Chapter 65

Tomorrow is the day we leave, meaning today, Lucas, James, and I are doing some last minute shopping.

In our group chat yesterday, James was complaining that he didn't have anything to wear.

James: Guys, this is so embarrassing.

Lucas: How is it possible that you don't own a pair of swim trunks?

James: Lucas, when do I ever go swimming? Do I look like a swimmer to you?

Shana: He's got a point, he definitely doesn't look like a swimmer.

James: I know I brought it up, but.. now that I'm thinking about it-- it's a little insulting.

Lucas: What's insulting?

James: Shana said I definitely don't look like a swimmer. Key-word, definitely.

Shana: You look like you'd rather be in the kitchen, eating all the contents inside of the refrigerator instead of doing laps in a pool.

James: Well, I guess I can't argue with there. I would definitely rather do that. Ugh, now you made me hungry again!

The three of us were currently walking around the mall, trying to help James find the "perfect" thing to wear on our trip.

"Do I want to look like a rich Alpha who vacations in different countries all the time?" James asked, holding up a short-sleeve linen button-down shirt.

"Or do I want to look like I don't care, and I vacation all the time anyway?" He held up a graphic t-shirt with palm trees on it.

"Does it even matter?" Lucas asked, growing more and more restless with James's incessant questions.

It's been like this at every store we've visited today. James can't make his mind up, and Lucas and I are just following him around like lost puppies, waiting for him to make a decision.

"I like the button-down," I said honestly. "It brings out your eyes."

James gave me a blank stare. "My eyes are brown."

"So?" I felt a smile trying to crack. "They make your dark brown eyes pop."

When Lucas snorted laughter, James threw his hands up in the air. "You guys are not helpful at all!"

"Dude, it's not even that big of a deal. Just pick a shirt and let's keep moving," Lucas said in between laughs. "When you're on the beach you won't even be wearing a shirt."

"But after that I will be, or if we go out to eat somewhere," James reasoned.

"Why don't you just take both?" I suggested, thinking it was the best option. "That way you have something dressier, and something more casual."

James pointed a finger at me with a smile. "You see? This is why all men should go shopping with women. One, they have taste, and two, they know fashion."

"It's really not that hard to decide on two shirts," Lucas said plainly.

"Whatever, I'm over your attitude Mr. Busch!" James stuck his tongue out at Lucas before stomping away toward the cash register.

I laughed at his dramatic display. "He's so extra."

"So extra," Lucas agreed, and the two of us went to follow after our friend.

After James was all checked out, we walked outside of the store and were stopped immediately by James's gasp.

"That store! Lets' go." James didn't even give Lucas and I a second to argue as he was already marching toward a swim shop on the other side of the mall.

"He's going to be the death of me," Lucas grumbled as we tried to keep up with James's long strides.

"Why is he so enthusiastic about shopping?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"I think he's just excited for this vacation in general," Lucas stated. "If you haven't noticed, he hasn't shut up about it ever since."

I giggled. "Yeah, I noticed that. It's kinda cute that he's all excited."

With James there, I knew it would be a good time. He's always the life of the party, even at times that aren't so happy.

I just kept reminding myself this fact over the past few days as I tried not to worry too much about Victoria.

"He's like a little kid trapped inside of an Alpha hockey player's body..." Lucas commented. "Obsessed with food, always hungry and cracking jokes... It's actually kinda weird."

I smirked. "You're right, he hasn't changed at all since he was younger."

"That's both a good and bad thing."

We finally caught up to James at the swim store who was already eagerly rifling through options.

I glanced on the opposite side and saw the racks and stacks of woman's swimwear.

"Hey, I'll meet up with you guys later," I said, not waiting for their response as I wandered off to the other side.

The array of colors and hues reminded me of when Lucas and I went dress shopping. The store even seemed to be laid out in a similar way.

There were swimsuits of all styles and sizes. It was a bit overwhelming and I didn't really know which direction to go in.

Dark or light?

One piece bodysuit or a bikini?

Printed fabric or plain?

"Hi there," a saleswoman came up to me with a smile on her face. "Can I help you find anything today?"

"No, I'm just looking." I smiled back at her. "But thank you."

"Of course, I'll just be over there. Just let me know if you need any help finding something."

I turned from the woman, shuffling through the clothing racks for the right swimsuit.

I could see why James was having trouble before on deciding what to wear. How was I supposed to know which swimsuit would be the best choice when hanging out with the likes of Victoria and Lucas?

They came from rich Alpha families—and even James was a member of an Alpha family. They were all more well off than me and my family.

I wanted to look like I belonged, not like a stranger.

Which meant that I had to pick the perfect swimsuit.

Just then, my eyes catch on a bright yellow swimsuit hanging on one of the plastic models.

It was a triangle-shaped bikini that had good coverage in all the areas it needed to, but it still had a flair of stylishness and trendiness.

I went over to the rack, searching for my size, and smiled when it was there.

I walked over to the changing rooms and closed the door behind me before making sure the swimsuit was a good fit.

Once it was on, I looked at myself in the mirror. The color slightly contrasted against my newly tanned skin, but it made it look all the more flattering that way.

I could see myself laying on the beach in this suit, and most importantly, I felt comfortable and confident.

Walking out of the changing room, I decided that the yellow swimsuit was the one. I headed right for the checkout station, ready to make my purchase.

Once I had my bag in hand and started making my way over to the boys, I realized that they were already done shopping.

"Found what you were looking for?" I asked.

"Sure did!" James pulled out a navy pair of swim trunks with white stripes on them. "What do you think?"

"Looks good." I nodded. "Did you get anything, Lucas?"

He shook his head.

"Show us what you got!" James urged.

Feeling slightly nervous, I pulled out the bikini from my bag. "I know yellow is a bit bright, but it's cute."

When I looked back up, Lucas's face was red, and James was laughing at him.

"What?" I asked, feeling self-conscious about my choice.

"Oh nothing, Shana!" James kept laughing. "Nothing at all."