“Fair,” I said. “I’m watching my figure.”
That got a laugh out of her, and I nearly died at the sound. Lunch went far too fast, and before we knew it, we realized we needed to head to the costume shop, or we wouldn’t have any time to try costumes on. She was deadly serious about getting something perfect for the night, and that meant having enough time to try on whatever her heart desired. I had zero issue with being the eyes that evaluated her in various pieces of clothing, but I knew I was going to be terrible at it. I was fairly certain she would look good in anything.
Or nothing.
Especially nothing.
With lunch packed up in a plastic container in a paper bag in the passenger’s seat of the car, we made it to the costume shop with a couple of hours left before they closed. It was an old place, having been there for years before I was born. Every high school play and dance studio for miles around routed people to it to get their costumes of various types, and Halloween was made special by some elaborate pieces they loaned out to regulars.
“Okay, so we are going for Great Gatsby, yes?” the lady at the counter said. She wasn’t the owner, I knew that, but she had worked there since they opened. The owner was an eccentric older woman who also ran the community theater and was often seen wearing sparkly boas downtown. This lady, however, had a plump and cheerful look that was decidedly less dramatic and more motherly.
“Yes,” Hannah said. “We work at the bar that’s doing the theming. Ava said you would know about it.”
“Oh, Ava,” she said sweetly. I saw her name tag read “Grams” which I assumed was a nickname and not at all something I should blurt out to get her attention. “She’s so sweet. She lets me know when you guys do those theme nights and always sends me so much business. I’m surprised you didn’t come earlier. Some of the regular costumers have already wiped out most of my flapper costumes.”
Hannah looked over her shoulder at me, grinning widely. She was loving this. I was loving watching her love this. As Grams led us deep into rows and rows of costumes, we made it to an area with a million dresses that looked like they were ripped from different eras of glamor. Hannah disappeared into them while I looked on.
“And for you,” Grams said, coming up to me, “we will need to find something suitable for a man of grace and class, of course. Thankfully, men’s fashion hasn’t changed terribly much in the last hundred years, so it should be rather simple.”
With that, I was whisked away to an area of the store with tails tuxedos and the like. I noticed a few of the tuxedos had Velcro along the sides to be ripped away and decided not to ask too many questions. Instead, I gathered up a few items that seemed appropriate and a few others I picked solely to make Hannah laugh and went to the changing area.
For the next hour or so, we took turns trying on costumes to increasing hilarity. I was rather fond of a steampunk train conductor outfit I put together but was told that it was wildly inappropriate for the party. Still, it got a smile out of Hannah that made my heart jump up and down in my chest, so it was worth it.
Eventually, Hannah came out in a gold dress that rose high on one side and fell down to her ankles on the other. It was sleek and sexy and showed a little of her ample cleavage, and though she looked a little embarrassed when she walked out, I was floored by her.
“That’s it,” I said. “That’s the one.”
“I can’t,” she said. “It’s too much.”
“I would argue if anything it’s not enough,” Grams quipped behind me. “But you look fantastic in it.”
Hannah looked like she was on the verge of tears, and I stood up instinctively and went to her.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“I just…” she began, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “I feel pretty in this, I do. It’s just I could never show this much of myself off before.”
“What?” I asked. “I mean, yeah, you look great, but this is nothing compared to some of the stuff the regulars wear in, much less the costumes.”
“I know,” she said. “Ethan was just so controlling about what I wore. I could never show anything, not even my shoulders. He said I was advertising myself. That it showed I didn’t respect him.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“He was just so… manipulative,” she said. “He would tell me I would look like a whore if my shorts were too short, or if I wore a bra too dark that you could see the strap through the shirt or something. But then he would see these women on TV and say I could look like them. If I tried.”
I hated hearing her talk about her ex. Not because he was her ex, but because of how he treated her. The way she spoke about him, he seemed like the kind of guy that I would have no time for. The type of guy who would make comments like Luke made but mean them. The kind of guy who didn’t say things for shock value or to rib his friend, but because he truly believed them.
“Well, Ethan’s not here. And I think you look hot. If you want that dress, then get it,” I said. “If anyone complains they are either blind, stupid, or looking for a fight, which I’ll gladly give them.” She smiled and wiped another tear from the corner of her eye. “I hate guys like that, and I’m sorry you were treated that way. But that’s over. Now you can be you. In all your glory.” I motioned to the dress and smiled.
“Thank you,” she said. “Now, let’s find you something that matches.”
“You mean Captain Goggleface won’t work?” I teased.
“Is that what you named that character?”
“For now. Unless you have a better name.”
“Nope, nothing better than Captain Goggleface. What is he a captain of, exactly?” she asked.
“A train, of course,” I said, grinning.
“Ahh, I should have known.”
We went back to the dressing rooms, and she helped me pick several pieces together to make a cohesive costume, and we left with our bags and with me feeling a lot closer to her.
16
Hannah
I found myself looking forward to the Gatsby theme night more than I had any other theme night since I started working at the bar. Maybe it was because the idea for the night had come from me, and I was really looking forward to seeing how everybody responded to such a different approach.
And maybe it was because of how much fun Jordan and I had finding the outfits we were going to wear, and I was really looking forward to seeing him. Either way, the day of the Gatsby night, I spent far longer getting ready for work than I usually did.
This started with several hours of research. As soon as I finished breakfast, I curled up in front of my computer and started going through images from that era, taking notes about how the women looked. I wanted to make sure my look was as authentic as possible. I knew it was just a themed night at a local bar, but I wanted to pay attention to all the details and not miss anything.
That was part of the fun of these theme nights. I really enjoyed taking an idea and running with it, finding as many ways as possible to stay true to the theme in my appearance as much as we did with the food and drinks we offered.
After finally settling on exactly how I wanted to do my hair and makeup to complement the outfit I chose while at the costume shop with Jordan, I took a long shower, then carefully dried my hair. While it was setting in curlers, I went about the feat of recreating the makeup application style of the era.
As I was etching on the line around my lips, my phone rang. I reached over and answered it, putting it on speakerphone when I saw it was Samantha calling.
“Hey, Samantha,” I said.
I leaned closer to the mirror to make sure my lip liner didn’t end up wiggly on the bottom.
“What are you doing?” she asked. “Why do you sound so weird?”
“I’m getting new appreciation for what the women in the 1920s went through just to get themselves ready. Maybe this is why Daisy never showed up at the party. It took too damn long to get herself presentable,” I said.
T
here was a long pause.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Is this code? Have you been abducted and you’re trying to tell me that I need to help you? Did we come up with this and I forgot?” Samantha asked, her voice getting higher and more anxious with every question she asked.
“No, this isn’t code. Thank goodness, because if it were, I would most definitely be dead by now. I’m getting ready for that Gatsby night I was telling you about.”
“Oh, yeah, the theme night at the bar,” Samantha said. “That makes a lot more sense.”
“It does,” I said. “It’s also complicated as hell. These women took high-maintenance grooming to a whole new level. Either that, or I’m just not great at trying new things.”
“Considering you picked up your entire life and moved all the way across the country, I don’t think that’s an accurate evaluation of you,” she said.
I shrugged even though she couldn’t see me. “We’ll just go ahead and settle somewhere in the middle. What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing, really,” she said. “I just thought I would call and check in on things with Jordan.”
I let out an exasperated sigh. “There are no things with Jordan. But that was a good effort, trying to slip it in there so I wouldn’t notice.”
“I’ve got to keep trying,” she said. “But I still want to know why there isn’t anything going on with him. You said that he’s attractive and sweet, and that you like spending time with him.”
“He’s gorgeous,” I said. “And one of the kindest, funniest people I’ve ever known. But I technically work for him. And even if I didn’t, I don’t feel like I’m at a place where I can start anything with anybody. Not after what happened with Ethan. That messed me up too much to even think about a relationship.”
“So, you’re letting him win?” Samantha asked.
I tossed the phone a disgusted look. “I’m not letting him win. I’m just thinking about myself for once.”
“Alright,” she said. “If that’s how you want to see it. But I still think you deserve to have a little fun.”
“I am having fun.”
“Not the kind I’m talking about.”
“Thank you for your input, Samantha,” I said. “But I’ve got to get going. I’ve got to get to work.”
“Just a little bit. Just one night. It doesn’t even have to be the whole night,” she said.
“Goodbye, Samantha.”
I was laughing as I hung up the phone and put the finishing touches on my makeup before putting on my costume. I wanted to get to the bar early so I could help set up. This was definitely Ava’s thing, but I felt a little bit of ownership and pride over it. I was looking forward to seeing the ideas come to life. I had a feeling it was going to be much better than the party that inspired the theme idea.
I pulled into the parking lot behind The Hollow and climbed out just as a familiar truck pulled in beside me. I stepped to the side and paused to wait for Jordan to get out. He smiled at me as he gestured to my dress.
“Nice outfit,” he said.
“You too,” I said. “Fantastic commitment to the theme.”
We looked at each other and laughed. Of course, we knew what the other one was wearing; we’d picked out the outfits together. But I had to admit there was a difference in seeing him put together and polished rather than just throwing the outfit on to make sure it fit.
“You really do look beautiful,” he said.
I felt myself blush, and I glanced away in hopes that he wouldn’t notice. “Thank you. You look really nice, too.”
“Should we go in?” he asked, gesturing to the back door.
If I thought he was genuinely asking, I might have said no. It seemed much more appealing to just stay out here with him. But we had to get inside and help the others get set up and ready for the crowds that would be arriving that evening.
Ava was just coming out from behind the bar carrying centerpieces when we walked in. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw us.
“Wow,” she said. “The two of you look great. I love how well your outfits go together.”
Jordan and I looked at each other and laughed again. Ava didn’t seem to notice, and we both got to work, jumping in to help get everything set up. Throughout the evening as we were decorating at the space and sampling the special food and drinks coming out of the kitchen, he and I kept stealing glances at each other.
At first, I tried to do it subtly so I could feel like he didn’t notice. But by the third or fourth glance when I found him openly staring back at me, I decided I didn’t need to try it to be sneaky. Instead, I looked over at him and enjoyed the brief moments when our eyes met and held across the room.
It felt like the afternoon and early evening went by far too fast, and we were scrambling to get the final details in place before opening the door. We could already hear the crowd lined up outside, and nervous excitement fluttered around in my stomach.
I was used to being a little bit nervous before the theme nights, not knowing just how crazy it was going to get and if we were going to be able to keep up. That night, I was nervous, but it was because I wanted this night to be wildly successful, and to know people loved it.
I shouldn’t have had even a moment of doubt. As soon as the doors opened, the crowd rushed in and the energy in the space became sparkling and exuberant. Everybody looked amazing. While there were a few who had put minimal effort into getting in with the theme, others had gone a much more in-depth route and were wearing elaborate costumes and showy accessories.
Very quickly after opening, it got so busy we couldn’t let anyone else in. A line started to form outside, and I knew it was going to be one of those nights when we had to implement the wristband system. One of us would go outside with wristbands for those most likely to gain entrance during the evening.
Half an hour after opening the doors, Ava took a microphone and climbed up on to the bar to make the big announcement. The news went over even better than we had hoped. The customers cheered happily and yelled out their congratulations when they heard about the new bar.
Ava was still speaking when I had several people come up and ask for more details about the new location. Of course, I didn’t have a tremendous amount to tell them, but it was encouraging to know how many people were excited to see the new place and willing to travel there to be supportive. I made a note to myself to mention to Ava that she should start an email list of those interested in finding out the grand opening details. Perhaps the most loyal of customers from this location could get a special invite to a grand opening celebration at the new location.
“What are you thinking about?” Jordan asked from directly behind me, making me jump slightly.
I finished dispensing the soda I’d splashed slightly onto the counter when he startled me and put it on the bar in front of me so a customer could grab it.
“Just how people are responding to the news of the new location, and how generous they are being with the fundraiser,” I said.
It was a few hours into the evening, and already the donations were flowing in. It was incredible to see just how willing people were to offer their support, and yet again I found myself falling more in love with my new town and the people who surrounded me.
“Feel like taking a break?” Jordan asked.
“Are you taking yours?”
Maybe I should have felt a little awkward or embarrassed at that question popping out of my mouth, but Jordan smiled and nodded.
“Of course I am. Would I ask you if I wasn’t? Come on,” he said. “Let’s get some fresh air.”
I thought that meant we would go outside, but a rainstorm had started, so instead we retreated to the back office. It was good to be in the relative quiet and privacy of the small space, and we spent the next several minutes talking. The flirty tone was increasing, and the tension was building between us, but the sound of my phone alerting broke the moment.
I pulled it out of the small purse
I had been carrying around and looked at it, letting out a sigh and rolling my eyes when I saw it was a notification of my parents depositing more money into my bank account. But as soon I had that response, I knew what I would do with the money.
Our break over, Jordan and I headed back into the fray. I immediately found Ava.
“Hey,” I said. “I want to make a donation.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Ava said. “Everybody around here is being really generous.”
“I know I don’t have to,” I said. “But I want to.”
“Okay,” Ava said. “How much do you want to donate?”
“Five thousand,” I said.
Ava’s expression dropped, and she stared at me incredulously.
“Seriously?” she asked.
I nodded. “Yes. I’m serious. Five thousand dollars.”
It was by far the biggest donation of the night, and Ava insisted on getting on the microphone and announcing it out to the crowd. It was embarrassing to be the absolute opposite of the anonymous donations I was used to making. But it made everybody cheer with excitement.
It was a great night, and I was so excited to see how much people enjoyed themselves, but it was definitely a relief when the night finally came to an end and the last of the customers left. Tyler let out a heavy sigh as he locked the door behind them, and we settled into the work of cleaning up.
Jordan and I were in the back corner of the bar when he looked over at me. There was something hesitant in his expression.
“What is it?” I asked.
“I was just wondering about that donation,” he said.
I felt a little heat and tingle on the back of my neck, the type of discomfort and embarrassment that came from a donation being out in the open like that. But I nodded.
“Yeah,” I said. “I wanted to support the cause.”
“But why did you donate so much?” he asked. “That really seems like a lot.”
I thought about my response for a second, wondering if I should just keep covering the reality up. But I relented.
Boss Daddy: A Secret Baby Romance Page 9