“I hope you guys know that I hate shopping.” The two guys nodded.

“Brian already informed us,” Howie said, opening the door to the Franklin Mills Mall and holding it open for Kassy and AJ.

“Why, thank you, Monsieur,” AJ said, trying to kiss Howie on the cheek. Raising and eyebrow, Howie backed away.

“And you’re how old?” Kassy laughed.

“Twenty,” AJ said, indignantly.

“Just asking.” Holding up her hands in defense, Kassy threw Howie a look behind AJ’s back. Laughing, the two of them had to speed up to catch up to AJ’s fast pace.

“What kind of dress are we looking for, anyway?” Kassy asked.

“This place is incredibly ‘high-society’,” Howie informed her. “Basically any star that comes to Philadelphia goes to Il Primavera. You have to ‘dress to impress’.”

“Great, just what I want to do,” Kassy said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Sit in a restaurant with a whole bunch of stuck-up snobs who think they’re a better creation than life themselves. What could be better than that?”

“Hey!” AJ said, sticking his bottom lip out in a pout. “I am not a snob.”

“I didn’t mean you,” she said. “I meant most celebrities.”

“Oh.” Looking around, Kassy quickly found a bench. She ran and sat down. Howie and AJ walked over, standing in front of her, practically covering her with their shadows.

“And, just what do you think you’re doing, missy?” Howie asked, putting his hands on his hips.

“I’ve decided I don’t want to do this anymore,” Kassy said, stretching her legs out on the bench. “Brian can find some other way to try and impress me. I don’t wanna go tonight if I’m gonna be surrounded by a bunch of stuck-up snobs.” The two of them sighed.

“Brian told us you’d probably do this,” Howie said, raising an eyebrow at her. She raised her eyebrows back challengingly.

“Oh yeah? And what’d he tell you to do about it?”

“This.” Suddenly, AJ picked her up and continued walking down the hallway.

“Put me down!” she shrieked, clinging to his neck. He shook his head.

“Nope.”

“Please?” He shook his head again. “I’ll yell your name.”

“Nope, not until you agree to do this.” Grinning at Howie, she closed her eyes and shouted.

“AJ Mcl-!” Clamping his hand over her mouth, AJ’s eyes widened under his sunglasses and hat which were supposed to keep him in disguise.

“Ssh!” he hissed. Quickly, he dropped her to her feet. “Okay, okay, you’re down!” She grinned as the people that had been staring at them slowly continued walking. “Damn, you’re a tough one.”

“Damn straight,” Kassy said, proudly. Howie grinned underneath his sunglasses and hat. “Y’know, you guys look even more obvious wearing sunglasses inside.” They both shrugged.

“Whatever works, works,” AJ said.

"Look,” Howie said, stepping in front of Kassy. “Will you please do this? For us? I hate going to this restaurant because it’s really not too interesting and you’re right. Most of the people are snobs. With you there, it’d be much more fun.” Kassy bit her lip, her emotions fighting inside her. “Please?”

“I’ll even be nice,” AJ added, smiling sweetly. Rolling her eyes, Kassy clasped her hands together and batted her eyelashes at him.

“Work from love,” she said, mimicking a line from the First Wives Club. Howie caught on immediately, looking at AJ in the same fashion.

“Grow from love,” Howie said, clasping his hands together in a pleading look.

“Screw the world!” the two said in unison before bursting into a fit of laughter. It took Kassy a moment to calm down before she nodded.

“Okay, I’ll do it,” she said, after catching her breath. She quickly added, “but, if I get bored, I’m outa there.” The guys nodded in agreement.

“Deal,” Howie said. Taking her hand, he smiled at her. “Now, time for shopping.” He began to lead her into a store, AJ on their heels.

“Fine, but if you try to put me in any froo-froo princess dresses, you’re dead meat,” Kassy growled, letting Howie lead her.