I sit next to him and sigh. “We are so fucked up.”

“Yeah. I thought it was funny how I lied to my parents because I was too scared to tell them about my relationship ending, and then how you lied to your mom because of how she controls your life.”

I nod. “It seems like we’re both controlled by our parents, but in different ways.”

“Yeah.”

A moment of silence passes between us. I bite my lip. He bounces his legs. I play with my cuticles.

“Well?” he says. “Do you have an outfit or something?”

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

ELIAS

“Stay still,” Indigo demands, buttoning my shirt.

I’ve never in my life had so many pieces of clothing on me. They feel like they weigh more than I do.

My mouth curves into an unconscious smile as I watch her brows draw together in concentration. Her nose is wrinkling, and her eyes squint. She looks like she changes her mind, unbuttons my jacket, then vest, and tosses them on the bed. She pulls one corner of my black shirt from my pants.

Indigo sticks her tongue in the corner of her mouth while she gets rid of my belt, then shuffles her fingers through my hair. She pats my shoulder before turning me around to look at myself in the mirror.

I look different. Good different. My usual style is pretty plain. Jeans, white t-shirt, and a jacket. Sometimes pants, black t-shirt and a hoodie. I’m not a colorful guy. And she didn’t change that, but she somehow made me look better.

Can’t say I have the appearance of a doctor, but I do look like a wealthy man that doesn’t care about showing how rich he is, keeping everything simple. Honestly, that’s something I’d do.

She picks up the jacket she just threw on the bed, the one that matches the gray pants. “Take this with you.”

I grab it as she rounds the bed to pick up her purse, stepping over a few books and painting brushes.

When she whirls around to me, she shakes her head. “No, hold it with two fingers only, over your shoulder.” She shows me how to do it and it feels unnatural. “And be more confident. You look good.” She pats me on the back and walks towards the door.

I linger behind, allowing myself a moment to admire how great she looks in that tight dress that accentuates her slim waist as it flares into rounded hips. It’s long, but hugs her legs and has a slit that shows her shiny skin.

“Are you coming?” she asks, turning to look at me.

I nod, thinking the gleaming necklace she’s wearing doesn’t hold a candle to her natural beauty.

* * *