Page 38 of Hot Mess

NICK

“Did I see Lydia’s van? Are you seeing another stylist?” Grace, my current go-to stylist asked.

“Isaac called in another one for my date. It was last minute.”

“And he didn’t think to call me?”

I shrugged.

“Who is doing hair and makeup? Carly?”

I nodded, “I like her, she’s been great.”

“Good. So, when your date tells you Lydia was a total bitch, you’ll actually let me dress you both next time.”

“You’ll need to talk to Isaac about that.”

“Isaac loves me. I always make you look good. So, you won’t say anything if I accidentally on purpose bump into Lydia’s van?”

I shook my head. “I know nothing.” I looked down and shook my leg. “I don’t like these pant legs.”

Grace looked me up and down. “I agree, not with your build. If you were leaner, but… Your shoulders have gotten wider, haven’t they? Captain Wonder did that. You didn’t use to be quite so broad. Good thing I go by measurements, and not memory.”

Grace looked at the rack of tuxedos and pulled out a black velvet jacket with satin lapels.

“I like the looks of that. What are the pants like?”

Grace flipped her pointer finger around. That was my cue to slip out of the pants I had on and try the satin ones that she handed me.

“Nice, nice,” she said admiring the fit. When she brushed a hand over my hip and ass, I knew it was in professional assessment of the fit, and not to cop a feel.

“Put these on.” She held out a pair of velvet dress slippers.

I slid my feet into the shoes. They fit perfectly.

“I am a genius. The pants don’t even need to be hemmed.”

With my suit all set, Grace left to go dress another client, and I continued getting ready. It took all morning and most of the afternoon.

I was uncharacteristically nervous standing by the door waiting for Kayla to make her big entrance. Isaac had kept me on pins and needles all day. Even though he was in the house, he was holding Kayla’s hand through the whole process, and keeping me away. All I knew was that Kayla was wearing purple. I wasn’t prepared for the vision of perfection she was. The rich jewel tone of her dress set off her alabaster skin. Her hair was a crown of dark fire.

“You are stunning,” I managed to say.

She reached up and touched the coils of her hair. “You think so? I feel like a princess ready for the ball.”

“I’m sorry I’m not taking you to a ball.”

She gave me a little shrug and twirled around in her dress. “I guess I’ll have to be satisfied with looking the part.”

“My lady, our coach awaits us.” I opened the door and gestured for her to step outside.

The limo driver stood next to the open car door. I held Kayla’s hand and helped her to the car.

She stopped at the door and looked at the open door, and then at me.

“How am I supposed to get all of this, and me into the back of this car?”

I laughed. “I actually don’t know.” I gestured at my tux. “I don’t have nearly as much to fight with.”

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