Chapter 12: The Shopping Trip.
The next morning, Carlson arrived at Rita's house, punctual as always to pick her up for their shopping trip. Rita was ready and waiting, looking stylish in a yellow sundress and her hair pulled back in a ponytail.
"Good morning, beautiful! Carlson said, handing her a bouquet of flowers." I thought we would start the day with a little something special." Rita blushed and smiled, taking the flowers from him. Thank you, Carlson. You are always so thoughtful.
As they drove to the mall, they chatted about their plans for the day. Rita mentioned that she needed to get some new clothes for an upcoming event, and Carlson offered to help her pick out an outfit.
When they arrived at the mall, Carlson suggested they start with coffee and pastry at against little café. Rita agreed, and they sat down at a cozy table by the window.
As they sipped their coffee and nibbled on their pastries, Carlson asked Rita about her favorite colors and styles. Rita told him she liked classic and elegant designs, and Carlson nodded thoughtfully.
" I think I know just the place to find what you are looking for, "he said, finishing his coffee.
And with that they set off on their shopping adventure, Carlson leading the way and Rita following close behind, feeling excited and grateful for the special treatment.
As they strolled through the mall, Carlson pointed out various stores and asked Rita which ones she liked. They eventually settled on a high boutique that Rita had been eyeing.
Inside, the sales associate greeted them warmly, and began showing Rita some of the latest designs. Carlson sat down on a nearby couch, watching with a smile as Rita tried on dress after dress.
After a few minutes, Rita emerged from the dressing room in a stunning red gown. Carlson's eyes widened in admiration.
"Woow, Rita! You look absolutely breathtaking! He exclaimed. Rita blushed and twirled around, the skirt fluttering round her legs. Do you really like it?" She asked, her eyes sparkling. Carlson nodded enthusiastically. " I love it! You have to get it."
As they approached the check-out counter, the sales associate eyed them doubtfully. I am not sure if you two have the budget for these clothes," she said, her tone dripping with condescension.
Rita bristled at the implication, but Carlson just smiled and pulled out his V.I.P card. "We will be using this," he said, his voice confident.
The sales associate's expression changed from doubt to shock as she processed the payment. "Oh, I apologize. Just, sir," she shuttered.
Carlson waved it off graciously. " No need to apologize. Just doing some shopping.?"
As they left the store, Rita turned to Carlson with a mischievous grin. " I think we just made her day." Carlson chuckled. "I think you are right. Shall we continue our showing spree? "
And with that, they continued their shopping adventure, leaving a trail of surprised sales associates in their wake.
The next store they visited was a highly designed boutique. As they browsed the racks, Rita gasped in delight at a stunning evening gown.
Carlson, look at this!" She exclaimed. Carlson smiled and nodded. Try it on," he encouraged. As Rita emerged from the dressing room, the sales associates' eyes widened in surprise. "That's one of our most expensive gowns," she stammered.
Carlson smiled and pulled out his V.I.P card once again." We will take it," he said confidently.
The sales associate's eyes nearly popped out of her head as she processed the payment. " I can't believe it." She muttered. Rita grinned mischievously at Carlson. " I think we are making a habit of surprising people today.
As they left the boutique, Rita turned to Carlson with asly smiles. " I think you are right. But I have one more surprise for you.
He led her to a nearby restaurant where a private table was waiting for them. I thought we could enjoy a nice lunch together," he said. Rita's eyes widened as she took in the elegant atmosphere. " This is lovely, Carlson. Thank you."
As they dined on exquisite cuisine, Rita couldn't help but feel grateful for the special treatment. " You are spoiling me rotten today, Carlson," she said with a laugh. Carlson smiled warmly. " You deserve it Rita. You are an amazing person.
As they finished their meals and prepared to part ways, Rita turned to Carlson with a sincere smile. Thank you for today, Carlson. I will never forget it." Carlson's eyes crinkled at the corner as he smiled back any time, Rita. I am always happy to spend time with you. " And with that, they shared a warm hug, the perfect ending to a wonderful day.
As Carlson and Rita were gazing at each other, their faces radiating with happiness, Louis, Alex's friend, entered the restaurant and he saw rita and Carlson. Louis' eyes widened open as he took in the intimate scene before him. He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Alex's number. "Alex you wouldn't believe what I just saw," Louise said, her voice low and urgent. " Rita is at the restaurant with some guy, and they look like they are in love. I am talking, hand holding, gazing into each other's eyes."
Alex's voice was laced with anger and disbelief. What! "Where are they?" Louis gave him the name of the restaurant.
Just as they were about to leave, Rita's ex-boyfriend, Alex, burst into the restaurant, his face twisted in anger. Rita, what is going on here? He demanded, his voice echoing through the room. Rita's eyes widened in shock as she stood up, her hands shaking. " Alex, what are you doing here? Alex's gaze shifted at Carlson, his eyes narrowing. " And who is this guy? Carlson stood up calm and confident. "I am Carlson, Rita's lover." Alex sneered. "A lover? Is that what they are calling it these days?"
The restaurant patrons began to stare, sensing the tension. Rita's face flashed with embarrassment. Alex, please, "she pleaded." Not here.
The restaurant patrons began to stare, sensing the tension. Rita's face flushed with embarrassment.