When Neil stopped by an exclusive boutique in Indiranagar, Tanya’s eyes widened. The place looked totally out of her league. Behind the huge glass walls were mannequins that were dressed in trendy, expensive clothes. A few steps led them to the glass doors, that opened automatically. “Er…Neil, just so you know, I am not a fashionista or anything.” Tanya’s voice came out in a low squeak.
“Believe me, I know.” His dry response did nothing to soothe her nerves.
“For God's sake, what if they threw me out? Seeing the way I am dressed right now?” Tanya hissed, as he dragged her towards the entrance.
“No worries. I’ll be around to throw you right back in. C’mon.” He promptly answered her insane question with an equally insane answer. The cool air of the air conditioner hit them the instant they stepped in. Immediately, Neil was recognized by one of the sales assistants, who whispered something to the owner of the boutique. The owner, a charming, young woman who looked like she stepped out of a fashion magazine, came forward.
“If it isn’t Neil Grover himself.” The beautiful woman hugged him and kissed him on his cheek.
“Good to see you too, Natasha.” Neil was all smiles, bringing a sinking feeling in Tanya’s stomach.How can he not see that I don’t fit in this world of gloss and glamour?She thought to herself.
“This is my friend, Tanya. We are here for a complete makeover for her. Do your magic.”
Natasha stepped forward and extended her hand. “Hi!” Her smile was easy and charming, immediately putting Tanya at ease.
“Hi,” Tanya replied with a shy smile of her own.
“You have a beautiful smile and those grey eyes? Oh, my!” With that heartfelt compliment and the other woman’s easy manner, Tanya felt herself relax for the first time. “Not to mention curves to die for,” Natasha continued. Tanya reddened at the comment. “It’s a shame you haven’t found your personal style yet. But, no worries, that’s exactly why I am here.”
Neil broke away to sit in one of the comfortable, white couches. “Well, then get started. I’d like to think you will get done in two hours?” He was already switching off mentally, his mind getting to work.
The stunning Natasha looked at Neil in surprise. “You don’t have to stay back. I can take care of this.”
Tanya was ready to agree when Neil interrupted, “Not happening. She will only buy those clothes that I approve of.”
Natasha’s jaw almost hit the ground when she heard him.Really? Is this the same Neil who barely looked at girls except to perhaps have an arbitrary relationship that included sex and no commitments?She immediately looked at the couple with some interest.Perhaps they were more than friends; had Neil met his match at last?
Tanya was mortified at Neil’s arrogant statement. She glared at him, silently willing him to leave the place. Completely unconcerned, Neil ignored her angry stare and sat back on the couch. He pulled out his phone and started to check his emails. Knowing he wasn’t going to move his ass for anything or anyone, Tanya turned back towards Natasha. “Shall we?”
“Sure.” Natasha grinned.
The girls spent the next hour and a half considering Tanya’s curves versus her lack of height. Natasha suggested fabrics and patterns that would bring out her best features, and together they picked several casual and office wear. “C’mon. Time to play the model.” Natasha handed Tanya the clothes they’d picked out.
“Model? Who?”
Natasha chuckled at Tanya’s puzzled expression. “You! That’s who. There is a man who’s impatiently waiting out there. Start modeling those dresses to him, girl.”
“Oh, God!” Tanya groaned. “I hate this part.” She almost whined, causing Natasha to laugh.
“It won’t be so terrible. You’re going to look fab! Come on, now.” Natasha almost dragged Tanya to the dressing room.
Neil was having his second cup of coffee when he heard the tell-tale click of Tanya’s heels. He’d been working, totally lost in numbers, when he heard Tanya walk in. Neil looked up. And stilled! He’d known she would look good with a makeover. But this? This was way beyond his expectations.
His eyes skimmed from her tousled waves, to her full lips, to the slightly deep neck of the teal colored dress. Neil’s eyes flared when he noticed her full bosom and the dip at her waist. He clenched his fist when his eyes took in her legs and her silver heels. He absently noticed her bright nail polish even as he willed his body to get back to normal.
Tanya noticed the change in his expression. He almost became feral in front of her eyes, his dark eyes turning almost angry? Tanya bit her lip in indecision.Was it that bad? Should I simply change back into my old clothes?“This isn’t me. I don’t think…”
“Don’t even think about changing back.” Neil cleared his throat and walked towards Tanya. “Pack everything that Natasha has chosen.”
“Don’t I have to try the rest of the clothes?” Tanya was surprised at his abrupt attitude. It was he who wanted to accompany her in the first place; now, why was he being a spoilsport all of a sudden?
‘I trust Natasha’s choices. Let’s go.” They billed the dresses and were almost leaving, when Tanya stopped.
“Hold on, I’ll be back in a minute.” Tanya walked up to Natasha, who was speaking to another client.
Natasha broke off with a smile as she saw Tanya walk towards her. “Did you try everything? All good?”
“Yes. I’m taking most of it.” Tanya smiled. “I just wanted to thank you for your help. I wouldn’t have been comfortable without your help.”
