False Pretenses

Chapter 12

(A/N): We meet again my friends. But I'm not going to keep you from reading... it's a long update :D

Songs: i) Love me like you do - Ellie Goulding
ii) Avalanche - Nick Jonas ft. Demi Lovato

We met Mr Johnson at the front lawn.

"I'm sorry we're giving you so much trouble." I said pushing my hair out of my face.

It was windy outside and I didn't have a scarf. Calum didn't miss out on the discreet wistful looks I was giving to his beanie.

"Ah. Don't mention it love. It's quite alright. Besides, that's what I'm here for." The old man said kindly.

Calum, who had a frown on his face as he talked to someone on the phone, could do a crash course in politeness 101 from the kind old Mr Johnson.

I got in the car and soon after, my boss followed. I was much too aware of our close proximity and his grumpy mood.

"Where do you want to go first? We have almost every store open." He checked his phone. "We have 32 minutes before they close. Make it quick." He ordered.

Jeez. What got stuck up his áss?

"I just want something proper and elegant to wear. Any store would do." I told him. Besides I wasn't swimming neck deep in dollars so there was no point to even think about buying a YSL or a Versace.

"Forever 21?" I asked him. I could afford that store. And it always had a pretty good collection of dresses and other apparel.

"You heard her Mr J."

"Thank you for this." I told Calum as the car came to a halt in front of the said store.

He face remained blank as we walked towards the entrance.

"I'm not doing this for you. I can't have a homeless hobo walking down with me tomorrow now, can I?" He said playfully.

Bipolar alert.

"Jeez. Some gentleman you are." I scoffed.

"Oh Violet, I never claimed to be one. I don't do gentle." He smirked and entered the store, leaving me standing outside with my mouth hanging open.

"A dress for the lady." I heard Calum order as I entered.

"Good evening ma'am. How can I help you?" A blonde woman asked me.

I described how I envisioned my dress to be.

"Ah, I believe we have something for your likeness." She smiled and lead me towards a different section of the store. Calum followed behind with a bored expresssion.

Why was he following me if he was so disinterested? I rolled my eyes.

"This came in just this morning. Very chic and simple yet decent." She showed me a long black dress with a thigh high slit. One of the shoulders had a flowing red design which went all the way to the hem of the dress, along the cut. The neck line was a deep sweetheart and was studded with pearls.

I took the dress and went to stand in front of the mirror. I held it close to me, trying to imagine how it'd look on me.

So far, I wasn't developing any likes for the dress. In the mirror I saw Calum's face molded into a scornful expression.

What was his problem? He took me shopping and now couldn't stand me?

And suddenly, he pointed to the dress and did a thumbs down.

Oh.

Oh.

I went back to the counter. "Something else please." I said pursing my lips, showing disapproval.