Beneath This Man (This Man 2)

‘No, thank you.’ Jesse replies. The young man leads us into a luxurious private area and Jesse pulls me over to a big, leather sofa. I sit down next to him and pull my hand out of his. This is quite possibly my worst nightmare.

‘What’s up?’ he asks as he makes a grab for my hand again.

I look at him accusingly. ‘Why did you ask me where I wanted to go if you’d already made an appointment?’

He shrugs. ‘I don’t understand why you would want to trail around a dozen stores when you can have everything brought to you here.’

He really doesn’t understand? He’s a man. What did I expect? ‘Is this how you shop?’ I ask. He must have more money than sense. I’m getting sweatier by the second.

‘Yes, and I pay for the privilege so just humour me, will you?’ he says shortly.

I look at him, completely stunned, but before I have a chance to retaliate, a young blonde haired girl appears and beams at Jesse. She’s pretty and kitted out in a Ralph Lauren cream suit.

‘Jesse!’ she sings at him. ‘How are you? He gets up and she kisses him continental style. I assume they are familiar by their exchange. How often does he come here?

‘Zoe. I’m good. You?’ He smiles at her. It’s one of them knock out smiles – the one that reduces women to a mass of hormones at his feet.

‘Great, this must be Ava. It’s a pleasure to meet you.’ She puts her hand out to me, and I stand to take it, offering a small smile. She’s friendly enough, but I’m still not comfortable here. She sits in the chair opposite us. ‘So, Ava, Jesse tells me we’re looking for something special for an important party.’ she says excitedly. Something special sounds like it’s going to have a special price tag too.

‘Something very special.’ Jesse reiterates as he pulls be back down to the couch. I suddenly feel like I’m overheating, and I’m all claustrophobic in this massive room.

‘Okay, what’s your style, Ava? Give me an idea of what you like.’ She places her hands in her lap and looks at me expectedly.

I don’t know what my style is. If I like something and I feel good in it, I buy it. I can’t categorise my style. ‘I don’t have a style really.’ I shrug, and her eyes light up. That must have been a good answer.

‘Lots of dresses,’ Jesse interrupts. ‘She likes dresses.’

‘You like dresses.’ I mutter, earning myself a nudge of his knee.

She smiles, revealing a perfect set of Hollywood, too white teeth. ‘You’re about a ten, yes?’

‘Yes.’ I confirm.

‘Not too short.’ Jesse spits quickly.

I look at him with my mouth agape. This is what I knew would happen. I’m not generally a short dress person, but he’s turning me into one with his caveman attitude.

Zoe laughs. ‘Jesse, she has fantastic legs. It would be a shame to waste them. What shoe size are you, Ava?’

I like her. ‘I’m a five.’

‘Great, let’s go.’ She stands, and I join her. Jesse gets up too.

‘I can’t believe you’ve done this to me.’ I whine as he dips and kisses me on the cheek. I like Zoe, but I would much prefer to be left to my own devices.

He sighs. ‘Ava, let me have my fun,’ He leans in and crowds me. ‘I get my own little fashion show with my favourite lady modeling.’ He pouts.

‘Who gets to pick the dress, Jesse?’

He nuzzles my nose. ‘You do. I’m just observing. I promise. Go on, knock yourself out.’ He sits back down on the sofa and starts making a call. I’m relieved. I don’t think I could bear him following us around the store, trampling everything I give a second look at.

Zoe leads me through the department. ‘So, you’re being spoiled today?’ she asks on a friendly smile. She is lovely, but those teeth are really very white.

‘I am, under duress.’ I return her smile.

‘You don’t want to be spoiled?’ she laughs, picking up a long, green gown and presenting it to me. It’s lovely but more Kate’s colour than mine. I give a little apologetic shake of my head. She mirrors it. ‘No, I agree. What about this one?’ She places a hand on a lovely Grecian style dress.

‘That’s lovely.’ I admit, but it also looks very expensive.

‘It is. We’ll try it. What about this?’

‘Wow!’ I blurt at the cream, tight number with a thigh high slash up the leg. ‘Jesse can be a bit uptight with overexposure.’ I laugh as I hold the split open. You would have to shave everything off!

‘He can?’ She looks at me curiously. If she says… ‘He’s so laidback.’ she adds.

No, he’s not!

I release the dress and move on to a red satin one. ‘Not with me,’ I mutter. ‘I like this one.’

Zoe replaces her curious stare with a smile. ‘Good choice. And this one?’ She walks across the way and strokes a stunning cream, strapless affair. Is strapless allowed?

‘It’s lovely.’ I agree. I can try it. I’m sure he will make it known if it’s a no go. My attention is seized across the department, and I’m wandering over before I realise my legs are moving.

I run my finger lightly down the front of the black, delicate lace gown. It’s beautiful.

‘You absolutely must try that one.’ Zoe says, joining me in front of the gown. She takes it down and turns it gently. It’s attached to a security wire which can only mean one thing. ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ she asks dreamily.