the last time | t. lasso

006

Weeks have gone by since Trent Crimm of 'The Independent' published his article and the respect that Ted has gotten from other journalists has sky rocketed through the roof. Not only does that make my job a hell of a lot easier, but as Ted's friend, it makes my heart burst with joy. Even though the team has lost several games, the media isn't tearing Ted apart like they used to. Instead, they choose to talk about how charismatic he is during press conferences, and how he greets everyone he sees on the streets.  Even though Ted's public reception is through the roof, Rebecca is still incredibly standoffish. I mean, the woman just went through a very public divorce, I would be standoffish too if I were her. 

While I was sitting at my desk, reading through the dozens and dozens of comments about what people had to say about Ted and the team, I felt a tap on my shoulder. 

"Howdy doody, Lacy Loo," Ted said, excitedly. 

"Ted," I greeted, with my face remaining stone cold. "To what do I owe the pleasure of conversing with London's most talked about coach?"

"What are you doing tonight?" He prompted. Do I tell him the truth about how I was going to order take out and fall asleep on top of my vibrator? That might cause a problem with HR. 

"Hmm.. nothing. Why? What's up?"

"Well, the boss lady invited me to her annual charity gala tonight." At least Ted was making leeway with Rebecca. I haven't been able to break through her yet. 

"Ooo. That sounds fancy. And maybe a little scary." I smiled up at him. 

"Well, actually. I was gonna ask if you'd do me the honor of being my plus one. I'd hate to go alone." Ted actually looked nervous to ask me, like I'd ever say no. 

"I would love to be your plus one, Ted." I smiled. 

"Yeah?" He seems genuinely surprised that I said yes. 

"Absolutely! I love a good excuse to get dressed up and eat fancy food. What time is it?" 

"We'll have to leave around seven." Ted answered. 

"Alrighty. I'll see you at seven." 

Lacy Watson: EMERGENCY 

Keeley Jones: WHAT IS IT??

Lacy Watson: I got invited to the gala tonight and I have nothing to wear.

Keeley Jones: Oh, fuck. We need to go shopping NOW. 

***

After trying on dozens and dozens of dresses, we finally found one that looked perfect. Keeley insisted I go with an emerald green dress since it would match my auburn hair. The gown was floor length and showed just enough cleavage that Ted wouldn't have a choice but to look. 

"Lace, you look so fucking fit. I just wanna kiss you on the mouth, right now." Keeley took a step back and made me spin around in my dress. 

"You really think so? You think I look pretty?" Out of nowhere, I got all timid. Just because Keeley thought I looked pretty didn't mean Ted would think so. 

"I think Ted is the luckiest man in the world to be walking into this gala with you on his arm." Keeley held onto my arm as she spoke to me, looking deep into my eyes.

"Alright now I wanna kiss you on the mouth," I joked. 

I had about two hours to go back home and do my hair and makeup. Keeley offered, but she had to get ready to go to the gala too and I felt guilty monopolizing all of her time.