I can’t stop laughing. Courtney’s crazy. But it makes me feel good to know she’s on our side. Before dragging me to the counter, she grabs a few bottles of perfume. The woman at the checkout gives us a smile.
“I’m a sucker for a panties sale,” Courtney says, leaning against the counter like she just bought the place, which she practically did by the amount of clothes that’s piled up high.
The woman smiles. “Your total is five hundred forty-two dollars and thirty-six cents.”
“Courtney, seriously,” I whisper, but she brushes me off.
She hands over her credit card without batting an eye and signs the screen. “Oh, can we have two separate bags?”
The woman hands us their signature pink bags with Victoria’s Secret written across the front in shiny, silver letters, and I’m so excited about my new things.
Completely giddy, I take a quick picture of the pink bag and send it to Travis.
Travis
Damn!
I read his text message and shove my phone back in my pocket.
“I think I love you. Thanks, Court.”
She gives me a hug. “I love you too, Lola.”
We walk out of the store, and all I can do is smile.
“Buying lingerie always makes me happy. And my mom totally supports my habit. She’s a firm believer that a woman should splurge on panties and bras. But I’m sure it’s going to trigger a phone call when the statement comes in. It’s a dead giveaway that I’m upset about something, and I haven’t told her about Toby yet.” Courtney laughs it off but her voice slightly cracks, and I can tell she’s thinking about it, which upsets her. I try to change the subject before she gets lost in Toby thoughts.
“When I’m a millionaire, you’re getting tons of gifts.”
She perks up. “The only gift I want is your brother wrapped in nothing but a bow.”
I playfully nudge her.
“Hey, I’m just being honest.” She smiles.
On the way back to her townhouse, I look down at my phone as another text message from Travis flashes across.
Travis
Drew’s home a little early, and he’s stinking up the kitchen with his special tofu recipe.
I reply, knowing exactly what Drew’s making. It’s this Asian dish with broccoli and soy sauce. For some reason, he thinks it’s the most delicious thing on the planet although we all tell him it’s disgusting.
Viola
Gross. Enjoy that.
Travis
I’ll smile and pretend it’s chicken, like always.
I laugh because I do the same thing.
Travis
So about that lingerie? When will I see?
I can’t wait to show him.