Chapter 18

WILLIAM STOOD backstage as the designer and one of his assistants fussed over the jacket coat. "It's just not right," the assistant said, frustration in her voice. It was a show for a modern line of formal wear, and the designs were interesting, kicking the black tuxedo up a notch or two with small splashes of color and a highly tailored fit.

"He's too big in the middle," the designer said, and William looked down and glared at him. He had spent years with designers, assistants, casting agents, and God knows who else commenting on his body. Normally it washed right over him.

"No, I'm not. You're trying to stuff me into a coat that is a size too small. My detailed measurements were sent over well ahead of time because I was copied on them." He fixed the designer with a glare before stepping away. "Maybe try that jacket right over there." He pointed, and the assistant raced over.

"Sorry," she said, slipping off the jacket William wore and helping him into the new one, which fit like a glove. "That's perfect."

The designer stepped back. "It really is." He smiled, his eyes softening. Then he nodded slightly, which William took as a silent apology. William did the same and smiled as well.

"I need you to be James Bond all the way, with swagger, confidence, and sophistication. Don't even meet anyone's eyes. Look over them, like you're way above this."

"The ultimate power suit," William said.

"Exactly."

"I can do that in spades," William said, already letting himself slip into character. The designer gave him a final look-over.

"Damn, you sure can. It's perfect." He practically floated to the next model as ten minutes was called. William stayed where he was for the remaining time, except to use the restroom, until they were instructed to line up. He was given the final spot, which suited him fine .

He had long ago stopped being nervous. This wasn't about him but the clothes and the way he could sell them. William knew he looked perfect all the way to the skin. And when it was time, the models each went out and walked the runaway to what began as a modern beat. The first models took the tuxedo in a whole new direction. They were ultramodern, almost club clothes, and if William were younger, he'd definitely have fallen in love with them.

Just offstage, he was paused by the manager as the music shifted to an intense classical music opening that included voices and a beat that shook the room. The handler stepped back, and William walked out onto the runway.

The room was electric, with photo flashes and lights from the sides illuminating every angle and stitch of what he was wearing. William did as he was asked, looking above the back of the room, barely seeing anyone. At the end of the runway, he thought about Garvin and what he intended to do to him when they got back to the hotel. Instantly his smile turned wicked as he opened the buttons and slipped off the jacket, displaying the tailoring on the shirt and the rest of the accessories, including examining his cufflinks.

All that took mere seconds, and then he turned, tossing the jacket over his shoulder, loosened the tie, and popped open the shirt collar. Then and only then did he stride back down the runway in what amounted to a completely different look.

As soon as he stepped backstage, an assistant buttoned up the shirt. Another retied the tie, and then William slipped on the jacket and rebuttoned it just in time for him to do the final walk with everyone else.

This time he kept his smile in place, finding Garvin staring up at him, sitting next to Arnie. William couldn't help a quick wink as he passed, with a photographer catching him at just that moment. The designer joined them on stage to take his bow and applause; then they all returned to the back. Part of William's contract was that he got the keep the clothes, so once he changed, he packed them into a garment bag. When he turned back around, Garvin stood right across from him, his eyes dancing .

"You looked amazing," Garvin whispered. "I mean, in those clothes, you were completely edible." He glanced around. "I have to ask, are you sure you can give this up?" Doubt filled his gaze.

William gathered Garvin into his arms and held him tight before taking a single step back. "This part of my life is winding down. But it's time for a new chapter in my life, and a new direction. And I don't look on it as giving up anything. I look on it as getting something even better: you." Then William cupped Garvin's cheeks, punctuating his point with a kiss.