Page 85 of Judgment

Andre

BIANCA’S ASSISTANT WRESTLES the packed rolling rack through the door to my office, fighting a few of the large garment bags as he tries to force it through.

I glance at the dressmaker standing beside me. “I thought I said no fucking Cinderella dresses.”

Bianca gives me a cool smile. “And I told you that wasn’t your decision.”

“And I told you that I know Paisley and you don’t. She doesn’t want to look like she just jumped out of a fucking pumpkin. That’s not her style.” Bianca’s pushing my buttons already. I should have known that was coming considering she’s good friends with Yvonne and Yvonne certainly enjoys pushing any button she can.

“If what you said is true then this poor girl doesn’t even know what her style is.” Bianca breezes into my office as soon as her assistant clears the doorway. “And I’m certainly not going to withhold that experience from her.”

I don’t like what she’s insinuating. That I’m gatekeeping Paisley’s life.

I’m not.

I just know she doesn’t want to look like a goddamned cupcake.

“What is all this?” Paisley peeks into my office.

She’s wrapped in my bathrobe to make changing easier, which seemed to be a fine plan before the dressmaker showed up with her male assistant.

I immediately step in front of Paisley, blocking her from his view. “These are the dresses for the fitting.” I glance at where Victor stands just outside my office. “Go find something for Paisley to stand behind while she changes.”

The dressmaker’s assistant leans toward me, waving one hand to get my attention. “If you’re worried about me seeing her, you don’t have to.” He gives me a quick smile as he points one thumb at his own chest. “Super gay.”

I shoot Bianca a glare so she knows I’m still not happy with this arrangement. She rolls her eyes and turns to her assistant. “Pull out our first three options for the lovely Paisley, Richard.”

Richard immediately jumps into action, pulling out one of the horrible, fluff covered gowns I specifically said not to bring, along with a slim, draped dress in yellow, and a fitted black gown with crisscrossed strapping circling the chest.

Bianca stands beside Richard as he hooks the dresses down the side of the rack. “Let’s start with these three and see which one you feel most comfortable in. That will give me an idea of what else to show you.”

Paisley pulls the robe a little tighter. “Okay.”

I huff out a breath. I knew she would be uncomfortable in this situation. “Come with me.” I take her hand and lead her behind the rack, dragging it toward one corner so it will serve as a partition of sorts. I know Paisley was willing to stand naked in front of a room full of people for money, but that was so she could help her mother. Remove that motivation from the equation and her willingness to show her body in front of others disappears completely.

I snag the fluffy dress, ready to get it done and over with. “Try this one first.” I shove it into the barricaded corner.

Paisley looks it up and down. “That’s a lot of dress.”

“It is.” I want to tell her she doesn’t have to try it on, but I want to prove I’m right more. I want to make it clear to Bianca that I know Paisley and that I know what she likes.

Paisley gives me a little smile as she shrugs out of my robe. It takes both of us to get her into the monstrosity, and I hate the dress a little less when she turns her back to me so I can zip her into it. It’s an oddly intimate moment, especially considering there’s two other people only a few feet away.

Once she’s zipped in, Paisley tries to turn to face me, but the full skirt of the dress stays put, her body twisting in the center of it, forming a human swirl. I shove the rack away and step back so she can move out into the room. The dress releases, expanding to its full girth as she walks, arms held away from her body, looking exceptionally uncomfortable.

Bianca beams at her. “You are absolutely lovely.” Her head tips to one side. “What do you think, my dear?”

Paisley’s eyes come my way as she gingerly pats the cotton candy skirt. “I guess it’s fine.” She straightens her shoulders. “If Andre likes it then it’s great.”

I shoot Bianca a smirk. “Get rid of the cupcakes.”

The dressmaker scowls at me but she flicks her hand and Richard jumps into action, pulling all the puffiest garment bags free and stacking them on the empty rack he rolled in first.

Paisley’s blue eyes fix on me. “You don’t like it?”

“I fucking hate it.”

She lets out a long breath of air. “Thank God.” She picks up the skirts a little, testing their weight. “I was trying to figure out how in the hell I would pee with this thing on.”

---