Page 26 of Rushed

Keenan

“Stop whining and open the damn present,” Jax grumbles as he leans into Troy’s chest.

Troy arrived while we were sitting in the kitchen, enjoying some snacks that Jim whipped up. He’s an amazing chef. Charlie really lucked out with that relationship. He’s already mentioned how he can burn water and overcook pasta, and that Jim was his saving grace. He’d still be the takeout king of Manhattan if it weren’t for his executive chef partner.

“Fine, but this better be the last one. All of you are spoiling me rotten.” The countless pale teal packages are strewn around my feet. They’d spent a fucking fortune on me at Tiffany’s, not to mention the colorful boxes of shoes, dresses, and casual outfits from Louboutin and Burberry. I know they get discounts but still, it’s too much. I peel back the intricate, neat wrapping to reveal a gold box. Chanel.

“Are you shitting me! Boys, this is too much. How much did you spend?”

The group of them sit there grinning like Cheshire cats, wide and proud, preening like peacocks.

“You know we get discounts. Besides, you look like a hobo. We can’t let you continue looking like that when you have a major event to attend soon.”

“I would have gone shopping—”

Troy clasps a hand over my mouth. “Please tell me you weren’t thinking of hitting that cheap vintage store again?” He laughs. “I’m gay, not stupid. You can’t go to that event on Lincoln’s arm, looking like a stray. We had to take it upon ourselves to make sure you were arm candy, not a charity case.”

“Fine,” I answer. I pull the lid off and peel the crepe covering back to expose a masterpiece. Running my fingers along the material, I’m in shock. “It’s…guys, this is way too much.”

“You did it, Charlie! You’ve shocked her. I never thought it would happen. Six teal Tiffany bags didn’t do it. The Louboutin’s, which of course match perfectly, didn’t do it. But you made her speechless with Chanel.”

“How much did you spend?” I start to put the cover back on the dress, crying tears of happiness. “This is way too much. It must have been a near fortune for all of this.”

“You’re worth it, love. Now, before you freak, I have a friend that works at Chanel. It was a steal. I knew it was for you when I saw it at the show, so get your skinny ass up the stairs and showcase it. We want you beautiful for that brother of mine.” Troy stands me up, hands me the box, and shoves me lovingly towards the loft to try it on. “No fussing.”

I do as I’m told, and head up to try it on.

Laying the box to the side, I slip into the dress. It’s phenomenal. It’s like sliding into the softest, most luxurious sports car. I feel rich. It has a slinky black cashmere bodice. The bottom is a formfitting, high above the knee skirt. With its boat neck and wide straps that V deep in the back, it almost touches the top of my ass, making it look good. After twirling this way and that in the en suite mirror, I head down to my adoring fans. Before reaching the last step, I can hear the gasps throughout the room.

“Oh my god! My brother will tap out once he sees you in that. He won’t even make it out of the locker room to fight Mick.” He smiles that infectious Moore smile; dimples wide, eyes twinkling.

“I knew when I saw it, it would be your Breakfast at Tiffany’s dress, Keenan. This is your timeless piece,” Jackson notes, making me blush as he pecks me on the cheek. “Troy said you’d look great, and I couldn’t agree more.”

“I feel like a princess. It’s all so beautiful, with the shoes, the dress, the jewelry, and not to mention, my Prince Charming. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you as my friends.” I hug Troy, Charlie, Jim, and Jax, as tears start to well in my eyes. I’m truly blessed. I stand there like an idiot as they all gaze at the girl and her dress. I adore how they cared enough to spoil my little ass, even if it is over the top.

“Okay, pretty woman, go change. You’ve made us all cry at your transformation.” Troy is grinning like a moron, while the others clear their moistened eyes. I run as fast as physically possible in the tight dress, as they prepare to watch White Christmas.

Laying the dress lovingly back inside the box, and setting all my presents together to the side, I rush to dress in my sweats and a tee. As I rejoin the boy’s downstairs, I curl into the only single chair available. We sip on coffee, while watching Bing and Danny Kaye belt out timeless songs. The boys know all the words, and happily sing along. It’s almost two in the morning before the final scene is over.

As each couple slinks off to their respective rooms, I clear the glasses and head to my sanctuary in the woods alone, and consider how lucky I am. New memories and new traditions have been started with people I consider family. I’m blessed.

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