As we drove to Orlando, Chloe made a call to her parents, letting them know she would be back a bit later than expected. She hung up and turned to me, curiosity in her eyes.
"What do you want to buy?" she asked.
"I need to buy myself a new suit," I replied.
Her face lit up. "Oh, wow! Can I help you pick one?"
I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Why not?"
About 30 minutes later, after making a quick stop at a gas station, we neared the city lights of Orlando. Driving through the traffic, we eventually pulled into the mall's underground lot.
Monday wasn't a very busy day so I quickly found a parking spot.
We got out of the car and rode up the stairs to the first floor.
"Let's find you the perfect suit," Chloe said with a grin.
"There's no need to hurry. Do you drink coffee?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"Great. Let's grab a coffee first."
We made our way to a nearby cafeteria. The place was cozy, with warm lighting and a few people sitting around.
I ordered two black coffees from the barista behind the counter, then we found a small table by the window and sat down.
Chloe took a sip of her coffee, and I could see the relaxation on her face.
The strong coffee revived me sufficiently that I could go shopping.
Chloe looked around the mall thoughtfully as she put the empty cup on the table. "Hey, what about that shop over there?" she asked, pointing to an off-brand suit store tucked away in a corner. "There seem to be lots of choices."
"I can't skimp on this suit, Chloe. I need to look like I'm wealthy."
Chloe looked back at me and gave me a strange look of disapproval, like she had misjudged my character. "You shouldn't be trying to impress people with expensive clothes."
I sighed, appreciating her sentiment but knowing I had to stick to my plan. "I agree with you. But this is very important. I need to make a strong impression."
"Well, whatever floats your boat, it's not my money anyway," she replied with a shrug.
We left the coffee shop, and a minute later, we entered the Canali suit store. The store was refined and elegant, with luxurious fabrics and polished wood everywhere.
A tailor approached us immediately, his demeanor professional and attentive.
"Good evening," he greeted us warmly. "How can I assist you today?"
"Good evening," I replied. "I'm looking for a suit. Something in conservative colors. Possibly something that you would recommend to a lawyer."
I could feel the glare I was getting from Chloe when I said that.
Thankfully, we were dressed for the occasion, so the tailor took us seriously.
"Of course, right this way," he said.
Following that, the tailor measured me. From top to bottom. He even took groin measurements.
The tailor then led us to a section filled with an array of elegant suits. Chloe's initial dislike seemed to fade as she saw how well-made and high-quality they were.
The tailor discussed various styles and fabrics that would best suit my needs. and Chloe occasionally offering her opinions on the colors and cuts.
After some time, we narrowed it down to a few options. I tried on each suit, stepping out of the dressing room to show Chloe and the tailor. I could see approving nods from both of them.
At one point I put on a subtle grey suit and walked out to show it off.
"This one! You look hella cute!" Chloe called out without any reservation.
The tailor glanced at her stupified, blinking a few times.
"Well, it's certainly a fine choice," he said, recovering his composure and adjusting his glasses. "The fit is impeccable, and the color is quite versatile."
I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling the weight of the suit.
"Yes, this is the one." I said.
The tailor made a few last changes to the suit, and then I took it to the cash register and bought it, swiping my card.
We left the store with a nice suit-bag.
"How much did you pay for it?" Chloe asked.
I looked at her and paused for a moment. "You don't want to know... Thank you for helping me out with this, by the way."
"You're welcome," she replied, giving me a knowing look. "but don't be trippin'. It's not the suit that makes the man."
"Woo. Smart words from you."
"Are you insinuating something?"
When we drove outside of the mall, it was getting dark already and the vibe was amazing driving the car back to Wahneta with hip-hop music on, and only the street lights shining.
We had lots of fun...
I paid $1399 for that suit.
...
When I parked the car in the driveway of my house, Chloe's dad was actually waiting for us.
He was a guy with a big build, I wouldn't want to experience his wrath.
"Thank you for safely getting my daughter back home," he said slowly.
I nodded respectfully. "No issues. Have a good night, sir."
Chloe smiled at her dad and gave me a quick wave before heading inside with him.
I stepped into the house. I was just after 10 p.m. so the living room was softly lit, with my dad watching TV, my mom reading a book beside him, and the faint sound of my sister in her room.
We haven't been together for a few years, we weren't poor, but my parents were saving up on my education. Now that money could be used elsewhere.
"You're back? How was it?" my dad asked, glancing up from the screen.
"It was good," I replied, giving them a brief overview of the day's events.
"But there's something else I wanted to talk to you both about." I said.
My mom set her book down, giving me her full attention. "What is it, dear?"
"We haven't been on a holiday together in years," I began, choosing my words carefully. "I know you've been saving up for my education, and I appreciate that. But now that everything's sorted out with that, maybe some of that money could be used for a family trip."
"A holiday, huh?"
"I think it would be great for all of us to take a break." I added.
My mom smiled warmly. "Yes, it does sound quite good. But where did you want to go? "
I was waiting for that question.
"Miami," I said. "I was thinking that you could get Friday off and we could go there for a weekend."
"Someone said Miami?!" Sydney ran out of her room and skidded over to the living room. "Are we going to Miami?"
My dad chuckled at her excitement. "We're discussing it. We need to see if we can get the time off first."
"Pleeease, can we go?" Sydney pleaded, making big eyes.
My mom looked at my dad, then back at Sydney. "We'll do our best to make it happen, sweetie. But no promises just yet."
Dad looked at me, "Let's talk more about it tomorrow," he suggested.
"Alright," I said and then I went to my room.
If they were unwilling, I would still go by myself.
There was a man in Miami that I needed to speak to.