Ivan was about to say something in response, but the band members strutted back in with their outfits on, and all the focus was on them. Billie was ecstatic with the result, but none of the guys said anything, so his worries started to build. Billie conceded that Brodie looked edgy and sexy in a black pleatherkilt, combat boots, and black arm wraps. Combined with his colorful tattoos and dramatic eye makeup, it would make for a killer entrance. The rest of the guys were dressed in what Billie referred to as casual glam. All three of them wore flared pants, with Holloway and Ronin in pleather t-shirts and Faisel in a denim vest.
“Let me grab your jacket,” Billie mused as he searched for the motorcycle jacket with the long train. He motioned to Brodie and helped him get into it. “Keep in mind the train is only for entering the stage at the start of the show for dramatic effect. I’ve added the band’s logo to the design in florescent material so it will light up in the dark.” Billie then turned his attention to the rest of the band. “How are the pants? Are they too tight? Can you move enough in them?”
Holloway turned around and bent over, showcasing his ass in burgundy pleather.
“Look, Ivan, no rips.” He wiggled his ass, and everyone chuckled.
“Our fans will be grateful for that since your ass isn’t nearly as nice as mine,” Brodie replied.
“At least they’ll see my ass in these pants. Yours is totally hidden.” Holloway pointed to the kilt.
“Not a problem. I’ll just lift it.” Brodie grabbed the hem, but Ivan rushed over in front of him.
“Can you guys cut the crap and be serious for one moment? What do you think of the outfits? Do you like them? Are you comfortable? Is there anything that needs changing?”
Holloway sauntered over to Eli and did a one-eighty turn. “What do you think, Eli? Will the fans go wild?”
“Guaranteed,” he replied quietly and smiled. Eli wasn’t giving Holloway the same flirty once-over, so Billie relaxed a bit.
“It looks cool and as long as I can move freely, I’m all right,” Faisel replied. He was the quietest of the bunch, a seriouslook on his face. “What about you, Ivan? What do you think?” the drummer asked the manager.
Ivan was still standing near Brodie, and Billie noted the close way he perused the singer’s body.
“I love it and I can’t wait to see the rest. You guys look hot as fuck, and the fans are going to go crazy.” The rest of the band nodded in agreement. Billie finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Brodie took off his jacket, and Billie caught Ivan’s once-over of the singer. Brodie must’ve caught it, too. “I knew you had a thing for me, Van. Who can resist all this,” Brodie murmured and started to lift the kilt again.
“Next group of outfits!” Billie yelled out and handed the band their next change of clothes, interrupting Brodie’s striptease. Brodie shook his head and mouthed “no fun,” and Billie responded by rubbing the side of his nose with his middle finger. Brodie laughed in return, and Ivan glanced between the two of them. It was not Billie’s most mature career moment, but Brodie loved to joke around, and he clearly liked others who did the same.
While the guys were busy changing, Billie hung up the first set of clothes and carefully covered them.
Eli bent down and whispered in his ear. “I told you. All your worrying was for nothing. They look amazing. You’re amazing.” Billie didn’t hear Eli’s words. He was too busy trying to keep calm as his body began to heat. He looked up and got lost in Eli’s honey-brown depths, his heart pounding harder.
“Thanks, Eli. I…”
“Well, well, well. No wonder Billie was so protective of you,” Holloway said with a smirk as he walked back into the room.
Billie flushed and glared at the guitarist, but it had no effect. “Chill out, hot stuff. I’m only flirting. I have no plans to steal your man.”
“He’s not my…” Billie began to reply, but Eli placed a hand on his arm.
“Let it go,” Eli murmured. “Besides, I’m flattered.” He grinned and Billie couldn’t help but smile in return. What was happening? Suddenly, he wished everyone else in the room would leave.
An hour and eleven costume changes later, Billie was tapping away on his laptop, noting the adjustments he’d need to make for the final garments. Overall, it was a great start.
“Thanks again, Billie. I can’t wait to see it all come together,” Ivan said as he walked them back out to the entrance. “We’re having a tour launch party in a couple of weeks. I’ve sent you the details, and we hope you can join us. You, too, Eli.”
Eli and Billie made their goodbyes and headed back to the SUV, garments in tow.
“That went better than I expected,” Billie mused as they carefully loaded the samples into the car.
“They all loved it. This is going to be a tour to remember.”
“Are you working security for the New York launch?”
“I hope so ’cause it’s the only Wayward Lane venue I’ll get to. Mason asked if I wanted to go on the road to lead the security team, but it won’t work if I start school in the fall.”
“You made up your mind, then? You finally told him?”