Plus One

Slow Me Down

When they got to work it was another few moments of people staring as if not believing yesterday's events. Anna noticed some glares from the women in the lobby, as well as, lustful stares from the men. Both weirded her out. Ethan gave her hand a squeeze catching on to everything. He wanted to gouge the eyes out of the men staring at what was his and then immediately scolded himself for feeling that way. It was clear Anna just wanted to keep this fake relationship fake and he would respect that. Besides, he was no good to anyone especially someone as innocent and pure as she was.

The day seemed to fly by for both of them despite being in meetings all day and unable to have lunch together. Ethan hoped they had enough time to grab dinner before the show. He knew exactly where he wanted to take her. "You ready?" Anna leaned in his doorway purse in hand and a smile on her face that made Ethan swoon. "Yeah, pretty girl. Let me just shut this down."

He finished up what he needed before making his way towards her. He noticed that fucker Jamal staring at her again and smirked before using his finger to tilt her head up. He captured her lips thankful for an excuse to kiss her again. It would have been professional to keep the kiss gentle and sweet, but Ethan was never the professional one out of his siblings. He deepened the kiss and when he heard her moan, he almost lost it. Anna snapped back realizing where they were and pushed him back a bit. "Ethan." She looked up at him with her big brown eyes that he wanted to drown in.

Ethan looked up and smirked at a flustered Jamal who returned his gaze onto his laptop. Anna followed his gaze and then frowned. "We should get going." She said to him turning. He noticed the expression on her face and frowned. He grabbed her hand causing her to turn and look back at him. "What's wrong?" She shook her head and forced a smile. "Nothing. I guess I'm just nervous for Tasha." He nodded and kissed her hand before they made it out to his car. "So, where is the show taking place?" Anna let him know they'd be going to midtown, which was opposite of Jamley's Joint on the south side. "Let's grab something to eat while we wait since the show doesn't start for another 2 hours." Anna smiled at him. "Already ahead of you on that one, chief."

They pulled up to a food cart and Ethan read the sign Gus' Gyros. He was skeptical, but the smile on Anna's face told him to trust her. She told him to stay inside while she grabbed their food. She was back in ten minutes and the rich aroma of lamb and fresh veggies filled the car. Ethan reached for the food, but Anna smacked his hand away. "We'll go to the venue now and find parking since there is no valet and then we can eat." Ethan groaned before taking off.

They found parking fairly quickly at the front of the building, however he could see other people had the bright idea to come early. "Okay, first things first." Anna said taking a bunch of napkins and tucking it into his collar. "What are you doing?" Anna chuckled. "Baby, your kind of a messy eater." Ethan scoffed loudly. "I am not." Anna gave him a look to which he avoided. When she was done, she handed him a gyro that had his mouth watering.

They ate and talked and laughed and before either realized it they had fifteen minutes until the show started. Anna collected all their trash and removed Ethan's napkins happy to see the few spills were on the napkins and not on him. They made their way into the venue hand in hand and Ethan noticed quite a few stares their way. It wasn't easy staying hidden in a city that your family practically owned. "Oh my goodness, you're Ethan Crane!" The attendant exclaimed looking at him in shock. "Yes, I am. My girlfriend and I are here to see the show." Anna handed the girl the tickets who seemed to notice her for the first time. "These seats are not good enough for you." She spoke up. She spoke into her walkie talkie and in seconds another young woman came up just as starstruck leading them to the front row by the catwalk.

"Do you need anything? Water? Champagne?" She asked practically drooling on him. "No thank you. Babe, do you want anything." Anna noticed his hand on her thigh but also that the attendant was also looking. "No, baby. I'm good." He nodded and sent her on her way. Anna couldn't help but chuckle as she looked around and saw eyes on them. "Of all the boyfriends I had to get the most famous."

Ethan laughed heartily as he wrapped his arm around her. "I'm not famous, babe." Anna levelled him with a look. "I'm well known because of what my family has done for Portland." Anna nodded and looked around the décor and fellow audience members. She noticed a few up and coming notables and tried not to gawk. The host for the show came out and the room was filled with applause.

The show kicked off quickly and design after design had Anna smiling. She loved art in all its forms and this was Tasha's. They both loved to draw. It was what bonded them freshman year of college. While Anna loved to paint and draw people and objects, Tasha was consumed with her love for drawing outfits and fashion. Anna had convinced Tasha to follow her dreams and now she was featured in a prominent fashion show showcasing her very own designs.

The host announced Tasha's name and Anna watched as model after model rocked her best friend's designs. "She's amazing," Ethan whispered in her ear as he watched enamored. He was shocked when he found out Tasha was a fashion designer. He had never had positive encounters with the few his mom worked with, but just like Tasha her designs were cut from a different cloth.

The clothes were actually wearable and held on to that high fashion aesthetic. "I love these designs. I wasn't able to see them when she was drawing them." Anna informed him unable to take her eyes off of the models. "We should get them for you. I know you'd be stunning in them." She smiled at him, but shook her head. "I have nowhere to wear them to. Besides, I'm just grateful Tasha is making my Christmas ball gown." This made Ethan smile widely. The thought of seeing Anna all dressed up did something to him. "I can't wait to see you in whatever Tasha has dreamed up for you." He squeezed her thigh and went back to watching the show. It was almost 10 o'clock when the show ended. Before they could get to the lobby a reporter had found them.

"Mr. Crane, what brings you to this event? Are the Cranes getting into the fashion industry?" Ethan chuckled charismatically before shaking his head. "I can't speak for my sister or mother, but I'm just here to support a very dear and talented designer, Tasha Moore. Thank you." Ethan pulled Anna close to him as they exited to the lobby. "That was really sweet of you, but you didn't have to do that." Ethan smiled down at her. "If I can use my status to help uplift the friends and family of my woman than I'll do just that."