Holiday With My Neighbour | ✓

40. Different Face

Theo's POV

It's around 11 AM, and I'm waiting in my car for Lorena around the corner from her house. We agreed I'd take her shopping today to make up for not backing her when she confronted Dom yesterday.

I notice her walking from down the street, and when she reaches my car, I stay seated as she opens the passenger door and sits in. 

"Hi." I say as I take a good look at her. She looks different again, but I can't tell why.

"Hey, I hope you weren't waiting long. I couldn't find my shoes." She replies with a happier expression than usual, making it impossible not to smile back at her.

"Don't worry about it." I respond as I continue to stare at her, trying to figure out what she's done differently.

"Is there something wrong with my face?" She asks as she flicks down the sun visor and opens the mirror.

"No, you just... Have you done something different?"

"I curled my hair a little?" She replies as she turns to me.

"No, it's not that, it's your face."

"I have a bit more makeup on than usual?"

"It's not that either."

She turns back to the mirror with a look of anxiety. "Is it a bad change?" 

"No, it's good, you look good." I reassure her.

She lets out a relieved sigh. "Okay, good. As long as I don't look bad."

This is going to annoy me, but I give up on figuring it out. "Nah, don't worry, let's get going before the rush starts." I start my engine, and we make our way to the mall.

We enter a luxury department store, and I let Lorena take control as she begins at the makeup aisle. 

She starts grabbing a few items, and I'm glad she's not holding back. She should be taking full advantage of me right now.

When we reach the counter to pay, she quickly taps her card on the card reader. 

I turn to her in shock. "You know I'm supposed to be paying, right? I'm meant to be making things up to you."

She thanks the cashier as she takes her bags, walking away with a grin. "I know, don't worry, I'll let you pay next time."

"You best do." I open my hand as I reach for her bag. "Give me your bag, I'll hold it." 

"It's okay. I've got it."

Next, we move to the perfume section. After smelling everything, she finally picks one out and, again, beats me at paying. This time, I keep quiet, but I'm still confused. Why would she pass on getting free things?

I follow her to the sunglasses department, where she tries on a pair. "What do you think of these? They're very popular." She asks.

"They're okay, try these ones instead." I hand her a different pair, and as she puts them on, I nod approvingly. "Yeah, they suit you better."

She looks at herself in a nearby mirror. "Oh, yes, these are perfect! I look so rich! Wow, Theo, I'm impressed."

"What can I say? I've got good taste."

"You do." She takes them off and looks at the price. Her eyes widen as she immediately puts them back. "Who knew sunglasses could cost so much?"

I pick them up as I take a look. "It's not that bad. I'll get them for you."

Lorena's shocked expression faces me. "No, please don't, it's way too much."

"You haven't let me pay once. I need to get you something."