More Than Darkness
20
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This is a crossover smutty story featuring the character of
Tess/Salida ie Tess' Voice in Neon
More Than Eyes Alone Can See, and
Merrie's OUATIM fic on ff.net, Darkness Rising. This story will make some
sense, probably, if you read it without having read either of our stories, but
it'll make a hell of a lot more if you just read them. They're all worth
reading, we promise. Anyway, on with the show.
Rated for what has happened, and what might happen.
o>
ourselves. On with the story.
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“Wake up you bastard and help me,” Jeffrey said irritably as
he pulled Todd’s body up the stairs of the root cellar.
“And how exactly do
you expect me to do that? It’s not
your own,” Sands said with a smirk.
“Oh fuck you.
night we wouldn’t have to be worrying about it now,” Jeffrey said as he finally
made it up the stairs. He was fucking
grateful Todd wasn’t a big man or he would have been here all day in this heat.
“At least vixen wrapped him.
looks like under this tarp in this fucking oppressive heat.”
“That makes two of
us,” Sands agreed with a nod. “Come on,
let’s get this bastard into his car and get the fuck out of here before someone
sees us and we’re stuck moving two bodies instead of just one.”
Jeffrey didn’t
respond to that but felt the same.
him in the trunk without arousing suspicion.
fucking faster than me anyway.
“Yeah, no shit,”
Sands said with a roll of his eyes, getting into Todd’s battered old Buick with
something like fascination. “You know, I
don’t even think I’ve ever been in a car like this before,” he said, closing
the door and buckling his seatbelt.
“Just drive it, you
snob,” Jeffrey said with a roll of his eyes.
Sands didn’t
respond, merely focused on getting the hell out of town as fast as possible
without attracting attention. “I suppose
this must be what driving a hearse feels like.
“Hardy fucking
impatiently. He still had a lot to do
today.
“I’m driving, keep
your fucking pants on,” Sands said, glaring into the rearview mirror and
consequently Jeffrey and himself.
Jeffrey just glared
back.
******************************
They had disposed of the car and body without trouble after
clearing all traces of evidence linking them to Todd’s murder in a place where
he wouldn’t be found. And even if he was
found, it wouldn’t matter. He wasn’t
worried. He had gotten away with dozens
of murders so far, and he would continue to get away with dozens more.
preparing himself to do some serious shopping.
“What’s this all
about anyway? If you’re fucking going
out tonight with sunrise I’ll have to tell spitfire,” Sands pointed out.
Jeffrey rolled his
eyes and kept his voice low in case the cab driver was listening.
you can fucking do about it.”
“Fine whatever,”
Sands said with a sigh, knowing it would be pointless to argue.
today you can have your night.”
“You’re damn right
I can have my night,” Jeffrey responded automatically before waving a hand in
dismissal. “Don’t worry,
you’ll get to see your precious kitty today.”
“Why do you fucking
call her that anyway?” Sands asked with a frown.
Jeffrey shrugged.
“For the same
reasons you call sunrise vixen, I imagine,” Sands responded.
“Are you talking to
me?” the taxi driver asked.
“Do we look like we’re
talking to you?” Jeffrey responded shortly.
“Well you must be
talking to me because there’s no one else here,” the taxi driver responded.
“You’d think that,
wouldn’t you?” Jeffrey asked with a smirk into the rearview mirror.
to another person within my own head?”
“Jeffrey don’t –”
Sands started.
“No, I want to
know,” Jeffrey said, cutting him off. “So,
what would you say to that?” he addressed the cab driver.
“I’d say you must
never get lonely always having someon tal talk to like that,” the driver
responded.
The rest of the
ride passed in dumbfounded silence.
******************************
“So just what are you out looking for anyway?” Sands asked
when he saw that the cab driver had dropped them off in what looked to be one
of
districts.
“I know I’m going
to fucking regret this later, but I need your help,”" Jeffrey muttered
under his breath before he had paid the cabbie and sent him on his way.
“Excuse me, you
what?” Sands asked, not thinking he heard him correctly.
“Fuck you
mak
making me repeat myself, you bastard,” Jeffrey
grumbled. “I said I need your fucking
help alright? What the fuck do I know
about fancy fucking clothes?”
“Let me get this
straight. You’re asking
“Yeah, what are
you, fucking deaf? I need help picking
out a suit tonight and a dress for vixen.
I thought I’d fucking ask you since out of the two of us, you’re the snob who’d
know about that kind of fucking stuff, alright?”
“Fine, I’ll fucking
help you. What else am I fucking going
to do today?” he muttered to himself. s'> “Head
into that store right there,” he said, pointing out the large Brook’s Brothers
a block away. “That’s where you’ll find
your suit.” Sands looked down at what
Jeffrey had chosen to wear today and sighed.
were going to be shopping, but whatever.
in front of these people it won’t matter if you come in wearing a pink fucking
tutu.”
Jeffrey raised an
eyebrow at that, but didn’t comment and made his way to the store.
“Welcome to Brooks
Brothers,” a older woman intoned as she glided out from
behind a sales counter. Her iron grey
hair was swept up into a stern bun, and a pair of rectangular glasses perched
on the end of her upturned nose. “How
may I help you . . . sir,” she trailed off as she took in his appearance – and
his shirt – with a disapproving eye. “Oh>“Oh
my,” she muttered under her breath as she put a hand to the string of pearls
around her neck.
“Why the f–”
Jeffrey started before he was cut off.
“We, er I am
looking for a suit for this evening, Madam,” Sands cut in smoothly.
a suit made, and I apologize for the inconvenience, but I am more than willing
and able to pay whatever the cost.”
The woman’s brows
rose even further, but she dubiously motioned for him to follow her as she
moved further into the store. “And just
what are you looking for? Italian
silk? Wool?
cotton blends . . . inferior stuff,” she muttered to herself.
something closed to pained voice, “I will assume you shallo neo needs a . . .
shirt . . . to go with this suit?”
Sands made a show
of rolling his eyes, acting bored. “But
of course. . .” he leaned over to read the nametag pinned to her suit jacket.
“That’s
to you. Young people these days, no
respect for their elders.” Muttering
this and other endearing statements,
she led the men back to a large selection of what looked like off-the-rack
knock-offs. “Is this what you had in
mind, or were you interested in something a bit more . . . tasteful?” she
ground out, once again giving his shirt and worn jeans the evil eye.
Sands allowed a
small laugh at that, wanting to slit the woman’s throat right there in the
store. But he withheld.
but expensive. You see, I was so hoping
to go on a bit of shopping spree while here visiting
Orleans
through the number of credit cards idly.
looked u her her as if surprised. “Oh
how rude of me.
didn’t even give you my name in return. I’m
S. J. Sands. The billionaire. And I could buy
this entire fucking store and you
with my pocket change, you fucking twat so how about you direct me to the
manager and fuck off?”
Her mouth opened
and closed several times, but no words escaped her.
all, she was the very picture of scandalized respectability, but she quickly
and silently walked away.
good for her.
After several
minutes, Mrs. Blakenly
returned with a man who was roughly the same age as she was.
reason, and he barely withheld a sigh of irritation.
“Mr. Sands, I’m Mr.
, manager of the store.
prey to some misconceptions regarding your current dress.
be caught dead in such crude slogans, but that’s of no importance.
“It shouldn’t
matter how I'm dressed. I could have
been mugged for all she knows and forced to wear this.
was some mindless tourist from off the street.
new suits, but now I'm not so sure.” Sands
was lying through his teeth, and he hoped Jeffrey knew it.
“You’re free to do
so, of course, but I assure you that you won’t find better quality cloth or
quicker tailors anywhere in town.” The
man’s voice was mild, and his eyes were calm.
s nas narrowed his
eyes slightly at that, but gave in. “You’re
right, and that’s the only reason I’m staying.
will take my business elsewhere and damn the quality.”
what my dress might be.”
“Understandable,”
the man said in that same mild voice. He
looked over his shoulder and dismissed his wife with a look, and Sands was more
than glad to see her go. “Now please,
just what did you have in mind? I’m
afraid that at this time we’ll only be able to alter one suit for you by this
evening, but if you wish, we can have more ready for you by tomorrow
night. At no extra charge, of course.”
“How generous of
you,” Jeffrey interjected, just barely keeping the sarcasm out of his tone.
“I would like four
suits made. Three for tomorrow, and one
for tonight,” Sands said almost lazily, trying to ignore Jeffrey and following
the man as he led him to an area where he could sit down while he discussed
what kind of suits he wanted. “All in
black silk. Two in pinstripe and two
not. As for the shirts –”
“At least two of
them have to be red,” Jeffrey commented.
“And one black, and
one white,” Sands finished. “Sorry.
with my own thoughts.” He gave
thought. Which he didn’t.
Blakenly
simply waved a hand in dismissal. “Which
will you be wanting for tonight, Mr. Sands?
One of the blacks, or one of the pinstripes?”
“One of the blacks.
With a red shirt,” Jeffrey said.
“And he, er I don’t
want it to be double-breasted. The other
three can be, but not this one. Something
formal, but not stifling. This suit is
for a dinner date tonight, not a business meeting, catch my drift?” Sands
asked, leaning back in the plush leather chair in which he was currently
sitting.
Blakenly
nodded, a hint of a masculine smile appearing on his lips.
Now, will you be requiring anything else?
Ties? Cuff-links?
We do offer a wide variety of everything a man needs to go with an
expensive suit. And if you’ll come this
way, we can take your measurements so we can get started on your suits
straightaway.”
Sands nodded and
let him lead the way a little so he could talk to Jeffrey under his breath
without being overheard. “Do you know
what else you might want, or are you going to leave all of this to me?”
“I don’t fucking
care. Just hurry the fuck up.
bored already,” Jeffrey muttered.
Sands rolled his
eyes, but didn’t bother explaining the ritual of having a new suit made.
handle things. Just try and stay quiet,
alright?”
“I won’t make a
fucking peep,” Jeffrey said dryly.
“Are you coming,
Mr. Sands?” Blakenly asked, turning to address him.
“Yes, I’m coming,”
Sands said, following the man over to get measurements taken.
commented as he stood in front of the mirrors and allowed himself to be
measured.
“And would you like
those now or when you come back to collect the suit?”
with the measuring tape, calling out the measurements to an assistant who
repeated them back as he wrote them down.
“When I come back,
if it’s all right with you.
mentioned. Not that I don’t own all of
these things, but I am here on vacation and I didn’t exactly pack for the
occasion. I’m sure you understand,”
Sands said with a smile.
“Of course.
an older gentleman, Blakenly led Sands back out into
the main showroom. “Here’s our selection
of men’s accessories. other jewelry are kept in a display case near the front.
what you want and I’ll meet you there in a few moments.”
“Thank you, you’ve
been very helpful,” Sands said with a nod in the older gentleman’s direction.
he said with a bit of a smirk. “But if I
get completely lost, I shall call upon you straightaway, there’s no doubt about
that.” He laughed then, hoping it didn’t
seem too forced, which it surprisingly wasn’t.
“My pleasure,”
other customers before arriving at what Sands assumed was the display case.
“Well that wasn’t
too fucking bad. That bitch of a wife of
his needs talking to, but he’s not all that bad,” Jeffrey said with a shrug,
beginning to wander through the store looking for shoes.
with in his size and tucked them under an arm, trying to get this thing
finished as soon as fucking possible.
“What about ties?
having never remembered a time where Jeffrey had worn a tie out of his own free
will.
“I suppose it
fucking depends on what vixen says,” Jeffrey said with something close to a
sigh. “It’s up to her.
her.”
“Then we should
probably get a few ties then, just in case,” Sands agreed, selecting a few
expensive silk ties in a variety of darker colors.
mind wearing different colored ties. “Come
on, we’re going to need cufflinks too.”
“Mr. Sands,” the salesman
said in what almost resembled a surprised voice.
Would you like the cufflinks to match your shirt or tie?
itself?”
“I’d prefer the
red, but it’s not up to me,” Jeffrey said with a wink.
“Onyx cufflinks
will be fine. That way if h-I don’t end
up wearing the red they’ll still match,” Sands said, trying not to laugh at
Jeffrey’s behavior and silently cursing his continued slip up of referring to
himself/Jeffrey as another person in public.
people he really talked to – spitfire and sunrise – knew about Jeffrey.
“Alright.”
the side. “Is there anything else I can
get you?”
“I’d also like
these,” Jeffrey set the shoes and the ties on the counter, “and the shirts
obviously, but I’ll pick them up when the suit is done.”an
an
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> He frowned thoughtfully.
store where I could do some shopping for women’s clothing as well?
Jeffrey said absently, going over just what he had in mind and hoping that this
helpful man would be able to do something about it.
“Let me think.
over named Christie’s. They specialize
in evening wear for ladies I believe.
And if they don’t have jewelry, then they’ll certainly know where to
direct you. As for your suit, it’ll be
ready by
“Thank you for your
help,” Jeffrey said, going as far as to stick out a hand for the man to shake
it.
He did, willingly.
future, that you’ll come back and do business with us.”
“Oh you can count
on it. Who knows, maybe I’ll even dress
up next time so I won’t cause any . . . problems,” he said, not saying what he
wanted to say about Blakenly’s wife out of respect
for the helpful man. “So, sorry if this
is a bit . . . of me, bu I p I pay for all of this now, or when I pick up the
suits?”
“Whichever is most
convenient for you, Mr. Sands.”
“Call me Jeffrey,”
Jeffrey said absently, reaching around to pull out his wallet.
well get it over with now while you’re here.”
counter. He then gave up control to
Sands briefly so he could sign the receipt.
curious about the differences between them, he had noticed a marked change in
their handwriting. That probably had
something to do with the fact that he was left-handed and Sands was right, but
it was enough to cause problems should someone pay enough attention to his
signature and Sands’ on the back of the credit card.
“It’s been a
pleasure, Jeffrey,” Blakenly murmured as heckeecked
the receipt against the credit card. Handing
it back, he actually apologized. s'> “Policy
I’maid,aid,” he said in reference to the check.
“Your suit will be waiting for you this afternoon.
“Thank you again.”
turned and made his way out of the store.
******************************
Jeffrey gaped a little as he walked
into the boutique Mr. Blakenly had recommended.
store in all his life, Brooks Brothers included.
what he supposed were tasteful tones. In
truth, he couldn’t have cared less. As
long as they had the dress he had in mind for Salida, that
was good enough for him.
“Hello.
ones obviously present for fashion purposes – appeared from the back as the
bell over the door rang. She was dressed
in what Jeffrey managed to immediately identify as her own creations, and while
the decor spoke of old money and very classic taste, the woman in front of him
managed to offset that enough that he felt a bit more comfortable.
‘Christie’ paused
in front of him, as if measuring his interest and reason for being here.
for a significant other. You don’t seem
to be the type to cross-dress.”
“I wouldn’t put it
past him,” Sands jibed under his breath good-naturedly.
Jeffrey laughed at
her words, ignoring Sands’ comment. “No,
you’re definitely right about that. I’d
never manage in high heels. I don’t have
the fucking balance. Er, excuse the
language,” he commented, watching her carefully to see if she was offended.
“Ah, for what sort
of occasion?” Christie asked, getting down to business.
“Just a fancy
dinner tonight, maybe dancing. I don’t
know. It’s up to her.
Jeffrey said with a smirk.
“Really?” Sands
asked in surprise, forgetting himself.
“I mean, you must
have a lot of guys coming through not knowing what they want.
cursing Sands silently. s'> He had stayed
fucking silent while buying a suit; the least Sands could do was the same.
which one I want though.”
“Okay,
woman stared at the floor blankly for a few moments before looking up.
Two floor-length – one silk, one satin detailed
with sequins – and one cocktail.
that ends just above the knee.
Then I’ve also got two others that have colored
embroideries on them. One with gold, the
other with black. Would you like to see
them all, or just the ones that are plain blue?”
“Uh, hold on, let
me think a moment,” Jeffrey said with a bit of a laugh.
before in my life so you’ll have to bear with me.
doesn’t have to be anything else on it – sleeveless, and in silk or satin.
ones?”
“Certainly.
couch, then buzzed around the smallish shop,
collecting the dresses she wanted.
Returning a few moments later, she said, “I was wrong.
came back for it. First come, first
served I’m afraid. Now,” with deft
flicks of her wrists, she threw the dresses over several nearby stands.
than color, material, and a few odd alterations.
necklines. This one,” she held up a
midnight blue dress, “this one is the longest.
It’s got a slit up the side,” she turned it to show what she was talking
about, “to allow for better mobility. It
has ties for sleeves, and there’s no worrying about a zipper.
she might end up giving an unintentional peep show.”
that was a light, powder blue. “This one
ends a few inches below the knee, has a bit of a slit in the back, and is
rather form-fitting. Think the girl in ‘Raiders
of the lost
she was wearing during the third act, and you’ll be
close to how it’ll hang on your wife’s body.
This one I would recommend for someone on the petite side, just because
it’ll look more flattering. Fastens by a
zipper in the back. And lastly, this is
the cocktail dress.” Tone one was sapphire
blue. “It’s satin, not silk, so it’s
just a bit more substantial. Again, low
back, scoop front. The straps are almost
off the shoulder, but not quite. It ends
oh, two to three inches above the knee.
There’s two buttons in the back as the closure.”
Jeffrey looked from
dress to dress, trying to imagine how Salida would look in each. He liked the
longest for the tantalizing high slit up the side, and the possibility of a
peep show was always appreciated. The
tight one had its own appeal for somewhat similar reasons.
How the fuck am I supposed to decide?
“I’ll take them all,” he said at last.
decide between them. I can always return
one or two of them, right?”
“Well, normally I
don’t allow returns, simply because these are all my own creation.
of them back. But if I find even a spot,
I’m afraid I won’t be able to give a refund.”
She shrugged. “I’m a self-run
business, other than my two seamstresses.
I can’t afford to be taking things back all the time.”
He waved a hand in
dismissal. “Don’t worry about that.
more often to show off all the new dresses.
things besides just the dresses. I had
planned on getting her some jewelry, but I’m probably going to need more than
that, right?” he asked, thinking back on how much he had had to buy with the
suits.
“Well, that depends
on how much she already has. With
several of these, she’ll probably need stockings.
whether you’d like to see her with her hair up or down.
so perhaps a wrap, or shawl to cover her shoulders.
go elsewhere for jewelry. But luckily
for you, there’s a jewelry store right next door.”
“Thank God,”
Jeffrey muttered under his breath, a little floored about all the things that
would be expected to go with this. He
had just intended to buy her the dress and some jewelry, nothing more.
“She’ll need
everything but stockings,” Sands interjected.
at the amount they had to purchase, he hid it better.
ahead and just show you what I think will go with the dresses the best.
what you’ll need. And like
I said, you’ll need to make a decision about hair.
suggest wearing hair up, but with the mid-length one, I’d go for down.
impression. And the best accessory for
both hair-styles would be combs. You can
do pretty much anything with them.”
“Combs?
slight frown, not understanding how something as small as a comb could hold all
of vixen’s hair up.
“Here, let me show
you.” Leading Jeffrey to a small,
glassed in curio cabinet in the back, Christie pulled o pai pair of combs.
long. “Basically, the principal is the
same as fixing your hair with a pair of pens, or chopsticks.
chignon, or a smaller pair,” she pulled out a pair that were about 3x3, “to
pull sections of hair back. Like so.”
hair back in the front and leave the back to hang free.
“Oh,” Sands and
Jeffrey said together. Jeffrey
continued. “Yeah, I guess I’ll take some
of those then,” he said with a bit of a laugh.
but I’m sure she’ll appreciate them. What
else?”
“A shawl, or a
wrap, and you’ll be set to go.” Reaching
towards a nearby rack, the woman pulled a length of blue fabric free.
Christie showed off the distinctive pattern and the fringe along the ends.
matches all three of the dresses. There’s
no sense in buying more than one if one works for all.
would be a bit heavier, if not as pretty.”
“I’ll take that
one. The silk.
the ‘waste not, want not,’ philosophy. She
won’t be happy that I bought all three of the dresses as it is.
though she may love it.” He shrugged.
Christie
shrugged. “Look at it this way; she’ll
never waste money except on what’s needed.
And she’ll be easier to shop for if she only ever buys what she
needs. Most men pray that shopping for
their wives would be that easy.”
“Most men don’t
have more money than they know what to do with,” Jeffrey returned.
“No.
doesn’t have a pair of black shoes – that’s what Iecomecommend with these.
there’s a shop around the corner. Just
make sure you know what size she wears, and then a good rule of thumb is to
choose a shoe half a size up if they’ve got an extreme point on them.”
brought them over the counter. She rang
them up, then carefully folded them and packed them away in tissue and boxes.
have them sent to your residence? You
can send a note with them if you like.”
“I’ve got other
things to take back so sending them home would be the best idea,” Jeffrey said
with a nod, trying to keep straight where he had to go next.
shoes. Got it.
“Ok, then I’ll need
your address. And like I said, feel free
to include a note. Or would you rather
call?”
“I’d rather send a
note, it’d be more fun and mysterious,” he said with a wink, “but I’d better
call or she’ll open the boxes as soon as they get there and I don’t want that.
Oleander, room 1171. Do you have a phone
I could use?”
“Yeah.”
phone up from underneath the counter. “Here
you are.”
He dialed home,
thankful when Christie gave him some privacy.
she picked up the phone.
“Hello sunrise,”
Sands added as an afterthought.
“Sorry, I can’t
speak right now. I’m too busy trying to
key miy mind off what you’re doing. At
least when Sands is out by himself, I don’t obsess.
“None taken,” Sands
said with a short laugh.
“Well this isn’t
going to fucking help any, vixen. I’m
having a package delivered. And you are
to not, I
fucking repeat, not open it until I
get there. If you do, then you’ll be
punished. And I can guarantee that you
won’t like the punishment. Savvy?”
“
deliver it to the front desk with orders that I’m not to touch it?
“I do actually,”
Jeffrey said with a smirk he was somewhat glad she couldn’t see.
desk, otherwise I would. Sorry, vixen.
when you open it. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she muttered
petulantly. “But I don’t like it.”
“That’s my wife.
run. Also, if any other fucking packages
are sent home, you aren’t to open any of those either.
just a fucking preemptive strike,” he said with a bit of a laugh.
“You’re no fun,”
she groused.
Jeffrey heard a loud sigh on the other end of the receiver, right before
Salida quietly said, “I love you. I don’t
know if I told you yet today, but I do.”
“I am too fun.
when I – oh right, I’m not supposed to tell you about that yet,” Jeffrey
trailed off wickedly. “I love you too,
vixen,” with that, he hung up the phone, not bothering to give Sands a chance
to say goodbye. He turned back to
Christie. “Alright, how about I pay for
this lot and head on about my day? Thanks
for all your help by the way.”
“No problem, that’s
what I’m here for. Is there anything
else I can assist you with?”
“Uh, you said there’s
a jewelry store next door and a shoe store up the block, right?
just the dresses?”
and the accessories you chose.”
Finishing her directions, Christie took the phone back.
go around the corner, the shoe store is right there.
shopping there. They do quality work.”
“I suppose that
works,” Jeffrey said, once more having Sands sign the credit receipt.
as signing his money away, but he kept his tongue.
taken because the signatures didn’t match.
“Thank you, again.
nodding to Christie. If it had been left
up to him and Jeffrey or worse yet, just Jeffrey himself, they would have been
still looking.
“It’s what I’m here
for. Now get going.”
for Marie at the shoe store. Just tell
them I sent you and they’ll help you out.”
“Got it.
before she could ask about the slip up. He
made his way next door to the jewelry store without hesitation.
isn’t that fucking precious,” he muttered to himself softly.
They walked next
door, and walked in the open door of the shop.
There only seemed to be two people on duty, both of them women.
“Hi, um I’m looking
for some jewelry for my wife. Christie
from next door told me to ask for Jules?” he said, addressing both women at the
same time, not knowing which one was the one he was looking for.
“That would be me,”
the blond woman spoke up. “And I’m not
surprised she told you to find me. We
used to be roommates. I just happen to
know what goes best with the style of her creations.”
“Something for my
wife to go with the dresses I just bought next door.
said with a shrug.
“Perhaps a necklace
and bracelet. Maybe some earrings,”
Sands put in, not liking to see Jeffrey fluster because he didn’t like to see
himself fluster. He didn’t like people
staring at him when he made a mistake – waiting for him to make another – and
he knew Jeffrey didn’t either. This was
“Ok,
and what kind of outfit is this intended to be worn with?
“Dresses on the
fancier side, and as for the stones, perhaps sapphire to match them,” Sands
ventured.
“And in silver.
Jeffrey added.
“Alright.
him to a stool in front of a display case.
“If I know the sort of styles being talked about – simple but elegant –
then I’m going to suggest some rather simple jewelry to go with it.
being worn. At least not by the face.”
neck? And her bone structure?”
“Uh, her bone
structure?” Jeffrey asked somewhat incredulously before deciding to humor the
woman in front of him since she obviously seemed to know what she was doing.
touching her sometimes so . . . delicate I guess?
long I suppose,” he said with a shrug.
Jules smiled.
me get a feel for what pieces would compliment the wearer best.
looking to spend total? I can think of
several attractive packages that I could put together in several price ranges.”
“Money’s not really
an object,” Sands said, successfully keeping the sigh out of his voice.
though, if he really thought about it. What
kept her happy kept Jeffrey happy which kept him happy.
“My wife doesn’t
really like me spending a ton of money on her but if there’s an expensive piece
that’s worth it and something I like too, I’ll take it anyway,” Jeffrey said
with a shrug. He was thankful that these
last two stores at least didn’t have anyone like that bitch in Brooks Brothers,
looking down on him for what he was fucking wearing today.
“Then here’s what I
recommend.” She pulled out a third case,
and picked a bracelet up from it. It had
a double row of sapphires with diamonds occasionally thrown in for effect.
a designer right here in
the eye. To go with it. . .” she stopped
to think, then pulled out several necklaces, “one of
these I think.” The first one was three
one carat sapphires hanging vertically, one after another, from a silver
chain. The second was a larger sapphire –
perhaps four carats – surrounded by diamonds.
The third was an entire chain of small sapphires, and the fourth a
filigree web of silver with the same blue stones worked into it.
she pointed to the one with three stones.
“It’s classic, classy, and draws the eye to the neck rather than the
chest.”
“I’ll take that one
then. If that’s what you suggest,”
Jeffrey said with a shrug. He did kind
of like it if he was pressed to make an opinion though.
Which she wouldn’t.
frowned thoughtfully. “Would earrings be
too much added with the pendant and bracelet?”
“Very simple
earrings. Something like this.”
it. “They’re just studs, but they match
the rest.” Two half carat sapphires sat
blinking up at him. “They won’t
overpower her face or anything else that she’s wearing.”
“Perfect.
smile, somewhat relieved that all of this was progressing along so smoothly.
Orleans
hotel desk had said – were for
that restaurants like that wouldn’t hold a table if you were late.
“Alright.
“That will be fine,”
Jeffrey said with a nod. Unlike the
dresses or suits, the jewelry was small and would fit in a bag he could easily
carry. And he wasn’t fucking worried
about getting robbed either.
try to fucking rob me, he thought to himself with a small smirk, his
fingers wanting to move to the knife in anticipation.
did make me fucking promise not to call from jail or while on the run, though.
He sighed in something close to disappointment.
The transaction was
completed quickly enough, and Jeffrey and Sands left, both eager to get this
Taking Christie’s
directions, they walked around the block and soon found the shoe store she’d
been talking about.
This store was bigger than the last two, and there were a dozen or so
customers milling around, looking at the merchandise.
The men shrugged,
but were willing to take the advice of a woman who’d made dress and jewelry
buying so simple.
“Hello, sir.
Jeffrey turned his
side, relieved when the woman’s nametag said “Marie” in capital letters.
“Hi, I was supposed
to talk to you about buying shoes for my wife.
again, somewhat weary of the whole experience.
known it would all be worth it in the end.
Marie laughed.
with clothing, and then sent you to get jewelry as well.
of a man who’s had to do much too much shopping in one day.
helpful as I can. I assume you’re
shopping for a lady friend?”
A smile found its
way to Jeffrey’s face almost instantly without his permission.
said, his smile inching into a slight smirk.
small nod.
“Ok,
and I’m going to assume it’s for a special occasion, or you wouldn’t have been
in to see Christie in the first place.
“Heels.
at least one night,” Jeffrey said with a smirk.
“Ok.
Why don’t you just tell me what size your wife wears,
and I’ll bring out several different pairs.”
“8 ½,” Jeffrey said
automatically, thankful that he had had the foresight to check before leaving.
said, but let it pass for now. “I don’t
suppose there’s someplace where I can sit while you get them?”
“Right over there.”
several women were trying on different shoes.
“I’ll try to be quick.”
“Right, thanks,”
Jeffrey trailed off with a nod, not looking at her as she went to retrieve the
shoes. His eyes were more fixed at the
group of women who were now all looking at him as he made his way to sit down
amongst them. He resisted the urge to
fidget under the group’s collective gaze, noting that they all seemed to be
watching him, the lack of traditional wedding ring on his finger, and most
importantly, the clearly marked jewelry bag he now had settled in his lap.
and scowled in response.
Luckily, Marie was
good to her word, coming back quickly with several boxes.
Jeffrey, she said in a voice that was louder than necessary, “Ok, with a bit of
luck, your wife will like one of
these.” Sitting down of a nearby stool,
she winked, then started pulling lids of boxes,
revealing several different types of shoes, although there were only two
distinct types – heels with a closed toe, and strappy heels.
“Definitely the
tall heels with all the straps. The
stilettos, right? Yeah, I think she’d go
for those,” Jeffrey said with a nod, immeasurably happy to have found the shoes
he had had in mind, and hopefully to have finished his shopping.
“If you’re sure,
then we’ll just ring these up and let you escape the feeding frenzy that’s
going to break out at any moment.”
Marie’s mention of a wife had only turned some of the women’s interest
away.
“Thank you,”
Jeffrey muttered with slightly wide, desperate eyes.
attention. The rest just wanted to get
the fuck out of there. He rose and
followed her to the counter, feeling the hairs at the back of his neck tingle
as he knew his movements were being followed.
He checked his watch when he stopped, and had to take a second look at
the time to make sure he wasn’t seeing things.
Almost two and a half hours had passed since he had left Brooks Brothers
and he hadn’t even had anything to eat yet.
It was time to wrap up this fucking shopping.
“Don’t forget, I’m
supposed to meet Aida pretty soon back at the hotel.
breath.
“So I did,” Jeffrey
muttered back. “Don’t worry, your
precious kitty will be well looked after by my vixen if we’re late.
other. . .” Jeffrey suddenly felt the urge to run home as quickly as
possible. He and Sands repeated the
paying ritual and he was out the door and headed back where he had started.
******************************
He entered Brooks Brothers again and made his way straight
for the main desk, not bothering to look up to see if the bitch was wandering
about, ready to pounce on him again. He
was thankfully greeted by Mr. Blakenly’s kind face.
“Ah, Jeffrey.
Your suit is being boxed as we speak.”
The man got several other boxes from underneath the counter.
the shoes, and the cufflinks. A young
man appeared by his side with another box, disappearing as soon as he’d handed
it over. “As promised, done before
ready for pick-up tomorrow after two.”
Jeffrey looked over
the sea of boxes with something like surprise.
He hadn’t really believed that there would be so many.
“Thank you.
me a cab?” Sands asked with a smile.
“It’s a lot for one person to carry.”
“Not at all.”
well?”
“Very.
“I was able to find
all I was looking for, so hopefully I’m done,” Jeffrey said, letting the
briefest of sighs into his voice.
“And Christie
helped you?” At the quizzical look he
got from both men, he explained, “She’s my daughter.
tailors who used to work here."
himself, keeping the smirk from his face with little effort.
shops actually. I had no idea she was
your daughter though.”
“I’d accuse you of
bias in recommending her, but since she did such a good job I have absolutely
no complaints against her,” Sands added with a short laugh to show
relieved as Jeffrey was that their shopping was almost over with.
for hours on end. The whole experience
was exhausting.
The two men made
small talk for a few more minutes, then the cab
arrived. Blakenly
helped take the boxes out to it, then saw Jeffrey into
it. The three men exchanged
pleasantries, then Jeffrey gave the cabbie the directions to the hotel, and
they left.
******************************
Salida, for all her intentions to catch up on some
with her husband. Throwing a disgusted
glance at the magazines she’d been intending to read, she thought,
She didn’t know how
long she’d been pacing when the door opened.
She spun around, ready to bombard Jeffrey with questions . . . but it
wasn’t Jeffrey. “Oh, it’s just you,” she
sighed, turning back to her pacing.
Aida was surprised
at this totally non-hostile greeting.
the word, it was an improvement in her eyes.
“Hello . . .” she trailed off, not able to remember the woman’s first
name. “I’m sorry.
Salida rolled her
eyes, but answered the question.
“Salida. It’s Spanish for
‘sunrise.’ And I might be married to
Jeffrey, but I’m not using ‘Sands’ as a last name.”
“Why not?” Aida
asked, closing the door behind her and moving into the room.
her feet for the past five hours in the small coffee hut she worked at on
weekends.
“I don’t think
that’d go over well with anyone,” Salida said shortly.
adding that to the pot.” She continued
pacing.
After several
minutes, Aida asked, “Is something wrong?”
Salida grumbled for
a few seconds before saying in an accusing voice, “Jeffrey’s planning a
surprise for me.”
Aida actually
laughed, although it was quietly. “You
make it sound as if he’s plotting against you.”
“Isn’t he?
“Well, surprises
are usually pleasant.”
“Sure, if you call
being tortured by your own curiosity pleasant.”
Salida twirled around. “He
actually sent home packages – after calling to say they were for me – but that
I couldn’t open them.”
“He wants to see
you open them?”
“That’s what he
says. I’m not convinced.”
Aida was growing
puzzled. “You’re acting like you’ve
never received a surprise before.”
Salida glared at
the other woman. “I haven’t,” she said
quietly, before going to her room and slamming to door behind her . . . only to
reappear seconds later. “What’s this I
hear about you having a tumor?” She
plopped down on the couch across from Aida, determined to make the other woman
cure her boredom.
Aida paled.
Her audience
shrugged. “I don’t think he meant
to. It just came out.
herself. “Hey, I may not have gotten the
actual certificate, but Tess did manage to get all the credits necessary to
become a licensed practitioner.” Still
no answer. “Is it operable?”
“No.”
“Then I assume
you’ll be undergoing a strict regimen of chemo and radiation.”
of.”
“Look, why are you
asking me this?” Aida felt her temper
start to fizz under the questioning.
Salida
shrugged. “I’m bored.
thought that bringing a RN into this mess wouldn’t be a good idea.
someone who’s as sick as you’ll be. I
thought I’d offer my services. It’ll
give me something to do, and perhaps even win me, and therefore Jeffrey, some
points with Sands.
Before the
conversation could continue, the door opened again.
“Is it safe to
fucking come in? Or should I dig up some
fucking riot gear?” Jeffrey drawled, stepping through the door.
bouquet of daises before walking over to Salida and handing her a single
blood-red rose. “Forgive me for making
you fucking wait?” he asked with a small smile.
She looked at the
rose, then at her husband untrustingly. “What’d
you do?” she asked, sure that he’d gone out and killed someone.
something I wasn’t aware of?” Jeffrey directed both to Salida
and Sands.
“Not that I know
of. Maybe we have a guilty face?” Sands
ventured with a smirk.
“I don’t have a
fucking guilty look on my face do I, vixen?
be mad at me for teasing you earlier. That’s
all. If you want me to take it back . .
. fuck that. I’m not taking it back.
fucking given and take it.”
“Well excuse me,”
Salida snapped. “It’s not as if I have a
lot of experience with these sort of things, and the
only experience I do have to draw on
is Tessa’s and those aren’t pleasant ones.
It’s not my fault she associated surprises with punishment, now is it?”
“Well maybe I’m fucking
trying to change that! Did you every
fucking think about that, vixen? Maybe I
just wanted to do something fucking nice for you for a change,” Jeffrey
muttered, finding himself suddenly irritated.
her out. “I’m sorry you fucking mistrust
surprises, but there’s fucking nothing I can do about that right now, is there?
I thought at least you trusted me, but
maybe I was fucking wrong.”
“I
audience. “I trust you with my life,
mo
more importantly, my heart. And I’m
sorry I’m having a hard time too, but look,” she pointed at the pile of boxes
set just inside the door. “They’re not
opened are they? So I trust you in that
too. I trust you, I trust your judgment . . . just falling asleep in this hotel
room every night is an issue of trust, considering how we all get along.”
collapse a bit. “Look, just forget I
said anything. I’m being irrational and
overly sensitive, and I should have kept how I was feeling to myself.”
Jeffrey smiled and
felt higer ger melt away at her words. “It’s
fucking forgotten,” he said with a smirk, running the blossom of the rose over
her face. “So are you going to take this
or am I going to continue to stand here looking like an ass in front of kitty
over there? Oh, and the sooner you take
this, the sooner you begin to find out what’s in the boxes.
not?” he asked playfully, tapping it on the top of her head before moving it
just out of her reach.
Salida had to hold
back tears of frustration at Jeffrey’s insensitivity, but she managed to give
him a small smile and reach for the rose.
“Thank you,” she whispered, trying desperately to hide the fact that she
was still upset. “But I think you should
let Sands spend some time with Grant if you’re going to be demanding most of
the night to yourself.”
He handed the rose
to her without further play, reaching over to run a hand down her cheek gently.
“Kitty and Sands, do you two mind if I
let vixen open a few boxes first?”
Sands shrugged.
spend time with Aida he didn’t really care.
what Jeffrey had surprised her with.
Aida shrugged as
well. “Might as well show her that not
all surprises are bad. I’ll be in Sands’
room.” She ducked out to give the couple
a bit of privacy.
Salida smiled, even
though she didn’t really feel like it.
She also didn’t really feel like opening anything, but she’d do it to
make her husband happy. “So, which one
do you want me to open?”
Jeffrey sighed. “Vixen,
this isn’t fucking about me. This is
about you.
around the fucking city shopping for
right now, that’s alright.
you to get ready to go to dinner to look through the boxes.
for myself as well. They should be
coming up soon. I couldn’t
bellhop to do it. And if you
open whichever one you like.
besides those as well. They’ll be coming
up with my boxes.”
“Wait.”
fed up and ready to give in to Sands.
Wrapping her hands in his shirt, she pulled him down for a gentle
kiss. Pulling away a bit, she whispered,
“I really am sorry, and I do want to open something if it’ll make you
happy. I . . . I just don't know where
to start. There’s so
She looked up at him with wide eyes, then let
her head roll back in frustration as a knock came at the door.
it?”
“Either that, or it’s
the police come to take me away,” he joked softly, kissing her on the forehead.
He then led her over to the door, behind
which the bellhop was waiting. Between
the two of them, they managed to carry all the boxes into the hotel room and
set them on the ground beside the other ones.
shoes on top of the lot. “Do you
understand that I want you to open one of the boxes to make
pick. Just know that the boxes with the
funny little sheep icon on them are mine, and the ones with ribbons and girly
names on them are yours, savvy?”
Salida knew Jeffrey
was getting a bit frustrated with her, so she decided just to shut up.
ruined it. Reaching for the smallest
bag, she looked inside it, her eyes widening at the small jewelry boxes
inside.
cautiously shaking it a bit. She thought
it might be shoes, but she wasn’t sure.
Setting down the box anyway, she decided to open one of Jeffrey’s and
then one of hers. She just had to figure
out which ones.
Jeffrey watched
with some amusement as she sorted through boxes, finally setting aside one of
hers and one of his. She glanced up at
him for reassurance before lifting the lid.
The box she’d
chosen had his shirts and ties inside it.
She fingered them softly, a real smile finally appearing as she
discovered they were silk. “Lemme guess,
Sands picked them out.”
“You must be
fucking psychic,” Jeffrey said with a roll of his eyes and a grin.
knowing the first thing about suits, it was . . . interesting to say the least.
I met the manager though.
guy. He was married to the bitch,” he
said with an incredulous laugh, still not fully understanding it himself.
Not me.”
She looked at him
for a moment, as if she wasn’t sure he’d just said that, then
shook her head, dismissing her thoughts.
Moving on to the
box with some of her things in it, she opened it very slowly, freezing when she
saw what was inside. Jeffrey leaned over
to see what she was looking at: it was the silk shawl and the two pairs of
silver combs. He hadn’t noticed the blue
forget-me-nots painted at the top before, but he had to admit that it was a
nice touch.
He watched as his
wife reached out to stoke the soft material with a hand that trembled, but when
several minutes went by without her saying anything, he tilted his head to look
her.her. There were tears running from
her eyes.
“Fuck, don’t cry
vixen. It’s only the first box,” he
reached over and pulled out a silk handkerchief that Sands kept in a back
pocket and handed it to her. “I haven’t
got another handkerchief. If you’re
going to fucking cry for every one,” he looked at the number of boxes, “then I’m
in trouble,” he said with a small smile.
She nodded and
leaned into him, sniffing as his arms went around her.
. it doesn’t absorb as well as cotton would.”
“Don’t fucking tell
me that, tell him. I’m not the one with
the obsession with silk,” he said with a soft laugh, moving her head into his
shoulder and just holding her tightly. “Are
you alright, vixen? Because like you
said, there’s a lot more boxes to open, and seeing as
I don’t have a cotton handkerchief. . .” he trailed off with a smile before
just finally shutting up and holding her.
She shook her head
and sighed. “You really should let Sands
have some time with Aida. It’s getting
close to five. But if I could have you
back at seven to wade through the rest of these, that’d be nice.”
Jeffrey sighed, and
pulled away from her. “You’re definitely
more fucking generous than I am. Fine.
be back at seven, vixen. We’re not done
with all of this yet,” he said with a smirk and a wink before pulling her in
for a passionate kiss. Once he had
pulled away, leaving them both slightly gasping for breath, he smiled again and
spoke softly, “Until later, vixen.” He
pulled away then and after a moment, it was Sands who was staring back at her.
Sands just watched
her for a moment, making Salida uncomfortable enough to look away.
hours. You should stop wasting time staring
at me and go make the most of it.”
Sands didn’t have
to be told twice. He got up with one
last look in Salida’s direction, and headed back to his room where he knew Aida
was waiting. He poked his head into the
door and saw her sitting on the bed. “Hello,
spitfire.”
She grinned at him.
“I hope you’re not planning revenge for
earlier. I’m too tired to even
contemplate a rematch.”
He moved in and sat
down next to her on the bed. “That was a
dirty trick you pulled, and I will
get you back for it, but fine. I can
wait. Not for long – I’m not a patient
man by nature – but for now. He reached
a hand over to her face and tucked a few errant curls behind one of her ears.
Her grin faded a
bit. “I’ve got a bit of a headache,” she
admitted. “It’s nothing to worry about –
a dose of Advil should take care of it – but I didn’t really know where to look
for any. Not to mention I was only here
ten minutes before you and Jeffrey came home.”
“I could go out and
get you some if you like. I don’t know
that we keep anything like that here considering that this is just basically a
hotel room,” he thought for a minute before speaking again.
afraid,” he said with a sigh, hating to leave her alone even for just an
evening.
“I’ll be fine on my
own, Sands.”" She hit him gently on
the shoulder. “I’m a big girl,
remember? Used to endless nights on my
own. And while I love having you with
me, I’m still not convinced this isn’t all a dream.
I’m not really hungry. I had a
big salad for lunch. And we could ask
Salida if she’s got any Advil.” Smiling
wryly, she added, “After all, the woman practically offered to be my nurse.”
“Yeahah. ah.
wryly. “And what do you mean sunrise
offered to be your fucking nurse?” Sands asked, a wave of suspicion immediately
going through him. “What the hell did
you and she talk about while we were gone?
two didn’t get along?” he asked, clearly confused now.
“Well . . . we don’t.
think she was just trying to relieve some boredom.
be with her husband? That’d wear on
anyone.” She shook her head, “But that’s
a debate for another time. If
together. Let’s find a really bad movie
to watch, then mock it ruthlessly.” She
grinned temptingly. “I heard Wayne’s
World is going to be on. If there’s
a movie more deserving of harassment, I don’t know what it is.”
Sands quirked an
eyebrow at that, deciding to put the information he had learned about Salida to
the side for the moment. He had more
pressing things on his mind; like spending time with Aida.
shrug and a smirk.
“You’ll hate it,”
she assured him with a smile. “I can’t
see it being your type of humor at all.
grabbed the remote from the drawer next to Sands’ side of the bed and started
flipping through channels. As she did,
she grabbed the pillows and threw them
on them heavily.
“You’re hogging all
the pillows,” Sands accused with an amused smile.
“I suppose you’ll
have to improvise then, won’t you?”
Shaking his head,
Sands reached over and moved Aida, arranging her to his satisfaction, before
wrapping his arms around her middle and resting his head on her back.