Addicted To You

8 - Queen

"How can you be sure it will be the best date?" I challenged his claim as we walked the hallway to the elevator.

"Well... first, I know the dates you have been on with the members so far. Second, since you are single at the moment, you obviously haven't been on an incredible date in a while." He winked.

"Okay, so first, " I copied his structure, "I could have been on an incredible date that just didn't go anywhere after. Or we could have broken up later. So your logic is flawed." I paused and turned to face him as the elevator descended, "and second, you guys are comparing notes?" I asked with an irritated tone.

He grinned shyly, "What did you expect? I told you it is always a competition." He had me there. I should have expected it. They do tell each other things. I was a little disappointed in myself that I hadn't thought about it.

"Okay, I'll give you that one. But isn't it for me to decide if it is the best?" I looked at him and waited for his response.

"Of course," he smiled. "I am confident though."

Kihyun opened the back door of the black sedan, and I slipped inside. He showed the driver his phone with the address of our first destination and he nodded. He made sure I was buckled in and then the driver took us out of the parking garage.

We ended up at a small boutique on 9th Ave. I knew it was expensive just from the area we were in, but when we stepped inside and started looking around, I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I really didn't fit in there.

The salesgirl approached and went directly to him. She introduced herself as Mariah. She ignored me except to shoot me a side-eye look that made me very uncomfortable. I felt self-conscious and wrapped my arms around myself. Kihyun sensed my withdrawal and put his arm around me as he spoke to the girl.

"We are here on vacation, and I'd like to get her something nice for our dinner tonight. Can you help my friend find a dress and whatever else she needs to complete the outfit, please?" He flashed that smile at her and she was putty in his hands. I forced a smile when she directed me to a rack near the window.

I figured the more expensive things were to the front and obviously she was going to go for that. I almost asked her if they had a budget or clearance section, but then I would really look foolish.

"I have plenty of gowns and nice dresses at home. I didn't think I would need them."

She pursed her lips and made a sound. I knew she was being politely rude, and it didn't sit well with me. She didn't want to help me. I felt her judgment without her saying a word. It was written all over her face.

"I am sure we'll have something that will work for you." She looked me up and down and smiled. Well, she half-smiled. It didn't reach her eyes and only involved her lips.

She pulled something off of a rack near the back of the store. It was pretty, which surprised me, but it was far too small. That part did not surprise me. I wear a size 14 US.

Mariah excused herself for a moment and went to talk with another salesperson. I saw them glancing at me and laughing. At one point she laughed without covering her mouth and I saw how large her mouth was. I could see lots of teeth. She reminded me of a shark. Not the cute hamster kind, either.

Kiki had seen it too and I knew he had figured out what was going on. While Mariah was busy gossiping with the other girl, I escaped to the safety of my date.

"Kiki, I don't like it here. I feel like she's going to eat me," I leaned close to his ear and whispered. He laughed.

"Do you want to get out of here?"