A hand ran through Roman's slicked back hair to check if every single strand was where it needed to be. A few stragglers hanging over his forehead were further smoothed down, as well as being pinched to make sure the gel he used hadn't overly hardened any sections. The longest strands brushed against his lashes and made his black eyeliner more prominent. Such a dark color drastically accentuated the icy blue of his irises. His makeup drew attention to the area while simultaneously doing the opposite to his freckles.
He honestly thought he looked quite handsome, with his all black, three piece satin tuxedo, a matching dress shirt, a golden tie, an accompanying pocket square, and painted nails. Roman had only planned to wear a single color; but Mikayla, having been the one to buy everything, insisted on adding bright accesssories to accentuate his overall appearance.
Seeing it all come together in his reflection made Roman thankful for his aunt's decision.
Appearing so dolled up made him look more confident than he felt.
"Hey, Ro, mom wanted me to give you your- oh, wow." Dorian paused in the room's entryway with a shoebox in hand. "Now I get why you said you prefer to wear dark colors. You look great. I'm sure you're really going to surprise Jay."
"Thanks, and we'll see," Roman answered, turning away from the full-length mirror. "I can take those off your hands, Dori."
Dorian shook his head. He guided his cousin to sit on the bed. After settling down on the carpet, he pulled one of Roman's feet closer.
"I don't want you to crease anything by bending too much. I'll help you out."
Roman gave an appreciative smile. He pulled his hands into his lap, patiently waiting.
His grip was hard enough for it to start hurting within seconds.
Nervous jitters were expelled by twiddling with his thumbs instead.
He'd been telling himself all week how there was nothing to be anxious about. Jensen was Roman's safe space; his safe person. Sure, recent...developments...made Roman a little more excitable when he occupied the same space as his best friend. But Roman hadn't felt so skittish before.
He'd never felt so...fearful about doing something to potentially ruin their night.
Or their friendship.
"Roman."
He glanced up to look into heterochromic eyes. "Dori?"
"Don't let the negative shit your mother has drilled into your head be the reason you can't have a nice date."
Roman ignored his heart rate picking up. "We're- we're just going out to dinner."
"Dinner, date, a romp in the sheets- whatever. Don't let Rachel be the reason you keep yourself from having a good time with someone you like. Don't let her be the reason you hold yourself back from doing what you want to do."
"How...much do you know?"
"Enough," Dorian told him. "Just like my mom, I pay attention to the little things, Ro. I know you. And I know how terrified you are of thinking any little thing you do will make people leave. If there's one thing I'm sure of, though, especially when it comes to Jay, is you don't have to worry about stuff like that."
Roman scratched at the nape of his neck, drawing his gaze toward the floor. "It's not that easy. I wish I could just ignore what she's pushed onto me, but..."
"I know it's not easy to believe yourself when Rachel has painted you as the bad guy for so long. But it does make a difference when that reassurance comes from someone important to you." Dorian finished tying the second shoe, double knotting for a more secure fit. "Believe me, Ro. Jay wants to be with you. So, let him. And, for once, let yourself have this."
YOU ARE READING
A Step Closer to Me
عاطفية"You've had people telling you what to do your entire life. I think you should finally do what you've always wanted by taking a chance for yourself. My arms are open. So, leap into them. And I'll hold your hand as we fall together." ~~~ Roman Indigo...
