Chapter 11.05

Jenny arrived late that evening, so I stayed at the dorm and only met her for lunch the next day, where she told me about the photoshoot.

“Babe,” I said, “I’ve got your first outfit ready.”

“So do I,” she smiled. “It’ll be perfect for the day Uncle Steve teaches.”

“Then you wear yours that day too.”

“Alright, pretty boy. You’re staying at my place—we’ll leave and arrive together to make sure no one swaps outfits. Bring the bag over tomorrow night.”

As planned, I showed up the next evening with the dress and a few other things. Jenny was still at practice.

“Thanks for the ring, Paul,” I said after he let me in.

“Not a problem,” he said. “It’s special, just like her. Did you buy it?”

“Not yet—Amber’s wedding will be a milestone,” I explained my plan and request.

“I don’t think it’ll be an issue,” he laughed.

The next morning, Jenny handed me her bag.

“Babe,” I said, “this is what you’re making me wear?”

“Why? They’re all normal clothes—just like this,” she laughed, gesturing to her own outfit.

My set consisted of blue pants, a neon green cardigan, and a red shirt—with yellow socks.

“Good luck, pretty boy,” she squealed in her pink dress—just like the salesgirl.

“You’re smart even in this,” I said, pulling her close and kissing her.

Paul laughed as he took a picture of both of us—and clearly sent it to someone.

“Jay, you really should have voted for no one dressing up,” Paul sighed. “At worst, she’ll just get more attention—but you? Well, good luck, man.”

We said our goodbyes, and I headed to class—where nearly everyone stared at me.

“Did you get dressed in the dark, man?” Dave asked.

“Don’t even ask,” I deflected.

Uncle Steve questioned me the same way he always did, but when he saw my outfit, I caught a suppressed smile on his face.

I survived the day—and the stares—and headed to Jenny’s place in the evening.

“So, how was it?” I asked over dinner.

“Messyhair, you forget—I’m the store’s model,” she laughed. “I wouldn’t be looking there for myself. What about you?”

“I survived,” I sighed.

“Did you like the salesgirl kitty?” Paul asked.

“I’m not used to that much laughing,” I said, making him burst out laughing.

“Yeah, I went in too,” he said. “Though I didn’t just talk to her.”

“She’s not what you guys think,” Jenny noted, glancing at Paul.

Late at night, after dinner, I headed back to the dorm to sleep—it was more convenient for both of us.

I spent my evenings at Jenny’s, but I left her alone at night before heading home for my weekend with Uncle Steve.

Amber and Brad were having dinner at our place.

“Bro,” Amber laughed, “if Jane needs dressing, let me know.”

“So, you guys saw my outfit?” I asked.

“Yeah, Jane told us about the bet when she was here,” she said. “Get ready—the other two won’t be much less noticeable.”

“Could you make two outfits for her?” I asked. “Something wearable but funny?”

Amber nodded.

“Son,” Dad said, “whatever you put on her, she’ll wear it.”

“You’ll see just how much in two weeks,” I smirked.

“I went to the store,” I said after a short pause. “I found the perfect piece.”

I described the shop and the ring.

“I think it’s a great choice,” Mom said.

“If you need a check, just let me know,” Dad added.

“Thanks—I’m still thinking about it.”

Uncle Steve picked me up early in the morning, just like always.

“I see, son—you’re less colorful today,” he teased as I got into his car.

“Yeah, I’ve got two more days of this coming up at some point,” I smiled.

“I heard about it—Janie told me last week.”

We were on the road all weekend, and I learned a lot from him every time.

“I’m glad I transferred,” I said while driving between visits.

“It shows,” he said. “And it shows on my granddaughter too. “He smiled. “I’m happy you made this decision.”

I got home late Sunday night, collapsed into my dorm bed, and fell asleep instantly.