Shopping

It has been a week since the incident of the rumors, but oddly enough, it seemed like it never happened. I was sure that I would be facing some weird looks from my colleagues, but a few days later, no one spared me a second glance. I guess it has something to do with Robbie, but I am still glad. Life went back to normal, yet somehow it was not the same as before. Robbie would often call me asking about my day and Twen. I am still unsure of how to react to Robbie's sudden affection. However, he kept his word and is not invading my personal space, so in return, I can only show him some respect by not ignoring him.

"What are you contemplating about?" I heard Tanya's voice.

I was standing in the smoking zone, which barely had anyone at the moment. Tanya hates the smell of the smoke, so she never comes here. So, I was slightly surprised to see her. She was carefully examining my expression, but I broke into a smile seeing her serious scrutiny.

"Do I look handsome?" I joked.

Tanya blinked before smiling softly, "You always look handsome," she answered with a wink.

"Yeah, right," I rolled my eyes before saying, "I was just pondering over trivial things, don't worry."

"Hmmm," Tanya said moodily, leaning on the wall, "I thought that the incident is still weighing on you."

I shrugged. She continued, "The CEO got everything wrapped, so you can relax."

After the incident, Tanya clearly knew who my bonded alpha was but did not ask much about it. I am truly glad, as I had no desire to talk about my past.

"Hey, I checked the roster today, and both of us have an off tomorrow. How about we go shopping?"

Tanya suddenly asked. I smoked out laughing, "You want me to accompany you? I am not much of a shopper. You'll be completely bored."

"Then, how do you get things?" she asked in a wondering tone.

"Online," I answered simply. It was the truth. I did not like toiling for hours in various shops to buy one item. So, I prefer to check it out online and get it delivered.

Tanya made a face and said in a forceful tone, "We are going. I am sure you have not gone out shopping with friends. So, you don't know the charm of it. Tomorrow at 11, we are leaving for shopping."

Tanya finished leaving no room for rejection. I opened my mouth to convince her, but she poked out her tongue and immediately left. I shook my head and decided to hang out with her after all.

**Next Day**

The next day, Tanya came to my place at dot 11 and went through my wardrobe to choose my outfit. I felt I was being pushed around by an overly zealous kid but seeing her enthusiasm, I felt more warm than annoyed. I don't remember if anyone has fussed about my outfit and looks before. Seeing her behaving like a bossy little sister, I could only smile. We went to Cunningham Road. It was a street that was strictly for walking and was filled with malls, pubs, restaurants, clothing stores, etc. Tanya kept jumping from one shop to another.

"The clothes are so dull. Who wears such dull monochrome clothes?"

"Let's go over there. Ah! Thank goodness it has some bright colors…"

"Oh, look at that, they have opened a Bouquet mall there!! You know, it has all the premium and luxury brands. Let's check out there."

Tanya grabbed hold of my arm and started pulling me towards the mall. I stopped her asking in a surprised tone, "Luxury? Do you seriously want to spend your money on such expensive clothes and shoes?"

"Why not? I am still young. Is it necessary to worry about money so soon? This is the age for me to fulfill my desires. I should worry about my expenses when I cross thirty," she laughed.

"Sure sure!" I shook my head helplessly. Of course, she is not married yet or has a child to take care of. Naturally, she does not have to worry much.

We were looking around in the ladies section for a one-piece that attracted Tanya when I saw that there was also a kid's section. I started looking through some of the kid's clothes when Tanya came from behind me, speaking in an exhausted tone,

"Seriously, buy something for yourself too!! You are only 25!"

I laughed at her complaining. "Well, I am not hunting for boyfriends that I have to dress myself up. I am fine with minimalistic things, but Twen's growing up. Every few months I have to get new clothes for him as the old ones are quickly becoming small. I want to give him something memorable!"

"Tony, you have needs too. You are Twen's mom, so you naturally put his wants and needs first, but what about yours? You can't be planning to stay single till death?"

"I am bonded," I shrugged, looking at her cross face.

"Yeah yeah…try some blind date. I am sure you will find someone," she told me grumpily.

Finally, after purchasing everything we needed, we started to leave, when the voice from the television suddenly said, "Next song from Brian Madison". I saw Tanya suddenly freeze up while opening the door. I tilted my head to see what made her stop. To my surprise, Tanya looked slightly pale, and her hand on the door was trembling. In confusion, I touched Tanya's shoulder to call her, but she jumped as if I had electrocuted her.

"Tanya?" I asked, blinking.

"Oh, I am so sorry. L-Lets go out," she said in a very awkward manner and went out before I could say anything.

Feeling blank, I followed her. Outside, she seemed to have bounced back to her real self as if just now, whatever I saw was an illusion. She spoke in her usual chirpy voice,

"I always wanted to eat in the Deliziosa restaurant. It is the best Italian restaurant. It is just around the corner."

"Deliziosa is at the end of the lane, not exactly around the corner," I said, squinting at her trying to be sure that she is fine, "My friend's father owns it."

However, Tanya showed no abnormality but spoke in her general tone, with astonished eyes, "How come you have contacts with all these celebrities? You are full of surprises."

"It's a long story I will tell you when I have time," I said, smiling at her.

"Can we get a free treat since it's your friend's restaurant?!" Tanya asked. excitedly.

"That's not happening," I laughed.

We reached Deliziosa after a fifteen-minute walk. The restaurant was more luxurious than I thought. The first storey in itself looked like a five-star restaurant. On the floor above, I could see small cubicles of several sizes. I remember Fred telling me that the idea of the cubicle was his. I really wanted to go up and check, but we have already booked a table for two. At the entrance, we were welcomed by a petite woman in her late twenties with a neatly tied bun and a pretty smile. She was very courteous and extremely well trained. She was the one who booked and guided us to our table. The high level of service and the extravagant and exotic ambience was very infectious. I couldn't stop myself from feeling comfortable. I saw Tanya awestruck. She kept chirping like a very excited little kid. I smiled widely. I never got the opportunity to be a brother to my little siblings. Dad didn't want me anywhere near them. With Tanya, I somehow feel like she filled that gap since she is being spoilt and nagging all the time.

"This could be an educational trip for us. We could compare it to the quality, taste, quantity, price and hygiene of our hotel food. If it is superior, we could try to implement it in our menu as well."

I didn't think about it, but it did sound like a good idea, "Wow Tanya, since when did you become so involved with work?"

"Now now, I can't allow such a thing, can I?" came a familiar booming voice from behind us. I immediately turned to see Fred standing behind with a wide smile.

"Fred?" I said, standing up and instantly getting swapped off the floor by Fred's bear hug, taking my breath away.

"You should have told that you're coming here," he said, dangling me in his arms like a rag doll.

"Let him go!" came another familiar dignified voice which at the moment sounded pissed.

"CEO?" came Tanya's voice followed by a creak of chair moving back and a hesitant greeting, "Goo-good afternoon, sir!"

Fred let me free. I breathed out heavily. That was one tight hug. He almost choked me to death. I turned to see Robbie beside Fred with a face that clearly said I-will-cut-your-hands-off-if-you-don't-leave. I stared agape. What were these two doing here?

"What you, old man! You don't need to be so uptight," Fred rolled his eyes.

"You were choking him!" said Robbie, glaring, then turned to Tanya and said in a mild but firm voice, "Relax! We are not in the workplace."

Tanya nodded stiffly. Her expression was very robotic. The aura of two such high-class alphas was very strong. It was enough to make her sweat, but because I knew them both, it did not matter so much to me.

"What are the both of you doing together here?" I asked, looking at both of them.

Fred laughed, giving a sly look at Robbie, who looked kind of awkward, "Well this uncle loved the..."

"Why don't we sit somewhere and then talk?" Robbie suggested, interrupting.

"Yeah, that would be great," Fred boomed, looking slightly relaxed, "Pablo," he called out.

A tall, very well-groomed fellow came running, though, he still managed to be sophisticated, "Yes, sir," he said with a deeply sincere voice.

"Prepare a cubicle for four," he ordered.