Dear R,
While you were at work, I thought I'd share those thoughts I told you I had yesterday. Remember what I mentioned about shopping? This is what I imagined could happen, had you been with me. I hope you enjoy it.
Love, J
I had agreed to go shopping with you because I needed some new pants. You know how I hate shopping. I like to go in, get what I want and get out. With you I knew it wouldn't be that simple.
As I expected, I found what I needed pretty quickly. I know my sizes, there is rarely a need to try things on. I found two pairs of pants that I liked and I was ready. I did browse some hats but decided against getting the camouflage baseball hat. (Grins)
I found you in the women's section straight away. Hoping against hope that we can get this over with and maybe grab some lunch. My hopes were dashed as soon as I saw you. You already had at least four items draped over your arm and still you were flipping through the rack. You saw me and smiled. Asking me to hold your things, you continued browsing.
I waited for you patiently for awhile. Occasionally, you would ask me what I think about this or that item. I gave the standard, 'that's nice' answer. I was thoroughly bored and slightly embarrassed about standing in a department store women's clothing section with an armful of clothes. At least you didn't ask me to hold your purse.
After what seemed like hours, you were satisfied with your wardrobe choices, it was then that you informed me there was stuff you wanted to check out in housewares. I let out an exasperated sigh. You placed your hand on my arm and gave me a sweet smile. Standing on your toes, you raised up and kissed my cheek.
"Just a little bit longer, I promise," you told me.
I nodded my assent and we headed to housewares. My mind was floating as you browsed through towels and bedsheets and lord knows what else. My brain needed food and quite possibly a strong drink. I didn't dare look at my watch. I didn't want to know how long we had been here. It felt like days to me.
When you had decided against upgraded our bath and bed accessories, you informed me you wanted to look at kitchen supplies. My mind reached its breaking point. Suddenly, the memory of my last trip to this particular store came back to me. I remembered the fitting rooms and the fact they were unisex, large and if you went all the back, quite private.
I stopped in my tracks and squeezed the hand you were using to drag me along. You turned back to me and I could see in your face you were about to tell me 'just a little bit longer' again. The words never left your mouth as your eyes met mine and I assume registered my resolve.
"I think we need to try some of this stuff on," I said in a low voice.
Your eyes went wide as your mind registered my meaning. I turned on my heels and headed towards the fitting rooms. I was now leading you in tow, but it seemed you were following quite willingly.
I wanted to look back and register your expression, but decided to use my imagination and let the tension build. I imagined your face turning red. I know how easily embarrassed you get when thinking of certain things. If you were thinking what I was thinking at this moment, the hue on your cheeks would have made an apple jealous.
We reached the counter in front of the fitting rooms and the motherly looking woman at the desk looked up.
"How many items," she asked.
"I have two," I told her. She handed me a ticket and turned her attention to you.
"And you dear," she asked you. You didn't answer right away. I squeezed your hand firmly in mine and you snapped back to reality.