Loveology
CHAPTER 255
You swallow your pride and continue approaching Malcolm and his... entourage. The closer you grow to the trio, the more nervous you become.
When Malcolm spots you in the crowd, he smiles brightly and gives you a wave. You return the gesture and walk with a stronger purpose. You watch as Malcolm gestures his companions away.
"Malcolm, what-"
"I'll see you another time, Deanna," Malcolm says with a frown, shooing both girls away. They roll their eyes but do as their told.
"Hello, Malcolm," you say with a curtsy once you've become close enough.
"Carol." He bows in return, a cheerful grin visible even through his beard. "What a wonderful surprise! What are you doing here?"
"I was just reading," you explain over the dull roar of the crowd. "I saw you over here and thought I'd say hello."
"Well, I'm quite glad you did." Malcolm glances around your surroundings momentarily, grinning when his eyes focus on a point. You turn to follow his line of sight, but he looks back to you. "Let's go, Carol." He grabs your elbow and begins pulling you towards a corner shop in Main Square.
"What- Malcolm, where are you taking me?" Even as you protest, you aren't trying to break out of his grasp. Malcolm doesn't respond but instead shuffles you inside the elegant little dress shop. You're not denying that your family is wealthy, but you're not this wealthy. Beautiful gowns are on display everywhere you look.
"What are we doing here, Malcolm?" You turn to the grinning young man beside you.
"Do you like that one?" He points at a black and red gown in the display window. The blood red dress has a tight-laced corset covered in black lace and massive black and red skirts that flare out to the floor. "I saw it in the window and thought you'd like it."
"It's beautiful, Malcolm." He grins at your response. "But I can't."
"Why on Earth not?" Malcolm protests, calling over an attendant.
"Malcolm, I can't afford this dress," you say softly, slightly embarrassed.
"Carol," Malcolm steps forward, his hands on your shoulders, looking you straight in the eye. "I'll pay for it."
"What?" You step back, out of the comfortable circle of Malcolm's arms. "No, Malcolm, I can't let you do that-"
"Please?" You look up to see Malcolm giving you his best set of puppy dog eyes. You curse silently and nod.
"Thank you, Carol," Malcolm said with a kiss to your cheek. You blush furiously as you feel his beard brush against your cheek. You can only smile and nod in response. The attendant arrives then, pushing you to the dressing room and hustling you into the silk dress, a smile still firmly planted on your cheeks.
You swallow your pride and continue approaching Malcolm and his... entourage. The closer you grow to the trio, the more nervous you become.
When Malcolm spots you in the crowd, he smiles brightly and gives you a wave. You return the gesture and walk with a stronger purpose. You watch as Malcolm gestures his companions away.
"Malcolm, what-"
"I'll see you another time, Deanna," Malcolm says with a frown, shooing both girls away. They roll their eyes but do as their told.
"Hello, Malcolm," you say with a curtsy once you've become close enough.
"Carol." He bows in return, a cheerful grin visible even through his beard. "What a wonderful surprise! What are you doing here?"
"I was just reading," you explain over the dull roar of the crowd. "I saw you over here and thought I'd say hello."
"Well, I'm quite glad you did." Malcolm glances around your surroundings momentarily, grinning when his eyes focus on a point. You turn to follow his line of sight, but he looks back to you. "Let's go, Carol." He grabs your elbow and begins pulling you towards a corner shop in Main Square.
"What- Malcolm, where are you taking me?" Even as you protest, you aren't trying to break out of his grasp. Malcolm doesn't respond but instead shuffles you inside the elegant little dress shop. You're not denying that your family is wealthy, but you're not this wealthy. Beautiful gowns are on display everywhere you look.
"What are we doing here, Malcolm?" You turn to the grinning young man beside you.
"Do you like that one?" He points at a black and red gown in the display window. The blood red dress has a tight-laced corset covered in black lace and massive black and red skirts that flare out to the floor. "I saw it in the window and thought you'd like it."
"It's beautiful, Malcolm." He grins at your response. "But I can't."
"Why on Earth not?" Malcolm protests, calling over an attendant.
"Malcolm, I can't afford this dress," you say softly, slightly embarrassed.
"Carol," Malcolm steps forward, his hands on your shoulders, looking you straight in the eye. "I'll pay for it."
"What?" You step back, out of the comfortable circle of Malcolm's arms. "No, Malcolm, I can't let you do that-"
"Please?" You look up to see Malcolm giving you his best set of puppy dog eyes. You curse silently and nod.
"Thank you, Carol," Malcolm said with a kiss to your cheek. You blush furiously as you feel his beard brush against your cheek. You can only smile and nod in response. The attendant arrives then, pushing you to the dressing room and hustling you into the silk dress, a smile still firmly planted on your cheeks.