AJ insisted they go to the Dallas Galleria. Discovering the place didn’t have a Lane Bryant; Abe resigned herself to following AJ around while he shopped. However, he convinced her to try something in the Women's Department at Macy's. It was there, Abe discovered she was a size 14.
"Are you finding anything you like," asked the sales clerk.
"Actually," started Abe, peaking out of the dressing room. "These are a little loose."
"What size are they?"
"16. Do you mind getting the next size?”
"I don’t mind at all. Let me run over to the Misses section."
Soon the clerk returned with another pair of jeans. "Here you go dear."
"Thank you."
"Also, one of the gentlemen with you says you have to come out and show them."
"Tell him fine."
Abe pulled the jeans on and left the dressing room area.
"Finally! Let's have a look."
"I think they're too tight."
AJ studied her for a moment, then ordered, "turn around."
Abe did as instructed.
"Ya got panties on?"
"Yes!"
"Regular panties?"
"Yes," she replied, turning to eye him.
"They ain't too tight."
Throwing her arms out in a gesture of exasperation, Abe said, "explain."
"No visible panty line, so they ain't too tight."
"Those look nice on you," commented Marcus, being more tactful.
"Thanks," said Abe, blushing.
"How'd they do," asked the clerk coming back over.
"I want them," stated Abe.
Making her purchase, they headed out into the mall. Abe was having fun shopping for the first time in a long time. She had never shopped at the Gap, The Limited or Express. Now she actually bought something in all three stores.
Sadly, the happiness was short lived, because a battle line was being drawn. It started when they stumbled upon a store filled with Halloween merchandise. The party in New Orleans was two days away. Marcus teased them about waiting until the last minute. Abe was browsing when AJ ran up to her in a doctor's coat that read - Dr. Feelgood, OB/GYN. He pulled an outfit from behind his back.
"You can be Nurse Goodbody!"
Taking one look at the picture of the scantily-clad woman on the front, Abe said, "No way."
"Why?"
"AJ, even if I had the body, I still wouldn't wear it!"
"Why not?"
"I might as well go naked. No."
"Abe…"
"NO!"
"Then what are you going to be?"
"I don't know yet."
"But I really want to be Dr. Feelgood," whined AJ.
"Then by all means be Dr. Feelgood. Do we have to match?"
"I don't suppose so."
"There ya have it. Go buy your coat."
“I will,” snapped AJ, walking off.
Next stop was Betsey Johnson, where AJ couldn’t understand why Abe had a problem with spending $200 on a pair of jeans. Marcus laughing at them defused the situation.
Now they were in BeBe. Abe selected a pair of black, suede pants, a skirt and was looking at some tops, when AJ thrust a pair of paisley print jeans into her hands.
“Here.”
Abe looked at them only a moment before handing them back. “No.”
“Yes,” he said pointedly.
“No,” she replied in the same tone.
“Would you like me to put you’re selections in a dressing room,” asked a clerk.
“Thank you,” answered Abe, giving her handful to the girl.
"Take these too,” directed AJ.
“Actually, let me have those.”
“Let me know when you’re ready to start trying on,” the clerk said, handing Abe AJ’s selections.
Besides the paisley jeans, AJ had selected pink, suede pants. Without another word, Abe continued looking around the store. She placed the paisley pants back on the rack when she found it. AJ caught her putting the pink pair back.
“You’re trying those on. Where's the other pair?”
“On their rack.”
“Well I’ll just go get them.”
“You trying them on?”
“No.”
“Then don’t bother.”
“Damn! Why are you being so difficult?”
“Why are you trying to dress me like your ex-girlfriends?”
“How do you know what they look like?”
“I’ve seen pictures.”
“What’s so bad about the way they dressed?”
“I’m not a pop diva wannabe or a stripper. You need to stop trying to make me into something I’m not. I asked you to come shopping with me, not for me.”
“I can’t fuckin’ believe this,” exclaimed AJ.
“Guys can we keep it down,” asked Marcus, trying to stop them from going too far.
“You asked me come shopping with you then you get all pissy on me. Acting like suddenly, because you lost weight, you’re all that. Well I got news for you…”
“AJ,” interrupted Marcus.
“If you feel that way AJ, then leave me alone! I’ll finish shopping by myself. My mistake for forgetting I’m just the hired help.”
“You’re right. You are hired help. Come on Marcus,” AJ said, walking out of the store.
Marcus glanced down at his watch. “Can you get your shopping done in like an hour and half?”
“Yes.”
“Meet us then at the entrance we came in. Don’t make me come looking for you.”
“Marcus,” called AJ from just outside the door.
Marcus walked out.
“Excuse me. Are you ready to try things on?”
“Huh? Oh yeah.”
Abe finished her shopping, making sure she was back at the entrance early. AJ walked past her without speaking and took a seat in the van. The ride back to the hotel was quiet.
Abe didn’t find the courage to speak until they were on the elevator.
“Sorry,” she said, quietly.
“Sure. Whatever,” replied AJ, in a glib tone.
“AJ.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Don’t do this.”
“Do what? I’m giving you space. I’m backing off.”
“I’m sorry. You didn’t do anything wrong. I overreacted.”
The elevator doors opened on Abe’s floor. Marcus nudged both of them to step out. He kept watch while they talked.
Eyeing her for a moment AJ said, “ Can I ask you why?”
“This is new to me. I know I'm thinner, but I’m not that thin. I won’t look good, which upset me. Plus, realizing I’m thinner doesn’t mean I’m comfortable with it. I know it’s all contradictory, but I’m feeling all these things. I’m excited, surprised, scared, and I don’t trust it for a minute.”
“Don’t trust what?”
“That it’s real. I won’t wake up and find it's a dream.”
“You are awake,” he stated.
“Then I’m scared I’ll screw up and gain it all back.”
“I’ll kick you’re butt if you do.”
“Thanks,” she chuckled. “I’m sorry I took it all out on you.”
“It’s fine. I overreacted too. The stripper crack pushed my buttons. I’m sorry I pushed you,” he said, hugging her. “Hey! Did you find something for the party?”
Pulling back, she said, “Yes I did.”
“What is it?”
“Not telling you.”
“Abe,” he exclaimed.
“Nope. You will just have to wait.”
“Fine,” he sighed, hugging her again.
The elevator bell sounded and the doors slid open to reveal Nick, Mike, Tony, and Pat.
“Hey guys,” greet AJ stepping to the side of the hall and pulling Abe with him. “What have you been up to?”
“Shootin' pool,” said Mike.
“What have you been doing,” asked Nick, his gaze shifting from AJ to Abe.
“Shopping,” stated Abe, holding up bags.
“Is your outfit in there,” asked AJ.
“Yes and no you can’t see it. Marcus make AJ leave.”
“Come on AJ,” said Marcus, pulling AJ onto the elevator.
“Abe you can’t…” AJ’s sentence was cut off by the doors sliding shut.
Abe turned and headed down the hall to her room. The others followed.
“What outfit is he talking about,” asked Nick.
“My outfit for the Halloween party.”
“You’re going?”
“Yes.”
Nick thought for a moment, then said, “you’re going with AJ?”
“Yes,” replied Abe, opening her door and turning to look up at him.
“Why?”
“Because he asked me to go.”
“Oh.”
Abe waited for him to say more, when he didn’t, she said, “you packed.”
“No.”
“Okay. I’ll be over in a few to help you. We need to leave soon.”
Nick stared at the door after she closed it. You could have pushed him over with a feather. AJ and Abe? A date?
“Earth to Nick,” called Tony.
“Huh?”
“Come on,” said Pat, pulling him toward his own room.
Once inside, everyone scattered and started packing. Nick walked into the living room of the suite and found Pat patiently waiting.
“Can I ask ya somethin’?”
Pat replied, “shoot.”
“Do you think Abe and AJ are…”
“Hadn’t given it much thought.”
“Me neither,” agreed Nick. “But do you?”
“I don’t think so.”
“You don’t?”
“No. Why do you care?”
“I don’t.”
Without another word, Nick went back into the bedroom, leaving Pat amused.
Chapter 29
“Miss Thang, what are you doing?”
“Bringing the guys their masks,” stated Abe.
Kim said, “we’re almost finished here. We’ll be over in a minute.”
“Do you need anything else Nick?”
“Nope.”
“Okay, I’ll be in my room.”
After Abe left the room, Tony joked, “we’re leavin’ in an hour. Does that give you enough time to get her ready?”
This rewarded him with a look from everyone in the room.
Mitchell, the hairstylist for the tour, said, “more than enough time.”
“So you know what she’s going as,” inquired Nick, curiosity killing him.
“Yes,” replied Kim, the tour’s make-up artist. “And we’re not telling you.”
“But...”
“You will just have to wait like everyone else,” interrupted Mitchell. “Now you are done and we are out of here.”
****
“Thanks for doing this.”
“You’re welcome, but if you say that one more time,” warned Kim.
“Sorry.”
“And if you say that one more time,” stated Mitchell. “Girl you almost through paintin’? Cause I’m done primpin’.”
“One second...Done!”
“Okay Miss Thang stand up and let us get a look at ya.”
Abe did as instructed. Her nerves kicked up a notch as Mitchell and Kim studied her. Self-conscious, she started tugging on her shirt and skirt. Without a word and only a glance exchanged, they moved in on her. Kim tugged on the bow at the front of Abe’s peasant shirt. The corners fell open to show off just the top of a bustier and a hint of cleavage. This successfully distracted Abe from what Mitchell was doing. He caught the skirt’s hem at the side seam, pulled it up and secured it in the waistband. However, the distraction only lasted until Abe felt cool air on her knee.
“Mitchell what are you doing?”
“Completing the look darling. Now don’t fuss. Only an inch above your knee will be showing. Footwear that Faa-bu-lus must be shown!”
The two partners in crime stepped back and admired their handiwork. Satisfied, they pulled her into a hug, before placing her in front of the full-length mirror in the room. Finally, she was allowed to see herself. Looking into the mirror gave Abe the urge to introduce herself. The girl in the mirror looked enough like her, but it still felt strange. Before she could ponder it more, there was a knock. Kim opened the door and in walked Dr. Feelgood.
“I’m ready to examine you. Take off all your clothes and get on the bed,” he ordered Kim, as he dipped her.
This got him a smack on the arm and a scolding. “AJ!”
Righting her, he asked, “so is my date rea...Damn!”
Abe took one look at AJ and burst out laughing. He had gone all out with a Don King style wig.
“AJ you look perfect. Ready?”
“Yeah,” he replied, debating on saying something about the way she looked, but she was already out the door.
“Let’s go. Marcus will you hang onto my room key?”
“Sure Abe.”
“Marcus what are you going as?”
“The bodyguard,” he deadpanned.
“Perfect choice.”
****
Stepping off the off the elevator, Abe asked, “Couldn’t find a stethoscope?”
“Shit!”
“I’ll wait for you guys down here.”
“Be right back,” said AJ, the elevator doors closing.
“You look great Abe.”
“Thanks Kim. So do you. Look you guys go on.”
“You sure?”
“Yes Mitchell. I’m fine down here.”
“Kim and I will see you there.”
“Thanks again for helping me get ready.”
“Anytime Miss Thang.”
“Bye,” called Kim as they headed for the door.
The elevator doors opened. Tony was the first one out and took a quick inventory of the lobby. His eyes stopped on the back of a girl and he gave her the once over.
“Aw yeah! That’s what I’m talking about.”
“What,” asked Mike.
“She’s a little thick, but look at those fuck me boots. I’m just gonna see if she has plans for the evening.” Walking up and tapping her on the shoulder, he asked, “So what are you dressed up as?”
“A gypsy,” replied Abe, turning to see Tony.
“You! Fuck!”
“Abe,” asked Nick.
Mike simply said, “wow.”
“Hi guys! Man y’all look great.”
“So do you,” replied Pat.
“Thank you Mr. Eastwood,” teased Abe.
Tipping his hat, he said, "Call me Clint."
“Where’s AJ,” asked Nick.
“He forgot his stethoscope. Hey, smile.”
Nick’s smile revealed fangs. Abe was responsible for his look. She told him he would make the perfect modern day Vampire. She gave him the once over, taking in the boots, leather pants, black poet’s shirt, and black duster coat. Mitchell had spiked his hair, while Kim had lined the inside of his lower lids with white, then use black liner and mascara. The effect made his blue eyes practically glow.
“You look amazing,” stated Abe, looking up into his eyes.
Blushing slightly, Nick said, “thanks.”
Nick licked his lips as he took in Abe. Mitchell had worked her hair into a mass of brown curls. Every time she moved light danced off dark red streaks. Her eyes jumped out at him. The blue-green brought out by make-up Kim used. His gaze moves to her mouth, which looked like cherry syrup was poured on them. He licked his lips again as his eyes dropped to the shirt she was wearing. Satin ribbon dangled freely, while just a hint of creamy skin peaked from under the shirt. She shifted slightly and the jingle of her belt begged him to continue his inventory of her. The belt reminded him of something he had seen Shakira wear in a video. He noticed the skirt and realized the streaks in her hair matched it. It was a modest skirt that hung down to her ankles, except the one side being caught up to expose her leg. He swallowed as he realized Tony was right, she had on fuck me boots.
This complete assessment took mere seconds, but he continued staring, which made Abe uncomfortable. Fortunately, the elevator doors slid open again to reveal her date.
“My, my, what an interesting group we have.”
“Hey AJ,” greeted Mike, before laughing.
“Hello Sailor Mike. I see you have Clint with you this evening. What are you?”
“A vampire,” replied Tony, smiling to reveal his fangs.
“Did you come up with that before or after Nick?”
“After. Why?”
“No reason. Earth to Nick.”
“Huh,” he muttered, pulling his eyes away from Abe.
“Are you riding with us or do you have your own car?”
“Our own.”
“Then we shall see you there,” AJ stated, offering Abe his arm.
“Later guys.”
"What You Need" is a work of fiction.
The characters and events portrayed are fictitious,
and any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.
Used with Permission
Copyright ©2002-2003
All Rights Reserved
No part of this text may be copied or reprinted
without the author's permission.
