Remove the Empty Spaces by T.A. Chase Page A

“Can you give us a few minutes alone?”
    “Certainly, sir.” Salvatore stepped to the other side of the store to give them the illusion of privacy.
    Ion pointed at the suit on the mannequin. “I’m not going to let you buy me a whole new wardrobe, Adrien. Not when I have a perfectly good suit at home. It might not be Armani or Calvin Klein, but it’s nice and cost me one month’s pay to buy it. It fits me just fine without having to be tailored.”
    Adrien took Ion’s hands in his. “I know that, but I thought you might like a few things to help fit in better with my family. My mother is very judgemental. I don’t want you to feel like you don’t measure up to them.”
    “Just because my clothes aren’t as nice as yours or theirs?” Ion shook his head. “It takes more than that to make a person, Adrien. I know who I am, and I don’t need designer ones to make me equal to your parents. I agreed to a tuxedo. That’s it.”
    He wasn’t going to budge on it, no matter what Adrien said. If he started giving in, then pretty soon he’d have a better apartment, a whole new wardrobe, and no self-esteem. He would become like all those other beautiful men Adrien had brought to Salvatore to dress.
    Adrien studied him, then nodded. “All right. I’ll buy you the tuxedo, but you need a shirt, tie, cuff links, and shoes to go with them. Are you okay with me paying for those as well?”
    “Not really, but I know when to stop protesting. You buy what you think I need for the party, but that’s it. The other stuff I have for the rest of the weekend will be fine, and if your mother doesn’t like it, that’s okay. I’m not falling in love with her. I’m falling in love with you, and you don’t mind my clothes, do you?”
    Blinking, Adrien shook his head. “I don’t care what you wear. Hell, I’d rather you weren’t wearing anything.”
    He blushed, but continued, “Then aside from the tux, the rest doesn’t matter. I don’t think you need to change how you dress to meet my parents. Though for God’s sake, don’t wear a suit. Jeans and a nice shirt will be fine. We don’t dress for dinner at my house.”
    “Got it. We’ll stop by my place on the way to your parents’, and I’ll change.” Adrien waved Salvatore back over. “Now let Salvatore take your measurements, and we’ll get you set up.”
    “Fine, but we’re also going to have a conversation about all the other beautiful men you’ve brought here. Later.” He eyed Adrien, who ducked his head a little.
    “Yes, sir.”
    He endured getting measured, then pinned into a tux. Standing there like a sewing model, he listened to Salvatore and Adrien discuss fabric, cut and colour. He really didn’t understand why all of it was important, but Adrien believed it was, so he would deal with it.
    When they finished and arranged to pick up their order on their way out of town on Friday, they headed to a nearby Thai restaurant. After they’d ordered, Ion looked at Adrien for a moment before he said, “How many of your lovers have you taken there?”
    Adrien shrugged. “A few of them.”
    “What made you think I’d want to go somewhere you’ve taken other men whose wardrobes you’ve bought?”
    “I didn’t think about it. Salvatore is the best tailor in the city. He does all my suits, and I want you to have the best, so why wouldn’t I take you there?” Adrien held up his hand, and Ion bit back what he was about to say. “I don’t think you’re like any of those other men. It’s obvious you’re not interested in me for my money or for whatever help I can give you in your career. I’ve kept our relationship quiet from the others at the office except for Patrick, and you’re not bragging at the water cooler.”
    Ion shook his head. “I wouldn’t brag anyway. Sharing my private life at work isn’t something I do. The only reason Patrick would know anything is because we’re best friends. If we weren’t, he wouldn’t know I was gay, much