DIANA
***
Just as I almost reached the car, Dante's arms swiftly wrapped around my waist, bringing me back with a grin on his lips.
"Gotcha!" he exclaimed, his minty breath tickling my ear as he spun me around to face him.
He bent down ever so slightly to meet my gaze.
Uncontrollable hearty laughter sprouted from deep within my belly and out my mouth- A type of laughter I could only ever produce when I was with Dante.
"You cheated!" I teased, playfully swatting at his chest.
He chuckled, his hazel eyes sparkling with amusement. "All's fair in love and racing, principessa," he replied, his deep voice filled with affection.
His subtle but loving words filled me with a newfound warmth that contrasted greatly against the cold the autumn breeze carried, "Come on." His arm around my waist, tugging me closer to him as we began finishing the stroll to the car.
He opened the door to the passenger side of the sleek SUV and helped me climb into the car.
• • •
Throughout the whole ride, I hung out the window, admiring the views of the busy city. The crisp cold air feathered my cheeks making me shiver.
From the halted movement of the car, I knew arrived at the mall and I climbed out as quickly as I got in.
The four-story building was surrounded by large parking lots. The architecture of the mall was modern and sleek with black & white and glass windows. The neon sign read King Plazas- Though it wasn't like any of the malls in LA, I still felt just excited about shopping in it.
"You know I could've opened the door for you." Dante's voice trailed after me.
Instead of answering him, I pulled his hand, rushing towards the entrance of the mall.
Light filtered through the glass ceiling of the mall adding an almost heavenly glow to the very center of the mall. The soft murmur of conversation between Several people walking around with shopping bags of different popular brands filled the air, mingling with the sound of the ongoing big fountain that stood in the very center.
The first story of the mall had stores that included a foot locker, Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, and American Eagle among others. Excitement coursed through my veins as I looked around at all of my favorite stores like a kid in a candy shop.
I turned to Dante with a toothy smile on my face, "Listen, we're going to hit up Tommy Hilfiger first, then Victoria's Secret, the book store, FYE, foot locker, and then Bath and Body Works."
His eyes were filled with amusement as he listened to me ramble. "Okay." he lightly chuckled before following me to my first choice.
I immediately began to look around, spotting a tank top, pants, and accessories that I was more than eager to get my hands on.
Upon catching a glimpse of a crop top that looked like the one Aaliyah wore I picked it up and showed Dante.
"Dante! I think this is the one Aaliyah wore!"
"Aaliyah?" His thick eyebrows pulled together.
"You don't know who Aaliyah is?" I asked, a mixture of shock and disappointment evident in my tone.
He shook his head.
"One of the best female singers of the decade," I explained continuing my shopping as he followed behind me.
"Her music videos are everything."
I picked up a pair of overalls and then that multiple into more pieces of clothing than I could count on all ten fingers.
"Come on," I insisted, "I wanna try these on."
After trying on the carefully selected outfits, I emerged from the fitting room with a sense of excitement, eager to see Dante's reaction. His eyes lit up as I struck a pose, channeling Aaliyah's iconic style.
Dante's infectious laugh filled the air, his amusement evident as he took in my ensemble. "What do you think?" I asked, anticipation bubbling inside me.
A smile played on his lips as he appraised me from head to toe. "I think you look pretty," he remarked, his gaze lingering on my outfit.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment at his response, hoping for something more emotive. "That's it?" I questioned, the frown creeping onto my face.
But Dante's next words wiped away any trace of disappointment. Dante's eyes sparkled with a mixture of warmth and intensity as he reached for my hand, pulling me closer to him. "No, no, no," he said softly, his voice low and warm. "Let me start over. Diana, you look absolutely stunning. I've never seen someone that has a beauty like yours, ever. You take my breath away, truly."
His words caught me off guard, my heart skipping a beat at the sincerity of his words. A rush of warmth spread through me, creeping up my neck.
"Thank you," I managed to let out. At that moment, I knew that Dante's words held more weight than any other compliment I had ever received.
My heart skipped a beat at his compliment, a rush of warmth flooding through me. "Thank you," I replied
I showed off three more outfits before we both went to the cash register to buy the clothes with Dante's credit card card.
"Next store," I smiled.
• • •
After we left the Tommy Hilfiger, I strolled over to Victoria's Secret Dante following behind with the shopping bags he insisted on carrying.
"I'll wait outside." He casually said, taking a glance inside the store.
"Here's my card." He handed me his American Express card.
My hand flew over my chest, "I'm touched you trust me enough with it." I said dramatically masking the truth that lingered below the surface.
"Thank you." I mouthed to him with a smile before I walked into the store.
He nodded.
The store was adorned in pink from head to toe- The only contrasting colors against the amount of pink that made up the store was the lingerie.
I walked further into Victoria's Secret, my eyes drawn to the delicate lace lingerie sets displayed on the shelves. The detailed patterns and soft fabrics beckoned to me, tempting me to indulge. Among the collection of choices, a black lace lingerie set caught my eye, its elegant design exuding sensuality and sophistication.
Briefly, I contemplated whether or not I'd even have a reason to wear it but the lure was too tempting to resist.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted my thoughts, startling me out of my train of thought. "That'd look good on you," the unexpected comment came from behind me, causing me to jump in surprise.
"I'm sorry, did I scare you?" The woman worker asked, remorse evident in her words.
She looked as though she could be a VS model herself- pearly white teeth, tan skin, practically perfect features, long and skinny legs with beautiful curly hair. Her voice was gentle, and her eyes held a hint of kindness as she awaited my response.
I let out a shaky laugh, attempting to lighten the mood. "Yes, you did," I admitted. "It's okay though, I'll survive."
The woman worker smiled sympathetically, her big brown eyes reflecting understanding. "I'm glad to hear that," she said, her tone genuine. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Feeling a bit out of my element, I hesitated for a moment before admitting my uncertainty. "Actually, yes," I admitted, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. "I'm not quite sure what to buy, since I don't typically shop here."
The woman worker nodded understandingly, her demeanor reassuring. "No problem at all," she replied kindly. "Follow me, and we'll find something perfect for you." With that, she directed me deeper into the store, her expertise guiding me through the maze of lingerie options with ease.
"With your skin tone, which is beautiful by the way, a nice bright red would look amazing on you as well as an emerald green and an Egyptian or lapis blue."
"What is your body shape? Pear, apple?"
"Pear."
"Hm, okay."
"Baby dolls would look amazing on you, they flow loosely over the hips and thighs while drawing attention to your bust," she explained, picking up the clothing item.
"Balconette bras as well," she picked up a black bra that had a lace trim
"High-waisted panties." She picked up matching-colored panties.
"Chemises similar to baby dolls but better in my opinion." She picked up one of the said items.
"And that's about all of my recommendations, I let you be so you can decide what you'd like to buy. Have a wonderful day."
I picked up more of her recommended items of clothing each in different colors. I walked to the cash register, plopping the clothes on the counter.
The cashier and I exchanged pleasantries while she rang up each item of clothing.
After I paid for the clothes, I walked out of the store meeting Dante who now had a medium-sized teddy bear in his arms.
"For me?" A smile played on my lips as my gaze flickered between the adorable teddy bear and his eyes.
He nodded, his dimples appearing as he smiled down at me.
We exchanged items, he gave me the teddy bear and I gave him my shopping bags.
It was a classic brown teddy bear with a red bow wrapped around its neck. I held it tightly to my chest after I finished looking into its eyes. Though they were just black the light reflecting the light made it so cute.
"Thank you."
"Now what was the next store I wanted to go to?" I said slowly, more to myself than to him.
"Book store." Dante casually answered.
"Yes, the bookstore." I began walking toward the staircase.
I spent at least thirty minutes in the bookstores before going to FYE and searching for new movies.
"Dante! They have A Bronx Tale in here!" my voice rang out, filled with more excitement than I expected.
"I have no idea what that is but I'm sure it's great," Dante replied with a chuckle.
"It's more than great, and you're going to see that when you watch it with me tonight," I declared
"I am?" Dante asked, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced over at me.
I hummed in response, continuing to browse through more DVDs. I picked up "Forrest Gump," "Pretty Woman," "Pulp Fiction," and "Clueless" before turning back to Dante.
"So tonight, we're watching A Bronx Tale, Pretty Woman, Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, and Clueless," I announced, a small smile gracing my lips.
"Sounds nice?" I asked, my eyes searching his for confirmation.
"With you, of course," Dante replied, his smile widening as he met my gaze.
Dante's words sent a warm flutter through my chest, and I couldn't help but return his smile with one of my own. "Great, it's a movie marathon then," I said, feeling a sense of excitement building up within me.
With our movie selections in hand, we made our way to the checkout counter and paid for the movies.
After we left the FYE store we continued shopping at my selected stores and racking up the bags that Dante had to carry.
• • •
When we left the mall, the sun was already descending, lying low behind the skyline of New York. Though it was still slightly cold the warmth that radiated from the sun balanced it out, creating the perfect mix.
Dante loaded the shopping bags into the trunk of the SUV and I sat inside it, staring at him, a sense of admiration washed over me. Despite my repeated offers to help, Dante insisted on handling the task himself.
"You sure you don't need any help?" I asked for what felt like the fifth time, unable to shake off the feeling of guilt for not contributing more.
"No, Diana," he replied, his voice gentle yet firm. There was a hint of amusement in his tone as if he found my persistence endearing.
I nodded, reluctantly accepting his answer. Deep down, I appreciated his desire to take care of me, even in the smallest of ways. With a sigh, I jumped down from the ledge of the trunk and climbed into the car.
Once he started driving again I looked out the window and gaped at the touch the autumn season gave to the charming city. The views of the city always made me think of the possibilities that lay ahead and thoughts I reserved for when I was alone.
Curiosity gnawed at me, fueling an eagerness to uncover what I didn't yet know. "I have a question," I quickly let out, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.
He hummed, allowing me to continue. "Why did your mother decide to have you in Sicily?" I questioned, stealing a glance at his side profile as he drove.
He briefly met my eyes. "My mother was in Sicily when she found out she was pregnant with me. She stayed there for a while because wanted me to grow up there with a lot of family and experience Sicily first-hand."
"Do you ever miss Sicily?"
A small smile tugged at his full lips, his adorable dimples deepening.
"All the time. I visit now and then." His tone was laced with adoration for his home country. "You should come with me one day."
The image of us in Sicily made a warmth fill my heart and a sense of hope wash over me that felt like I was a teenager again, "I'd like that."
After our small conversation had ended, the comfortable silence and crisp autumn air lulled me to a deep slumber.