Chapter 69
Natasha quickly realized her mistake.
"Ohh, Drogen's the nickname I gave him. Cool, right?" she asked, laughing awkwardly. Her mother shot her a side-eye, raising an eyebrow.
"You are something else," Mrs. Thorpe muttered. "By the way, where's he? I mean, your boyfriend?"
"He's away on a business trip. He'll be back later today," Natasha replied, wondering deep down how freaked out her mother would be when she found out her daughter was dating a 700-year-old grim reaper.
Her mother leaned in with a devilish grin. "So, have you done it yet?"
"Done what?"
Her mom raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying herself. "You know, it."
"Ugh, seriously, Mom?!" Natasha's cheeks burned as she realized exactly what her mom meant. "Can we please not talk about this right now?"
Mrs. Thorpe just chuckled, nudging Natasha playfully. "Fine, fine. But if you need any advice, you know where to find me."
"Okay, that's enough of that!" Natasha said, scrambling to grab her purse. "I've got a whole day planned, and it's not going to include any awkward conversations."
"You're going somewhere?" Her mother asked, curious.
"Yeah, that's exactly why I came. I got something special, let's go have some fun"
Her mother looked at her, confused. "Something special?"
"Just get changed and meet me outside, you'll see"
Once outside, Natasha exhaled deeply. Today was going to be about living life to the fullest. No more waiting. No more holding back.
The first thing on her list? An extravagant shopping spree.
She had always dreamed of walking into a fancy clothes store, the kind that looked like a palace of fabric and glitter, and just ordering everything she wanted. Not worrying about prices, not worrying about anything—just having fun.
Her mom arrived minutes later, now dressed in one of the designer clothes Drogen has gotten for her the first time he visited.
Natasha didn't bother explaining further and just took her mom with her as they boarded a taxi, By the time they arrived at the luxury shopping district, Natasha's excitement was contagious. It was the kind of place where the buildings looked like they belonged in a movie, and the stores? Absolute palace-like perfection.
"Are you sure we can afford this?" her mom asked skeptically as they stepped into one of the high-end boutiques. "We might need a second mortgage."
Natasha grinned, pulling out her credit card with a flourish. "I can't afford it, but this card can. Watch and learn, Mom."
Her mother's eyebrows shot up. "Oh boy, we're going full diva today. Did Dante give it to you?" Her mom asked and Natasha nodded grinning.
They both walked inside the shop confidently, but the saleswoman gave Natasha a quick, dismissive glance as if she didn't belong, but that didn't stop her. "I'll take that one," she said, pointing to a stunning dress on display.
The saleswoman eyed her, her judgment written all over her face. "Are you sure that dress is in your price range?"
Natasha frowned at first, but quickly realized the woman was reasonable to ask such questions, the only people who shopped here were exclusive members, like wives and daughters of politicians and high ranking businesses owners.
Not wanting to cause anymore drama, she brought out the black card and showed it to her.
"Can I have it now?" She asked, grinning.
The sales woman's attitude shifted immediately, turning into the most attentive personal shopper. "Of course ma'am, there are matching shoes over there you could try too "
"Oh, you bet I would," Natasha replied, already heading for the fitting room with her mom trailing behind, laughing.
Natasha and her mom spent hours in that store, trying on dresses, shoes, and accessories, laughing at each ridiculous outfit. Natasha twirled in a sparkly, floor-length gown. "How do I look?"
Her mom looked her up and down, then grinned. "Like a movie star." Her mother said, blowing her a kiss.
Finally, after what felt like a thousand outfits, they were loaded up with bags, feeling unstoppable. She payed for everything and they left
"Next stop: Helicopter ride," Natasha declared as they both got into the car.
Mrs. Thorpe smirked. "You sure you want to do this? What if you scream like a banshee the whole way?"
"I'm not scared of heights. I'm a woman of adventure!" Natasha said, dramatic as ever. "Or are you scared?" Natasha asked, shoving her mom playfully, but her Mom just smiled, not saying anything
They arrived at the heliport, and as soon as the helicopter lifted off, Natasha couldn't help but let out a triumphant laugh.
"Mom, this is incredible!" she shouted over the wind, her hair flying everywhere. "Look at the city! It's like a toyland!"
Mrs. Thorpe looked a little less thrilled, clutching the sides of her seat. "I think I'm going to need a drink after this."
They both stared in awe as the city sprawled beneath them like a glittering map. The skyscrapers, the cars, the people—it all seemed so tiny and far away.
"Okay, that was amazing," Natasha said when they landed, still buzzing with excitement.
Her mom gave her a sideways glance.
"That was terrible" her mother replied, gulping water to relieve her neousousness.
"Don't worry, a good spa day would help you relax" Natasha reassured her mom, giggling.
"Spa day?" Mrs Thorpe raised an eyebrow and Natasha nodded in response.
They headed there next, the luxurious spa was a dream come true. The moment they stepped inside, Natasha felt like she had entered another world: soft music, gentle scents, and cozy robes waiting for them.
"This is heaven," Natasha sighed, sinking into a plush chair while her mom ordered a glass of wine. "I can get used to this."
They spent the afternoon being pampered: massages, facials, and plenty of laughter. Natasha couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so at peace.
As they left the spa, bags full and smiles wide, Natasha felt like she'd conquered the world—at least for today.
"Today was everything," Natasha said as they headed back home, still basking in the afterglow of their adventures.
She accompanied her mother back him before boarding a taxi to return to Drogen's apartment.
She felt like she was ready for whatever came next. And as if fate could read her mind, the taxi she had boarded was now stuck in an evening traffic.