Next, they went to the shoe store. It was called Step Above. The salesman brought out a pair of black high heels that had red soles.
"Put them on her," Jaxson told the man.
The salesman knelt down and slid Isabella's foot into the shoe. He buckled the tiny silver strap around her ankle. Isabella felt very tall and very shaky. She stood up and tried to walk, but her ankles wobbled.
Jaxson caught her. He held her against his chest. "I've got you. I'll always have you. Just lean on me."
Isabella leaned into him. She felt overwhelmed by all the things he was buying her. She thought about the "Marco" text again. Who was the Boss? Why did Jaxson need an armored car? She wanted to ask, but she was afraid of ruining the moment. She was afraid that if she asked too many questions, the dream would end and she would be back on her fifty-dollar couch.
"Are you happy, Isabella?" Jaxson asked as they walked back to the car, followed by three mall employees carrying bags and boxes.
"I am," she said. "But I'm also a little confused."
"Don't be confused," he said, opening the car door for her. "Just be mine. That's all you have to do."
He got into the driver's seat and looked at his watch. It was almost dinner time. "I have to make a quick stop at the docks before we eat. You stay in the car. It's for your own safety."
Isabella felt a knot in her stomach. The docks. 2 AM was what the text said, but Jaxson was going now. Something was happening.