Dada: Chapter 5a

   It takes only a minute or so to drive from Target to the mall parking lot.  It's barely enough time for Sam to change his socks and shoes.  I park near the food court entrance, as it is about the midpoint of the mall, or at least the original part.  I don't remember Fayette Mall before it expanded, south and southeast.  They added an entire wing at the south end about the time I was born; then added onto the eastern wing of the expansion soon after. Then there was the center, extra restaurants, and the closing of original anchor Sears.  It was converted into various smaller stores, not all rented out yet.
  "Okay, this is the plan.  You dump out everything from the bag, and only take in the shorts and tee.  You'll probably need to change your underwear, but that will be a little tricky in the restroom, so forget about it."
   "Actually, I just turned it inside out this morning." Sam whispered, slightly embarrassed.
   "Funny, I didn't even hear about that trick until I was seventeen.  Doesn't really work though.  Your clothes could still get dirty. Anyway, you might not want to take in a pair.  After that, we'll eat and shop for the rest of your gear.  How's that for you?"  I ask.
   "I guess it is okay," Sam replied.
   I lead Sam straight to the family restrooms, just inside the food court entrance.  Luckily, they aren't too crowded for a early weekday afternoon.  He takes a stall near the end of the line, while a go into the one next to him.  I had been waiting to relieve myself for awhile, but I prefer some privacy.  Anxiety issues for going in public.  I have been that way since grade school.  At least I finish before Sam can change out of his clothes.  I am done washing my hands as he steps out, his now to small suit in the plastic bag.
   "I should have asked you this sooner, but where do you want to eat?  We've got burgers, chicken, chili, cheesesteak, and Asian."
   "Pizza."  Sam quickly suggests.
   How did I know he would choose pizza.   Don't get me wrong.  I like pizza.  There are three different places at the mall.  One in the center, one small joint on the southwest wing, and one in the food court.  The last one is my least favorite.  The food is good, but they don't have fountain water.  Only bottled stuff, which I feel is kind of a rip-off.  They only serve Coke products as well, another big negative.  However, it's Sam's choice, and he is growing boy, etc.
   I get a plain slice and a water, while Same gets two of pepperoni.  I use a fork to eat, so I won't have to wash me hands again.  Sam just shoves the slices into his face, as if he hadn't eaten in days.
  "Make sure you wipe all the grease of your fingers; you wouldn't want to get your new clothes oily before you even get to wear them." I politely inform him.  He just gives me the same disbelieving stare I used to give my mom when she said the same thing to me at his age.  I sounded so old.
   It only takes a few minutes for him to finish.  "We'll take your old clothes back to the car, then we'll shop.  You said you weren't able to bring anything with, including your phone.  Is that right?"
   "Yeah.  Just got it for my birthday.  Not too much on it yet."  Sam responds as we walk back inside.
   "Was it an iPhone, or another brand?"  I ask.
   "Samsung, I think," he responds.
  "Sorry."
   "It's not that important.  Like I said, I haven't had it for long."
  "Actually, I meant that I am sorry it wasn't an Apple.  I might have been able for you to synch up to it.  Maybe not, but we could have tried."  I apologize.  "Here's what I mean."
  Our first stop is the Apple store.  I had called ahead to have a few things ready for me, just in case.
   "How may I help you?" the sales associate asked soon after we walked in.
   "There's an Apple store in the mall?" Sam wonder aloud.
   "Yeah, we have one here.  Actually, I called ahead to order a few things.  Grant should have them ready by now."
  "One moment, and I will check on him for you.  My name is Clair.  Feel free to ask for me if you have any problems. " she said, before she walks away.
   "What are we here for?" Sam asks just as Grant walks over to us.
  Grant has been my go-ti guy here for over a year now.  Strict professional, even if his sleeve tats and pink streak in his black hair suggest otherwise.  Fourth year computer engineering student at UK.  Leans more towards coding than hardware, but very proficient.
   "Hey Chris. I've got that gear for you.  Transport cases, backup energy pod, and portable hotspot for you.  I guess you might need to go somewhere."  Grant teasingly asks.
    "Yeah.  This is my half-brother, Sam.  I'm going to be taking him back to his hoe this weekend,  and I want to take the desktop with me.  It's a hassle, but I just might need it where we're going."
  "Say no more.  We've already got everything set up for you.  I take it you will be using..."  Grant tries to finish before I cut him off.
   "Apple Pay." I say, whipping out my phone.  "All done.  Mind holding these a little longer while we shop around a bit?"
   "We're starting to get a little swamped.  You better take them with you, or else you might not be able to reach me."  Grant replies.
   It was going to be a hassle, but I carry the three big bags with me.  Fortunately, I know this mall inside and out.  I quickly aim Sam at the best places for him.  PJs and socks at Macys.  A belt and sneakers at Penny's.  A few shirts at A & F.  Jeans and a new pair of dressier pants at Dillards.  We trek from on end of the mall to the other in less than two hours, with a bare minimum of deviance from our path.  One small shake, plus a cookie for Sam, on the way out, and we are done.
   "Don't get too comfortable," I say to him as we get back to the car.  "We've got one last stop to make before we go back to my place.  And you might not like it that much."
   He gives me a puzzled look as he buckles up.
   We drive back out, past Target, and into another side road.  I pull off into a new parking lot.
   "This is another mall, although it has become something more of a really extensive shopping center, since most of the smaller stores and anchors have left.  Still, the main store is something else."
    "What is it?" Sam quietly asks, again.
   "A book store.  Joseph-Beth."
   I try to visit each of Lexington's independent book store multiple times a month.  It isn't part of my job description;  I just like to do it.  Most try to feature Homestead's books.  Not always prominently, but we take any shout-out we can get.  JB is the largest one.  Sure, there's a Barnes here, too, but it doesn't like to focus too much on a small regional publisher like us.  JB used to be at an end store, before expanding into the unit next to it.  It then moved into the central hub of the mall, taking over spots that used to hold about a half-dozen smaller units on two floors.  At least they display our books with the other local interest ones, quite noticeably too.
     "Kids' books are downstairs, if you want to look.  I suggest just staying close by until I talk to someone though.  This place is a little big and confusing for first-timers."
   I walk over to the check-out.  "I need to talk to someone about a reserve order."
   "Yes, sir.  Under what name is it for."  the clerk asks.  It is not someone I recognize.
   "Chris Burton.  I reserved a copy of the new Jasper Fforde 'Thursday Next' novel coming out Tuesday.  However, I will  be out of town then, and I just wanted to make sure that you would hold it for me until I can come back for it.  I have already pre-paid for it."
   She runs it through her computer as I wait, Sam nervously pacing through the new releases section.
  "Here it is.  Scheduled for next week.  Fully paid.  We can hold it for you for another week, no problem.  My name is Teri if you have any questions upon pick-up." she replies.
   "Thank you.  I will be back to pick it up as soon as I can." I say to her as I walk back to Sam.  "Want to look around a bit?"
   "Not really.  I don't read all that much," he all but whispers, ashamed almost at the fact.
  "Suit yourself.  Try not to get into trouble."  He silently tails me as a check out a few magazines.  I take a brief runaround the main sections, before coming back around to local interest to see how many of our books they have out--only seven, but with multiple copies of most.  I pay for the two magazines and the maps I got from travel, and we are on our way.
   "We'll be back at my place soon.  I need to warn you though.  It might not be what you are expecting."  I leave him stunned as we drive off to home.