Is It Love? DROGO

Chapter 18: When push comes to shove

©Claire Zamora

Edited by inkandpixie

Red Crandall

The next day, I struggle to get out of bed. The idea of going shopping with Lorie doesn't really appeal to me. After a few grunts, I manage to drag myself up to the bathroom. I have a very bad feeling about the difficult day ahead of me.

Once ready, I go to wake Lorie. Upon entering the room, I have the lovely surprise of finding her already up and happy.

"We're going shopping today! It's today!"

"Calm down Lorie, there's no need to scream."

"I love shopping!" At least we have one thing in common. If I could, I'd spend my time shipping and I'd buy a whole new wardrobe every year!

I try to keep her as busy as possible all morning at the manor, then we leave after lunch. I hope it won't take all afternoon... knowing Lorie, it's going to be a hell. And I was right. Right from the very first shops, I lost heart. Lorie decided it wasn't to her that. So here we are walking the streets in search of THE shop that will win the little Madam's favours.

"Those dresses were very pretty."

"Yeah right! You really have no taste for fashion!"

"But if the models were on display in the shop window."

"It was a naff shop... I don't understand why Nicolae hasn't fired you yet." I give her a perfidious smile.

"Continue like that and you'll go to school in your panties!" She looks at me with a puppy eyes which she usually reserves for her brothers. How funny... I usually get the disdainful, little pest look.

I ignore her tearful look and turn to group of ladies who are looking at me disapprovingly. Great! Now I'm passing for the nasty one!

I grab Lorie's hand and speed up nervously looking for another shop.

"If you keep at it like that, I warn you, we'll go straight home without buying anything."

"You wouldn't dare! Nicolae said you had to buy me clothes!"

"Well then be good!"

"Well, you should stop choosing ugly clothes for me!"

I'm boiling up inside but for appearance's sake, I force a smile.

"That's enough! It's not you who decides Lorie!"

"Of course, I do. We're here for me, for my clothes!"

"May I remind you that I have the money."

The little girl doesn't much appreciate being put in her place.

Before entering the second shop, I crouch down in front of her and look her straight in the eyes.

"This time Lorie, you calms down, otherwise, I cancel everything."

"If you do that Nicolae will be angry with you."

"We'll both tell him what happened. I'm sure he'll understand my decision." If looks could kill, I'd be dead by now.

This store is much more luxurious than the previous one. This time I'll leave it to Lorie to choose for her clothes. She seems to prefer this place to the previous one. I shouldn't be surprised, Lorie loves what is chic. I raise my eyes to heaven and make a silent prayer: please let her find what she's looking for!

Finally, we leave the store, our arms weighed down with bags. Actually, my arms are weighed down with all the little Madam's bags.

"Thank you for the lovely dresses, I love them... I'm going to look like a real princess."