Chapter 823 Shopping

Chapter 823 Shopping

As Harry headed to his car, he contemplated whether to call Jade or go home and find something to occupy his time. Maybe play a game and chat with Andy. Although that wouldn't be the same as having Jade.

Just having Jade sit next to him and hearing her chatter or seeing her smile would be more than enough for him.

Jade had said she was going to spend the day having fun alone and finding things of interest to do, and he really didn't want to interfere with her program or bother her-- not that he was going to tell her he was upset, anyway. There was no need getting her worried about him. Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Before he could make up his mind, his phone buzzed, startling him out of his thoughts. Harry smiled when he saw it was Jade. She was calling him first.

"Hey, goddess. I was just thinking of giving you a call," Harry answered, trying to keep the weariness out of his voice.

"Hey, boo! While you were busy thinking about it, I was busy doing it! Next time, try to beat me to it," She sounded cheerful, a stark contrast to the heaviness weighing on his own heart.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Where are you, pa'ap? Are you back from the visit yet?" Jade asked, her voice brimming with a playful energy that instantly lifted his spirits.

"Yeah. I dropped by the office briefly. But I'm on my way out now. You?"

"Out where? Don't tell me you went to find work to do at the office," Jade said and Harry chuckled.

"Nah. It was nothing like that. I'm heading home now."

"Perfect! You don't have any plans, do you?" Jade asked without answering his question.

"It depends. Do you have something planned out for me?" He asked, hoping she did, since he needed her company.

"I was wondering if you could come shopping with me. It's boring doing it alone. I'm at Ace mall. Can you come over?" She asked hopefully.

The mention of a shopping spree filled Harry with a mix of amusement and apprehension. He wasn't much of a clothes horse, and the thought of navigating aisles of garments sent a low groan through him. But the prospect of spending time with Jade, even if it meant battling shopping bags, was too enticing to resist.

"Sure. Anything for you. I will be there in," Harry checked his wristwatch, "twenty minutes," Harry said and Jade screeched happily before hanging up.

Jade sighed as she returned her phone into her handbag. She was certain that Tom asked her to go to Harry because he was feeling down. And knowing that he had visited his mother in prison earlier, she suspected his mood had a lot to do with that.

She hoped that she would be able to cheer and comfort him now as he always did for her. She couldn't help but think about Candace and wonder how she was doing. She remembered the way Candace had wept when she first found out her biological mother had sold her (chapter 455). She couldn't imagine how Candace must have felt coming face to face with Sara.

Deciding to put her time to good use while she wait for Harry, she dialed Candace's line.

Candace, who was lying on the bed with Matt, with her head resting on his chest sat up when her phone rang.

"It's Jade," she informed Matt as she received the call, "Hey!"

"Did I keep you waiting for long?" Harry asked as he looked her over, the mere sight of her casting away the remnant of gloom.

"Not at all. Let's go in. I want to splurge a little," she said with an infectious smile that had Harry smiling back at her.

He couldn't help but notice how the afternoon light caught the highlights of her hair, how her eyes sparkled with delight, how her voice carried an unspoken concern beneath the surface.

Jade raised a brow when Harry took out his wallet. "What is that for?" She asked and shook her head as she watched him take out a black card.

"No. Not your money. I'm not exactly poor, you know? I might not be as wealthy as you, but I am wealthy too. I have my untouched trust fund, monthly allowance sent by my grandfather and Tom. My fat salary, etcetera," Jade said as she pulled out her own black card and flashed it in front of him.

"Point noted. I'm so lucky to have a wealthy girlfriend," Harry said with a grin as he returned his card into his wallet.

"Yes, you are. Now let's go in," she said as she took Harry's hand and pulled him with her excitedly.

"So, what are you splurging on?" Harry asked and Jade winked.

"You will see," she said, not giving her plan away.

Harry smiled as he let her lead him, curious to see what she termed splurging and what she wanted to get.

Instead of heading towards the usual women's clothing stores, she took a sharp turn towards a different section. He raised an eyebrow in question.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

"Ah, you'll see," she winked again, an air of mischievous secrecy surrounding her.

Harry's heart warmed at her thoughtfulness when he realized the shopping was for him. He had almost forgotten that he needed to get some stuff for their trip.

"You don't have to do this...."

"I want to," Jade said cutting him off.

"What about your clothes?" Harry asked and she shook her head.

"I already got all I need. The girls joined me in shopping. It was so much fun. Now hush and follow me," Jade ordered and Harry shook his head as he did as she asked.

He followed her through the mall, watching as she picked out outdoor outfits he would need for their vacation, her eyes lighting up with each new find.

The next few hours were a whirlwind. Jade, seemingly possessed by an uncharacteristic shopping frenzy, dragged him from store to store, pulling clothes from racks, insisting he try them on, refusing to let him escape with anything resembling his usual attire.

He found himself bewilderedly holding out floral patterned and vintage shirts, trying on pants and shorts he wasn't sure he would ever buy for himself, and debating the merits of different sunglasses and hats. Every time he tried to voice his hesitation, Jade would playfully shut him down.

And what struck him the most was how she seemed to know his brands of choice. That told him how observant she was and how much she paid attention to his wardrobe.

The initial bewilderment gradually gave way to amusement. He found himself laughing as she critiqued his fashion choices, her playful commentary chasing away the shadows lurking at the back of his mind. The playful banter and her infectious enthusiasm gradually brightened him and he found himself laughing more easily now.