The lap of life

Chapter 20: Monaco, day 3 - shopping

It's the third day of your vacation in Monaco; the morning found you still wrapped around each other, cuddled up in the big bed.

The insistent ringing of your phones wakes you but, with Toto clinging to you with his arms and legs, you decide not to move to see who is calling or texting; you prefer to enjoy that moment of warmth and intimacy a little longer...

Everything changes when the doorbell starts ringing insistently.

Reluctantly you get up, trying not to wake Toto, and, looking at the intercom camera, with some surprise you see that it's Lewis; you open the door and, only after letting him in, you realize your appearance: your hair is in a messy bun and you are wearing Toto's shirt with only a few buttons fastened, just enough to cover the underwear you had used as pajamas.

Lewis smiles at you but raises an eyebrow as Toto, with messy hair and dressed only in boxers and a t-shirt, arrives in the living room.

"You had fun last night, huh?" Lewis jokes, with a playful smile on his face.

Toto looks at him, with an expression that was a mix of annoyance and confusion.

"What are you doing here?"

"You told me to come because you needed a personal shopper!" Lewis promptly replies.

"Finally, you'll buy something more streetwear? It's about time!" you say, with a big smile on your face.

Toto looks at you, with affection but also a hint of embarrassment.

"I thought you liked my elegant style... Anyway, I called him for you. It will be more fun to go shopping with someone who knows about fashion"

You give him a tender smile, moving closer to him for a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I'd like you even if you wore a sack, my love. You know that i don't like that but, since it means so much to you, I'll go shopping with Lewis. But you have to coming too, okay?"

"Alright, alright... I'll take a quick shower and be ready"

While Toto got ready, Lewis and you chatted in the living room, he sitting on the couch and you drinking a cup of tea with milk; you talked about the latest fashion trends, the newest updates on social media and his knowledge about clothes teached by his personal shoppers.

When Toto is finally ready, it's your turn to have a shower and dress up, while the men are talking about strategies in the other room.

-

As soon as you're dressed, sporty as always, all of you left the apartment and head towards the center of Monaco; the city welcomes you with its typical charm: wide streets full of life and luxury shops shining under the morning sun.

The first stop is a high-end boutique where Lewis immediately shows his talent knowing every detail of the collections, from the fabrics to the seasonal trends.

You try on various outfits, each more elegant and fashionable than the last, while Toto watches amused and Lewis comments enthusiastically; between outfit changes, you couldn't help but notice how Toto is relaxed enjoying the experience, he even ended up trying on some clothes suggested by Lewis giving in to the temptation to renew his wardrobe a bit.

After that shop you visit many others; you finally manage to buy something more elegant while Toto buys more sporty clothes, much appreciated by you because they highlight his pectorals and biceps.

After hours of shopping, with your hands full of bags, you stop at a café, for a well-deserved rest; sitting at the table, you laugh and talk about your shopping adventures and plan the rest of the day.

"It was fun, I have to admit" Toto says, sipping his coffee.

"Yes and you made some great choices!" Lewis adds, looking at your purchases with satisfaction.

"I'm glad that i came with you" he replies, squeezing your hand under the table.

"That's true, it's been a perfect afternoon!"

-

After your shopping spree and a break at a café, you decide to go out for dinner together, given the late hour; you chose a japanese restaurant, with plenty of vegan options, eager to enjoy some sushi.

During dinner, Toto subtly strokes your leg under the table as you chatted with Lewis, who notices that and smiles knowingly; while eating, Toto often holds your hand and occasionally leans in to give you gentle kisses on your neck, making Lewis look happy but a bit embarrassed by your open affection.

The dinner was delightful, filled with laughter and delicious food.

However, when the time came to pay the bill a heated discussion ensued between Toto and Lewis over who should cover the expense: both were adamant and, despite your attempts to contribute, they completely ignore your offers.

Frustrated and amused, you excuse yourself and step outside, not wanting to hear them argue any longer; the evening air is cool and refreshing as you wait for them to sort things out.

Once they were alone, Lewis turnes to Toto with a serious expression.

"Don't let her get away," he says, his tone earnest, "i've never seen you in love like this with anyone..."

Toto's face lights up with happiness but a shadow of doubt crosses his mind; he couldn't help but wonder if a younger man, someone like Lewis, might make you happier...

-

When Toto finally joins you he is grinning, clearly pleased with himself for winning the argument.

After taking Lewis at his home, you return to your apartment; as Toto and you settle in for the night, his arms wrapped around you, you could sense that his thoughts are elsewhere, so you turned to him placing a gentle hand on his cheek.

"Everything okay?" you ask, softly.

He smiles, pulling you closer.

"Yeah, just thinking about how lucky I am"

You kiss him tenderly, hoping to reassure him.

"I'm the lucky one, my love"

As you drift off to sleep, you hope that whatever doubts lingering in his mind would fade away, replaced by the certainty of your love.