THE DARE (G!P Freenbecky)

Chapter 31

Shopping with Becky was a lot of fun.

The shopping centers they went to were jam-packed with last-minute shoppers, but as both of them were in no real hurry, they didn't let their tempers fray or the crush of people get the better of them.

At one of the several bookstores they visited, Freen found a book of essays on animal rights, bought it for Becky's grandfather, and had it gift wrapped. But Freen had no idea what to get for her.

That changed when they strolled by a needlework shop.

"I've always wanted to learn how to do needlepoint," Becky said, staring at the gorgeous finished canvases in the large front window.

Thirty-five minutes later, they exited the store, and Freen had learned yet another detail about Becky. While some women would have started small, with a five-by-five-inch canvas that only used the most elementary of stitches, Becky went into whatever she did with all her heart. The canvas she'd picked out was quite large and depicted a group of Pekingese pups.

"This will look stunning in my grandfather's den," Becky had said, eyeing the canvas. "And I can buy yarn to match his three little guys."

She'd insisted on buying both canvas and yarn for her, along with a snappy carrying case for the entire affair.

"Then I have to give you your gift early, as well." Becky pulled a wrapped present out from one of her several shopping bags.

Becky had slipped that one by her; Freen hadn't seen her purchase it.

"You want me to unwrap it now?"

"Of course!"

They sat on a bench in an outdoor area between the shops, and she fumbled slightly while trying to get the tape to come off. What could she have possibly gotten her?

Then Freen laughed when she saw the two book titles. The Idiot's Guide to Potbellied Pigs, and The Complete Dummy's Guide to Parrots.

"These will come in extremely handy," Freen tucked the books into her shopping bags. "Thank you very much."

"You're welcome." Becky was practically beaming, and she found she liked the fact that Becky found joy in giving presents.

As the day wore on, it got colder, and Freen insisted they stop first for cookies and hot chocolate, and then later, for dinner. The bichon puppy slept in Becky's purse as they ate at a Japanese restaurant, steaming bowls of miso soup and then teriyaki and sushi.

"You have an adventurous spirit," Freen said, and she realized this was the quality she probably admired about her the most. If she hadn't possessed such a spirit, Freen doubted they would have met in the unique way they had.

"You think so?" Becky leaned forward, elbows on the black lacquered tabletop, her chin resting on her folded hands, studying her. "Sometimes I think I'm way too cautious."

"I don't think so." But then Freen realized maybe she was referring to her heart. Freen had a feeling it would take quite a lot of courage for Becky to truly give over her heart.

And Freen was surprised at how badly she wanted to be the woman who received it.

Freen saw her to the ornate front gate of her grandfather's mansion.

"I had a wonderful time," she said, looking up at Freen.

Fog was just starting to roll in; the air was nippy and smelled of the sea. Warm lights were coming on in the surrounding houses. Christmas trees twinkled in front windows, and elaborate decorations made some of the neighboring houses look like fairy-tale creations.