Jimmy shrugged helplessly, trying his best to follow along, but he didn’t know all of the names, and honestly it was beginning to sound like a crazy soap opera. “Lots of, uh, inter-company dating?” he tried, grasping at straws to keep up.
“Lots of angry, horny mobsters,” Rowena laughed, looking thoughtful for a long time. “You know, I wouldn’t say we’re like a gay mafia... but we’re like, totally the gay mafia.”
Jimmy couldn’t stop himself from laughing. “Really?”
“Well, not everybody,” Rowena replied with a playful wink, “but you see, that’s part of why a lot of these guys were snubbed by the Italians. They’re not exactly a real open-minded sort of folk, you feel me?”
“Got it,” Jimmy said, giving a little salute of understanding as he finished off his drink. “So, are you...?”
“What? Gay? Nah, I like boys, as many as I can get my hands on,” Rowena laughed, taking his glass as soon as it was emptied and filling it again despite Jimmy’s groans of protest. “I’m between fellas at the moment, last one didn’t end real pretty, but there’s one or two I got my eye on.”
“Oh, yeah?” Jimmy said conversationally, making a face as he tried to swallow down more alcohol. “What happened?”
Rowena’s bubbly aura visibly faded for a moment, shaking her head. “Nothing worth talking about, sweetie.” Her energy came back full force as the limo pulled to a stop, cheering, “Ah! We’re finally here! Come on!”
Volturo Designs was a surprisingly old-fashioned suit shop nestled in the heart of the uptown shopping district. Dark wood, heavy curtains, and dozens of beautiful suits on display everywhere Jimmy looked. He was afraid to touch anything, shoving his hands in his pockets as Rowena led him straight toward the back.
There was a stout young man who had apparently been expecting them, glancing impatiently at his watch as he cleared his throat. “Let me guess. Natural disaster, limo exploded, broke a nail?”
“Oh, Worley, I got all caught up playing dress-up with my brother’s new little friend,” Rowena pouted, she and Worley exchanging quick kisses on their cheeks. “Seriously, though, I need you to make me a miracle because we’ve got a huge party to go to tonight. In like, uhm.” She looked at the clock on the wall. “Oh, two hours?”
“Holy crap,” Jimmy gasped, staring at the time in shock. It was already after seven. He couldn’t believe how long he and Rowena had been out shopping.
“I’ve got this,” Worley said confidently, brushing Rowena out of his way. “Stand aside. Professional at work here.” He took one look at Jimmy, peering curiously as he said, “Let’s see... About a thirty-eight long? Oh, those legs. Okay. I’ve got just the thing.”
Rowena grinned and came back to retrieve Jimmy from where he had floundered, guiding him toward the private fitting rooms and happily shutting the door behind them. There was a large array of mirrors and plush leather furniture. “Don’t worry, I won’t peek,” she teased, covering her eyes.
“Wait, what am I doing?”
“You’re stripping,” Rowena informed him bluntly. “Worley is gonna have to measure you. These suits are made to order, but, hopefully with his genius little paws? The alterations won’t take long.”
Jimmy walked toward the mirrored area, frowning as he began to undress. He at least had his underwear left on, and Rowena wasn’t peeking between her fingers as best as he could tell.
Worley came in with a bright smile, carrying a dark red suit over his arm. “Come on, handsome,” he said, offering it out to Jimmy. “It’s time to get you ready for the ball!”
“Let me know when I can look!” Rowena demanded.
“Can’t rush perfection,” Worley snapped back, rolling his eyes as he helped Jimmy get dressed.
The fabric felt wonderful against Jimmy’s skin. It was a rich, deep scarlet, and he loved it immediately. Worley had selected a black button-up shirt and a white bowtie, leaving Jimmy gawking at himself in the reflection of the mirror when it was all on.
The suit fit very well, the pants showing off his long legs, and the jacket was tailored perfectly at his waist to flatter his slender build. He had never been a particularly vain person, but he couldn’t stop from twisting and turning in front of the mirror.
Jimmy had never felt so handsome, smiling dopily to himself. He really hoped Cold liked it, surprised at himself by how much he valued Cold’s approval. He also quickly realized there was no price tag on the outfit and gulped audibly. He did not want to know how much this cost.
Worley whistled, calling out to Rowena, “Behold! Perfection.”
Rowena dropped her hands and squealed excitedly. “Yes! Oh, my God. Worley, where has this little gem been hiding?”
“It’s an Oswald Original,” Worley said proudly. “Rumor has it he made it personally for his hubby, but hubby haaated it. But he and your little friend are practically the same size. It’s meant to be.”
“We’re getting it,” Rowena insisted immediately. “Do whatever you have to do. We have to leave with this in two hours.”
Worley snapped his fingers at Jimmy to stand up on a small footstool, having him turn away from the mirror. He produced a measuring tape, moving Jimmy back around a few times, casually cutting his eyes at Rowena as he said, “Terrible to hear about Dickie.”
“Yup, I’m all broken up about it,” Rowena replied in a voice that indicated she was anything but. Her whole body tensed, her eyes narrowing at Worley with a ferocious anger Jimmy had never seen.
Worley’s happy demeanor fell at that, saying quickly, “Well. Good news. I only have to let out the hem on the pants like half an inch. Shouldn’t take more than an hour.”
