Chapter 12 Olly

T he next several weeks in Foggy Basin speed by. When I first pulled up to this town on the back of my motorcycle, I couldn't imagine staying here long. Now, I secretly consider Foggy and its quirky shops and loving townsfolk my home.

I consider Ezra my home.

Seeing Ezra work on his designs is fascinating. He makes this cute little face where his forehead scrunches and sometimes his tongue pokes out when he concentrates. Ezra decided to focus on only two characters for his fashion show. Alice and Hatter. When he originally told me his ideas I assumed that Rebecca would be dressing as Alice and I would be Hatter. But part of his plan to stand out, is a gender swap on the characters.

It's brilliant.

And the various outfits he designed for us are absolutely breathtaking. Ezra and I are in his tailoring area again with Ezra on his knees before me. This is a position I've had to grow used to. Let's just say it's been really hard for me not to pop a boner everytime we're in here.

The only time we seem to get work done in this room is when Rebecca and my Aunt Tessy are here too.

"And we're done." Ezra grins, all sassy charm, once more. "What do you think?"

I glance in the mirror and know deep in my heart this will be the winner. "It's amazing, Ezzy. You've outdone yourself. And in half the time everyone else has.

Aunt Tessy walks into the room. "Wow. I never imagined you wearing anything like this, Olly. But you are stunning."

"I agree with Olly. You've outdone yourself, Ez."

Ezra's eyes bounce back and forth between the two of us in our outfits. "I can't wait for Ella Gray to see these. Alright." Ezra claps his hands together. "Everyone clean up, I'll finalize the designs and add little details to all the outfits over the next two weeks. For now, my models can relax. Neither of you have to try anything else on until our final fitting right before the show."

"What do you say, doll, after we clean up, do you still want to go on our date to Roseville."

Ezra nods eagerly. "Yes. Let's do it."

It doesn't take us long to put away all the loose material and supplies. And in no time, Ezra is wrapping his arms around me on the back of my bike, as we drive on the highway, wind whipping around us. I'm riding a high I've never felt before. There's something special about hitting the highway on my bike. Something therapeutic. Especially with days like today, where not many people are on the road and we are able to travel at a faster speed. Happy and a little giddy to be sharing this with the man I'm falling for, is completely surreal.

We arrive in Roseville around noon and start off our date playing mini golf and laser tag before enjoying a late lunch at an all you can eat Japanese buffet. After our bellies are satisfied, we head over to a local used bookstore where we spend hours chatting and looking through books.

The date is simple, and yet I've never had so much fun with someone. Ever since we met, things have just flowed easily between us. I keep waiting for conversation to run its course, or for us to run out of topics, but I get the feeling Ezra and I can talk about paint drying, and we would still have a good time.

We chat about our common interests and make plans to go hiking at the waterfalls up past Auburn. We see an advertisement for a Renaissance Fair coming to Folsom in two months, and make plans to go there together as well. People don't usually care about me outside of the band, but knowing that Ezra wants to know other aspects of my life–just like I want to know everything about him outside of his love for fashion—only has me falling harder.

Is this what life with Ezra would be like if I moved to his town? Because sign me up. I never felt this way about anyone before, and by the way Ezra talks to me I think he feels the same.

"Olly, Zayden. It's so nice to see you!" Ella Gray greets us as soon as we walk through the Olivia Cove Corporate office a few days later. "The rest of your band mates will be here in a few hours."

Ella reaches us and hesitates as she eyes both of us. Zayden and I give each other knowing looks. Ella is having a hard time telling us apart.

Zayden steps forward and kisses her on the cheek, confirming that he did indeed grow close with Ella last time he was here. "Beautiful, as always, Ella."

She squeezes Zayden's forearm in a friendly gesture. "Thank you, Zayden."

Ella glances over at me. "You look different, Olly. Happier. How is life treating you since the article published?"

"Good. Thank you. I heard the article was great, forgive me, I don't plan on reading it. I hope you understand."

"Of course. I worked hard with both of your brothers to make sure it doesn't read as a gossip piece or cheesy tabloid. The topics are serious and my goal was to not only inform your fans, but to help others who might be hiding or struggling with their own mental health."

"My boyfriend ensures me that your article was quite helpful."

Ella's eyes pop wide. "A boyfriend?" She peers behind me. "Well, where is he?"

"Oh you'll meet him soon." I wink.

She narrows her eyes as she continues to smile. "What are you up to, Olly? Why are you being so mysterious?"

I chuckle. "Trust me, I want to shout on the roof tops and tell you all about him. But it might be a conflict of intrest. But all in good time, like I said you'll meet him soon."

"Curiouser and curiouser."

I bark out a laugh. "You have no idea."

"Alright then, follow me to the back. The photographers already have your outfits ready for the photoshoot. We'll start off with the photos today, then tomorrow we'll do our follow up interviews tomorrow."

"Sounds great," Zayden replies, as we follow her into the next room.

An attractive familiar looking man strides forward, hand outstretched. "Hey guys. It's a pleasure to meet you, huge fan. My name is Jamison Parker."

"Jamison," I snap my fingers. "By any chance are you married to Kingston Foxe?"

Jamison grins. "I am. Do you know him?"

"No, but I saw some photos of you with my brother, Noah, and his friends on the cruise a few months back."

"Ah," Jamison chuckles. "The kinky crusie. Yes, that was a blast. Noah, requested me personally for this photoshoot. Olly, we'll be photographing you first since you'll be the main person on the cover. Then we'll get some photos of you and your brother together before moving onto photos with band."

"Okay, let me get changed, and I'll be good to go." I walk over to the garment bag with my name on it, and take it to the dressing room off to the side of the room. I change into my suit with a grin. Eyeing the pastel yellow and the light blue stitching, I'm eager for Jamison to photograph it. I didn't tell Ezra that I was bringing the suit with me. I want it to be a surprise when the article releases. He was so sweet gushing about how I was going to be on the cover and wondering what kind of fancy designer pieces they were going to dress me in.

Considering this follow up article is supposed to be happier one, highlighting and celebrating ‘Arcade Lake after Oscar,' I thought the cheerful color of the suit would be fitting. I'm also so thankful that I'm in a better place than when I first interviewed for the first article.

I step out of fitting room feeling like a million bucks. Ezra and his suit are to thank for it. Leaving him back in Foggy Basin was one of the hardest things I ever had to do, but the thought of returning to him quickly is what got me on the plane in the first place.

Zayden whistles as soon as he spots me in my outfit. Noah is in the room now chatting with Ella and Zayden. They both turn to see what Olly is staring at. Ella's eyes pop wide as she strides toward me, appreciating my look. The faint click of the camera can be heard as Jamison takes candid shots of Ella's reaction. I get the impression it isn't often Ella Gray, CEO of the biggest fashion magazine is impressed.

"Oh my. Olly," she says, letting her eyes travel slowly over my figure. "That suit is perfection on you. Who designed this—wait." She pauses, studying the outfit. She spins her finger, indicating she wants me to do a slow twirl for her.

As I spin, it's as if I can feel her gaze burning into me.

"Why does this outfit look so familiar?" She murmurs to herself. "The detailing is exquisit."

I grin at her once her eyes finally meet mine.

"Olly, this suit is amazing. Who designed this for you?"

"Ezra. Ezra Strum. My talented boyfriend."

Ella's eyes sparkle.