"We do not have a date, Lexi," Rhett sighed, shaking his head as he continued to have his eyes in a slight different direction since he didn't know Lexi was so close," Besides, it's a Masquerade. You dress in a costume of your choice and get to mingle with other A-listers. I don't think it's even meant to bring dates to... I am sorry, but I never said you were my date."
I chuckle, walking towards him as I grip his shoulders gently. Turning him towards her, he begins to smile as he soon says thanks.
"I thought we were going together." I soon heard Lexi whine once he had said such a thing to me.
"I never said we were. What I remember is..." He begins to stand, and I hand him his walking stick. "I remember you telling me about the Masquerade and asking me what I was dressing up as. I said I'd dress up as an old-fashioned Yakuza leader, and you said you wanted to be my wife - for the party of course; but, I declined."
I look at Lexi, seeing her red-faced and it was quite comical. Especially since he couldn't see it for himself so he didn't know what his words were doing to her.
"Can we talk about this in private?" She asked him quietly, glancing at me in evident annoyance.
I was just his assistant so it wouldn't be surprising if he sent me out. I wouldn't be offended...or I guess it'd depend. No...it wouldn't depend. This isn't my business and I only just got here so there's really no depending-.
"I'm afraid that wouldn't be appropriate." I heard him say fast, and I had to stop myself from snickering. "The party is tonight and I was going to invite-." I saw him flinch as he pointed to his left. "Denzel."
Lexi frowned as he wasn't pointing at me. He was pointing at the glass wall reflecting the city and she raised her eyebrow. I could tell she believed he was kidding since he wasn't necessarily pointing at me, but at a window.
"Denzel? Are you mocking me? No one's there-."
"Of course!" I interject fast, seeing Rhett's hand drop fast as he looked embarrassed. "He's just emphasizing that I'm invited."
I pat his shoulder and he looks up at me, blushing. I could tell he was just embarrassed that he looked the wrong way, but he needn't worry.
"You know," I point like how he did, except I raised an eyebrow then smiled, "it's the new thing."
Lexi glared at me, Rhett smiling as he nodded.
"Yes. The new thing of pointing in opposite directions of someone. You're misleading, but on purpose..." He drifted, chewing his lip as him and I were just making things up.
I could tell Lexi wasn't buying any of it and not that I cared, but I was curious. Was he saying he invited me as his partner so that she'll leave him be. Or was I really invited...?
I'm also...a dude so.
"I don't believe you."
"Ms. Ozark please. I know you didn't come here just to discuss that. I'm already bringing Denzel-."
"Well, if you're bringing a man with you - never knew you were gay, then I'll see you two there. Tonight, together, on the black carpet and taking pictures for everyone to see. You'll acknowledge that he's your date."
Rhett smiled, nodding vigorously as he began stepping back. Heading right for the glass coffee table and I was about to help him out before he stopped immediately before bumping into it. Going around it, he sat on the leather couch.
His smile was certain and he didn't look bothered by what she said despite what it could mean for him.
"Perfect. I will, you will see us there together and he will be matching alongside me. He'd be my...head bodyguard! Don't fret at all, I wouldn't lie to you to get out of a date. That's just wrong." He nods certainly.
I put my lips into a straight line, knowing that he literally lied to her straight to her face. I wonder if he's good at lying because he can't see their faces upfront.
I'd be a good liar too if I didn't have to see peoples reactions to my words.
"Fine... I guess I'll see you there." She hissed, standing as she narrowed her eyes up onto me. I walked with her to the door as I opened it for her, but she just gave me the dirtiest look. Stomping off and I chuckle at her silliness, closing the door.
Glancing over at Rhett, he had his head drooping. His stick propped against the table and him avoiding looking at me altogether.
I grab a water bottle, walking around the couch as I sat beside him. Grabbing his hand as I rest the bottle in his, making him look at me as his lip trembled.
"I'm sorry for using you as an excuse to get out of a date with Lexi. That was very childish of me." He apologized, and I grin as I was guessing that was his way of saying he wasn't serious. "I should've told you beforehand, but she appeared out of nowhere and I didn't get the chance to explain it myself."
I wasn't really bothered by it, it actually didn't bother me at all. I found it kinda cute who adamant he was on not going with her.
...I can see why with how rude she is. Guess you don't need vision to see that.
"It's okay. I was glad to be of assistance to help you out of her persistence." I assure him.
"That rhymed..." He mumbled, drinking some water as he grinned. "I guess that was my pathetic way of asking you if you would be my date for the Masquerade. Before she beat me to it about the whole thing."
I raise my eyebrow, seeing him look at me as he waited. Having me confused especially since we don't know one another all that well, but not to mention I have a child and...I'm a man.
"If you want!" He suddenly gasps, his face becoming red as he looked away shyly. "I understand if you just want to go as friends too. I bet it's kinda weird..."
"Of course not. I have a son with a man, remember?" I remind him, and he flinches as he seems to remember. "What about him though?"
"He can come...I believe there's a playing area."
"I don't want to compromise my sons safety." I state, knowing he'd probably cling to me and when my son's scared I become nervous. Not to mention his...other dad wouldn't be that understanding with that.
"I understand... You don't have to come. I put myself in jeopardy putting your name in, so I'll handle the consequences. I don't want to hurt your son or meddle in your personal life so."
I smile, appreciating that... Making me want to help him, just because he was selfless in a way. He knew what he did was wrong and he wasn't trying to force me either... Not that that bothered me.
It was kinda cute.
"I'll go with you." I find myself saying, Rhetts face brightening as a smile began to grow on his face. "I'll work something out. As long as I'm able to put him down for bed and he doesn't see me leave, we'll be all good."
Rhett smiled, nodding happily as his fingers suddenly went in his hair.
"Well, when you see me I don't think my hair will look the same. The designer and stylist I chose for this said he had a 'vision' and it required major reconstruction of my exterior..." I snicker as he bites his lip. "I'm not really sure what he means, but he did say he would do something drastic to my hair. As long as I'm not bleach blond or have green hair, I am all in."
I nod, wondering how I was going to dress for this thing. If I really am going...how do all these A-listers dress...?
"Oh, here's a tip. Don't stress on the fancy stuff. Dress how you'd interpret an old-fashioned Yakuza guard would dress for his...leader." He stuttered, his cheeks pink and I grin.
"Okay, I will - no stress. I'm guessing I need to give you my address and phone number."
"Yes! Of course!" He exclaims excitedly, nodding.
I found myself chuckling whilst exchanging numbers with him, shocked that this was happening so fast. I just have to remember that this is just for fun. Not a real date or anything...
Once we finished he leaned into me, apologizing again and I told him it was fine. Though I will admit it'll be so hard trying not to get any feelings or misguidance from his kindness. Me, being already into him, will think he's flirting when he's just being kind.
Not that I can ever tell with him and his cuteness...
Until then, of course.
"Well, I can't wait to see what you'll look like." I say in excitement, making him chuckle.
"Can't wait to...imagine what you'll look like. You'll have to describe both of our outfits."
I nod, honored to be able to take that challenge.
"Of course, I'll try my best."
"I know you will." He murmurs, laying his head back on my shoulder.
_________________🫰
- yolo 🫶