“You leave that to me,” I said. I glanced back and delivered my most reassuring smile. “I’m your personal shopper, remember?”
“Oh, I remember.”
“Then it’s settled.”
We took our time here, examining a variety of different options. Hoops, studs, hinged clasps… I had it narrowed down to a few choices in under an hour. I showed Lincoln how to haggle too, despite his embarrassment and protests. How pulling ourselves intentionally away from vendors caused them to suddenly lower their prices as we left, trying to entice us with an on-the-spot sale.
Ultimately we emerged dizzy but victorious, with the absolute perfect pair of earrings in all of New York City. By now though, it was getting dark. Our feet hurt, our energy was running low, and for once in my life, I was actually shopped-out.
“Dinner,” Lincoln said, matter-of-factly. “Me and you.”
I nodded mechanically.
“Got a preference?”
“Anywhere they serve food,” I breathed.
My hunky new shopping-buddy murmured something into his driver’s ear. The blond man in the front seat nodded, made a quick phone call, and the car sped off again. Though I’d been in and out of the vehicle all afternoon, I still couldn’t help marveling at how smooth the ride was.
Wish I still had my car…
For the first time all day, my thoughts strayed back to my dick of an ex-boyfriend. I wondered absently what Malcolm had done with my car. Probably turned the lease in early, if I knew him. He’d never use it, and there’s was no way in hell he’d pay for garage space.
I glanced around jealously. My car was nothing like this, but I loved it just the same. Silently I hoped Malcolm had to pay some kind of a termination penalty.
“Holly, I wanted to say thanks again,” Lincoln said, leaning back. He actually undid the top button of his shirt. “You’re a champion.”
I was pressed against him now, hip to hip, leg to leg. Partly because of all the presents jammed in the back seat with us. Partly because it was what I wanted.
“So what are we having?” I sighed dreamily. “Italian? Chinese?” The mention of each made my mouth water. I would’ve eaten anything at this point.
“Well on our next date,” Lincoln said slyly, “I plan on taking you to a real restaurant.”
Next date…
The phrase ended all speculation in my head. So we were on a date. Of sorts, anyway. And apparently, at least as far as he was concerned, there was going to be another.
“Next date huh?” I chided him. “Real restaurant?”
He nodded amicably.
“But for now?” I asked, my stomach growling on cue.
The luxury sedan rolled to a flawless stop. I turned my head to one side and there it was.
“Oh shit!” I laughed. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Good guess?”
The strange windowed doors and little black awning looked exactly as they did in the movie! A thrill surged through me.
“YES!” I screamed. “Yes, amazing guess!”
Lincoln folded his arms in triumph. “Thought so.”
The line streaming out of Serendipity 3 was a few dozen people long. It stretched out into the street and down the sidewalk a good long ways. At this rate, we wouldn’t be eating for another two to three hours. The idea caused my stomach to rumble again.
“C’mon,” said Lincoln. He jumped out, skirted the back of the car, and arrived in time to open the door for me.