Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Mother & Son Time (Part 3)

Once inside the mall, Samantha quickly suggested, "how about we get you clothes first? I know the perfect place," she said, leading him through the busy crowd in the mall.

They made their way to a high-end clothing store called Mi Casa. It had a sleek, modern design with large glass windows displaying mannequins dressed in the latest fashion.

Inside, the walls were lined with racks of carefully arranged clothes, and soft, ambient lighting highlighted the luxurious fabrics.

"This is where I mostly shop," Samantha revealed as they walked in. "Other more fancy places usually don't have things in my size…"

Don noticed the hint of sadness in her voice as she said that. Despite how obviously beautiful she was, like all people, she had her insecurities, and this was something Don knew he could use.

He pretended to look confused, tilting his head slightly. "How can stores not have the perfect size?" he asked in a tone that seemed genuinely puzzled.

Samantha smiled warmly at his words, though her eyes were still a bit downcast. "Don't try to cheer me up, Donnie. I know I'm overweight."

Don shook his head, putting on a serious face. "I don't know what you're talking about. If you were to go to Calambia, you'd be sought after by every man. You shouldn't follow the unrealistic standards that fashion brands set."

Samantha's smile widened a bit, her eyes also softening. "Maybe you're right," she said, her tone lighter.

Just then, a male voice called out, "Samantha, darling!" Sёarch* The NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Both Don and Samantha turned to see a man approaching. He had long brown hair, a well-groomed beard, and hazel eyes. He was dressed in a designer outfit: a fitted blazer, a patterned silk scarf, and tailored trousers. He moved with a certain flair, his high tone similar to that of a woman.

"Hello, Fabio," Samantha replied, smiling warmly as the man approached.

Fabio reached them and gave Samantha a bise, an air kiss on each cheek, as he greeted her. "Mwah, mwah," he said in an animated voice. Turning his attention to Don, he asked, "And who's this fine specimen?"

Samantha chuckled. "Calm down, Fabio. This is my son."

Fabio's eyes widened dramatically. "¡No me digas!" he exclaimed. He then proceeded to give Don the same greeting. "Mwah, mwah. No wonder you look so handsome."

Don found the whole exchange both amusing and odd. Fabio seemed like a character straight out of a reality TV show, his flamboyant mannerisms and high-pitched voice making him stand out. 'He has to be obviously gay or doing that to get closer to women,' Don thought. 'But the latter doesn't seem likely; he seems too legit.'

Fabio looked at Samantha, his expression exaggeratedly scandalized. "¡Perra! Why didn't you tell me your son finally came back? That's big news."

Samantha sighed. "It happened so fast, Fabio. I actually wanted to tell you in person."

Fabio smacked his forehead theatrically. "Where are my manners?" He turned back to Don, extending a hand. "Fabio DeLuca, owner of this fine establishment and a friend of your mother. I've heard so much about you and am glad to finally meet you."

Don shook his hand, smiling. "Nice to meet you too, Fabio."

Before Fabio could say more, a female voice called out, "Fabio, we need you over here!"

Fabio sighed dramatically. "The one day I wish the store wasn't busy," he lamented. He quickly turned back to Samantha. "I'll catch up with you later Samantha, duty calls."

"We're here to shop for Don not me," Samantha explained.

"Oh, fabulous!" Fabio exclaimed. "But while you're here, I have a new set of dresses that would be perfect for you."

Samantha tried to argue, "Fabio, I don't—"

Fabio raised a finger in front of her, silencing her. "I won't take no for an answer." With that, he walked away dramatically, his scarf fluttering behind him.

Don watched him go, then looked at Samantha, who shrugged and smiled. "Don't mind Fabio. He's a bit eccentric, but he's good people. He was actually one of the few who warned me that your father wasn't good for me."

"Then he's a friend in my books," Don replied, inwardly making a mental note to keep an eye on Fabio. 'He seems harmless enough, but you can never be too sure,' he thought.

Samantha gave Don's arm a squeeze. "Alright, well come on, let's find you some new clothes."

As they started browsing the racks, Don couldn't help but feel a strange mix of comfort and unease. The familiarity of shopping was soothing, but the ever-present reminder of the superhuman world outside kept him on his toes. For now, though, he decided to focus on the moment and build on his relationship with Samantha.

Samantha immediately got to work, helping Don select outfits to try. They moved through the racks, picking out various pieces of smart-casual attire.

Samantha held up a navy blazer, matching it with a crisp white shirt and dark jeans, while Don nodded approvingly, having never been the fashion type in his former life. She also chose a few sweaters, some chinos, and a couple of stylish button-down shirts.

After gathering a good selection, Samantha led Don to the changing rooms. "Try these on and show me how they fit," she suggested, handing him the clothes.

Don nodded and stepped into one of the stalls, starting with the navy blazer and white shirt combo. He examined himself in the mirror before stepping out to show Samantha.

She immediately clapped her hands in delight. "You look so handsome, Donnie! That's definitely a keeper."

He tried on a few more outfits, each time stepping out to show his mother. There was a light gray sweater paired with black chinos, a dark green button-down with khaki pants, and a sharp black blazer over a burgundy shirt. Each outfit received Samantha's approval.

Finally, Don tried on a pair of dark jeans and a white dress shirt. As he attempted to take off the outfit, he realized the zipper on the pants was jammed. 'Huh?' He tugged at it unsuccessfully, growing increasingly frustrated. "The fuck?" he muttered in annoyance.

Samantha, noticing the delay, called out, "Donnie, is everything okay in there?"

"The zipper's stuck," he replied, trying to keep his voice calm. "I can't get the pants off."

"Oh no," Samantha said, sounding genuinely concerned. "Uhm, do you need help?"

Don hesitated but then sighed. "Uh, yeah, I think so."

Samantha didn't waste any time once Don agreed. She walked into the changing room, finding Don shirtless and wearing only the stubborn pair of pants. She wasn't fazed by his state of undress and immediately moved close to help, her fingers getting to work on the jammed zipper.

"This happened before with one of my dresses," she said. "I can fix it. Just hold still."

Samantha crouched in front of Don, her face now right in front of his crotch as she fiddled with the zipper. Her movements were slow and gentle, her fingers brushing against his skin as she tried to work the zipper free. Don couldn't help but feel a bit awkward, though he kept his composure.

'Well, this is... a bit awkward,' he thought, trying to focus on anything but the current situation. After all, his current view of Samantha was quiet suggestive and the last thing he wanted was to make the situation worse by getting aroused.

Thankfully, Samantha's concentration was evident as she continued to work on the zipper without paying Don any mind. She shifted slightly, her breath warm against his skin. The proximity and her determined expression made the moment strangely intimate, though Don knew it was just a mom trying to help.

"Almost got it," she murmured, her fingers giving one final tug. The zipper finally budged, and she looked up at Don with a triumphant smile. "There we go!"

"Thanks, Mom," Don said, genuinely relieved… for more than one reason.

Samantha stood up, brushing off her hands. "No problem, Donnie. Now, let's pay for these."

They gathered the selected outfits and headed to the checkout.As they walked there, Samantha chatted happily about the clothes they'd chosen and what they might do next.

But as Don and Samantha tried to head to the checkout, Fabio rushed toward them with a plethora of dresses in hand. "Samantha, darling, where do you think you're going without trying out these masterpieces?"

Before Samantha could even argue, he handed the dresses over to Don. "Be a dear and help your mother try these on, won't you? She'll look stunning, I just know it."

Samantha took a look at one of the dresses, her eyebrows knitting together. "Fabio, I don't think these are appropriate."

Fabio turned to Don, his eyes flickering with mischief. "What do you think, Donnie?"

Don glanced at the dresses and then at his mother. "I think she'd look good in anything, and I'm kind of curious to see how she looks in these."

Fabio laughed, clapping Don on the shoulder. "Perfect answer! You're on your way to becoming my second favorite person."

Samantha let out a helpless sigh and smiled. "You're both impossible."

Don half expected Samantha to refuse again as the dresses were indeed something most mothers wouldn't feel very comfortable wearing in front of their sons, but now that she agreed, he saw an opportunity. "It's only fair, Mom. You got to see me try on a few outfits."

"Fine," Samantha conceded. "But let's make it quick."