Chapter 68 - Shopping Spree

"Oh good to know. If you don't mind may I ask you something?"

"Sure"

"How do you know Daniel? I mean father told me you guys knew each other before uncle James and father introduced you to each other." Catherine asked her this question as they were already on this topic.

"Few months back I was in Peebles and that's where I met him."

"Oh, what a sweet coincidence." Catherine commented.

"Yeah I didn't know he was uncle Anthony's grandson."

"Yeah when Daniel and Jimmy were very young we shifted from London to Italy and then he went to Cambridge for education and you went away to the US, you guys never came across each other much so it was natural for you to not know him and Jimmy. It was a few months back that me and Harry shifted back to London and I too was busy with a new foundation we started and Daniel used to rarely visit us here and that's why we couldn't meet again. Actually four months back we did plan to meet you but you suddenly left for a project and came back now, but I am glad we finally met."

Rachel realised the reason for their meeting four months back and she again cursed herself for running away from her home, whenever this incident is reminded to her every time she regrets her stupid actions.

"Yeah, that project took longer than expected and it all makes sense now, how we didn't come across each other but thank you so much auntie for being there for me, I got to know how you used to travel to and fro from Italy to London for me, it must have been really difficult and hectic for you."

"Don't be so formal Rachel, you are my best friends' only daughter, if your grandpa would have allowed me then I would have raised you with Daniel and Jimmy."

Rachel thanked her grandpa at that moment, it would have been awkward if she and Daniel were raised together.

They were done with their snacks and Catherine insisted on paying the bill, Rachel let her but with a promise that next time when they would go somewhere Rachel would pay the bill. 

They then went shopping. They first went into a big store where clothes for men and women were available. 

There they visited the men's section where Catherine selected shirts for her sons, Rachel who accompanied her was helping her choose, while going through many shirts Catherine and Rachel both liked a light purple shirt and put their hands on it at the same time.

Rachel felt it would look good on Daniel and chose it for him and so did Catherine, her instincts told her Rachel too selected it for Daniel just like her but she pretended as if she was unaware of it and innocently asked "Do you want to buy it for a friend? You can have it. I will select another shirt for Danny" 

"No auntie, I was just looking at this color, it is really soothing and warm to one's eyes."

"Okay then would you mind if I have this shirt?"

"Yeah yeah, no problem"

"Okay I will buy this one for Danny, this is his size and will be perfect for him." Catherine informed her and Rachel mentally noted his shirt size.

"How is this light green color shirt for Jim?"

"For Jimmy, instead of green take this black colored shirt auntie, this colour will look perfect on him."

"Okay done"

Then they bought some t-shirts for all three grandpas, Harry, Daniel and Jimmy. There is no one to shop for Michael so Rachel bought t-shirts for him too.

Catherine then suggested that they should now go to the women's section as they were done here.

They then reached the women section and went through all the dresses, this section had more options and more varieties of clothes than that in men's section. Catherine saw a beautiful red gown and asked Rachel how it is. It was so beautiful that Rachel too liked it, Catherine then took that gown and asked Rachel to try it.

Although Rachel loved it she was a bit hesitant to try. It was a backless gown, with a deep and open back, it looked damn sexy and Rachel never wore such sexy clothes ever but not wanting to disappoint Catherine she decided to try it and went to the trial room. 

She then came out wearing the red gown. Catherine stood there stunned, she looked at her in awe as it perfectly fit Rachel and it looked as if this gown was especially designed for her. Catherine smiled at Rachel and her eyes got teary. 

Seeing the tears, Rachel went to her and asked her, "What happened aunt Catherine?"

Catherine wiped the tears off her face and said, "Seeing you in this red dress reminded me of your mother, in one of the parties she wore a red dress and she looked so beautiful that every man looked at her in awe."

"Is that so auntie? I literally don't know anything about her, I only have a few memories of my mom and whenever I think of her I never imagine her alone, she and dad always appear together in my memories."

"Hahaha yeah they were always together, they even worked together, if Will had to travel for work, Liz too always accompanied him and they used to leave you with your grandparents. Liz never liked being away from Will."

"Seems they were very romantic."

"Yes they were, you know what Rachel?"

"What auntie?"

"Today was the day your parents met for the first time."

"What? Really?" Rachel was surprised as she had no idea about this.

"Yes, no one knows because people usually don't remember dates but I witnessed your parents' love story first hand and therefore I remember every special day of their lives. Liz and Will used to celebrate all the important days of their lives, they were damn romantic."

"Auntie thanks for telling me this, or I would have never known."

"Yeah, this was one of the reasons why I wanted to meet you today and celebrate this day just like your parents did."

"It is a great idea, let's do that, how did they celebrate this day?"

"They used to give gifts to each other and have a candle light dinner, but they always visited different restaurants as they loved trying new things. At times if it was feasible they used to travel to different countries to celebrate these special days."

"Oh god they were so romantic, I am not at all as romantic as them."

"Haha none of us are, me and Harry only celebrate our wedding anniversary and we just wish each other on other special days and that too if we remember them."

"Hahaha also auntie can you tell me my parents' love story? I don't know the detailed one and you are the only one I can ask."

"Sure sweetheart, let's shop first and then let's find a nice restaurant and there I'll tell you the entire story."

"Yayy it sounds like a plan." Rachel got very excited.

"How do you feel wearing this red gown?" Catherine also wanted to know Rachel's opinion. 

"I am feeling good but is it looking vulgar? My entire bare back is exposed."

Catherine laughed at her words, "Oh my god you are just like me and Liz, we too were very conscious of these things, Rachel this dress is not at all looking vulgar on you and rather it is looking perfect. I would suggest you should have it."

"Okay aunt Catherine, I am trusting your opinion and I'll buy this gown." Rachel too never had a dress like this so it is not a bad idea to have one gown, one never knows when it might come handy.

"No" Catherine suddenly opposed Rachel.

"What?" Rachel was surprised by Catherine's sudden reaction.

"I am buying this for you, it is a gift from me to you."

'Oh god the mother and the son are so same, son gives me an expensive suit in the morning and mother gives me an expensive gown in the evening.' Rachel thought.

Before Rachel could say anything, Catherine sternly replied, "Don't you dare argue with me."

Catherine really looked scary so Rachel didn't argue with her and accepted her sweet gesture, then Rachel bought a yellow colored designer long skirt and white full-sleeved top with a tinge of yellow shade in it. 

She changed into this dress after buying it as she wanted to dress up well for her date with Catherine and after a point wearing any suit was not comfortable.

"Your choice is really good" Catherine commented, seeing her in the yellow skirt and white top.

"Thank you auntie." 

They then continued their shopping spree and bought a lot of dresses for themselves, they gave suggestions to each other and that's why this shopping became even more fun for them.

Around 8 pm, with five bags in Catherine's hand and three in Rachel's they exited the shopping center and found a nice restaurant in the same area and went there for dinner.