Page 25 of Hinder
“But Lord, he has abs.” The man waves his hand at his face.
She smiles. “Yeah, he does.”
I’m beginning to understand what it’s like to be objectified, and even though it’s being done by professional stylists, it’s unnerving. “So, shirt?”
“Yeah, until we do something with that hair or get you some ink, you’re too baby-faced to pull off the bare look.” The man turns to the racks of clothes and searches through them. “I’m Stu, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Stu.” Though I’m not entirely sure that’s true, it’s a habit from my upbringing to say so regardless. I touch my hair self-consciously. I’ve always had really nice hair. At least that’s what I’ve been told.
“It’s too short. Grow it out. Not as long as Trent’s, but a few more inches,” the woman instructs, walking over to the lighted vanity. She pats the empty chair. “I’m Kellie.”
I take the seat in front of the lighted mirror. “Nice to meet you, Kellie.”
She runs her fingers through my hair and stares at the back of my head. “Let’s ditch the clean cut for something more rock ’n roll.” She met my gaze in the reflection. “Don’t shave on concert days either. Women love the stubble.”
I don’t bother telling her I didn’t shave this morning. I don’t think that nugget of knowledge would be appreciated. In no time at all Kellie works my dark locks into a messy arrangement. Next, she applies a thin layer of foundation to my cheeks. A first for me. She reaches for the black eyeliner and I almost protest. She raises her brow as if to sayReally, pretty boy?I snap my mouth shut because hell, who am I to tell her how to do her job? Besides, she could totally kick my ass.
Stu sifts through the racks of clothes, sighing and groaning. I don’t know whether he’s always this dramatic or I’m that difficult to dress. Doesn’t he know I’m gonna be stuck behind a drum set for the entire show?
“Okay, beautiful.” Kellie caps the eyeliner, winks, and steps to the side so I can see my reflection. Whoa. Not anything I’d ever do, but damn! I look badass and rock star . . . and my mother would hate it.
“I love it.” I offer praise to her expectant stare.
Her lips split into a radiant smile. “Come on, Stu. We don’t have all night.”
“Can’t rush perfection,” Stu sasses, turning toward me with a roll of his eyes. He hands me a shirt. “Here. This.”
Vintage Van Halen.Nice.
He watches as I put it on and turns to Kellie. “Jean jacket or leather?”
“Try the leather.”
He nods and slides one off the rack and onto my arms. If the makeup weren’t enough, this jacket is something Mother would have burned on sight. I fucking love it.
“Jesus, we have ourselves a baby James Dean.” Stu fans his face.
Kellie grins as I check myself out in the mirror. “God, the women are gonna love you,” she says.
Stu whistles and shakes his head. “Not only the women.” He holds out his hand and snaps. “Finishing touch. Pants.”
“You want me to take off my pants?” I step back. “Here?”
Kellie laughs. “My God! Would you give him a break? You’re gonna scare the poor thing.”
Stu grins and lets loose a chuckle. “You can change through that door.” He picks up a pair of black jeans and tosses them my way.
I catch them and balk. “You mean there was a changing room this entire time?”
“Sorry, honey.” He shrugs but by the smile on his and Kellie’s faces, neither of them feels bad.
I push into the room, take off my jeans and tug on the black pants. I thought they were jean, but they’re softer and stretchy. Good thing because otherwise I wouldn’t be able to pull them over my thighs. There’s no mirror in this room, but I don’t need one to know these pants showeverything, including the bulge at the front.
I open the door and once again I’m greeted by one of Stu’s whistles. He hands me a pair of black boots and nods in appreciation.
Kellie offers the same satisfied smile. “Leighton, you’re ready, kid. Go break a leg.”
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