CHAPTER FIVE - MALL MADNESS – "THE GALLERIA GAUNTLET" PART TWO
Tony pulled in the parking lot of the galleria around 10:40 am. He found a spot that isn't too far away from the door. Tony parked at the entrance closest to Foot Locker. They quickly head inside while suspiciously looking from left to right.
When they arrive at Foot Locker, they are grateful that they are the only two in the store besides the sales clerks. Tony walks in and quicky selects, His & Her Nike sweat suits; with complementary Nike t-shirts; and color matching Michael Jordan tennis shoes for him and Angela. Angela is immediately impressed because she has seen Rease and her fiancé wearing apparel very similar, which means it's both trendy and not cheap. Which is why she is so baffled and shocked to see Tony so hip and fashionably together. These items didn't even come off the sales rack! Tony's time working at a college in the athletic department in Iowa clearly paid off more than Angela could have ever imagined. But not to distract him, she chooses not to comment, and continues to observe his future choices.
Now Tony finds himself in familiar territory, the sale rack, but with a more confident swagger. He wasn't frustrated about the amount of money being asked for on the ticket. He simply picked up a few more t-shirts: one by Adidas, Reebok, and another by Nike. He also picked out a matching pair of shorts for each t-shirt and a pair of casual style tennis shoes by each corresponding athletic manufacturer. Tony also picked out a few matching hats and one for Angela to match their matching suits. Before heading to the register, he threw in a his and her pair of Air Max for him and Angela. Angela couldn't believe it, who was this guy! If only Sam could see her father shopping. She would be stunned.
"Anything else you see Angela," Tony asked?
"No Tony, I'm fine. I really like the suits you picked out for us. Wow, you've turned into quite the athletic coordinated shopper, Tony! You seem to have everything under control from where I stand," Angela gingerly stated.
"I imagine, I am a bit of a shock to you. Well, you're looking at a man who's been schooled by a group of young men about color coordinating apparel for athletes. The fellas taught me how to look good, not just ready to play ball. I've been personally tutored by LA's finest baseball short-stop slash, fashion designer, in one Mr. Francisco "Frankie" Sanchez. You remember Frankie don't you, Angela? That guy questioned every order I approved after the first one I did. I'll admit, the team did look a bit goofy, but I thought it was a good deal. They said I dressed them as if the year was 1977 for a jazzercize workout class. Even Candy said I was only allowed to sign for orders after that first wardrobe fiasco. Frankie took it upon himself to keep up with everyone's measurements and did some of the designs himself. We weren't just the champions, but we were the most fashionable team in our division," Tony bragged.
With a hoarse tone from laughing, Angela asked Tony, "Good God Tony, what did you have those poor fellas wearing? You never told me this before. This must have been before I got to Iowa to stay. At least you found it to everyone's advantage to being delegating! It all seems to have paid off for you in the long run. Mr. Frankie definitely taught you a thing or two," Angela teased. "My gosh, I can only imagine how ridiculous you had the fellas looking trying to budget and save a buck, when there's a budget in place for such things," Angela said as she laughed a bit more. "Let's just get these packages to the car and drive over to Macy's", she suggested.
As they exited Foot Locker heading for the exit door to the galleria, someone in a very distinct voice yelled, "Angela… Angela, Girl"!
Tony and Angela both froze. Who in the world spotted them together so soon? Maybe they've only seen Angela, and not Tony. Tony quickly said, "Whoever that is, they only see you and not me, so I'm going to keep walking. I'll wait for you outside in the car. I'll take the bags in my hand and you keep the ones in yours. See you soon, don't be too long," Tony replied as he briskly walked down to the galleria entrance as if to not be with Angela.
Angela collected herself and turned to see who was calling her so she could quickly decide how she was going to handle this awkward moment. Much to her surprise it was her new found girlfriend, Rease.
"Hey Angela, girl! It's good to see you out and about, and early. What are you up too? Did you find a good deal in Foot Locker? I'm just out here, browsing and perusing, while Hubby-to-Be took to girls to the park and bike riding. Did you eat breakfast yet? I didn't. Are you up for brunch," Rease replied and inquired?
Terease "Rease" Ryan, Angela's new best friend, neighbor/tenant, and confidant. They've been support for each other since Tony and Kathleen dated. Angela met Rease when she acquired the Encanto Records account. Over time their friendship has grown into more of a sisterhood. There is an age difference, but definitely a strong bond between them. They came into each other's lives at just the right time when they each needed the other most. They've given each other advice on raising their children, their parents, significant others, and professional careers.
Angela invited Rease to relocate to Fairfield and rebuild her life with her daughters when she returned from Iowa. Rease rents Angela's neighboring rental property. When she and her children's father were going through a rocky period, Angela provided security and Rease provided comradeship. Since then, Rease and Grace, Grace is her long time on and off boyfriend, the father of her children. And now they've recovered, and gotten engaged.
Angela laughed and greeted her friend with a big smile and huge embrace hoping that she isn't so obvious to be hiding something. Rease ran into Angela's arms to embrace her back. Angela somehow couldn't hold back and before she knew it, she whispered in Rease's ear, "Tony is back!".
Rease stepped back and gasped before she said, "Your Tony, Samantha's daddy?
Angela turned blush red. She nodded her head up and down as to say, yes, while smiling and looking to the sky.
"Girl, sit down on this bench, and tell me everything," Rease responded as she rushed Angela to a bench in the hallway of the galleria outside of the Foot Locker entrance.
"I don't have long to chat and I also don't know where to begin, so here goes nothing. Now, we're on our way up to Mystic in a few hours to spend the weekend together at a B & B. We're only at the mall because he impulsively showed up last night to rekindle our life without any luggage, only the tuxedo he was wearing. The tuxedo was what he wore to the banquet in Iowa where they honored him as Teacher of the Year. Turns out he quit his job after he accepted the award, and hopped on a plane. He skipped out early from the banquet because he got distracted. He said his life was missing me and he wasn't willing to continue like that. He said he's here to stay and never leave again. We still have a lot to talk and work through but I think it's all details and we can get through that this weekend. He said we were both wrong, we can't live without each other. He said he'll find a job in the area, and that is that," Angela said.
"That's that? That is major Angela. He quit his dream career because he loves you, and can't live without you, and came home to you! That is a man full of devotion to you and in love with you. That's so beautiful Honey. I'm so happy for you. Was that him that just walked out of store with you? My gosh, from the glimpse I saw, he's gorgeous! Please tell me you and that man, made love all night long, until the break of dawn," Rease thrillingly asked?
"We spent the night together last night; we had a special night of intimacy. Well, we mostly held one another all night. I actually thought Jonathan was in the house and didn't want to be howling like I was swinging from a chandelier. And I thought Mother would catch us too, so we were really quiet together all night in my room, well in our room. We took a warm bath together before bed. It was a real romantic, special, and intimate reunion," gushed Angela.
"Tony ran to the car just now, because we didn't know who was calling my name, and we were scared someone would see him, and spread the news he's back. See Jonathan and Mother don't know Tony is back. Jonathan wasn't home last night. I am a bad mother because I forgot he was on a junior military training retreat. And Mother came home in the middle of the night, and left out early this morning to be gone all weekend. Tony doesn't want anyone to know he's back until he sees Jonathan and Mother in person. Nobody knows but Sam and Hank and they are sworn to secrecy. We're even driving Hank's car," Angela said shaking her head.
"Sam is in LA visiting a childhood friend so nobody is home but Hank. I know I can trust you not to say a word. Oh Rease, I know I just rambled a lot, but does anything I've said make any sense," Angela inquired with the most embarrassed and petrified look on her face?
"Oh my gosh Angela, I'm so happy for you, I'm so happy for yaw. Tony ran away from work to come back home to you, his one true love. That's so special and romantic! It's so Broadway! I can't wait to meet him. Oh, will he want to meet me? Maybe it's too soon, since he doesn't want anyone to see him before Jonathan and Mona. Don't worry, I won't say anything to anyone. Hell, I don't know anyone, but your family. You know we keep to ourselves. Well, I don't want to keep you from him much longer, especially since you've got a schedule to keep. I'll meet him when you all get back from Mystic. I am just so excited for you Angela," exclaimed Rease.
"Well maybe there is a way you can meet him really quickly before we go and possible do me a favor if you don't mind," Angela suggested.
"Oh anything, you name it," Rease replied.
"Well, I'm planning this "spur of the moment" romantic weekend and I need your help so I can make one of his fantasies come true. You know as a surprise, I guess. Tony says he has dreams of me in his St. Louis Cardinals' jersey with red panties on," Angela said as she covered her face in humiliation.
Rease laughed at Angela's bashfulness hysterically. "Now Angela you said if you got another chance, you weren't going to be bashful or cautious about anything between you and Tony. You said you were going to be outgoing and courageous. I don't know how much more you can be right out the gate than fulfilling a fantasy of his that he just told you about. So, say no more. I'll get your "major league costume" together and deliver it to the house for you in a few hours. I'll even gift wrap it so he won't be alarmed when I deliver it. I can just say I brought this home from the office for you. So, what's his jersey number," inquired Rease?
"Oh, thank you Rease, I can always count on you. Oh gosh, I don't know his number. What kind of wife am I going to be? I don't even know his pro-ball player number. Think, think, think Angela," panicked Angela as she tapped her head.
"Angela, girl, relax. I'll improvise. Trust me. It will be okay. This is what I do. You just worry about being sexy. Now don't keep that Italian Stallion waiting!
"Thirty-five, he was wearing 35 at the Cardinals Old-Timer's Convention. That's all I remember," replied Angela clasping both her hands to her jaws.
"Thirty-five, I got it. Don't worry, Chill Girlfriend, I'll take care of it. Wow, I saw that good-looking guy next to you exiting Foot Locker, but he kept walking. Plus, I never imagined it would be your Tony. Ohhhh, you guys are going to have such a good time. The B & B is such a grand romantic gesture to your already romantic reunion. Well, I only got a couple of hours to make the magic happen, so I've got to go get started. Happy shopping Girlfriend and I am so happy for you. I'll see you in a few hours," exclaimed Rease has she hugged Angela again.
Rease wiped Angela's flushed face with a handkerchief from her purse. "Now pull it together and go enjoy your man," Rease said! Angela smiled and hugged her friend again as she walked off towards the galleria exit with her Foot Locker bags in hand. "When I'm finished with this, these two won't know what hit them", Rease whispered under her breath as she pondered where in the mall to get started.
Angela walked briskly out of the galleria. She walked up to the Mustang in the parking lot. Tony started the vehicle as he saw her approaching. She placed her bags in the trunk and then got in on the passenger side. Tony looked over at her a bit concerned as it's been about 15 minutes to say, "So who was that, and is everything okay Angela?
"Oh yes, everything is fine. Don't be alarmed, that was the new tenant in the rental. She was just being neighborly. She's a great person. You'll like her. She's from New York and she is new to Fairfield. I haven't seen much of her lately, so we hadn't caught up. I just started renting to her when I returned home from Iowa," Angela said.
"Oh okay. That's good. Someone is paying. That's great. Don't mind me, I'm driving over to Macy's so we can get started on this blue wardrobe. So, what's her name? What part of New York is she from, maybe I know her or her family," Tony asked?
Taking a breath, Angela responded, "She is originally from The Bronx, but she was raised in Millwood, NY I believe. Her name is Terease Ryan, but she goes by Rease. She moved in with her fiancé and their two daughters. They are really a delightful family. I met Rease when the agency first acquired the Encanto Records account when she was a model and vocalist at the label. Since then, she's been rebuilding her career as an upcoming celebrity stylist. Gracen, or Grace, her fiancé, is ex-pro baseball player like you. Unfortunately, he was cut during training camp due to severe injury. He's currently in law school at Yale. Their two girls go to Fairfield Elementary. Rease and I have gotten quite close over the years. She's become more like a sister-friend of mine. We've helped each other through some really tough times together," Angela disclosed.
Tony took a deep gulp, looking for air. He knew that from what Sam told him earlier about Rease and what Angela just said, that this woman Rease was more than a casual acquaintance, friend, and tenant. She was probably Angela's confidant and unofficial therapist. She probably knew everything about him and their relationship. As well as Angela probably knew everything about her fiancé. My gosh, they are living with men who have a lot in common!
And because Angela mentioned Encanto records and tough times, Tony knew that this woman was in Angela's life when he broke her heart by bring Kathleen Sawyer between them. He also realized that after all this time, Angela has kept her relationship with this woman private and to herself. He never heard of Rease for nearly two years and he was Angela's best friend. Angela only brought Rease around, after he appeared to be out of the picture, which was puzzling to Tony. She didn't even mention her while they lived together in Iowa. Regardless, Tony knew that at this moment he needed to remain interested and upbeat about this Rease woman, because she sounds like Angela's best friend, well not in the same way he was her best friend, but like she said, a sister-friend.
Therefore, he responded, "Oh that's wonderful Angela. I can't wait to meet her and the family. It's good to have great people for neighbors. I trust your judgment. Please introduce us. I look forward to meeting Rease," Tony said with a smile. He didn't want Angela distracted by anything or anyone before they slipped away together.
"Absolutely, Tony, we'll do that. I'm sure she'll be glad to meet you too. They all will," added Angela. "Now, let's get in Macy's to the men's dress department and get started. This is going to be fun," Angela said with a naughty tickle in her voice.
"I don't know what you have planned, but I'm going to be your love slave this weekend, so do with me as you wish Angela," Tony said as they got out the car and walked hand in hand into Macy's.
"Oh, and I will, Tony. My wish, shall be your command! Hey, I see you changed your shoes" teased Angela. Tony laughed looking down at his shoes as he looked more relaxed in his Nike Air Max.
Tony and Angela walked in Macy's laughing and heading towards the Men's dress section. The store was well lit. The speakers were playing Genesis, "Hold On My Heart". The floors were waxed to perfection as Tony and Angela could see their reflection in them as they walked through the store. The mannequin displays were so full of the most vibrant colors and you could smell the cologne as you walked further towards the center of the store.
"If memory serves me right, the men's dress department is on this floor to the left," said Angela pulling Tony in that direction. As they walk up to the men's dress department, Angela gets excited. "Well let's see now, this way, follow me", she said to Tony. Tony is amused and pleasantly confused by Angela's glee, yet he follows her through the men's department. Tony stands back a bit to see where she goes with this excursion.
Angela immediately picked out a single breasted, 3 pieces, navy-blue, pinned striped suite in Tony's size. She knew it would fit true to size since Tony was so physically fit and built so well. and if it was a major issue, it would be nothing for Rease to run some seams really quick.
Angela already knew she had the perfect cocktail dress to match this suit perfectly. She's bought it while out with Rease during one of their retail therapy sessions when she got back from Iowa. Tony has never seen it, so she's excited to surprise him. It's glamours and more sheik than she would normally wear. Thank goodness Rease has already made the necessary alterations. She picked out a royal oxford, white, regent cut, dress shirt with French cuffs. Followed by two different club ties that match the suit with handkerchiefs, a belt, suspenders, cuff links, and couple of pair of dress socks. Angela knew they'd get snazzy dress shoes downstairs on their way out of Macy's as the shoe department was near the exit.
Tony took this ensemble straight to the dressing room. He didn't even want to begin to imagine how Angela knew exactly what to pick out and where it was. He just wanted to get whatever she wanted and get home. On his mind was he needed to pack, so they could head out for Mystic. Tony was calculating in his head to pick up a few more pieces in Macy's since they were already there. He wanted to pick out some casual wear too.
Stepping out of the dressing room, in a Brooks Brother's elegant single-breasted suit, and fully accessorized, Tony sent Angela into a cat-lady purring frenzy. She was like an aroused cat in heat while motioning clawing paws at Tony. She snickered as she envisioned Tony's crazy cat lady date, Cassandra. She was a patron of Mona's hunky calendar fundraiser for the animal shelter. Then Angela adjusted a Stetson travel fedora on Tony's head, kinda similar to Uncle Aldo's hat from the Vineyard in Italy, but without the spit. "You look BEAU-TI-FUL Sweetheart. It's fits you perfectly. I'm just glad everything is still here and, in your size," Angela said excitingly.
"I'm not even going to ask Angela," Tony said with a snicker. "I'm just going with the flow. You can explain it all to me later. We gotta keep going because I have more things to pick up and we've still got to pack," Tony said. "But I can't help but wonder, from the purring and all if you're dressing me in blue because you and "Mr. March" had that in common," Tony mockingly asked?
In a side-splitting death of laughter, Angela loses it completely. She remembered the entire fiasco masterfully created by Mona. The fundraiser party resulted in them each having dates with Cassandra and Gus. She remembered that she mostly started the war about Tony drooling over Cassandra for her blatant sexuality and not having much of anything in common with her. Only to find herself doing the same thing, even though she was pressured by Wendy Whitner, when Gus asked her out on a date. Angela tried to keep it a secret from Tony because of all the grief she gave him. But Angela convinced Tony not to go out with Cassandra, but fail weak to Gus' physique and couldn't break her date.
Eventually collecting herself, Angela replied, "Tony, you're just going to have to trust me," Angela said with a smile! "By the way, you look beautiful! How about you get dressed and meet me in the casual department? I'll wait for you at the sales rack," Angela said with a wink as she grabbed his biceps through the suit jacket and kissed him on the cheek.
Shaking his head with a smirk, Tony said outload, "You said I'm beautiful, twice!" Then he turned to go get dressed. He couldn't stop thinking how good he must have really looked since Angela said he looked beautiful twice. He also realized that this was the first time that he and Angela have gone shopping together, outside of buying things for the house or the children. The crazy thing was they were shopping for him, and not Angela. So far it was a pleasant experience, but he wasn't going to tell Angela that, at least not yet. "Boy, oh Boy, if only Tiny, Ernie, Lou, and Al, could see me now", Tony said as he chuckled a bit.
Tony got dressed in his clothes and repackaged everything he tried on before heading over to the men's casual department. When he arrived, Angela had already matched about five outfits for him, including a sporty GQ Armani suit. Again, Tony wasn't one to let Angela tell him what to wear, but in his desire to get home, get them packed, and on the road for Mystic, he didn't question her or her choices. It was actually kind of nice to have her want to make sure he looked good. He was actually happy she took the tedious part of him going through the sale racks out of his life, as he was so anxious to be out of the galleria and on the road with Angela headed to Mystic. He double checked the sizes and held everything up to himself for a quick body check that she picked out. Tony decided at this point, that Angela probably knew his body as well as he did, and just put all five things in his arms for purchase.
Tony picked up some polos and rugby tops out of the Polo; Hugo Boss; Hilfiger; and Nautica section and a couple packs of socks. He then remembered he didn't have any underwear or pajamas either. So, he picked up a few packs of boxers; sleeveless t-shirts; 4 pair of pajamas (which he's probably only wearing the pants); and a robe. He also went to buy a few pair of Levi jeans; a couple of pair of Dockers pants; and a couple of pair of swim trunks (a boxer brief and board shorts). Tony wanted to be prepared in case he got an opportunity to show off his skills. One thing Angela didn't know was that Tony had been secretly working on his fear of swimming under water, since learning that Angela is such an avid swimmer. He's actually coming along well and is now leaning more towards the expert stage of swimming.
"By now I anticipate this bill being $10,000.00, Angela," Tony joked.
Angela laughed and reminded him, "But Tony, remember the blue suit and the accessories are my treat for the surprise. Plus, I can get the other items too, especially the Armani suit that I can't wait to see you in," she offered.
"Right, the blue dress apparel is your special pet-project. So, from there, I imagined my bill going down to $7,000.00," laughed Tony. "No seriously Angela, I'm buying everything else, especially the Armani! I'm the one who blasted through here without anything to wear but the rented tuxedo I left Iowa in. I anticipated this shopping spree on the plane. Besides, I needed some new fashionable digs, I've been wearing the same clothing for years now. Plus, I can afford to splurge a bit on myself now seeing how I earn money differently now and I don't have to carry Samantha as much. Her acquired expensive taste from you and Mona is now Hank's problem," snickered Tony.
Angela laughed and smiled. Then she said, "We did raise her right didn't we, well the best we could without you meddling all the time. Everything else I could say was dictated by peer pressure Tony."
"Yeah, like Marci and her designer underwear. Buona a nulla," Tony scoffed.
"Yes, we were all glad you left Sam's "foundation garment" shopping to me and Mother after your prideful attempt. You were so determined and stubborn about it too. But I understood your determination to be Sam's mom and dad. It was easier for me because I hired you to be Jonathan's father in a sense, but you had to realize that you needed to let me be Sam's mom-figure and even let Mother be her grandmother, as dangerous as that sounds. But once you did, it made things more pleasant for Sam, you, and the rest of us. Didn't it," Angela asked?
"Yeah, it did. You know Angela it was shopping for Sam's first bra that really woke me up. I know it took me some time to relax and stop being so over protective of her, but I'm glad you never let up. You've been Sam's mom longer than Marie was, and you've been amazing with her. Even Mona," laughed Tony as he blushed before kissing Angela softly on the cheek.
Now a blushing Angela whispers, "TO-NY, we can't get so carried away with our flirting and PDAs in public. I know we kinda have the "I can't help its" right now, but we're trying not to draw attention remember! Besides you know when you kiss me, I have no restrain before I return the gesture, it's just good manners," Angela mocked. "Then before you know it, we'll be in some uncontrollable make out session in a Macy's dressing room. We're bound to be arrested by the mall police. I guess what I'm saying is I'm already in heat because I can't have you until we get to Mystic! Holding hands earlier sent electricity up and down my spine. How about we cool it, until we're not in public? We can't touch each other anymore, okay Tony," proposed Angela.
With a boyish grin, Tony gazed at Angela with deep desire. He knew exactly what she was saying because he felt the same way. The sexual tension between them was so thick, you'd need to work through it with a chain saw. It was taking all kinds of self-control for Tony to contain himself. "Yeah, okay Angela. I agree. So, we better move quickly to get out of here because I can't promise how long I will be able to hold out in public. Right now, my arms are full of clothes so you're safe. What all do we have to do next? Can it be accomplished in Macy's," asked Tony?
"Ah yes. I'm safe. For now," said Angela gazing back into Tony's eyes while biting her bottom lip. "We have two more stops, but they are in Macy's. You'll need a casual jacket, we'll need a large golf umbrella, and then we can hit the shoe department on the way out the door. I'm treating you to dress shoes for the blue surprise, but you'll need shoes to match your sporty Armani suit, some sandals, and probably a couple pair of casual shoes, maybe a pair of oxfords," Angela added.
"Oh Tony, forgive me, I hope I don't seem overbearing or pushy. If I do, I'm sorry. I'm just trying to get everything you need and get out of here as quickly as possible. It's now after noon so more people will be at the mall that we probably know, that the kids know. It's just that I don't mean to be so sledge-hammer-ish", Angela apologized in response to her aggressive response.
"You're not overbearing or pushy. I asked for your assistance. Besides, it's nice to have a partner that can get things done. At least that's one of the things that I feel about you. It's been great shopping together with you. Say, let's get this stuff paid for, and head to the outerwear department. I can probably pick up a jacket and umbrella there and then head over to shoes," Tony suggested.
"That sounds like an ideal plan to me," agreed Angela.
Angela paid for the blue suit and accessories and Tony paid for everything else. His bill wasn't $7,000.00, but he did spend more than Angela had ever seen him spend on himself in one setting, maybe in life.
Tony decided to take everything but the suits to the car so they could match shoes with them. Angela got started in the outerwear department looking for a jacket. She actually found two nice jackets on the sale rack for Tony to choose from. He decided to buy them both. He also picked two oversized golf umbrellas up in case one broke. They headed to check out, when Tony noticed the time. It was after about 12:35 pm, but not quite 1:00 pm. Tony remembered that he had a check from the college that he needed to deposit at his bank. He knew it would be on hold for a few days, so he wanted to get the ball rolling because he'd have to wait until Tuesday to get started if he didn't.
Not wanting to tip off Angela about the check, Tony said, "Hey Angela, I completely forgot that I need to make it to the bank before they close today, especially since we're heading out of town," Tony said. "I got a plan that I think can make everything work. How about I head to the bank right now since there is a branch onsite here at the galleria? I got to go right now because they close the door at 1:00 pm. I'll take out the bags to the car with me, leaving you the suits. While I'm gone, Angela would mind buying my shoes without me? I trust your judgement and I know you know my size," Tony asked.
"Sure Tony, absolutely. If you don't go right now to the bank you can't go before Tuesday," agreed Angela.
"That's wonderful Angela. Okay, here's what I need. I need a pair of shoes to match the navy blue and Armani suits, a pair of casual and dress sandals, swim shoes, and a pair of oxford shoes. Then for the first time in life, Tony handed Angela his visa card.
Shocked and completely taken back, Angela responded, "Okay, Tony, but remember, I'm buying the shoes for the blue surprise," said Angela as she put his visa in her purse.
"Yeah, I didn't forget. But everything else, put on my visa okay Darling. If you see something you like, put it on my visa as well," said Tony as he kissed her on the lips as he snickered and turned to walk out of Macy's to head to the bank. Tony glanced back to Angela with that playful boyish grin.
Completely blushing and shaking her head, Angela shot her eyes at Tony with a look of, I can't believe you just did that! But that's her guy, mischievous Tony. She loved everything about him. Angela was in a state of pure amazement because this was the first time that Tony gave her his credit card. Not that she didn't have her own, it's just the first time he gave her his, and with confidence. He even offered blindly that if she sees something she liked to buy it with his credit card. Angela knew that things were definitely changing and for what seemed to be for the best.
Today was going so well. But she wasn't ready to shock the system with her own shopping appetite on Tony's credit. Especially after the painting Tony bought her at the auction at the County Club.
Today it really felt like they were in this together as partners and not the former apprehensive notions that they held their love hostage with. Angela was excited to get the shoe shopping underway, so when Tony returned, they'd be ready to head home and get packed.
Author's Note:
In my mind, I envision Terease "Rease" Ryan/Rhys Rhyon being played by none other than, Vanessa L. Williams. She and Judith Light worked together in "Ugly Betty" and I loved their banter back and forth on the show. They gave the original "Dynasty" vibes like Diahann Carroll & Joan Collins. But in this series, they're the total opposite, more like Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones) in "Parks and Recreation". When you read anything about Terease/Rease/Rhys, know that I had Vanessa L. Williams in mind when I wrote for the character. I'm still deciding on who I envision as her fiancé, Grace.
The Italian phrase, "Buona a nulla" means, good for nothing.