by Alexis Gold
Morgan nodded, “Nothing has ever happened between the two of you in that time?”
“I’ve run into her occasionally,” he said dejectedly.
“How occasionally?”
“Three times since she moved into the building.”
“Significant conversations?”
“To me, yes,” Calvin replied honestly. “To her, not so much.”
“But you have exchanged words?”
“Yes,” Calvin nodded.
“And from those exchanges—what have you felt?”
Calvin shrugged, “It’s hard to describe.”
“Try,” Morgan urged, trying to keep her curiosity professional.
“The earth moves,” Calvin replied simply with a little smile.
“Wow,” Morgan said. “She must be really special.”
“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Calvin said, looking up at Morgan.
Morgan nodded, “So the point of hiring me—”
“Is to one day being able to ask her out.”
“You could do that today,” Morgan pointed out. “Without me.”
“Like I said,” Calvin tried to explain, “This girl is special. She deserves the best version of me.”
“What makes you think you aren’t already the best version of yourself?”
Calvin looked at Morgan incredulously. “Have you met me?”
Morgan smiled, “I have, and I stand by my question.”
“She deserves more than me.”
“Calvin,” Morgan said gently. “Please don’t misunderstand my job here. I’m here to work on how you present yourself, how to treat a woman, and your approach to certain situations. I am not here to change you, and I want to make that abundantly clear.”
Calvin was confused, and Morgan could see that.
“This is who I am,” Calvin said slowly. “I’m a nerd. Most of my experience in life has been through a computer screen. If you’re not going to change that, then… what’s the point?”
“The point is I’m going to teach you how to dress, how to treat a woman, how to end a date,” Morgan explained. “But those are not things that change who you are. How you dress won’t change the man you are. That’s not a bad thing Calvin. Like I said, you’re a great guy. This girl is lucky to have caught your attention.”
“I hope she thinks so,” Calvin replied shyly.
“If she’s smart, she will,” Morgan replied. “And if she’s as special as you say she is, she will see the man behind the appearance and choose to place higher value on your character than your clothes.”
“Then what is the point of changing your image?” Calvin asked, confused again.
“The point,” Morgan emphasized, “Is to give you confidence. The point is to make you feel like the best version of yourself. It’s not about getting the girl or the guy for that matter. It’s about making you feel good about yourself.”
Calvin nodded, beginning to understand. “You’re still going to… rework my image though right?” he asked looking down at his t-shirt and his jeans.
Morgan smiled, “Yes, I am.”
“When do we start?” Calvin asked, feeling a small modicum of excitement.
“Today,” Morgan told him, standing up. “Let’s go.”
“Now?” Calvin asked in surprise.
“Yes,” Morgan smiled. “Right now. Unless you want to reschedule?”
“No,” Calvin shook his head. “I’m ready. Where exactly are we going?”
“To Eleanor Heart.”
“Is that the fancy store in San Francisco?”
“The very same,” Morgan replied. “I take all my clients there, so I get great rates, don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried about the rates,” Calvin admitted. “I’m worried about being able to pull off those clothes.”
“Trust me,” Morgan told him. “Once you’re wearing them, you won’t question it. Or yourself.”
Calvin nodded, “Okay. I trust you.”
Morgan smiled. “Good,” she said with a wink in his direction. “Then this is going to be a whole lot easier.”
They took Calvin’s car into San Francisco. They parked and walked into Eleanor Heart. Morgan could see Calvin become tense as they walk in, clearly feeling a little out of place. She gave him an encouraging smile, which he returned shakily. Leslie was waiting in her usual spot; her eyes round with curiosity. She was subtle as she looked over Calvin.
“Leslie,” Morgan greeted her. “This is Calvin Harris. Calvin, this is my friend, Leslie.”
Calvin and Leslie shook hands, exchanging pleasantries. Morgan noticed that Calvin seemed to stiffen when she had introduced him. She wasn’t sure if that was specific to women, or people in general.
“I’ll take you through to the men’s department,” Leslie said, as she began to lead the way.
Calvin and Morgan followed close behind. Calvin found his surroundings thoroughly intimidating. He had never been in a store like this before, but he trusted Morgan enough to want to keep going.
“All right Calvin, I’ll help you pick out some clothes and then we’ll start trying them on.”
Calvin felt enormously awkward and Morgan noticed. She gave Leslie a pointed look, and she slowly backed out and walked away, leaving the two of them alone.
“Thanks,” Calvin said. “I prefer it being just the two of us.”
Morgan smiled, “If you have any preferences, let me know.”
They walked around the large area, Calvin following close behind Morgan. She made most of the choices, picking out shirts, pants and coats and slinging them over either her own arm, or Calvin's. When they were done, she led him to a large circular room, surrounded by mirrors and a large and spacious changing room.
“Whoa,” Calvin breathed stepping inside.
“They have personal changing rooms for certain clients.”
Calvin was impressed; he started changing into the clothes Morgan had picked out for him, while she waited patiently outside. It felt strange at first, but slowly as time went on, Calvin began to feel more comfortable. Morgan kept a steady beat of conversation going until Calvin stopped thinking about his own lack of social skills and started concentrating on answered her questions.
Morgan watched how the simple act of changing his clothes could make such a massive transformation of a man. Calvin seemed to morph from a gangly nerd into a smart and well-put-together gentleman with a swimmer’s build. She had chosen a range of pants that fit him perfectly, shirts that were body hugging without being tight, vests that suited him perfectly, and a number of over coats that made him look like he could star in a James Bond film.
She could see his real image in her mind’s eye. She had known it from the beginning, Calvin had always had everything he needed to attract women, he just needed a guiding hand. She knew Calvin was not even concentrating on what he was changing into, he was content to let her decide what was best for him and she was flattered by his trust, and also a little disarmed by it. She had never had a man trust her so implicitly before.
Morgan picked a number of clothes that suited him well and kept them in one corner of the changing room. Then she and Calvin walked back out, made their purchase and after saying goodbye to Leslie, they drove back to Morgan’s office.
“Thanks Morgan,” Calvin thanked her, as they sat in the car together. “I really think this will help me.”
“I know it will,” Morgan assured him. “Don’t worry too much. Just work on being a little more confident.”
“Won’t the clothes do that for me?” Calvin asked teasingly.
Morgan laughed, thrilled that he had relaxed around her enough to be able to tease at all. “They will,” she replied. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t work on it yourself, without the help.”
“What’s next on the lesson plan?” Calvin asked, as though he were looking forward to it.
“You’ll see,” Morgan replied. “Are you free this Saturday?”
�
�Yes,” Calvin replied.
“Good. Then I’ll send you an address Saturday morning and we'll meet me there at four o’clock.”
“All right,” Calvin replied.
“It wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be, was it?” Morgan asked referring to their time spent shopping.
Calvin knew what she meant. He shook his head. “It wasn’t. I didn’t expect that at all.”
“See,” Morgan pointed out, “You’re evolving.”
“I think I’m just far too comfortable with you,” Calvin said. “You know… I’ve never actually had that with a woman. Except maybe my mother.”
Morgan wrinkled her nose, at the same time Calvin closed his eyes in frustration.
“And that was a stupid comparison to make,” he groaned.
Morgan laughed, “Never compare a woman with your mother. Particularly one you’re interested in.”
Calvin nodded with his head tilted downwards, “I knew that too. It just slipped out.”
“I know,” Morgan comforted. “Luckily I’m not the sort to hold that against you.”
Calvin smiled sheepishly, “Thanks.”
“So I’ll see you Saturday?” Morgan confirmed again.
Calvin nodded.
As Calvin drove away, Morgan reflected on how much fun she was having. Certainly more fun than she had ever had with her other clients. She was becoming more intensely aware of her attraction to Calvin. Morgan reminded herself that he was dreaming of another woman, he had hired her to assist him in getting this other woman. Morgan shook her head at the situation, knowing that as far as competition went, this other woman had her beat. There was no way Calvin would be able to have a relationship with another woman as long as this Sasha was around. Morgan sighed and went back into her office, wondering how she had been so stupid as to let herself become interested in a man who was so completely unavailable.
Chapter 7
Calvin stared at the signage overhead. It read Optometrist in big, bold blue letters. Calvin looked back down and saw Morgan at the window motioning him inside.
“Hi,” he greeted as he entered the store. “This was unexpected.”
Morgan smiled, “It’s time we did something about those glasses.”
“You don’t like my glasses?” Calvin said pretending to be hurt.
“I don’t,” Morgan replied decidedly.
Calvin couldn’t help but laugh. “All right,” he replied. “Then I guess I’m changing them.”
“You have two options,” Morgan told him. “Either a nice new pair of glasses. Or some contact lenses.”
Calvin gave it some thought, “I suppose I could give either one of those a shot.”
“Good,” Morgan said, motioning over one of the optometrists. “This is Kathy. She will check your sight and then fit you with the correct pair of contacts.”
It took the better part of an hour, but at the end of it, Calvin found himself looking at the mirror, staring at his face without the distraction of glasses. He thought modestly that he looked all right. Maybe even a little better. Morgan looked at him, obviously pleased.
“That’s a huge improvement,” she said. “I can’t believe I never noticed your eyes were hazel until now.”
“They’re a light hazel,” Calvin babbled feeling light headed without his glasses weighing him down. “The glasses hid that.”
“I can see that,” Morgan observed. “You look really great Calvin.”
He blushed heavily, “Thanks.”
“Well I guess we should get on to our next order of business,” Morgan declared.
Calvin looked up startled, “We’re not done for today?”
Morgan laughed, “Not even close.”
“Where are we going?”
“The salon,” Morgan informed him. “It’s time to deal with your hair now.”
Calvin listened as Morgan gave Raoul specific instructions. Then he watched as his hair began to disappear before his eyes. After twenty minutes, Calvin stared at himself in the mirror, wondering whom it was that was staring back at him.
“Wow,” Morgan said. “Who would have thought?”
“I don’t look like myself,” Calvin replied.
“Are you not happy with it?” Morgan asked cautiously.
“No… it’s not that.” Calvin explained, trying to put his finger on it. “I just… I feel different.”
“More confident maybe?” Morgan prompted.
Calvin smiled, “Not confident just yet, but lighter maybe. More free.”
“Well, that’s a good thing.”
Calvin nodded, “I feel… good.”
“I’m glad,” Morgan replied. “You brush yourself off, and I’ll get the car.”
Morgan excused herself quickly and went to get her car. She felt like a teenager with her first crush. The way she couldn’t help looking at him, the way she got a little flustered whenever he was around. She kept repeating to herself that she was being ridiculous, but there was no help for it. She was feeling what she was feeling, and Morgan was aware that those feelings were not just going to disappear overnight. She had only one option left. Finish the job with Calvin fast, so that they would be able to go their separate ways and Morgan wouldn’t have to carry around unrequited affection in the pit of her stomach.
She picked Calvin up at the entrance, trying not to look too often at his strong profile. He looked amazing; she couldn’t deny that. His hair was decidedly masculine now, cut short around his head, and ending at the back of his neck. She had given Raoul instructions to shave his beard as well. Now a clean shaven and pointedly different Calvin was sitting next to her and she found herself intensely aware of his presence. Calvin was wrapped up in his own thoughts too, so they spent the drive back to Morgan’s office in silence.
“Am I coming in?” Calvin asked.
Morgan nodded and Calvin followed her in. They walked up together and into the empty office. Molly’s shift ended at five thirty, so she was nowhere to be found. Calvin took a seat, feeling like a new man in his new clothes and his lack of hair. He was strangely aware that perhaps what he was feeling was, in fact, confidence. It was amazing how he had managed to achieve it in the last two hours.
“How are you feeling?” Morgan asked, taking a seat herself.
“Amazing,” Calvin replied. “I mean, really amazing.”
“Well then, you look like you feel.”
Calvin blushed again, wishing he had somehow been able to leave that behind along with his hair. “My friends are going to freak when they see me like this,” he said excitedly.
“What do you think Sasha will think?” Morgan asked, wondering why she had brought up Sasha.
Calvin’s cheeks reddened, “I honestly don’t know. I don’t think she knows I exist.”
Morgan’s eyebrows knitted together, “You said you’ve spoken to her on three different occasions.”
“Yeah,” Calvin answered. “I have… but–”
“You’re saying after having a conversation with you three different times she can’t remember you?”
Calvin backtracked quickly, feeling as though he needed to defend Sasha. “She’s always really busy, and we haven’t had memorable conversations, really.”
“You remember them,” Morgan pointed out.
“Because I’m in love with her.”
Morgan’s next question died on her tongue. She tried to keep her expression straight as she tried to frame her next question. “You’re… in love with her?”
Calvin paused. Somehow, the look in Morgan’s eye was making him uncomfortable. As though he wanted to step back and really think about his answer before answering. “I… well yes, I think I am.”
“You don’t even know her,” Morgan pointed out, trying to maintain a steady and professional voice.
“I… well sometimes you don’t have to know a person to know you love them,” Calvin tried to explain.
“That’s really naïve don’t you think?” Morgan asked sharply.
“Yes,” Morgan repeated a little more loudly. “I think you’re being unbelievably naïve about this girl.”
“Excuse me?”
His bewildered expression was what got through to Morgan and she felt her cheeks warm in shame. Mortified she rearranged her expression into one of apology. “I… I’m so sorry Calvin.” she said, softening her tone considerably. “That was really rude, and none of my business.”
“Where did that come from?” Calvin asked genuinely shocked by her unwarranted outburst.
Morgan sighed, “I just… I think you deserve a girl that notices you, but regardless, it was completely unprofessional of me to have said that to you.”
Calvin nodded.
“I’m sorry,” Morgan repeated again.
“It’s okay,” Calvin mumbled.
Morgan felt terrible. She couldn’t believe she had let her emotions get the better of her.
“Calvin…” she shook her head.
“Don’t worry about it,” Calvin replied, cutting her off. “Really.”
“I shouldn’t have—”
“Let’s forget about it please,” he looked at her with a little smile.
Morgan nodded, “All right.”
They sat there in silence for a few strained moments.
“Do you really think I’m being naïve with Sasha?” he asked, the thought sticking in his mind.
Morgan took a deep breath, “It’s not my place to say.”
“But you did say,” Calvin reminded her. “So now I would like your opinion.”
“Okay, can I ask just one question?”
“All right.”
“How does she treat you, when you do run into her?”
Calvin tried to recall the three separate occasions when he had actually spoken to her. Sasha had always been polite, maybe a little distracted, but almost nice enough.
“Nice enough,” Calvin replied on the heels of that last thought.
There was a pregnant pause.
Morgan nodded, “That’s good.”
Calvin felt suddenly tired, “I’d better be going.”
Morgan had called him up here to discuss more of their lesson plans, but she saw the need for him to leave, and for her to let him.
