Author's Note:

Author's Note: S'up, y'all? Sorry it's taken me a while to update! My A-Levels (or what you Americans may call 'finals'?) are looming so I'm all tied up in studies right now. But I was eager to keep this story going, so here's the next chappie…

Chapter 7: Cougar vs. Leopard

Andie had never enjoyed an action thriller less. She could barely focus on the damn thing as Montana sat on the other side of her boyfriend, clasping his hand at even the vaguest hint of suspense, or leaning in to ask him about some plot point she had missed. Andie was by no means threatened by the diminutive girl (she rather pitied her in fact). What annoyed her was Moose's indifference. He either shrugged it off or laughed about it. Andie had never been less amused.

"Well, what d'you want me to do? Yell at her?"

"Yeah. That could work," she said as they made their way down the street.

"She can't help it if I'm irresistible!"

She rolled her eyes. "Just…get her to stop touching you. I don't like the touching."

"Ah," he enunciated. "The Cougar's claws finally come out!" Andie narrowed her eyes. The Cougar. A supposedly cool and sexy reference to 'The Older Woman'. He seemed to be going out of his way to wind her up.

"Okay, okay," said Moose. "If she tries for any hanky-panky I'll shut it down."

Andie nodded, but the near regret in his tone inspired another concern. Never being one to hold back, she stated:

"You like being chased, don't you?"

Moose scoffed and shoved his hands into his jean pockets. "No." She stared him down. "Maybe…a little. It's just…not something I'm used to. But I have no intention of getting caught," he hastened to add. "You're the only one I want. You and Rihanna."

Andie punched his arm but battled a smile at the same time. She believed him. She trusted him. And she could handle Montana. She was from The Streets, damn it…

"Can I come in?"

"Not when Sarah's out," she sighed, standing a step above him so as to match his height.

"But I'm harmless!"

"Sure…" She kissed him attentively, so as to wipe all thoughts of exotic pop singers from his mind. Moose stumbled away a minute later, his hat askew, his face slightly red, and Andie knew she had beaten Rihanna at least…

A sunny Saturday afternoon was spent cruising the mall for inspiration, with Missy at her side. Moose would be spending the day with Montana, trying to help her get jiggy with it. Andie set aside all thoughts of them alone together and gave her full attention to Operation: Birthday Boy.

They window-shopped for what felt like a lifetime, Missy picking up all sorts of things and putting them down again when Andie expressed no interest.

"Are you kiddin' me?" Missy exclaimed, holding up a plaid hoodie. "This is so hot!"

It was too predictable. Any old body could get him a hoodie! But she, being in the position of Girlfriend, had to bring something sort of special to the table…

"Whatever you say, chica! I'm takin' it…"

Andie bit her lip as her thoughts drifted to the night before. Somewhere between the trailers and the opening credits, Moose's birthday had come up. Montana declared that she had arrived in his life just in time to give him a great gift. Missy hadn't been there to hear her and Andie was glad. If her friend had heard, she probably would have thought that this remark was linked to Andie's new found pickiness. Which it wasn't. At all…

Something glinted out of the corner of her eye and she stopped in her tracks. Missy did the same and followed Andie's rapt gaze.

"Daaaaamn! Talk about bling…"

She grabbed the Latina's hand and dragged her into the jewelry store. It was a dazzling sight for both of them, having never set foot in a place where all that glittered really was gold. And silver, lots and lots of silver…

A reedy woman approached them soon after their entrance, her posture guarded and reluctant. If they had strolled in wearing pearls and swinging white shopping bags with designer logos, the reception probably would have been different. At any rate, Andie didn't really give a shit. She had been inspired.

"Can you personalize these?" she asked, pointing to the display of silver rings.

"Please do not touch the glass," the woman murmured, tugging at her blazer. "Yes," she continued, when Andie removed her index finger, which was perfectly clean, thank you very much. "We do engrave rings, for an additional fee. Would you like to make a purchase?"

"Indeed, we would," Andie replied, nearly mimicking her tone.

"And you do realize that we have no bargain bins here…"

Andie narrowed her eyes at the lady, while extracting her wallet. She produced Sarah's credit card with flourish. "Engraved silver band by tomorrow. Are you gonna get it done, or stand here leering at us all day?"

After a beat, she sniffed and took the card. "Let's just swipe this, shall we?"

Missy hissed in her ear as they trailed behind. "Didn't Sarah give you a limit?"

Andie hesitated as Montana's face drifted into her mind along with that of the saleslady. They both seemed to be conspiring against her relationship at that moment…

Andie switched to autopilot and the lie came swiftly and mindlessly: "Nah, it's cool. I've got in under control…"

Author's Note: Oh, you know how it goes. You're a teenage girl entrusted with an unlimited amount of money, trying to impress someone you're into. Things get out of hand! But there're always consequences. What those consequences will be, we shall see on Moosey's b-day.

Reviews are always appreciated, along with constructive crit!