much more.”
“Now, who is being dramatic?” Mia asks as she goes to put it behind the counter.
As we walk out of the store and into the bright sunshine, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief. While I’m grateful for Mia’s generosity, I don’t like feeling like I owe anyone anything.
Mia links arms with me. “What do you want for lunch?”
“Sushi?” I suggest.
Her eyes light up. “Great choice. I know a good place around the corner that serves the best sushi in town.”
We make our way to the restaurant which is a short walk down the street. The sun beats down on me, and a light breeze rustles through my hair. Chicago is very different from Washington; busier and louder.
“There it is,” Mia says, nodding toward a fancy-looking restaurant called Roka Akor. It’s not the kind of place I’d normally go, as I know it will be expensive.
