Retail therapy

Going shopping with my girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon is not generally something that I look forward to. However, as it was the beginning of fall, the winter clothing collections were already being put in display. You see, I have a thing with thick long down coats, which this time of the year were appearing in stores. At least I could look at the displays as my girlfriend tries on top after top, asking for my opinion for each one, yet ignoring it every single time.
I was really surprised when upon entering the department store, Erin stopped in front of the coats section. She passed the more formal wool clothes, the fake fur coats, and ski jackets, going directly to display of long down coats.
I was ecstatic when I saw she was perusing the thicker long down coats. The type of coat that she would always, much to my chagrin,  refuse to get for herself, even for the most frigid days. They were not cute enough according to her.
One of the sales attendants approached us: "Erin, how are you? Great to see you. How can I help you today?" So Erin was such a regular that the sales attendant knew her on a first name basis... Not something that I would like to know about the girl I was soon  to propose.
"Hi Jackie, I'm looking for a long down coat. Something really warm for those cold windy days."
"Humm... Let me see."
I tried not to seem too eager as Jackie was shifting through the different coats.
"We have this maxi down puffy coat. It has a very elegant long length. It comes down just below your knees. Wear it with knee high boots and you'll be super cozy. It's very heavy weight, I would say it's the warmest coat we have in stock." It was truly something, long and thick, with a big hood. I tried to remain calm, but was already imagining Erin wearing such a nice thick coat.
"Humm, it does look nice and warm."
"Yes, the stretchy belt will show your silhouette. And the faux fur trim on the hood and the cuffs give it a very cozy feminine feeling." Jackie replied. The coat was definitely feminine. All of the hardware was gold toned, the zippers, the snaps, and also the metallic badge with the designers logo, sewn onto the upper sleeve. It also had epaulettes on the shoulders, giving it an air of military elegance.
"So what size do you need? Medium?"
"I think he's a large." What?
"Sure thing, I'll be right back."
I tried to mumble something, but didn't even know what to say.
"Don't give those eyes. I know what you like. I've seen you stare at the displays. I've seen you stare at women wearing coats like this. Plus you're always complaining how your legs get cold when waiting for the train or bus, and there are no long coats for men. I know you're too shy to get one yourself, but today I'm going to help you pick your long thick down coat."
Jacket arrived carrying the large brown feather and down garment. She opened the coat, and started sliding my arm into one of the sleeves. I immediately pulled away, mostly an involuntary reaction out of embarrassment.
Erin grabbed my arm and whispered into my ear.
"If you resist, you're going home alone. Understand?" Erin asked, with a dominant tone I had never heard in her voice. I nodded. Without releasing my arm, Erin proceeded to slip my other arm into the sleeve of the coat. Jackie took the zipper and closed it all the way up. The stand up collar was snug and cozy, reaching all the way to my chin. She fished closing the snaps on the placard covering the zipper, and buckling the belt. I was frozen. I could feel my face getting red. I wanted to run my hands over the thick quilting of the coat, but I restrained myself. The coat was form fitting, but my frame was slight enough that it wasn't too tight. Between my embarrassment and the heavy weight of the coat, I could tell it was extremely warm. Wearing a coat like this for the first time was quite an experience.
Erin asked me to turn around so that she could see how it fitted me.
"Just was I was looking for. But I'm sure you want to see for yourself." She grabbed my arm and dragged me in front of one of the mirrors. I kept my head down, trying to avoid eye contact with anybody saying.
"So what do you think?"
I looked in the mirror, but couldn't get my self to say anything. The coat was gorgeous, but the image looked bizarre to me.
"Come on, I'm pretty sure this is what you wanted. You can be more expressive. Now go ahead, run your hand and feel the material, feel how cozy and warm it is."
I tried to remain still, but the temptation soon became too much. It was warm and plush. A fantastic feeling, but still a mix of humiliation and excitement. I dared not look around, fearing people would be looking at me.
Erin came behind my back and put up my hood.
"Much better," she says. The hood was nice and thick, with the faux fur trim limiting my vision. I tried to move, feeling the weight of the huge coat, feeling the snugness of the down material against my arms. Feeling my legs trapped by the length of the coat.
Then Erin snapped her fingers in front of my face, and I came out of it.
"I guess that means a yes! I know you're enjoying the coat, but you'll have plenty of chances to wear it soon enough. Plus it's not cheap, so you better make good use of it. Let's go to the cashier." I took of the coat, which is not as simple given how long it was. I looked around and saw that nobody was staring, at least not currently. I wrapped the coat around my arm and headed to the checkout line. Walking out with coat neatly folded in a large shopping bag, I wondered if people knew what I had just bought. But more importantly, I wondered when Erin would have me wear it. I was sure this was only the beginning. But the beginning of what? But one thing was certain, I knew what Erin was getting for Christmas. After all, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.