Forever Yours

Maybe It's Love [18]

18. Maybe It's Love

Maureen

Ryan guided my car into the parking lot next to the boutique. His thumb rubbed the back of my hand as he held it in his.

"So... this is fun! Shopping!" Ryan said with pretend enthusiasm. I rolled my eyes.

"Yay," I said flatly. Dad was hosting a black tie event in a month's time, a celebratory affair for all of the upper staff employees, investors, stock owners and business associates that were a part of the rapid rise and success of our company and business. The whole family was going and I was the only one who didn't have an outfit prepared.

"Oh, come on, it won't be that bad," Ryan said, maneuvering the car into an empty space.

"Not for you, it won't," I muttered. Ryan chuckled and leaned over to kiss my forehead. I sighed.

"Time to face the music," he said, pulling away. I glanced at him, worrying my lip.

"Can we just go somewhere else? I'll tell Mom that I can get a dress some other day."

He shook his head; he knew that I'd do anything to avoid shopping for my dreaded attire. "Nope. Sorry."

I let out a frustrated huff. "I'm not going in then."

"Oh yes, you are," Ryan said, leaning across the seat towards me. I glared at him, shrinking away. I had a sudden sense of déjà vu. Tickling...

"No!" I quickly yanked my door open and hopped out, slamming it shut behind me. I faced him, crossing my arms over my stomach as he smirked. Defeated, my shoulders sagged.

"See now, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

"Ryan?"

"Yes?"

"Will you come in with me?"

His eyes softened. "Of course."

I couldn't help the smile that spread over my face.

He laughed, turning the car off and then climbed out. He walked around the side of the car towards me and I held myself back from throwing my arms around him. There was no way that I could do that in public; for another thing, I still fought my inherent shyness. It was easier with Ryan though - easier than it had ever been before.

His fingers tangled around mine. When I looked up at him, he was looking ahead, his eyes focused on the boutique.

"Ready?" He asked when we stopped in front of the door.

"No."

"Come on. It can't be so bad."

"Of course not. It's actually my favorite thing in the world."

He laughed and tugged on my hand, pulling me into the shop.

-

Ryan

A seamstress knelt at Maureen's feet, fiddling with the hem of the dress she wore. Maureen shifted her weight from foot to foot, fidgeting restlessly. Her face was red with embarrassment and her expression contorted. She looked like a helpless kitten, the way she was going on about it. I hid my grin; she wouldn't appreciate it.

I sat on the armrest of a small sofa, watching quietly as the designer pulled out dress after dress, insisting Maureen try them all on. Some of them were hideous - big, billowy, lacey things with bows and ribbons and buttons - and some of them were nice. No matter what she wore, Maureen looked stunning and I watched in wordless admiration as she stood in front of the mirror, swathed in a silk ball-gown, her hair streaming down over her shoulders. She looked breathtaking. But she turned to the designer and shook her head.