Odessa

chapter 47 - lace

Brushing through the knots in my hair, I watch through the mirror as Leon takes a lap around my closet, picking out some stuff and throwing it on the otterman.

"I really, deeply, have no interest in being present for whatever the fuck is going on tonight." I say, putting my brush on the table.

"That's unfortunate considering how much time I've taken out of my day to take you shopping for it." He side eyes me, matching my sarcastic politeness.

"You don't think I have something in this small apartment that would be appropriate?" I ask, waving my hand around the closet.

"Nope." He says plainly, "Get dressed. I'll wait outside."

Giving him an angry glare as he walks out, ignoring me, I sigh as the door closes behind him.

Press has been hanging around him and this damn hotel like flies over a garbage can. Reason one why I haven't gone anywhere.

Reason two... I made some pretty bad habits for myself over the past two weeks.

The nerves of stepping out of my room creep up on me as I put on the outfit he picked out. For someone who religiously wears all black, his choices surprised me.

A pink sweater and a pair of light blue jeans.

Walking out of the closet, I watch as he stands over my desk.

"Snooping?" I ask, putting my purse over my shoulder.

"Yeah... didn't find much." He says, sounding disappointed.

"There's a reason for that." I say as I snatch a book out of his hand, putting it back on my stack of books I'm yet to read.

He looks me up and down, sucking his teeth before walking toward the door.

The hell was that?

"You're not very subtle, you know." I follow him toward through the door, him holding it open before closing it behind me.

"Yeah I've gotten that before."

-

"Where are we going?" I ask as we drive through the frosted streets in his black G-wagon. All the Christmas decorations have been put up around the city. I always thought Christmas in New York only looked like this in movies, but it's even better in person.

"Shopping." He says, flicking the top of his cigarette out the window as we stop in the traffic.

"Yeah I got that, but where?" I ask.

"I was thinking fifth, but where ever you want." He replies.

"You realise this is my second time in this city right?"

"Fifth it is then." He says, putting both hands on the wheel as the traffic moves.

We sit in silence. I look out the window, looking at all the people with their big bags of Christmas presents and last minute decor.

Oh fuck. "Oh fuck."

"What?" He looks over, concerned.

I put a hand to my head, embarrassed, "Christmas presents. I completely forgot."

He looks back to the road, "Jesus, I thought something actually happened."

"Something did happen." I side eye him.

He shakes his head, that stupid, charming smirk on his lips. 

-

"See anything you like?" He asks plainly as he texts on his phone.