Ain't Shady Baby, I'm Hot

35

The two of us stood in silence as I examined the shoes, finally coming to a conclusion for the boys to try on. But as I went to turn and speak, Donovan beat me to it.

"Are you free tomorrow?" I blinked, several times in succession.

"I- uh, yes?" I rose an eyebrow as the male turned to face me fully.

"Would you be interested in grabbing lunch?" There it was. The bet.

"Depends on the place. Where are you thinking?"

"There's a new steakhouse just down the way. I could pick you up from the island and we could grab food." I pursed my lips, a steakhouse did sound good.

"Is this black tie fancy or cute summer dress chic?" He laughed as I used my hands to speak.

"Summer dress chic."

"Okay."

"So was that a yes?"

"So was what a yes?" Donovan and I both spun around to see Kie standing a few feet away.

"Yes to a certain pair of shoes for the boys to try," I rose the shoe I was currently holding in the air, "figured we'd get it to them while they were trying to suits on." If Donovan was surprised he did well to hide it. The lie sliding off my tongue naturally as Kie nodded.

"Cool, well, Pope and John B have gotten it down to two colors. JJ, well, he has like seven." I rolled my eyes. Of course he does.

"What sizes did we need again?" Donovan stepped in as he took action.

I listed the boys shoe sizes and made my way over to follow Kie as Donovan went to the back to look for the shoes.

Pope and John B were currently both wearing a jet black suit. The gold tie Pope had helped piece the suit together and make it look more expensive. John B on the other hand needed a touch of something more. With his black necktie he looked too much like a groomsman.

"John B, what other color did you grab?" He showed me the suit and I beamed. "You need to try that on right now."

Seconds later John B stepped out in a light grey heathered suit. The heather material matching his black tie without completely swallowing the color.

"Yes." Kie voiced as John B and Pope gave each other a once over. A high-five shared amongst them.

"JJ, you doing okay?" Pope called out. Apparently JJ hadn't come out in any of the suits he's grabbed.

"Yeah. I think this is it." My eyes widened at the sight of JJ. He looked all grown up with his maroon tie and his dark grey shiny suit.

"I agree." Trinity stole the words right out of my mouth.

"Donovan! Just in time, brother. Here, you three grab your size and try them on. If these shoes work then I can get started on fitting the suits." Reece spoke as he ushered Donovan in.

I watched with a proud smile. I don't typically like shopping. It depends on the occasion and who I'm with. But these guys, to see not only the boys but Kie also light up when they tried their outfits on- this was one of the best moments I've had.

I didn't care that the price for the Reeve Suits and the three pairs of shoes were twice the amount I paid at the last shop. I was just happy they were happy.

"If you'll just sign here." I did as Donovan asked. I included a ten digit number after the word yes below the line before grabbing the shoe bag and walking out the door. The Pogues behind me.

"Thank you!"

"No. Thank you!"

"No way! Donovan! You sly dog. You got her nu-"

I couldn't hear the rest as JJ wrapped his arm around me.

"Xena, you can sugar momma me any day of the week for as long as I live." I gave a short laugh wrapping my free arm around him.

"I'll have to think about it, JJ. Financially I can tell you'd be a lot. Especially if naturally you're already too much to handle."

"Hey!"

_______•*•*•*•______

"Xena. There's a Donovan Reeves at the front for you." I glanced up from the computer at the front desk as Murphy and a familiar looking male walked up.

"Oh shit." I hissed as I looked at the time. "Donovan, I'm so sorry. Give me fifteen minutes and I'll be good." He laughed as he watched me quickly clean up the desk area.

"No rush. I'm early." He assured as my hands moved at a hundred miles an hour.

"Ten minutes early is on time. And on time is late." I joked looking at a confused Murphy.

"You and I will be talking later, young lady." My eyebrows rose at his tone. I heard Donovan sputter as he tried to hold back a laugh.

"Sure, Murphy. I'll be coming back here afterwards."

"Oh I know. I hope you hydrated." I simply gave a thumbs up and sprinted to the locker room.

I grabbed my bag of clothes and quickly changed into a long-sleeved white crop-top then pulled a cute black dress in over it. I slipped my feet into my red converse before throwing my gym clothes back in my personal locker. I kept my purse with me before shutting the gym bag and shoes in the locker as well.

"Done!" I shouted as I stormed out of the locker room. I saw Donovan first, his eyes wide and his jaw dropped. Murphy knew I could dress nicely so he was simply smiling at me.

The rest of the gym was also staring. From the boxing side to the weightlifting section. My little shout had everyone gawking.

"Oi! Aren't you here to work out?" I shouted looking at anyone who'd dare to make eye contact with me. Several people went back to what they were doing previously. But a few of the guys I run rings with just had to make a few comments.

"Didn't know you could dress up!"

"Is that a dress?"

"Damn girl! Work it!"

"Love the braids!"

I couldn't help but blush as I laughed at the group of guys.

"Keep talking and I'll get dressed and come kick your asses."

"X, we would gladly let you kick our asses in that outfit alone." I rolled my eyes and flipped them off. We were all just messing with each other. I know if it was one of them I'd be saying the same shit.

"Be careful. She might take your word for it." Murphy piped up as he walked up to me.

"You look beautiful."

"Thanks, Murph."