The Unusual Suspects Book 2

Toya

"So...basically we're trying to find a new image for him. Like we can still keep it a lil rugged, but clean. You know what I mean?" Iris asked me as I tried to envision what she meant.                          "So like thug-casual?" I said and we both laughed again. "You know what I mean." I said as we tried to control our laughter.                                                                                                                                       "Girl you're probably the first person in the world to look at Paradox and think thug." she said and we both laughed a little bit more. I can't stand her.                                                                                  "Okay so not thug but when you say rugged...it's more like...Girl when I see him, I get Lenny Kravitz but you want something that's a lil more dapper but edgy?" I asked for clarification.       "Yes!! That's what I'm saying. You want me to bring him in here?" she asked me.                            "Yeah maybe I can draw from his personality a little more that way." I said to her.                          "Dox!" She called and shortly after that he came walking down the hall. I had to admit, this man smelled so damn good, but his fashion sense was a little different.                                                             "Yes ma'am." he said acknowledging Iris but smiling in my direction.                                                        "Manners? That's refreshing to hear." I said as he walked in closer.                                                                "I was definitely raised correctly. My apologies, I'm Paradox." he said as he walked over and reached out and grabbed my hand before placing a kiss on it.                                                                        "Toya." I said offering my name as well.                                                                                                                    "I'm aware..." he said as he took a step back. "...I know it was brief seeing you at the listening party but you did your thing with Influx's interview. They looked dope!"                                                "Thank you! But I'm definitely hoping to make that same magic happen for you." I told him.  "Yeah you have that shoot coming up and I want to make sure that you dazzle them with more than just your voice." Iris said.                                                                                                                                        "So what's your style?" I asked him so I can incorporate that into it.                                                           "I'm not sure that I really have in per se. I guess I kinda give off indie vibes." he said sounding unsure. But indie would be the best way to explain it.                                                                                       "I can see that. Is there something for sure that you know you'd want to include in your outfit?" I asked him and he looked like he was deep in thought. I looked over her his physique and was trying to figure out what to bring up. He had some nice broad shoulders and a flat chest. I started glancing him over and realized something with an unbuttoned button up would suit him. "Was it something you had in mind?" he asked me that broke me out of my trance.                              "Well because you do give off indie...I'm thinking some nice dark wash jeans, a button up but leave the top open with a moto jacket and some boots." I said and I paused for his reaction.          "You think so?" he asked me. I nodded at that.                                                                                                        "Because I don't want to take away from your style. I feel like you could still be relaxed but show some sex appeal still. Women love a bare chest and then the moto jacket gives it a rugged look and the boots still give you that extra umph." I said explaining that to him.                                             "Okay...well when you put it that way, how could I resist?" he said.                                                             "You can't. Just trust the process." I said confidently. He smiled and stood up.                                        "Will do." he said as he exited the room and I looked over at Iris.                                                              "So call me crazy, but were y'all just flirting?" she asked softly as she walked over to me.                   "Girl no...I was just explaining how I pull out things from each person when I go to design or even just to dress them in general. You pull from their best assets." I said.                                                "I get that but girl it's almost like you were hypnotized when you were looking him over, not to mention he came off that way when he was kissing on your hand and whatnot." she said and I just brushed it all off.                                                                                                                                                  "He's an attractive guy, but I mean I know how to act appropriately. I'm practically married."     "Me too, but that doesn't mean you're blind baby. All I can tell you is be careful." she said as she took a seat next to me.                                                                                                                                                          "I've never cheated on Tony." I said to her, I can't even imagine that right now.                                      "And I've never cheated on Chuckie, but I'm human. I get aroused by other people. I might imagine what it's like with other people as well. We're human." she said as she shrugged.              "I think that's only natural, but it's not worth running the risk of losing what I have."                     "It's not, I agree. But also some people look at it as you're not married yet. All I'm saying is the way him and Onyx see things, everything is fair game up until they tie the knot. That's why I said be careful. That boy spits poetry that can ease the drawls right off of you." she said as we both laughed at that. I could believe it though, but I'mma just let it go.                                                                   "Anywho...so is the shoot just his or Onyx too?" I asked for clarification.                                                    "It should've been both, but I don't think she's comfortable with shoots yet. It's a part of her. She keeps it mysterious when it comes to seeing her actual face." Iris said.                                                         "How does that work in live performance?" I asked quickly because I am confused.                             "She keeps it cute with like the masquerade masks and whatnot. I love it because it's different, but she's really a pretty girl. I wish she'd show herself more."                                                                           "Same. I know I could create some fire for them if I could just get her in on it." I said. I liked how his style was different and that could really set it off for them for sure. But I'll keep some ideas tucked for them. Eventually she'll want to pop out and I'll make sure they do just that.                     "In due time." Iris said as I began to draw out what I had in mind to throw myself into my work at the moment.