Chapter 4
Becky arrived in the morning at nine, giving her friend evil grins while she watched her brush her hair. She could tell there was something different about Chloe but was determined to avoid drawing conclusions.
“Let's walk down to the beater car, Beck." Hopefully no one had it towed.
“Where are we going?”
“Shopping. Lots of shopping.”
“Oh, I love to shop!”
Chloe called Sherry to make sure the apartment was available to move in today. She was excited to have her and said the apartment had been cleaned, repainted, and had new carpet installed. Chloe couldn’t thank her enough.
She put on her sneakers and talked rapidly to Becky. “We’ll have to go to the thrift shop, because they’ll have everything I need for the apartment.”
“A. Thrift. Shop.”
“Come on, Beck. It’ll be fun. We’ll have to call a company and get movers or something. I don’t know how this works, but it has to get done today.”
“Wait a minute. Did you sleep with him?”
“Let’s just say, the pool will never be the same…”
Chloe was halfway down the stairs when the Coach label on her purse caught her eye. Running back upstairs, she dug around until she found a passable bag and then headed through the gates with Becky. When she informed the guards they were going for a run, the men were quick to notice Becky’s heels but didn’t say a word. Who knew what young women did these days?
Chloe and Becky were relieved to see the car still sitting where they'd left it. They had to drive past the guesthouse next door, but luckily the work crew was on the opposite side of the roof. It was necessary that Matthew didn’t see them in the new car. He was still unaware Chloe had purchased it.
“What are you going to tell Lois when she realizes you no longer live at the house?”
“I’m going to be staying at your place for a few months. We’ve done it in the past, but for shorter durations. Besides, Lois would never rat me out.”
“I hope your parents don’t end up calling me for information.”
“When was the last time my parents spoke with you in person or otherwise?”
“Your engagement party, and before that….uh…”
“Right. That’s my point.”
Pulling up at the thrift shop, Chloe busted out laughing at Becky’s emotional meltdown.
“Becky…”
“What?! Seriously, this is unsafe.” Becky began removing her jewelry and stuffing her purse under the seat.
“Are you afraid you’re going to get mugged or something?”
“I just think I’ll look ridiculous going inside that store wearing thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry. Lock the doors!” Becky walked around to all four doors making sure they were locked.
Chloe was rolling in laughter. “You look petrified. The best thing to do to avoid being attacked is act confident. Besides, no one knows that your jewelry is real. You seriously need to relax.”
“I’ll relax when we’re out of here.” Becky grabbed Chloe's hand and made a run for the store.
Chloe was like a child in a candy store. The thrift shop sold just about everything she’d need, but they’d definitely have to hire movers. She got lucky after calling the fourth moving company and found out they weren’t booked for the afternoon. She hired them to come to the store and haul items directly out to the truck. After much convincing to the manager that she could pay for everything, Chloe pulled the crumpled list of things she’d need from her pocket, and off she went through the aisles. Becky stayed very close behind, frequently looking at the large front window to check on the car.
It only took a couple hours for Chloe to pick out the items she wanted. The last item she picked out was a bed.
“You’re not actually going to sleep on that, are you?”
“No, Becky. Even I have limits! I’m using the frame, but I’ll buy a new mattress.” She didn’t know what was more fun, this move, or watching her friend.
They drove to a local department store and purchased some off-brand items she’d need. When they pulled away, the car was stuffed full of pots, pans, dinnerware, towels, washcloths, and other odds and ends. With a wide smile, Chloe drove to her new home. Becky was a wreck as soon as they left the suburbs.
“Drive faster, Chloe, I mean it!”
“Relax. You’re going to hyperventilate.”
Chloe did pick up her speed a little after crossing the tracks. It wasn’t out of fear, it was from pure adrenaline, pure excitement.
With some financial incentive, the movers followed the girls to other stores and loaded items up. They worked hard and efficiently once they arrived at the apartment. Becky bought her a small table and chairs for her balcony, which overlooked a vacant lot. With sweaty brows, the girls sat on the slightly worn sofa and fanned their faces.
“Becky, I’m starving.” When she opened the refrigerator door, she began cracking up. “We forgot to buy food!”
They drove to a decent sized grocery store about three miles away and stocked up on everything she thought a kitchen needed. After putting the items away, Chloe looked around and saw the place as a real home.
“It feels really weird not living in a museum.”
“Hey stop bragging! I still live in one but I love it. I couldn’t imagine myself living without all the perks of wealth. But I’m happy for you, Chloe. I’m really, really happy.” She hugged her friend closely.
“I couldn’t have done this without you. But we need to fly back to the house so Matthew doesn’t find the need to pop over to the museum without me there.”
Matthew was walking to his truck to change his shirt when John approached him.
“Are you doing okay, Matt?”
“Sure am. Why?”
“You haven’t said two words today, and you’ve been way happier than I’ve ever seen you.”
“My lips are sealed.” Matthew smiled.
“It’s a girl, isn’t it?! Oh my God. You hooked up with that blonde next door…”
“Her name is Chloe. I don’t want to say anything I’ll regret, but she’s different, ya know? I didn’t want to leave her last night, and I can’t wait to see her today.”
“I take it that stopping by Cars on the way home is out of the question,” laughed John.
“I’ve never been so excited to fly home and jump in the shower in all my life.”