Page 47 of Companion Required
“Ugh,” said Steph, placing the iron back in the holder. “Not sure I’ll be ready for solids for a few more days.”
“Although there might be something else you could help us with—” began Laurie.
“Later, dear,” said Steph, cutting her off with a short glance.
“In which case, do me a favour by joining me on the excursion,” said Laurie. “They’re going to be visiting Shuri Castle—something I’ve always wanted to see, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle has only recently reopened after a fire nearly destroyed the whole place. You can be my companion.”
Kieran liked that idea. Kennedy hadn’t done any of the excursions, so most probably wouldn’t want to step off the boat at Okinawa.
“Of course. But we’d be really doing each other a favour, keeping each other company. I’ll still like to buy you both a meal when Steph feels better.”
“Then let’s save it for Hong Kong,” said Laurie, brushing something from his ear. “Maybe you can treat us to dim sum.”
“Deal,” said Kieran, even though he had no idea what that was. “Are you going to be joining us tonight, Steph?”
“Sorry, doll. Not tonight. Even the thought of seeing food makes me want to barf.”
“Plan B, then?”
“Plan B,” said Steph, with a smile.
“Right, Mr West. I think you’re about ready,” said Laurie, after finally raking a comb through his locks before removing the towel from around his shoulders. “Go to the bathroom mirror and take a look.”
“Should I shave?” he asked, feeling the slight roughness around his chin. Usually he shaved once every three days, especially when he wasn’t working. But he wondered if clean-shaven should be the order of the evening.
“I don’t think so,” said Steph, and Laurie agreed. “But let’s wait until you’ve showered and tried on the suit before we decide. Go and check your hair first.”
Unlike Kennedy’s cabin, the girls had a humble living area and their bathroom felt a little cramped, with every surface holding some kind of cosmetic product or device. At first, seeing his hair shorter made him grimace. But then Laurie had left enough stylish twists and tufts to make the cut appear more edgy and fashionable. Maybe he could get used to the new style. Locking the bathroom door and undressing, he climbed into their shower and let the warm waters drench him, cleaning himself with the girls’ confusing selection of products.
Once he had dried off, he returned to the main room with a towel wrapped around his waist. Laurie had already changed into her outfit, a stylish lilac pantsuit deftly showing off her weight loss. Earlier on, he’d observed Steph help to apply Laurie’s makeup, complete with blended purple eye shadow and deep purple lipstick. Now Steph provided the finishing touches as well as fixing Laurie’s hair.
“Don’t just stand there ogling. Get dressed,” said Laurie, pointing at the wardrobe. “You and I are supposed to be meeting the men for drinks in fifteen minutes.”
Kieran set to work, sitting on the edge of their bed, removing the towel and pulling on his underwear and trousers. Next came the wing-tip shirt which, fortunately, was fitted and tucked nicely beneath the waistband. By the time he got to the bow tie and cummerbund, Steph had finished and came over to help. Finally he put on the jacket before squeezing into the tight, shiny black shoes. After brushing something from his shoulder then pinning in place a pink rose buttonhole, Steph got him to back up a few steps so that she and Laurie could survey their handiwork.
“Before you say anything,” said Kieran. “Can I just tell how much I love you both for doing this. I wouldn’t have known where to start.”
Like proud mothers, they smiled and nodded before looking at each other. Steph leaned in and pecked Laurie on the lips, before returning her gaze to him.
“Well? Come on,” Kieran said, holding his hands out to the sides. “How do I look?”
“Heavens above,” said Steph. She had her arm around Laurie’s waist, carefully studying Kieran from head to toe. “What kind of beautiful monster have we created, Mrs Shelley?”
