Chapter 33 #2
“Thank you, Spence.” Grace gave me a kiss. “Here, try.” She fed me half a cookie and then ate the other half.
We collected Grace’s doll from the doll spa, hair looking fresh and styled.
“Let’s go. Okay, so, dress shopping for Grace,” Riley said as we entered the main part of the mall.
We strolled past the upscale stores. Grace browsed in a few but found nothing she wanted to even try on.
“Oh, Faun. At book club, the ladies were talking about their flats and how comfortable they were for dancing. They also like their purses,” Grace said as we passed the Faun boutique, which was an upscale accessory shop known for its leather goods, scarves, and purses.
“Yeah, Spencer, can we please go shop for purses at Faun? I’d like a mini backpack, please.” Riley grinned.
“They have nice shoes. I’m partial to them myself. Let’s see what they have.” I ushered them inside. I’d never bought a handbag here, but they were quite popular.
We walked in and started browsing.
“Oh, the scarves.” Grace touched the display of silk scarves.
“My mother collects them. I often get them for her as gifts,” I replied. “Their ties are nice as well. I should get one to match whatever color you’re wearing for our party.”
Grace squeezed my hand. “I love that idea.”
We headed toward the shoes. I was a little surprised that no one asked if we needed help. Usually, I had an appointment.
“I think these are the shoes, oh, for the love of baby Jesus,” Grace whispered, as we went to a display of leather ballet flats in many colors, the price on a tiny sign.
“Their shoes are worth the price. Impeccable craftsmanship, and they last a long time,” I assured her.
I looked around and waved over a bored looking associate, who sighed and trudged over.
“Can I help you?” She looked disinterested.
“Yes, I’d like to try on the white ones.” Grace gestured to the shoes.
“We’d also like to see some purses. I’m looking for a mini backpack, and Grace is looking for some sort of cute everyday bag,” Riley told her.
She sniffed. “I can get you the shoes to try on, but I don’t think we have time for a purse appointment today.”
“Purse appointment?” Grace’s brows knitted.
The sales associate smirked. “One simply doesn’t walk into Faun and buy a purse.”
She left without asking Grace's size and started talking to someone else who was also looking at shoes.
“You don’t? Is this not a store?” Grace frowned.
“Let me see if the person I know is in today.” I texted Emil, the sales associate I usually worked with.
Me
Are you in today? My mate wants to look at purses and get some shoes for our mating party.
“Grace.” A small, impeccably dressed Asian omega, and another Asian woman who smelled of alpha, came over to us, carrying a bunch of bags.
“Hi, Yui.” Grace smiled at the smaller one. She waved to the taller one. “Hi, Sara.”
“Hi, Hiro’s moms, is Hiro here?” Riley looked around.
Ah yes, Hiro’s moms, the ones mated to Councilman Nakamura.
Sara shook her head. “No. But he’s so excited for his internship.”
“We’re so glad that he could join us,” I replied.
“Councilman Nakamura, the two of us, and our boys are very excited to attend your mating party,” Sara said as the sales associate gave us a look.
“We’re so happy that you’re coming,” Grace added.
“Did you get a dress?” Yui asked. “I can’t believe you don’t have one yet.”
Grace shook her head. “That’s why we’re shopping today. We just stopped to look at shoes. I was thinking of something like this.”
Leaning in, she showed her something on her phone. My phone buzzed.
Emil
You have a new mate? Congratulations. I was going to text you tomorrow about the new scarves we’re getting in. We have some with matching ties. That might be fun for you and your new mate.
Me
That sounds lovely, perhaps I could have an appointment this week?
Emil
Of course. As for today, I’m sure Christine can help your mate with a lovely purse. Are you there now?
Me
We are. We asked someone for help, but they were busy.
Emil
I’ll let her know that you’re there.
“That’s very simple, Grace,” Yui said. “While I’m all for being understated, you’re mating Spencer Thanukos.”
I’m not sure anything about Yui was understated.
Sara frowned. “I do see what you’re going for–elegant and unfussy. Pity you didn’t think to have someone custom design something for you ahead of time. It’s too late to get anyone worth having. Not to mention, I hope your tailor is speedy. You’re cutting it close just getting your dress now.”
“Can she have those designers’ names, anyway?
” Riley interjected. Sara’s frown deepened.
“Hear me out. She and my brother are having their Enormous Fantastic Wedding next year. Grace has this sketch of her in a dress that one of her other mates drew. And well, Evan’s mate bought an estate and is making it into an event property, just so they can get married in the garden like they’re in a Tea-Time Era British Drama.
So, I think she needs a custom dress based on that sketch. ”
Yui clapped. “I love that show. And Sara loves those dramas. Oh! I’m on the planning committee for the Rockland Ballet’s gala, and our venue fell through.
I really don’t want to have it at the Performing Arts Center, and if I have to go to something else at the HighTower or the Hotel Gladiola, I will just be beside myself.
A garden, you say? That sounds perfect.”
“I’m not sure if it will be ready, but maybe you can work something out? Ballet under the Stars sounds beautiful,” Grace agreed.
I took Brennan’s card out of my wallet. I carried them because I often had reason to send business his way.
“Here you go. If it’s possible for him to help, he will, though I’m not sure where he stands in the renovation process.” I handed it to her.
A ballet gala was exactly what Brennan needed to introduce his venue to Rockland society. Yui’s friends would all buy tables for her gala, and her friends probably served on committees of other organizations that also held galas.
“Back to the dress. The one in the photo looks like a Ferrel by the neckline. Just take it to their shop on the second floor. I’m sure they can help you,” Sara added. “Though I’ll send you my contacts.”
“Thank you,” Grace replied.
The sales associate who had brushed us off was staring, and I suddenly realized that they weren’t actually too busy. It was about appearances. Riley, Grace, and I were dressed quite casually compared to the Nakamuras. She started to walk over to us.
“Yui, I found it.” A blonde omega associate that I recognized came over holding a scarf box.
“You’re the best, Christine.” Yui beamed.
“Of course. Oh, hi, Mr. Thanukos.” She beamed. “Emil told me that your mate wants some shoes and a bag. Let me get Mrs. Nakamura rung up and I’ll help you.”
That other associate froze.
“Christine will absolutely help you upgrade your purse collection,” Yui gushed
“Pam, can you get them some champagne, oh, and a lime soda. Get shopping room number three ready, please,” Christine called over her shoulder.
The associate nodded, looking unhappy. “Of course, Christine.”
“I’m looking for a mini backpack,” Riley told Christine. “Preferably black with silver spikes.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Christine’s eyes flickered to our purchases from the Everydoll boutique. “Would you like to see what we have in the Faun for Everydoll Collection? We do have matching backpacks, but I’m not sure what colors.”
Riley sucked in a breath. “My doll needs a backpack.”
“One of the ladies at my book club has a really cute tiny pink purse. Something like that in green would be fun. Or maybe a big work tote?” Grace suggested.
“Or all of them,” Yui laughed. “One can never have too many bags. If you're talking about Ansley, she has an entire collection of mini-Heathers, though she did get a mini-Gwen recently. They’re very rare, though I’m not really into bucket bags.”
“Oh, you’re in that book club? Must be nice to have the time to read fiction.” Sara rolled her eyes and checked her phone.
Yui turned to Grace. “It was so nice seeing you. I’ll be in touch about our next committee meeting for the carnival. Also, you should buy a table for the ballet gala.”
“Sounds fun.” Grace waved as Yui, Sara, and Christine went to the register.
“Spencer, you absolutely don’t need to get me a mini backpack.
Really, I just want to see if she actually brings me one.
Sasha keeps trying to get one, and so far no one has bought her one.
Now one for my doll would be fun–or at least one of the little keychain ones?
A lot of the girls at school have them as zipper pulls on their backpacks.
They’re perfect for keeping your earbuds in,” Riley murmured.
Pam came over with a tray with three champagne glasses, all had strawberries, but one drink was clear like it had soda in it. She wore a glum look. “Your drinks.”
“Thanks. You two can have whatever you want,” I told Grace and Riley, feeling slightly petty. “Grace, I think you and your doll should get bags as well. Really, let me spoil you.”
“Thank you, Spence.” Grace ducked her head and grabbed a glass. “Thanks.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Riley grabbed her glass, whipped out her phone, and took a selfie.
“Um, is this one of those stores where they have to deem you worthy of the privilege of buying a purse that's as much as a car?” Grace’s voice went soft as she took a sip.
Riley nodded. “Yep. And you don’t even get to really choose.
They’re like Here’s the purse we think you deserve.
Do you want it or not? Personally, I think their main bag is fugly.
But some of their things are cute. I really want a mini backpack, and only partially because it will make my sister jealous. ”
We sipped our champagne, which was quite decent, and looked around. Grace was texting someone, she also waved at Yui and Sara as they left.
Christine came back over to us. “Let’s go into the shopping room. I think I have some things you’ll really like.”