Tuscany Trip

"Brian, can you find us a good tailor? I agree with Jess. Jack is overruled. You both could use a new suit," Khaat said.

"Me?" Brian frowned. "I thought I usually dressed pretty well."

"You do," she kissed his cheek softly, "You certainly do. But I want you to have the best."

He smiled at her. He was about to say something and then changed his mind. "Alright," he smiled. "Whatever you want. I know just the place. You buy whatever you want."

"I intend to," she smiled at him. "Then lead the way. Take us shopping."

"I take it we're going to the menswear shop first, then?"

"Yes. We are," she said. Brian looked at Jack and laughed.

"If we're smart, we'll just shut up and go along with it," Brian said to Jack.

"Now you're learning," Khaat grinned mischieviously at him.

Khaat was feeling relaxed and pleased to be at Brian's side today, and the idea that she might be able to do something really nice for Brian was exciting for her. She was delighted at the wonderful men's shop that Brian chose. It was dignified and had a sharp blend of clothes, from the classical to the very contemporary clothing with elegant style.

Two of the store's partners came forward, and Khaat told them that she and her friend were looking to make their "husbands" stylish and elegant. Khaat told the one who began taking Brian's measurements that she wanted him to have the very best and to add significantly to his wardrobe. She was promised the very best they had to offer. The tailor was writing down measurements on a scratchpad and, while another tailor began talking with Jack and Jess, the one working with Khaat and Brian took them to look at samples of what they had made for others, and then began showing them fabric samples and design books. Khaat began instructing the tailor specifically on what styles she wanted, and how the wanted them designed differently than what was in their books and her clear ideas about what fabrics she wanted. When the tailor looked at Brian and asked what he wanted, he simply looked back at the tailor and said, "She has an excellent sense of style, so I'll agree to almost anything she wants within reason." The tailor laughed and nodded, understanding.

That began a lot of Brian trying on slacks, jeans, shirts, jackets, coats, ties, and all sorts of clothes to see what looked good on him and what styles might fit him well. Khaat had very specific ideas about what she wanted. Before seh knew it, the tailor laughed at her and looked at Brian. "Your wife--she is very, very good, you know. She ought to design clothes. She would be good at it."

""Me? I don't think so. I just know what I like," Khaat laughed.

"He's just not used to being custom fit. But they'll both look like a million bucks when we're finished with them," Khaat smiled. She chose a sharply tailored black suit for Brian, and several styles in different colors in case he needed them for work suits. She chose coordinating shirts and ties for the suits so that some of the pieces would be interchangeable. Some suits had vests, some did not. She chose a beautiful khaki colored trench coat for him and a black wool winter coat. She even had some casual pants and shirts made up for him. In a lot of respects, she had more than doubled his wardrobe for him.

They promised her and Brian that the tailoring on the suits would be impeccably done and would be flawless. He would look better than he had ever looked in his life. She was pleased.

"You realize that if you put me through all of this," Brian laughed, "I get to have some designer things made for you. Turnabout is fair play, you know."

"My closet is going to be bulging as it is," Khaat laughed.

"No. It won't be. We're getting rid of your maternity clothes and we're getting rid of all of that old out of style stuff you have and stuff that just isn't you anymore. No, you'll be fine. Believe me. Your closet will hold as much as we bring home."

She got his message. He was ridding her of her past and moving her forward, and he was willing to enlarge her closet to do it.

"Have it your way," she said, giving into him a lot easier than she used to. But she was seeing things differently this morning, and didn't need a lot of control, at least not from him.