AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘I knew he was... I mean I know Tate’s known, but this is the first public thing I’ve been to with him. I thought there might be a limo. But a helicopter? I’m so completely out of my depth.’
‘No, you’re not. Now, I know you haven’t known my brother for long but can you honestly tell me dressing up in a suit, being ferried around in a limo, and going to a fancy dinner matches with the Tate you know?’
Chloe can’t help but laugh at that. ‘Not in the slightest.’
‘Exactly. If he had the option, he’d arrive on his bike wearing jeans and a t-shirt. This event is just part of the craziness that comes with what he does. Think of the night as an over-the-top work do. That’s exactly how he thinks of it, I can promise you.’
‘Thanks Bria. I know I’m being silly. I guess I need to rein in my imagination. I’m going to get myself into a state.’
Bria looks away for a moment then turns back to Chloe. ‘Okay, I know myself and... Tate, have a problem. I’m upset with him, but I can honestly say you’re in good hands. When we went together, he didn’t leave my side for a second. He’s incredibly protective, Chloe. I absolutely guarantee he will be there for you. Now, how about we finish these coffees and get to spending some of this.’ She holds up a credit card and smiles.
‘I’m paying for my dress.’
‘Oh no you’re not. He gave me strict instructions to use his credit card. I’m on this account in case there are any problems with his house while he’s away. He’s picking up the bill.’
Bria talks non-stop as they walk to the boutique about five minutes from the coffee shop. She pushes the buzzer on the door and is admitted after giving her name to the attendant on the other end.
Chloe stares in wonder at all the dresses, shoes, and bags as they are taken downstairs to a private dressing room with plush couches, fresh flowers, and soothing music playing.
Clearly Tate’s name, and his credit card, carried a bit of weight. The assistant hurries off to get some champagne and to collect suitable dresses in her size for the occasion.
‘So you do things like this often?’
Bria laughs as she helps herself to a drink. ‘It’s a difficult job but someone has to do it.’
‘Are there any rules for these events? Do I have to match him or anything like that? Sorry, I’ve never been to something like this before.’
Bria thanks the assistant as she hangs some dresses on the rail then disappears to find some more. ‘Oooh, these are promising. Sorry, about matching him. You don’t have to. You’re more than free to go as mad as you want. I checked with Ellen though just in case he’s planning to wear something completely random, but he’s sticking to conventional attire. Well, conventional for Tate. He’ll be wearing a dark navy three-piece suit so it’ll be difficult to clash with that. He’ll add some Tate to the look with slightly edgier embellishments no doubt. Might even ditch the tie. You’ll have to wait and see, but don’t worry, it won’t be anything extreme.’
‘Three-piece suit? I can’t imagine him in formal wear. I’ve only seen him in jeans and t-shirts.’
Bria laughs. ‘Yeah. Don’t even get me started on that. What I wouldn’t give to completely overhaul all their wardrobes. Believe it or not, my brother scrubs up pretty well. He’s one of those irritating people who can roll out of bed, throw on the first thing they see, and still manage to look good. It’s infuriating.’ She holds out her phone and shows Chloe a photo. ‘This is last year.’
Scrubs up well is an understatement. Tate looks incredible in a suit. Trying to hide the heat touching her cheeks she clears her throat and takes a sip of champagne.
Bria tucks the phone into her pocket and smirks at Chloe. ‘You’ve got it so bad.’
‘Got what?’
‘Don’t play all innocent with me. You fancy my brother.’
‘This is so wrong on so many levels.’
‘What is discussed in the changing room stays in the changing room. Seriously, I’m happy for you both. It’s about time he found someone who’ll treat him right. He’s had a few near misses in the past.’
‘It’s early days.’
‘Very true.’ Bria pulls out a stunning emerald green dress with a full skirt. ‘But after he sees you in this, he won’t be able to let you go.’
∞
Chloe lies back in bed and flicks through the photos of her in the incredible green dress. She’d tried on too many dresses to count, but both Bria and herself had agreed the first green one was the best. She can’t believe how different she looks in it. She’s never worn anything so beautiful.
Bria hadn’t let her see the total once they’d added shoes and a bag to the bill, but she had no doubt it was quite a bit. Certainly more than she could have afforded. Nothing in the shop had a price label on it which was a dead giveaway that she absolutely couldn’t have afforded anything in there.
She tried to call Tate to say thank you, but he hadn’t picked up. He must still be busy with the band. They hadn’t made any plans to see each other for the next few days. He was going to be working and she had to get the house ready for her gran. Spending time with Tate had meant the housework her gran was always on top of had been seriously neglected.
Her phone rings and she smiles when she sees Tate’s name on the screen.
