The Romeo Club

Once we shut the door we headed into the mall. “Okay, first thing we’re gonna do is get you some new clothes.” My gaze swept over their outfits, which included khakis, dress shirts, loafers and C.C.’s horrendous brown turtleneck, which made him look like a head coming out of turd. I felt like I was in some sixties or seventies cartoon. Seriously, did his grandma dress him this morning?

We made our way up the escalator and to the first store. Rock music pulsed from overhead, while salespeople stood back, observing us like a pack of lions on a safari. Designer cologne wafted in the air. I scoured the jean racks for the guys’ sizes then started handing the clothes to them.

“Holy crap, how many pairs of these do I have to try on?” Kevin wrinkled his nose.

“They’re different brands, so we need to see what fits. If we find one you like, we can search for more colors and designs.” They acted like they’d never been shopping before. As I glanced over my shoulder at their current clothing choices, I realized maybe they hadn’t.

The Nerd Herd followed me as I went through the shirt racks to find T-shirts and polos, tossing numerous colored garments into their arms. After they each had several outfits in hand, I led them to the changing rooms.

Drake leaned against the wall, while we waited for the others to come out and show off their clothes. “I’m glad I don’t have to go through this again.”

I rolled my eyes. “Need I remind you of how successful your image change was?”

“Nope. I already know.”

“So why did you come today?”

“Moral support. And I need to pick up some cologne for my date tonight.”

Right, this was symphony night for him and Chloe. And technically his first date if you didn’t count the band room thing.

My eyes roamed over the fake palm trees displayed around the store, along with surfboards, which indicated what section we were in. Beach balls hung from strings above our heads, swinging back and forth beneath the forced air coming from the vents overhead.

Trey was the first to step out of his room. My breath caught in my throat. The tight blue T-shirt brought out his tan and showed off sculpted biceps I didn’t realize he had until now. Not to mention his brilliant shade of sky colored eyes. The jeans sat against his narrow hips and fit better than the khakis he normally wore.

“So is this an improvement?”

I swallowed hard. “Yeah. Like 100%. You should definitely get the outfit.”

He smiled. “Look out Portia, here I come.”

“Portia and every other girl.”

The others came out with different outfits on as well. C.C. of course did a runway walk and spun around, throwing his butt out at an obnoxious angle as he swayed his hips.

Kevin stood back as if attempting to avoid my scrutiny. But before I could say anything about his outfit, the saleslady popped over.

“Wow, that color of green looks great on you,” she said to Kevin.

His face turned crimson and he tugged his beanie down over his brown hair again, a nervous habit we’d have to break. “Um … th-thanks.” With that, he rushed back to his room.

Trey finished his shopping first and stood beside me as we waited for the others to get done.

“Still can’t believe I’m doing this.” He ran a hand through his brown hair. “I mean, really doing this.”

Just then C.C. burst from his room wearing only his tighty-whiteys. “See, this is what the ladies are missing.”

I shielded my eyes. “Dear God, put some clothes on.”

Trey snickered then tapped me on the arm. “But then the ladies wouldn’t get to see those pasty legs and non-existent abs. Wait, is that a hair I see on your chest?”

“Sir, you can’t come out of the changing rooms like that.” One of the attendants raced toward us.

Great, if he kept this up, we’d get kicked out of the store. And I’d never be able to shop here again. I mean, I had a reputation to uphold.

When C.C. went back into the dressing area, I uncovered my face. “At least we might have a suspect in the great ‘Mom’s missing bra’ caper.”

“Yeah, I bet he’s got it under the seat of the car.” Trey nudged me with his elbow.

“Ew. I think I just threw up in my mouth.” I pushed away from the wall and gazed out the windows into the main area of the mall. There, standing directly across from the store I was in, was Rex. “Oh crap.” I dropped down to my knees, hiding myself in front of a mannequin.

“Sure, the mannequin gets some action,” C.C. said from behind me.

I turned my face to see the mannequin’s bits and pieces in my face. My cheeks burned as I hopped to my feet. “I was dodging Rex, who thinks I’m home working on science stuff with you guys.”

“Sure, that’s what all the girls say.” He patted my back.

“Don’t make me regret helping you.” My eyes narrowed.

C.C went back into his dressing room, with another pair of jeans and two shirts, while the rest of us waited on him.

“We might have a problem.” Drake grabbed my arm, pointing to Rex, who’d just walked into the store.

“Crap. Quick, we need to hide.” I raced toward the changing rooms and barged into C.C.’s.