Unspoken Rules (Rules 2)

“Hi, I’m Winter,” I say politely.

“Are you new in town? I think I’d remember seeing you around.”

I almost scoff. Original. There should be a limit of uses allowed for cheesy pickup lines so you have to pay a fine every time you use one as old as time.

“I’m on vacation. Not staying for long.”

“That’s a shame. Well, enjoy the dress. It’s on me.”

“You really don’t have to d—”

He cuts me off. “I insist.”

The employee motions to follow her to the front of the store where the cash registers are.

Okay? Because this isn’t weird at all.

All I can do is stand back and watch this perfect stranger spend three hundred dollars on me. He pays and comes back to hand me the bag.

“There you go.”

I thank him. He starts walking but stops midway and turns around.

“Oh, and good luck for next Saturday.”

I nod faintly, confusion pouring over me. What is that supposed to mean?

What’s happening next Saturday?

Ryder waves goodbye and exits the store. At the same time, Haze walks back in with a bag of his own. He frowns and stares at Ryder until he’s out of sight.

“What was that about?” he asks.

“What do you know? Rich people are more generous than I thought. Dude insisted on buying me a three-hundred-dollar dress for no reason, can you believe it?”

“And you let him?” he blurts.

I’m a bit shocked by his reaction. “What was I going to do? Punch him? He didn’t give me much of a choice.”

The kind employee comes to my rescue. “It’s true, Mr. Adams. He didn’t give her a choice.”

I frown. This Mr. Adams thing again. Why would she call him that?

Haze barely acknowledges her, too focused on being angry for no reason. The employee knows how to take a hint and goes back to the storefront. I follow her, pay for the few items I’m getting and return to his side.

“Let’s go.” His tone is cold.

Am I sensing… jealousy?

We walk side by side for a few minutes until I can’t take it anymore.

“Why are you so moody?” I finally let myself ask.

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. You’ve been moody since that guy got me the dress,” I say.

“We have to go grocery shopping next.”