* * *
"What?" I asked, turning so I could glare at Gavin as he drove. He'd been like this all through lunch. I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't take any more. His amusement bubbled against my skin while his curiosity poked at my brain.
"Hello Kitty?" he chuckled, crooking an eyebrow.
"And what exactly is wrong with Hello Kitty?" I mean, it's not as if I choose the bright pink Hello Kitty accessories. I got Badtz-Maru, a seriously fierce penguin.
"Nothing, I just wasn't expecting it. The tee shirt with sword wielding geisha yes, but Hello Kitty is so cute."
I rolled my eyes, Gavin didn't understand.
"I'm glad you had fun. I could tell the computer store wasn't your thing," Gavin said, turning into a parking garage.
I frowned. I didn't want Gavin to think I wasn't grateful. Uncomfortable, yes, but I still felt grateful for everything. "I like what you bought for me; thank you for everything."
Gavin smiled softly. "You've already thanked me. Don't worry, Sapphire, I'm glad you had fun and actually chose some things."
Blushing, I thought of the large bags in the trunk filled with clothes. I had bought a few pairs of jeans, some socks, and a bunch of tops—all with Japanese patterns and prints on them. I could have easily bought more, but I couldn't bring myself to ask Gavin to spend that much money on me.
"Where are we going now?" I asked, following Gavin out of the parking garage.
"To another store," Gavin said as we stepped out into Fashion Square. I wrinkled my nose. This was definitely not my part of town.
"More clothes? Gavin, I have like ten outfits now, that's more than enough," I said as he dragged me into a fancy department store.
"Sapphire, first of all, ten casual outfits isn't close to enough and second, we need some nice clothes, plus at least one fancy outfit in case we go to a party or something," Gavin explained as he took the elevator to the second floor, where teen clothes were sold.
I glared at his back. I didn't feel comfortable in here. Everyone dressed like they stepped out of a fashion magazine, and the amount of jewelry being flashed around was crazy.
"My clothes are fine," I pouted.
As soon as we stepped off the escalator a saleswoman pounced. What was it about Gavin that made these people know they could reel him in?
"Good afternoon, how can I help you?" she asked, her voice like syrup.
"My niece needs new clothes. I want her to have several casual outfits, shoes, at least one dress, and any underthings she might need, and Converse. We still haven't gotten those for you."
I hadn't seen Gavin like this. At the other store he acted calm and relaxed with the salesman, but here he was demanding, not rude but all "you-will-serve-me."
The saleswoman didn't seem to mind at all. "Of course, sir, right this way. We have some very cute skirts that are all the rage this season."
Skirts! Oh, I didn’t wear skirts! Slowing down, I let them get ahead of me. Where were the jeans? Walking over to the racks, I began looking through them, hoping if I found a few pairs and some shirts I could save myself from having to wear skirts.
Flipping through the jeans, I grabbed a pair that looked nice, velvety black denim with purple flowers embroidered on the leg. Turing over the tag, I gasped. Were they kidding? There had to be sale rack around here somewhere. Looking around, I kept an eye out for Gavin. I didn't know where the saleslady dragged him.
I headed to the back of the store, still looking for the sales rack.
"Sapphire!" Gavin called. Oops, he sounded upset.
"I'm right here," I said cheerfully, hoping it would help.
His bright red hair filled my vision as he held me tight. "I couldn't find you; don't you ever walk off from me again."
"Okay." What was I, a little kid?
"I mean it." Gavin pulled back. His normally warm eyes were hard like green glass, and his hands tightened painfully on my shoulders. "I need to know where you are. Anything could happen to you. I can't believe I lost you again so easily."
Not good. Adults never touched me when they were angry; well-trained staff knew better. "I'm sorry, I'll stay with you," I whispered.
Closing his eyes, Gavin reined in his feelings. "Let's finish shopping. Did you find anything you liked?"
Showing him the black jeans, I wondered what punishment I would get once we got home.