Beneath the scars

Chapter 10

Asia’s POV

By the time we left the house, Rachel had already taken over the playlist in my car, complained about three songs I’d chosen and reminded me twice that I was not allowed to talk about Fletcher Group until after brunch.

“I mean it,” she said as I pulled into the restaurant parking lot. “If you mention board meetings before I finish my coffee, I’m leaving you with the bill.”

I laughed as I switched off the engine.

“But you invited me…why will I pay.”

“Well you’ve got all these spare cash you’re not using…so.”she said sarcastically while referring to my basic outfit and it made us both laugh.

We walked into the restaurant together, and the hostess immediately led us to a table by the window. Rachel was a regular here, which meant everyone greeted her like an old friend.

The waiter handed us our menus, but Rachel didn’t even open hers.

“I already know what I want.”

“You didn’t even take a look at the menu.”

“I dont need to I practically live here at this point.”

She closed my menu before I could protest.

“You’ll be having the lobster tacos and not that salad I know you are going to order.”

I leaned back in my chair.

“Have I ever told you you’re exhausting?”I rolled my eyes and gave a little smile.

“Yep…Every single time we meet.”

“And it never bothers you?”

“Nope…it actually encourages me.”

The waiter returned, and Rachel ordered enough food to feed what looked like an entire family. I added one or two things to the order before handing the menu back.

After brunch, we stepped back into the afternoon sunshine, and Rachel clapped her hands together with excitement.

“Now…”

I already knew what was coming.

“The shopping,” she said proudly while pointing toward the luxury mall across the street before letting out a dramatic sigh.

“I still think this is unnecessary.”

Rachel linked her arm through mine and started pulling me toward the entrance.

“You’ll thank me later.”

“I doubt it.”

“Oh, you will.”

I smiled despite myself.

The glass doors of the mall slid open in front of us as Rachel confidently led the way inside.

“First stop,” she announced, already scanning the directory. “You’re getting a dress.”

“I don’t need a dress.”

“Oh darling…yes you do.”

“I already have dresses.”

Rachel laughed.”No you don’t…and I really hope we are not talking about those…hmm…clothes in your wardrobe.”she said with her hands on my shoulders like she felt sorry for my fashion sense.

“We’re fixing that today.”

Before I could come up with another excuse, she was already pulling me toward one of the largest designer boutiques on the first floor.

I had a feeling arguing with Rachel was going to be just as expensive as shopping with her.

We had spent what felt like the whole day shopping around the mall and Racheal just thought that was a great start to changing my wardrobe.

We were almost done and about to leave the fitting area when Rachel suddenly stops talking.

I noticed Rachel’s expression change and I turn my gaze to see what she’s looking at.

Across the boutique was Jane.

She was standing with three women from Fletcher Group, holding shopping bags and laughing.

And just then she looks up and our eyes meet.Jane’s smile widens as she made her way to us.