Chapter 42: | like the locals-2

The salesgirl picks up the wrong glasses. "The black Jimmy Choo ones over there?" She passes me the sunglasses. "These are super cute. How much are they?" Phoenix interrupts. "Don't worry about that. I got you." "See?" Sheila glares at me over a pair of sunglasses she's trying on. I nod politely. Will you go dig a hole or something, lady? I've never shopped this way before. Cost is always a part of the equation. I can't remember a time when it wasn't. Now he wants me to ignore the price tag? What do I use to say no to myself? He's already bought you a car, how is this any different? That's the whole point. I'm racking up quite a bit in the "I Owe You" category. I don't like that. "Thank you?" A sense of unease clings to me. I'm out of my element. I'm used to struggle. That feels normal to me. Being on easy street does not. There's got to be a catch. Relax, Ari. There's no catch. He's just generous. He's been this way since you met him. Be cool! "That's . . . hmm . . . really nice, Phoenix but you've already done so much." "Listen, I want you to have the best. You deserve it. If you want something, just get it." The warmth of his smile is contagious and reassuring. It's almost as if I'll disappoint him if I don't accept. "OK? If you say so?" I wince. This man is everything I never knew I wanted and that's starting to scare me. I try on a pair of Cartier sunglasses and look in the mirror. I've got to admit, I absolutely love how good they look on me but the battle isn't won. That price tag is calling my name. I need to know how much. Phoenix wants you to have nice things! Get the glasses! But what if these sunglasses are hundreds of dollars. Do I really need them? No, but they are nice and it's OK to get nice things every once in a while! I resist the urge to ask the clerk the price. I sit the sunglasses on the counter and let her know I'll take them. A thrilling sensation rockets through my entire body, like I've just released an invisible weight, that's been weighing me down for a long time. There's more room to be myself without limitation. And yes, I think I like it. I like this perspective. I like viewing the world from up here. Phoenix whips out his black card and without a second thought, pays for everyone's new designer shades. Mind. Blown. We walk out of the boutique looking like local reality TV celebrities and once again, we're back in the midst of a street so full of people, that cars are at a full standstill. If it's not a Maserati or Maybach, it's a pimped-out vintage muscle car sitting in traffic and I don't think the drivers' mind waiting much. Because as far as the eye can see, they're surrounded by eye candy. Women flashing skin, walking in platform sandals and skimpy bikinis. Guys flashing their lifestyle, wearing huge chains and matching watches with ice so bright that I'm almost blinded when the sunlight hits it. And Phoenix is no exception. The bold, big face of his Rolex watch is lined in row after row of shimmering diamonds and the crucifix on his chest is also diamond-encrusted. I guess, when in Rome . . . . Phoenix's phone rings. Stepping away, he excuses himself to take the call. Everyone else keeps chatting, but curiosity refuses to release me. It's strange because he doesn't act this way with all his calls. He usually talks right in front of me. My eyes and ears follow him. Why is he so private with this person? What are they talking about? You know what, sometimes curiosity does kill the cat. Things are going well, don't ruin it. I take in a deep breath and exhale. Maybe it's just his mom. Let it be. Phoenix walks back to the group. "You good?" I ask, hoping he'll volunteer details, anything to put my mind at ease. "I'm good." Damn. He has a good poker face as we wander over to the Versace mansion. Standing in front of it, I take a few pictures. I imagine the simple exterior alludes to something spectacular just beyond the front door. With all that space, how can you not have everything you want? What secrets lie behind mansion walls like these? "We're trying to figure out where to go next." Penelope motions for me to join the group. "We're going to an all-white party tonight, right Riz?" Mia confirms. I turn around and join the group. "Who made those plans?" I ask with a slight frown. "Riz has his hand on the pulse of Miami. He knows everything that goes down here," JC replies. "Plus, he has the key." "Ari, did you know he has the key to Miami, girl?" Mia's eyes look like they're about to pop with excitement. "And being a club promoter has its perks. I'm coast to coast, baby." Riz playfully pretends to pop his non-existent collar like a seventies cool cat with mad style. "Right. We've got the all-white party, tonight." Phoenix looks at me. "We need threads for the occasion." "Then we want to go to the Miami Design District. They have all the brands you're looking for. Louboutin, Burberry, Dior." "That's where we want to be. Let's hit it up. I'll get Leon to meet us and take us over there." We stop for refreshments at a nearby cafe and wait at a table outside. "You girls might want to change. It's one thing to sport a swimsuit on South Beach, but we're going towards downtown. The vibe is different there." We take turns in the bathroom of the café, getting changed. Before long, Leon pulls up and we all get in.