“Don’t get it dirty and I can still wear it,” Etna answers, walking back to the mirror.
I return to the large mirror above the desk as I button myself up. “Why is this so soft?” I ask, unbuttoning my pants and shoving them down a little so I can tuck the shirt in.
“That’s why I only buy this brand when I can help it. It says 100% cotton, but I feel like it’s silky clouds,” he says, laughing.
He’s not wrong. I could just sit here and rub my arms or my chest all night. “I want everything made of this.”
Etna nods.
When I’m put back together again, I stand beside Etna. He has the top two buttons undone. I have the top three. His sleeves are down, but I rolled mine a couple times, so they’re cuffed at my mid-forearm. I think it’s necessary since my options are suit pants or jeans. Also, now it doesn’t look like we dressed alike.
But we definitely look good.
“You clean up decent,” Etna compliments.
I turn sideways. Yep, ass perfect.
Etna’s reflection in the mirror shakes his head. “You’re such an ass man,” he says when I meet his reflection’s eyes.
I shrug. “I like a nice ass. Which means I like my ass. It’s my best feature.”
Laughing, Etna grabs his coat and moves to the door. “Ready?”
Nodding, I grab my jacket as well. There’s no snow but we’re in cold country with the Great Lakes right here. It’s chilly and I swear, there’s somehow an extra icy touch to it.
“Got the keycard?” I ask.
Etna taps his pocket. “Yep.”
We’re the only ones in the elevator, and I’m still looking at my reflection in the elevator mirrors. I need to buy some shirts like this. Usually, I don’t obsess about my appearance or what others think of me; I really don’t care that much. I’m my own biggest fan and that’s all that matters to me.
I glance at Etna. He’s been quiet for the last few days. He’s never loud, but he’s been quieter than usual. “Hey.” His eyes meet mine in the mirror. “You look good, too.”
His smile is amused. “Thanks.”
“No, I mean it. I’m just not good at compliments. Especially not when I’m distracted.”
“By admiring your own ass?”
“Oh, come on. It’s a nice ass!”
He’s still chuckling when the elevator doors open to the lobby. The guys are waiting by the front doors.
“See? I’m glad I changed. You all planned better than I did. I’d look like I was your manager and not a scruffy hockey player if I hadn’t changed.”
“You’re still the only one in jeans,” Etna notes.
I frown. He’s not wrong. Hilt, Horny, and Julian are all wearing tan or black pants. “You’re packing for me from now on.”
He snorts as we join them.
“What’s funny?” Horny asks.
“Keno can’t pack for himself.”
“What’s wrong with what he’s wearing?” Julian asks.
“To start with, that’s my shirt,” Etna deadpans.
