Page 107 of Rafferty's Rules
Has he got one of those? I almost ask, instead managing, ‘He could’ve tried but I wouldn’t have let him.’
‘Ah, you haven’t met the stubborn side of him yet.’ She nods as though this makes sense. ‘When he digs in his heels, he can be very persuasive.’
‘I’m sure he can, but I’m not the type for designer wear.’ Not to mention I can be a little mule-ish myself. ‘I feel bad enough borrowing money from him.’
‘I’m sure you’re due some compensation from the airline soon,’ she says, patting my shoulder kindly. ‘Anyway, if he digs in his heels anytime soon, and you think he’s being unfair, just you remember Rafferty’s rules.’
I almost stumble in the sheer shock of the moment. Has she seen the silly list of rules, penned in my hand?My shaking, about to orgasm hand?
Oh my God.
Where did she find it?
What must she think of me?
Can I pass it off as a joke?
‘Sally, I—’
‘You haven’t heard of it, have you? Haven’t heard of Rafferty’s rules?’
‘I ... no?’ I have no idea what kind of expression I’m wearing right now but I can guess by hers it’s not very attractive. ‘Rafferty’s rules means no rules, love. If he tries to lay down the law at any time, you tell him all bets are off; it’s Rafferty’s Rules.’
‘How interesting.’And it might just give me an idea, I think, slotting away the embryonic thought for later inspection.
‘This one is gorgeous.’ At the other side of the store, Sally holds up a dress for my inspection. I gravitate towards it like a magpie viewing a shiny thing when she adds enthusiastically, ‘You should try it on.’ Then, ‘Nope!’
‘Ouch!’ I snatch back my hand but not before she slaps it.Kind of hard.
‘No looking at the price tag,’ she admonishes.
‘Sally, please. I have to get something within my budget,’ I reply calmly, while feeling less than calm as I glance down at my shorts. Never before have I felt like I should have dressed up to go visit a store.
I should’ve worn the sundress. Maybe a little makeup, only my makeup bag is still on the way to Timbuctoo or somewhere.
‘And I just don’t feel like I belong in any of these.’
I run my hand along the rack next to me, my fingers touching reams of satin, chiffon, and lace. Some of these dresses carry price tags higher than my wedding dress. But they are lovely. Or maybe this is what comes from spending days and days running around in shorts.
‘Rubbish,’ Sally scoffs. ‘A gorgeous girl like you? Let me tell you, if I was young like you, I’d have it all on display.’ I giggle as she makes the universal understood sign for boobs.
‘What about less is more?’
‘More is more. Less is something we’re not looking for.’
‘I suppose I won’t be able to wear these?’ I lift my right foot, turning it sideways to catch Sally’s attention. She smiles warmly but shakes her head.
‘I say you still should. I have never been a fan of heels myself, but let’s just look. It can do a person some good to get all decked out for a night. If nothing else, it makes you grateful for the jeans and tennis shoes the next day.’
Amen. But suddenly, I’m worried about my underwear, too. I don’t see a lingerie section in this store and I’m still wearing my one and only bra. I’ll have to buy a bra and panties later. A matching set, even. Then there’s my hair, my nails... this is going to be such a pain. Why did I say I’d come here again?
Because you struck a deal,my mind whispers.Pretend to be his girlfriend in exchange for access to his magnificent body.I’m not entirely sure that’s the way it went down but go down it did. And going down has been fun. For both of us.
Until it wasn’t anymore.
Urgh. How inappropriate. I can’t think about sex when I’m shopping with Rafferty’s mom.
‘I can’t wait to see my boys in their tuxedos,’ she says with a wistful sigh.
