“Well, the most pressing need is a tux for the opera next weekend. I had one that was off the shelf, but it didn’t fit right,” Rory started. “I could also do with a couple of suits for work. I wear ladies’ suits at the moment but…” she trailed off.
“They don’t suit you?” Charles chuckled at his own joke. “Sorry, tailor's joke. I think I know what you mean.”
Rory grinned, and Gemma saw her relax a little more. Emily returned with the drinks and joined them.
“I have a slightly indelicate but important question if I may?” Charles pushed his glasses up his nose. “What are we doing with the chest area? Do you want to emphasise or de-emphasise what you have?”
For a moment, Rory looked adorably clueless until she blushed and looked at Gemma.
“I only ask because it will affect how the shirt and jacket will hang.” He paused again, allowing Rory time to consider her reply.
“Let me ask another way. Are you wearing the sort of underwear that you will wear with the suit?” He chuckled, “It’s amazing how many people get measured for a suit without considering what they wear underneath and then get terribly fraught when it doesn’t fit properly on the night in question.”
Rory nodded in understanding. “I, um, wear sports bras that sort of do neither.”
Emily nodded in understanding. “Are you looking to purchase anything new? I specialise in underwear and lingerie and can pick you something out if you’d like?”
Gemma noticed Rory’s cheeks flush and took her hand. “I think you could treat yourself, don’t you?” She lowered her voice and spoke into Rory’s ear. “If it helps, I could try something on too.”
The blush was more noticeable now, but the confident smirk Gemma loved to see had returned.
“That might be nice, actually. Could you pick something for Gemma too?” Rory squeezed Gemma’s hand but spoke directly to Emily.
Emily nodded swiftly and bustled out, presumably in search of lingerie for them. Once she was gone, Charles had Rory stand on a low pedestal while he took her measurements. He tutted good-naturedly that she was wearing jeans and before long, she was in her boxers and T-shirt as he competently and quickly took her measurements.
As soon as he was done, Emily swished in with some underwear for Rory to try, and Charles left them to try them on.
“Now this,” Emily proffered a sports bra and boxer set to Rory, “is your classic sports bra. With your legs, I think these boxers will look good. They should hug your legs and so not ruin the line of the trousers.” She pulled another bra over. “This one has a built-in binder that some clients find suits them. It’s not as restrictive as a normal binder and can be useful if you’ve not used one before but want to try it out. This one,” she picked up a sports bra in red, “is a sports bra, but it just presents the girls with a bit more oomph.” She lowered her voice. “I brought you options so you can tell me what you like and what you don’t. Once I get a better idea of your personal taste, I can then suggest other ideas and options.”
Gemma felt tears prickle her eyes. In just a few words, Emily had conveyed everything to Rory. All the support sheneeded, the acceptance. On her behalf, Gemma wanted to weep but held it together for Rory’s sake.
Rory seemed to consider each option for a moment before handing back the middle choice to Emily.
“I’m not sure that’s my style just now.”
With those few words, Rory told her and the world where she was. Emily put the binder bra to one side.
“What do you think, babe?” Rory’s gentle question and smile drew Gemma to her.
“I think for a suit the first set works best.” Gemma dropped her voice. “But the red one might be nice for another occasion.”
“I agree.” Rory grinned and gave her a quick kiss.
If Emily was fazed by two women kissing in the dressing room, she said nothing.
“Why don’t you pop in there and I’ll show Gemma what I have for her?”
Rory obediently popped into a small room with a curtain that Gemma hadn’t noticed before. As soon as she was gone, Gemma turned to the older woman and took her hands.
“Thank you.” Gemma hated that there were tears in her eyes, but they were tears of gratitude, not sadness.
Emily clasped Gemma’s hands. “It’s okay.” She looked towards where Rory was still getting into her new underwear. “Our nephew is trans.” She paused. “And my brother kicked him out, so he and his mum lived with us for a time.”
Gemma blinked before understanding suffused her body.
“How wonderful that he had you.”
“Yes, but not until he tried…” Emily cleared her throat, and tears of her own prickled her eyes.
