Bittersweet Honey

5. 7 Rings

Toni.

"I'd rather spoil
All my friends with my riches
Think retail therapy
My new addiction."

-Ariana Grande

     The sun seeps through the curtains I was too drunk to close last night, waking me up around 8 in the morning. I just know Ren and Alex are going to be asleep for a while longer, so I carefully get out of bed and walk to the kitchen to get some water. My head is still pounding a little and my mouth is really dry, but I'm so glad we went out last night.
​
     I know I've been called a workaholic these last couple months, but I can't help it. I head to my desk with a cup of tea and sit in front of my laptop. I have to turn the brightness down because it hurts my eyes. I start some more research, and I start a spreadsheet with all of my schedule details for the next couple weeks. My new blank notebook my dad got me for Christmas will be my planner. I write down everything, color-code important dates, I start a packing list...and I definitely will need to get some new clothes for Monaco and Azerbaijan. Even if I have a closet full of clothes, I need something extra chic for those kinds of places.

​     Suddenly I get hungry, and these two bums are still asleep. I don't care, I'll start making breakfast for all of us. Mom and Grandma Carmela taught me some great Mexican recipes I can make with the ingredients I find here in the U.K., and I know just the one that is perfect for hangovers. Chilaquiles are the go-to after a night out. There's just something about deep fried tortillas covered in green tangy salsa that hits the spot. And it makes me so happy that the recipe is so simple.

​     Not long after I start to cook, Alex wakes up, and he's in a desperate need for coffee. He knows where to find the instant coffee so he makes himself a cup. I'm more of a tea person, so I don't even have a coffee machine, but I do keep instant coffee for guests. I make some green tea for ren and I, just as she walks to the kitchen.

     ​"What kind of deliciousness are you making for me, Toni?" She yawns as she slumps down on a chair.

     ​"Chilaquiles, dear." I say as I serve them on three separate plates.

     ​"I love that I don't have to go to those awful Mexican restaurants that only give me food poisoning, anymore. Thank you, Toni. Deeply appreciated." I chuckle because it makes me happy to cook for them, or anyone I care about really. That's something that I've learned from my Mexican family, that cooking for someone is like giving them a warm hug. I love that about my culture, and I love my small group of friends, because we all respect and love each other's cultures. After years of being bullied for not quite fitting in with any of my cultures, it feels food to have friends who embrace it.

     ​"I had so much fun last night, really. I needed that." I sigh as I start to eat. 

     "And I also need some new clothes for work."

     ​"But your office outfits are always on point." Alex comments, and that's a very flattering comment.

     ​"Thanks, Alex! But I was thinking more of like...a fancy outfit for Monaco, and places like that." I sip on my tea, because I must confess, I'm also a little bit of a shopaholic.

     ​"I'm in. Retail therapy is another way to walk off a hangover." Alex agrees.

     As soon as we finish having breakfast, we take turns to shower. I lend Ren some clothes, and I lend Alex a shirt I stole from dad. Then we take the underground to Westfield London.

     ​"What do you have in mind?" Alex asks as we walk inside the mall.

     ​"Well something that looks very high-end but is comfortable because we'll be working. Something that blends well with the city." I try to explain.

​     Ren is quiet because of the hangover, but at least she tagged along. We walk through a couple store, each of us buying a couple basic items. Then we find this really interesting jumpsuit that is worth a try.

     ​"How about this one for Monaco?" I ask as I step out of the changing room.

     ​"Perfectly fancy for the most elegant GP. Good choice." Alex comments. And I agree. So I head to the cashier and make the purchase.

​     We keep walking through some more places and helped Alex find some new shirts and a new pair of sneakers. Ren wanted to stop for ice cream and of course we didn't say no to that. So we keep strolling while enjoying our ice creams and chatting.

     ​"Let's go into that store, maybe you'll find something." Alex excitedly says as he pulls us into an evening dress shop.

     ​"But I won't need anything that fancy, will I?" I doubt.

     ​"I mean, we're going to France, maybe there will be a red carpet at some point." Ren wonders.

     "Or we could just try on some dresses for fun." And I agree with that last point. It is fun to try on fancy dresses. So we basically put on a show for Alex, and we laugh and do silly poses wearing shiny princess gowns. I just hope we don't get kicked out of the store.

​     I try on a couple satin dresses but Alex is unimpressed. However, Ren tried on a golden satin dress, with a halter neckline and it fits her perfectly. I instantly picture her wearing some red lipstick to contrast with her skin and she looks like a movie star.

     ​"Oh honey, you need that dress." Alex gasps, and I'm overwhelmed at how pretty Ren looks.

     ​"Please get it, Ren. It looks perfect." I agree. And it doesn't take much convincing for Ren to head straight to the cashier, while I try on one last dress.

     It is not something I would usually pick out myself, but Alex insisted. It is all covered in black sequins, so it's kind of heavy. It is fitted and has long sleeves, but a really open back, like, really low cut back. But as soon as I try it on, and I look at myself in the mirror it makes me feel...empowered. As I walk outside, I hear Ren and Alex gasp, even some other people in the store looked over their shoulders at me.

     "So...what do you think?" I ask after a twirl.

     ​"I'm literally speechless." Alex exclaims, with a hand over his heart.

     ​"You need this dress, girl. You look like freaking Angelina Jolie!" Ren chimes, making me blush a little.

     ​"I really, really love it." I say, Full of excitement. And even if I don't get to wear it during the formula one season, I'll find some other occasion to wear it. Like Ren, I don't need any more convincing. I'm definitely getting it.

​     As I'm paying for it, I can't help but imagine myself wearing it on a red carpet or another black tie event, but that's a wild dream.