Chapter 9

HOPE

My day turned into a whirlwind. I had given directions to a department store where I could find something cheap and comfortable to wear today, but Nicco nixed that plan. He took me to another boutique shop, and he picked out the outfit he wanted me to wear. I grinned at myself when I saw my reflection in the mirror. He had chosen a white, sleeveless polo dress with a blue belt. I had a pair of white sandals waiting for me when I came out of the dressing room. I had taken the time to braid my long hair over one shoulder and Nicco spent a moment playing with the heavy plait. I put my phone in the new bag he insisted on buying, and tucked my hand in his before leaving the shop.

“Thank you,” I said, again, for the umpteenth time. Nicco looked pleased.

“I like buying you clothes,” he said. I laughed.

“Why?” I asked, genuinely curious. I didn’t really care about clothing, probably because I never had the money to care about the clothes.

He looked at me sideways. “You have