Suits

The moment I opened the door back to the room with my things that I took from the car, Ethan stood up from the sofa.

"I'll wait for you below," he said, crossing to the door without waiting for my reply.

The bathroom was pretty small so I cannot put my clothes inside so I'll have to change outside. He might've been giving me privacy with his earlier actions.

The extra suit I carried was a beige pants suit so no sitting inside elevators for me today. Hopefully, we can finish everything today since there's only a few factories left for me to visit.

I prepared quickly and I only applied minimal makeup after pulling up my hair in a ponytail. I was too rushed to do anything more complicated and it was better to be lowkey anyway.

I settled the bill on the counter and met the same guy from the counter last night.

"We're checking out," I told him.

"I hope everything was satisfactory during your stay. Can we ask you to participate in a short survey and rate our amenities so we can improve?" He responded with energy unlike before.

I considered his words then honestly said, "I don't think we can fill it out completely since we didn't use the bed."

"Bro, you're so fierce," He exclaimed while giving a thumbs up to someone behind me.

I turned around and saw Ethan halfway through the entrance so I threw a confused glance at him.

"Ignore him. Let's go?" He asked, shaking his head in exasperation.

I nodded then looked back, "Can I have my card back?"

"Yes! Please come back again!" He enthusiastically waved like we're his long lost friends.

We finally went on our way and reached the main road in record time. Ethan was maximizing the speed limit as we still have a few factories that we needed to reach. I was checking emails when I accidentally glanced at the window and saw a familiar shop brand that I used to frequent.

"Stop there," I pointed.

Ethan eased on the speed and parked near it. He got out of the car and I was out even before he got to my door.

I went ahead and I heard him mutter, "I thought you were going for coffee."

Glancing back, I saw that I just passed by a coffee shop. I didn't even notice its existence because I was rushed. The tempting smell of coffee teased my nose but I decided to settle my original intention first.

"Let's stop by there after we're done," I said then continued on.

I entered the shop full of men's suits in different shades of colors with Ethan in tow. I looked around and was welcomed by a smiling man in a tasteful suit.

"May I help you?"

"It's fine. I'll take a look by myself first," I declined politely since I was one of those people who doesn't like it when there's someone hovering beside me while trying to choose.

I saw the dress shirts and picked a simple white one but the quality was undeniable. I held it out to Ethan to take a look if it fits him.

"I think this is your size," I passed it on to his hand to hold and proceeded to find the slacks and suit jacket in a similar fashion.

With the garments in his hand, Ethan shot me a bewildered look, "What's this for?"

"Change into them. I owe you clothes for the unplanned trip yesterday since I'm sure you didn't manage to bring one," I gestured to them.

The salesman appeared perceptively, "The fitting room is this way, Sir."

I looked around idly while waiting for Ethan to be done. It was a few moments later when he finally walked out of the fitting room.

Some suits were so impressive that they outshine their wearers and this particular shop was well-known so the caliber of their clothes were on another level but when Ethan wore it, he had enough charisma to subdue the suit.

I stared for a good while and only snapped out of it when he waved his hand on my face with a teasing smile.

"You look stunned," his lopsided grin made a reappearance.

I've been getting good with pretending it didn't exist, not that I was unaffected. This time, I grabbed what I was looking for, a classic striped necktie in shades of black, white and silver to bring it all together.

"This makes it even better," I said while I checked it against the empty spot below his neck to his surprise.

"Did you buy suits for your ex-boyfriend as well? You seemed used to picking them," He nonchalantly asked but his gaze seemed to contain an undercurrent of something I can't figure out.

I tilted my head at the question which came out of nowhere, "What for?"

"As a gift?" He shrugged.

"I don't think I gave anything to him. He doesn't need anything. Why are you asking anyway?"

"No reason. You've got great taste," He even added a thumbs up.

"It wasn't for my ex-boyfriend but my father that I used to buy suits for," I said in the end, still clueless to his intent.

"Sir, if I may just butt in the conversation, you were right that the Miss has great tastes but also the clothes fit you impeccably," the salesman praised.

"Really? Maybe I should become a model?" Ethan joked upon hearing.

I seriously considered him and couldn't deny that he definitely can do it just by virtue of his physical attributes.

Ethan noticed my gaze, "Don't worry, Boss. I'm very dedicated to my job."

"He's right though. Do you want me to recommend you? I've got a friend in the industry?" I sincerely offered.

"This temp job isn't over yet and you're already trying to get rid of me," he made a face at me.

"Well, just remember that I offered," it was my turn to shrug.

"If I really need to, I'll take you up on your offer," he grinned.

"Anyways, we'll take all this," I switched my attention to the salesman.

I wasn't able to control my yawn as I waited for Ethan to finish getting everything rang up. My body's need for coffee made itself known. Soon enough, he was finally done and I headed out the door to grab coffee immediately.

We went back to the car, both equipped with caffeine now, then Ethan drove off without prompting.

I was enjoying my coffee when Ethan spoke.

"Thank you for the change of clothes, Boss."

"It's what I owe you so no need to thank me," I replied.

The day went by fast with inspecting the last 3 factories for the other brands under the company. I already knew what to expect so I didn't even spare any energy to be angry but it didn't stop me from making plans to deal with them without any mercy.

It was already evening when we arrived at The Book Club where I asked Ethan to go straight after the visits. I'd wanted to rest earlier as this place was nearer than my house.

We got the checks done smoothly since I've already had Heather notify them of Ethan's details ever since I'd decided to officially hire him.

We were on our way to the suites that members and guests alike can rent inside the club for short stay accommodation.

The car slowed as we waited for someone to cross the road when my eyes accidentally wandered over to the restaurant at the side where two people who I was familiar with close to the glass wall were dining.

I commented in surprise, "Oh. No wonder there were articles floating around."