Can I Get It

Uncharted Paths

CHAPTER FIVE
Uncharted Paths

The air inside the Gucci store was alive with a subtle hum of high-end luxury. Rasheeda and Eliza sipped champagne from crystal flutes, their laughter mingling with the soft ambient music that floated through the space. The store was a playground of designer elegance, with shiny displays of handbags, glittering accessories, and impeccably dressed sales associates who moved like dancers between the racks.

Eliza adjusted the thin strap of her designer dress, letting her eyes roam over the pristine collection of purses. There was something about the luxury of it all that made her feel both comforted and slightly suffocated. She knew that Rasheeda thrived in this world—the world of excess and sophistication—but it wasn't one that Eliza had ever felt fully at home in. And yet, the glint of the gold chains and the soft allure of buttery leather called to a side of her that was hard to deny.

"So, how are you and Arthur doing?" Rasheeda's question cut through Eliza's thoughts, sharp and curious. She took a sip of her champagne, eyes still fixed on a sleek, black purse with gold trim. It was tempting, but not the focus of her mind at the moment.

Eliza shifted her gaze to her friend, a smile playing on her lips. "We're good, still new so I don't have much to tell you."

Rasheeda raised an eyebrow, her eyes glinting with mischief. "New, huh? You know I heard he has a daughter," she said, studying Eliza with a mix of skepticism and concern.

Eliza's breath caught for a second, but she managed to keep her composure. The way Rasheeda's eyes narrowed made her think of a hawk circling above its prey. "Yes, he does," she said, holding her champagne flute a little tighter. "I haven't met her yet, but I hear she's adorable."

Rasheeda's expression softened, but only slightly. "Now you know I'm not one to judge, but Eliza... what are you doing? How do you plan to fit him into your world?"

Eliza wanted to retort, to make a witty, dismissive comment that would shield her from Rasheeda's probing eyes. She could almost feel the words forming on her tongue, a sharp defense ready to fly out. But she bit her lip and swallowed them down. For some reason, she felt that arguing would only make things worse. So instead, she took a deep breath and answered the question with more honesty than she expected.

"I know everyone thinks Arthur is below me, but trust me, I know what I'm doing. My world isn't as glamorous as you think it is, Rasheeda," Eliza said, setting her glass down on the small, marble side table next to her. The delicate sound of the glass meeting stone seemed louder than it should have been, a tiny echo in the expansive quiet of the boutique.

Rasheeda's eyes softened just a fraction, the hard edge of her initial judgment giving way to a hint of curiosity. "Eliza, you know I'm just looking out for you, right? I get that you've been through a lot, and maybe you don't need everyone to understand, but..." Her voice trailed off as she studied her friend.

Eliza's fingers traced the hem of her dress, the silky fabric cool beneath her touch. It was true—she'd been through more than most people knew. The kind of things that left marks not just on the skin but on the soul. She glanced at the purses again, not seeing them but rather thinking about the choices that had led her here, surrounded by the glitter and opulence that Rasheeda called her world.

Arthur was so different from what she was used to. He wasn't the type who would stroll into an exclusive event with his custom-made suit and a perfect smile. No, he was a man who carried the weight of responsibility, and who spoke quietly but with conviction. The daughter he had from a past relationship was a part of that responsibility, and while Eliza had never met the little girl, she was already beginning to imagine what she would be like—curious, bright, and maybe even a bit mischievous.