“That’s not a bad idea. I could get my hair and makeup done in the room, too, so there’d be no danger of messing it up on the way to the party.”
“Oh, no. A room full of women doing girl stuff!” groaned Fergus.
Cam laughed. “I’ve never seen that before. As long as I can watch, it’ll all be good.”
Fergus spoke more seriously. “Sierra, send us a list of what we need to wear, what we need to bring, and what we need to know. Cam and I will treat this like an oral nursing examination and make damn sure we don’t let you down.”
“We will.” Cam was serious. He understood this was very important to Sierra and he’d do his bit, including lick the boots of whoever he had to, so that she could fulfill her dreams.
* * * *
Sierra had sent copies of the guest list to Fergus and Cam, and also the name of the formal-clothing hire company where she was planning to choose a dress as well. She simply couldn’t afford a new gown of the highest quality for every event she attended, and preferred to hire a much nicer gown than actually own several lesser dresses. Besides, it meant what she wore was always of the latest fashion, as well as different from the previous time.
She’d also booked them a suite to stay in overnight. If she was getting her hair and makeup done professionally in the hotel room, they’d need a suite not just a single room.
This is going to cost a lot of money, but it’s all tax deductible, and if it gets me my promotion or good new clients it’ll be well worth the price.
She took a picture of herself wearing the dress she’d chosen, then sent it to the men suggesting they buy themselves buttonhole flowers in the correct color to match her outfit, and Fergus texted back asking if he bought flowers for her hair, would that go with what her stylist was planning to do?
It’d been a long time since a man had bought her flowers. None of the people at the gala would have seen her with flowers in her hair, so it was an excellent idea, and she touched at his—their—thoughtfulness.
On Friday evening, by the time she was ready to take the elevator down to the convention floor for the gala, she was much too tense. She stood still, practiced some deep breathing, then closed her eyes and pictured herself as a judge of the Supreme Court. The chances of her ever being one of the nine top judges in the whole of the United States were negligible, but it was the top rung of the career ladder and she needed something to aim for.
When she opened her eyes again, Fergus and Cam were standing in front of her. Their eyes were filled with pleasure, appreciation, and more. Not lust exactly, but something stronger than mere liking. She cast a glance up and down their elegant forms. They both looked totally delightful. Fergus stood out because of his bright red hair as well as his height and long, lean body. Cam’s shiny brown hair and deep brown eyes were the perfect foil for his muscular body that filled the shoulders of his tuxedo. His body was the triangle shape considered perfect by many women, and it certainly looked mighty fine to her, too.
They’d decided to both wear white ties with their tuxedos, and had tiny blue orchids in their lapels. Orchids that were the same as the buds piled into the center of her updo and which matched the frothy pile of lace flowing from her right shoulder down the back of her dress to just touch the floor behind her. Her breasts were barely hinted at in a V-shaped neckline, her hips were defined by the flowing lines of the skirt, and her toes peeked out from the lace in front.
“You look perfect,” said Fergus.
“Thank you.” She’d spent a long time choosing the gown. Blue wasn’t a color she wore often, but that was a good reason to wear it tonight, because the professional makeup and hair styling ensured any fears she might have had about the color not suiting her because of her eye color were erased by their amazing skills. Also choosing a very different color emphasized that this wasn’t a gown anyone might have seen her wear before. Even the cattiest women couldn’t pretend she’d worn blue any time in their memory. Someone would be sure to remember the colors she had worn though, so it was best to be different. Damn, it’s hard work being a female. No one cares if a man only has one tuxedo.
Cam said, “Fergus dances the first dance with you because he’s the best dancer. I dance the second one unless someone cuts in on you. If you don’t want to dance with someone you touch your earrings and I’ll come and say I’d already requested this dance.”
“And if you get me a drink?” she asked.
“It’s only ever sparkling water and we watch the barman pour it and hold it in front of ourselves. Although I can’t imagine anyone trying to spike your drink when we’re both here with you,” said Fergus.