Nothing compared to a cup of Starbucks on a lunch break. It was a heavenly escape and a taste sensation, if only momentarily. After a long morning of trying to find the hottest suit for some new up-and-coming actor, my body needed the caffeine.
I ordered a white chocolate mocha, my favorite drink on their menu, in venti size. I knew I’d feel a jolt, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I was on the verge of growing immune to caffeine, as if it were my blood. I took my drink over to a corner table near the back of the café and sat down. Any moment now, Nathaniel would be joining me. I couldn’t wait to hear how his morning had gone as well, seeing as I knew he’d been asked to style Kim Kardashian. I was glad he’d been assigned to her and not myself.
We’re both stylists for a PR firm, here in Hollywood. I have always loved fashion and making people look wonderful in the clothes they wear. I’m not that flashy of a person, but I’m also not the plainest Jane. I kind of live in the middle of the fashion spectrum, but I’m comfortable there. I dress professionally for my job, but once I’m home free, I like to be casual. I’m not your typical Hollywood girl who has to make sure she’s stopping traffic with her lack of clothing or abundance of gaudy jewelry. I’m just Everly, I guess. I know when to wear nice things and when it’s better to be simple. I don’t hang out with people just because they wear designer labels and I don’t style people just to become a part of their posse. I enjoy fashion for its creative and artistic qualities. I enjoy it for the freedom and individuality it gives. Being able to dress clients and make them feel good about what they’re wearing is just a bonus, besides the nice paycheck.
Though when you get a client you’re not a big fan of, it can be a nightmare. I could only imagine what Nathaniel’s story about Kim Kardashian was going to be. I laughed at the thought as I sipped some more of my drink and then looked at my watch. Just as I looked back up, I heard someone enter and then my name.
“Everly, darling! I made it. Sorry, that Kim girl is so atrocious. I was scared I wasn’t going to get her to pick out an outfit.” Nathaniel said, trying to catch his breath, as if he’d dashed over here in a hurry.
I smiled, seeing my favorite male friend. Well…make that favorite gay male friend. He was looking fashionable today, as always. His blonde hair was slicked perfectly with gel and his brown eyes were accentuated with some guy-liner upon his eyelids. He wore a crisp, white dress shirt paired with a gray silk vest and pink tie. On his bottom half he had on dark gray slacks and nice black dress shoes. He just always looks good and it’s a shame he isn't straight. Though it’s nice to have a guy, who’s like one of the girls.
“Hey Nathaniel. It’s fine. No worries.” I watched him as he went over to the counter to place his drink order. Then he paid and joined me at the table a moment later with his drink.
“You look pretty today, Everly. I think that lavender looks gorgeous with your brown hair and green eyes.” I blushed slightly and looked down at the lavender blouse I had on. It was just something I had quickly picked out of my closet this morning. Nothing too fancy, but definitely practical for work.
“Thanks. You look wonderful as always. So, tell me about Kim Kardashian?”
He rolled his eyes heavenward and then made a disgusted face. “Divalicious should be the name of her next fragrance. That’s all that girl is. I couldn’t handle another minute of her. So when her mommy dearest came in and told her the last outfit was the outfit, I thanked the angels above.”
I laughed so hard, I almost had coffee coming out of my nose. Sometimes Nathaniel was over the top with his comments, but they always did bring entertainment.
“Well…at least she has something to cover up that ass with and you fit her into something. Hopefully you won’t have to dress her again.” Nathaniel knocked on the wooden table.
“Knock on wood. I don’t want to look at anymore sparkly, tight dresses for a long time and certainly not on her.”
I took another sip of my white chocolate mocha and then licked my lips. “Well, I had to dress this young actor who‘s doing some new show on the CW network. His manager was picky about what he could or couldn’t be seen in. I had to make more pulls than I had intended, but satisfied him and his manager with a preppy, schoolboy look.”
Nathaniel smiled. “Well that’s good, darling. It takes a good stylist to please tough clients and you always manage somehow. You’re beyond good, you’re great.”
“Thanks, pal. I just do my best.” It was always nice to get compliments, but getting one from my friend and co-worker meant a lot.
Nathaniel’s gaze then went past me and I could tell he was looking at something or someone. The sound of the door closing behind someone, just entering, reached my ears. I watched then as his eyes continued to look past me and almost seem to follow whomever just entered. Maybe he knew the person or maybe he recognized a celebrity he’d styled in the past. I didn’t dare look behind me yet. I waited for Nathaniel to say something, anything.
“Damn…”He finally uttered.
“What?”
“He’s got on tight jeans, a low cut v-neck tee, and a silly fedora, but he’s so gorgeous I don’t even mind the hat. He has to be gay. Tell me he’s gay.” I tossed Nathaniel a look of confusion and almost wanted to laugh. It was always fun watching a gay guy show interest in another guy. I decided to finally turn around, seeing as Nathaniel gave the mystery man approval. When I caught sight of the man wearing the tight jeans, low cut v-neck tee, and the silly fedora, my jaw dropped and then I didn’t know whether to laugh, grin, or tell Nathaniel the bad news first.
I decided on the laughter and then once I calmed down, I shook my head. I was just about to share the bad news, when Nathaniel started up again.
“He just ordered a chai latte. Now tell me that isn’t an indicator? I think I might have to go get his number.” I watched Nathaniel wiggle his eyebrows and then I chuckled.
“Calm down, Romeo. You’re getting all hot and bothered for nothing. I know him and he’s not gay.” Nathaniel gave me a curious stare then.
“Oh yeah, so he’s straight? Who is he? How do you know him?” I grinned then, ready to fill my friend in on the facts.
“You see….that man you basically just drooled over is JC Chasez. He may look metro or even gay in your opinion, but he’s not batting for your team. As for how I know him….I dressed him in an impeccable Versace suit for a charity event a couple years ago. He recently had me find him a suit for a Grammy party as well. We’re casual friends, you could say.”
While I explained it all, I could just see the shock and the surprise, take over Nathaniel’s features. “You’re shitting me! You’ve dressed JC Chasez and you’ve never told me until now? And you’re friends? God…the fanboy in me should be upset with you, but the fanboy in me is upset at myself for not even recognizing him at first.”
I laughed uncontrollably then, highly amused by his reaction. I never divulge every single celebrity I’ve dressed and with good reason. You receive nutty reactions such as Nathaniel’s, you get the stink-eye from jealous friends and acquaintances, or you get labeled as an attention whore just trying to become apart of a star’s entourage. As I said earlier, I’m not the typical Hollywood girl and I love styling people to make them look and feel good. I guess in this town of heartless bitches, I might actually have a heart.
Before I could clarify everything again and answer Nathaniel, I heard my name and saw JC approaching our table.
“Everly? It is you.” He smiled, taking his sunglasses off and revealing his bright blue eyes. He brought his latte to his perfect lips and took a nice, long sip. I knew that both Nathaniel and I watched as this fine man’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. I found my voice and smiled in return.
“Hey, JC. It is me. It’s nice to bump into you here.” I then pointed at my friend across the table. “This is Nathaniel. He’s a friend of mine and is a stylist too.”
JC took it upon himself to take a seat beside me and then he reached across the table and shook Nathaniel's hand. Nathaniel froze for a moment and I almost thought he wouldn’t give JC his hand back.
“Nice to meet you, man.” JC said, sliding his hand upon his thigh then.
“You too.” Nathaniel managed to get out and his face broke into a smile.
I cleared my throat and glanced at JC then. “So, you on a break from a studio session or what?”
“Yeah, Dallas came in from Atlanta for the week and we’re messing around. Having some fun, coming up with crazy beats. You know?” I nodded my head, knowingly.
“That’s cool. Have you got plans to entertain him or shall I say..keep him out of trouble?” JC laughed then. His eyes almost crinkled.
I knew all about his friend and music producer, Dallas Austin. The man could be a little crazy and we had been introduced to one another.
“Well…I was thinking he and I might go clubbing this week. I hear there’s going to be a sick party at Voyeur on Saturday and Dallas should be here until Monday, I think. Maybe you could come out with us. See if Lila is available too, as well as Summer, Pete, and Alex.”
It did sound like it could be a good time and I was pleased to receive the invitation. “Sounds like it could be fun. It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten to see everyone and go out with you.”
I then heard a cough come across from the table, as if Nathaniel was hinting at something. JC looked at me and smiled, before looking across the table. “Well good, it will be fun and you’re invited too, Nathaniel.” I noticed Nathaniel toss a wink then.
“Call me, Nate.” I tried to not laugh, knowing he was trying to charm, even if he didn’t have a shot.
“Uhh..okay.” JC nodded his head and then sipped down more of his latte. While JC sipped his drink, I gave Nathaniel a look and just shook my head.
“Do you have anymore events coming up soon? Nathaniel and I were talking about clients we styled this morning, and well you’re like a dream compared to them.” I told JC with a smile and I could tell Nathaniel was just waiting for the answer. As was I.
He nodded his head, slowly. “Yeah…in fact, the Oscars are coming up. I have to look good for Elton’s Oscar party. I should probably come into the office soon and ask to work with Miss Everly Monroe. She’s pretty much a dream stylist.” I tried not to blush as he returned the compliment, but was happy that he’d be coming in again soon for me to dress him.
“I think you might need to see Nathaniel Porter. I hear he’s good too.” My friend piped up and then I shot him a look, as JC chuckled.
“Sorry, man. I think I’ve got to stick with Everly. She knows my measurements and what I look good in.” I certainly did have his measurements written down and I did know what he looked good in. It just was something that couldn’t be denied.
“He’s right. I just know how to dress him and I can’t give up a good client.” Nathaniel pretended to look disappointed and JC tossed me a smile.
Then I heard a ring tone go off, it sounded like When Doves Cry by the one and only, Prince. I noticed JC pulled his phone from his pocket then and he answered it. He began chatting away and I pretended to not listen to his half of the conversation. I didn’t like to eavesdrop or intrude. A couple moments later, JC shut his phone and slid it back into his pocket.
“Was it Justin, Lance, Chris, or Joey on the phone?” Nathaniel asked, almost hopeful. JC rolled his eyes.
“Nah, man. It was my manager.” I could tell that JC didn’t care to further elaborate, not that I thought he would anyway. I watched as JC then tapped his fingers on the edge of the table, almost contemplating something as he created a rhythm. He then pursed his lips together as well.
“Mmmm…I should probably get back to the studio. Dallas might be back there already and I think I’ve just found inspiration.” I nodded my head, knowing that Nathaniel and I needed to get back to work as well.
“Yeah…no worries. We’ve got to get back to the office too.” JC stood up from the table and he tossed his empty cup into the trash and then he walked back over to the table, as I stood up. Nathaniel stood up as well.
JC reached his hand out and told Nathaniel it was nice meeting him, once again. I watched as Nathaniel took JC in with his eyes, almost finding it awkward, and happy when JC turned his attention to me.
“I should see you again soon, honey. I’ll try to call you or have Lila fill you in about Saturday. I really do hope you can come out. It’s been awhile.” I then felt his arms go around me and he gave me a gentle, but warm hug. I hugged him in return as I caught a whiff of his cologne. It made me almost sad I had to let go.
I felt JC let go and then he tossed me one more smile. “Well..catch ya later, Everly. Maybe I’ll see you too, Nate.” I knew the inner fanboy in Nathaniel was about to burst.
Luckily, JC had made it out of Starbuck’s before he could witness it. I watched as the door closed behind him and then Nathaniel let out a squeal.
“He called me Nate. He invited me to Voyeur.” He then dropped a kiss to my cheek. “Have I ever told you how much I love you?”
I chuckled. “Yeah, but you love me even more now.”
He clutched his hand to his heart and took a deep breath. “I don’t know how you kept him hidden from me, but damn….I liked being surprised better. I think my day was just made. No, strike that. My whole year was made.”
I shrugged my shoulders, trying to downplay it all. I knew that in all reality, I was a fashion stylist who styled a client and became friends with him. It was as simple as that and JC was just like anyone else at the end of the day. Well…almost.
