“That you’re gay and not interested?”
“Am I gay? I often have wondered. I used to date women and men, truthfully. Then I met you and I became Edwin-centric.”
Edwin snorted a laugh, eyes crinkling up into the barest hints of crow’s feet. “You’re so ridiculous.”
I kissed him again because I could and would. “Only for you.”
We pulled up to the tailor’s shop and let ourselves out. Yes, Ceasar was a good tailor, but I liked my own tailor the best. I also felt like Edwin would relax more if we weren’t using the court tailor. The shop was currently empty of customers, which was a shame—I wanted to show my Edwin off.
Rijal, the main tailor and owner of this shop, came hurrying forward, smiling. He always dressed sharply, which today meant an all-black suit, from pants to necktie. It gave his classical high brow a more noble look. Slimmed down his paunch, too, but the man liked food too much to worry about his waistline. I noted grey peppering his dark hair and, while it made him lookdistinguished, I hated seeing the sign of age. How dare he grow old on me? This man should live forever.
He greeted me warmly, bussing each cheek before he stepped back. “James. You are ever welcome. I’m glad I’m still your tailor.”
“You will always be my first choice,” I assured him, meaning it. “Rijal, this is my beloved, Edwin. You’re designing a suit for him today.”
Rijal held out a hand, which Edwin grasped. “A great pleasure. I’ve known this one since he was knee high, you know, and always rooted for him to have an epic love. How long have you been dating? You must tell me every detail! For now, though, come. I must get measurements.”
Edwin went where shown, and I—being quite comfortable with the layout of the store—headed for the sitting area near the VIP fitting room. Tea appeared like magic, and I settled in, quite satisfied to wait.
Rijal appeared a few minutes later, a sketchbook in hand, which he didn’t immediately hand me. Instead, he put a hand on his hip and practically beamed at me. “I say, James, you did good with him. He’s so charming and polite.”
You see, this was why I liked Rijal. He had good taste in men. “He’s stunningly intelligent, too. I depend on his mind a great deal. Rijal, I brought him here so you can dress him up and finally show people how handsome he is.”
Rijal waved this off. “As if it’s even a challenge. He’s quite the looker, he just doesn’t know how to window dress his own looks.”
“Exactly! I’m glad you see the problem.”
“On that note…” Rijal flipped open the very worn-in sketchbook and handed it to me. “This first design I think will be perfect for the ball.”
I let out a long whistle. The design was very in fashion but also pushed the boundaries a little, with a higher collar and slimmer pants, emphasizing the butt and thighs. Ooh, yes, I could see how well this suited Edwin immediately.
“Did you show this to him already?”
“I did. He liked it but wanted your opinion.”
“I love it. Make it.”
Rijal’s expression was pure mischief as he flipped the page. “This is the scaled-down version for a day suit.”
I saw the differences—less lace and embellishments, but the design elements that had caught my attention were still there. “Make him, say, eight in various colors and two slightly more embellished ones. Like for a dinner party.”
Satisfied, Rijal took the portfolio back. “I knew you’d say that. You spoil people.”
“I prefer the term generosity.”
“Uh-huh. Your Edwin does not agree with you.”
I laughed. Edwin had already professed despair over this very thing.
The man in question came back out in his usual clothes, the measuring and such done. He looked wholly at home here, but then, my Edwin was a very confident man. Putting him in an unusual place wouldn’t rattle him much.
“What did you think about the sketch?”
“I loved it.” I welcomed him as he sat next to me. “I think it’ll suit you very well. Rijal, what fabrics are you thinking for this suit?”
“I’ll bring out samples now.”
Rijal brought not only fabric samples but also select jewelry, mostly brooches for the neckties and cuff links he had in store. He always kept a well-curated collection to offer his clients, so I had no qualms about the quality of such gems.
