Hiding Sparrows

9. Show and Tell

I was expecting to drive to the nearest shopping mall, but we didn't. Instead, Azael took us all the way in to the city. As we drove, I kept waiting for Ty to say something, to question me further. But he remained silent, just watching me with a cool gaze.

I tried not to look at him.

Finally, Azael turned in to a car park and drove up to the valet. He and Ty climbed out, so I quickly followed suit.

"He's not staying with the car?" I asked Ty, confused.

"He has a name," Ty said, "but no, Azael is coming with us. He's not a fan of shopping, though, so he'll just wait outside the doors each store."

I nodded. After a moment, I asked, "And you? Will you wait with him?"

"Nah, little bird," He said, glancing down at my lips before looking back to my eyes. "I'll be right there to see the show and tell."

I felt my cheeks burn as he smirked and looked away.

We walked across to an elevator that took us up to one of the upper levels of the mall. As it opened up and Ty led me out into an incredibly quiet section of the shops, with hardly any people milling about. As I looked around at the shops, I could see why. They were all designer brands.

"Ty, I can't afford this..." I muttered, as he led me towards an expensive dress shop.

He looked back. "Don't you have, what, thirty thousand to your name?"

I felt a lump rise in my throat, but he just eyed me up then shrugged.

"Nah, relax little bird. I'm paying," he said. "And, before you get all worked up, don't. It's just a business expense."

I bit my lip, wanting to argue, but also feeling compelled to just shut up and take it. There was no way I would ever be able to buy anything in these shops on my own, so I might as well leech of Ty's fat wallet.

Ty led me into a shop called Sojourn, selling formal dresses and suits, and as promised, Azael positioned himself outside the doors. The moment we stepped into the store, a lady who was serving a customer at the counter looked over, and said something quietly to the woman before walking across to us.

"Mr. Louis, wonderful to see you again. Are you here for yourself this morning?"

Louis. His last name was Louis. Or, was it? Was that just some kind of pseudonym he went by? Honestly, I wouldn't put it past him.

Ty smiled, politely, quite unlike the smirk I'd seen grace his features before. He glanced at me.

"Nah, Robin here needs a new gown for tonight so I thought I'd treat her to the Sojourn experience. You'll take care of her, won't you Delilah?"

"Of course, sir." She said, smiling then addressing me. "Do you happen to know your measurements, love?"

I shook my head, feeling nervous. It must have showed, because she gave me a reassuring smile, and said, "Don't worry, that's okay. We can take them for you."

She drew out a roll of measuring tape then glanced back at the customer at the counter, who was looking across at us with a cynical look on her face. Ty clicked his tongue and held out his hand.

"Go, close the sale, Delilah. I'll take Robin's measurements, and we'll be ready whenever you're done."

She looked relieved, and handed him the roll of tape.