Chapter 3B – But Now I See
"I'm in your hands," said Lionel, his new credit card with the $20,000 limit burning a hole in his pocket. He was so thrilled with the clothing that his $2000 budget number went out the window. "And John's right. I'll take everything."
"Perfect!" exclaimed Michaels. "Let's just put these things at the register for when you are ready to check out. Now, there's underwear – may I suggest boxers? Briefs are – well let's just say you aren't in middle school anymore."
Lionel took two 3 packs.
Meanwhile, John was back on his phone.
"…great – thanks. Yes, I'll tell him. See you Monday."
"Now shoes – I think black derby's, open toe lasing chisel toe, size 10. Try them on. Also, white converse low-boys, for only the jeans, never the pants," stated Michaels.
"Got it," said Lionel.
The shoes fit perfectly and Lionel found them surprisingly comfortable, even with his chunky sneaker socks on.
"Now men's dress socks, black and navy. Socks are sometimes optional, you know, especially with jeans."
"I know," said Lionel.
"No, you didn't," said John. He turned to Michaels. "Lionel will be shopping with you regularly to add on to his wardrobe, so please note his sizes and color preferences along with today's purchases. Let's add a light blue dress shirt, a pair of brogues - single monk strap, brown, and four ties to today's selections. Please have all Lionel's purchases for today charged to this account." John handed Michael's a black Amex.
"Of course," said Michaels.
"Lionel, you'll also need some undershirts too, crew neck and vee neck, pocket squares color choices, some fine handkerchiefs, a new watch, and some new cologne," John said. "If we're getting you started today, let's do this right."
"Sounds good," said Lionel, excited about the goings on.
"Yes, SIR!" said Michaels to John. "And may I compliment you? You have quite the eye. Acquired how, may I ask?"
"I spent several years in Europe."
"France and Italy?"
"Among other places."
"Well that certainly explains everything."
If you only knew, thought John.
"Walk with me a bit," Michaels said. He hooked arms with John and Lionel and led them on a tour of the store. They passed through the clothing sections, with Michaels pointing out the activewear, loungewear and sleepwear. They then passed the Accessories and Sundries department, and the Shoe Department.
"Few men's stores carry men's sundry items," Michaels explained. "Now let's head over to the Fine Fragrance and Jewelry departments."
At the fragrance counter, Michaels picked Polo Ralph Lauren for Lionel and spritzed him. He also picked up Armani but set it down after a whiff. Michaels was careful not to involve blondie though colognes were her department. He then pulled two small shopping bags with tissue paper, went behind several counters, and added numerous product samples.
"I have given you each merchandise samples to take with you. If there's anything you like, call me and I will set it aside for you. I sense that you're wearing Prada, John."
"You know your scents," John responded.
Meanwhile blondie was alternately glaring at Michaels and grinning at John. Both men completely ignored her.
Then Michaels walked Lionel and John over to the jewelry counter.
"Men's watches have become a luxury non-essential given the advent of phones. But a well-dressed man still wears one." He looked at Lionel's Timex and removed from the case a Tissot men's classic in black quartz.
"Of course, you must upgrade to Rolex at some point," he said, eyeing John's Patek Philippe Calatrava. That, the Jaeger Polaris, and Piaget Altiplano were John's favorites of the 8 watches he owned, not a Rolex in the bunch.
Lionel pulled John aside.
"Listen - I don't know how I feel about you buying this stuff for me, John. I can pay for it all myself, but I appreciate your help and advice though."
"Lionel. I'm paying, case closed. Remember, I owe you," John said. Then he added softly, "seriously Lionel, this is a small price to pay after all you've done for me over the years. I've never said thank you."
"Yes, you have," argued Lionel.
"Well I haven't said it nearly enough."
John held out his hand and Lionel pulled him into a brief brotherly hug. The two men quickly separated and once they did, Lionel surreptitiously wiped away a tear.
Michaels then walked over to the two men.
"Well, I think that about does it. Do you need any suggestions for your lady?" Michaels said.
"No," Lionel said with great pride and a big smile. "My lady is an assistant high school principal, so she has fashion and 'class' covered. She's the main reason why I want to up my game."
"Oh?" said Michaels, with one eyebrow raised. "Look at you! Congratulations! Um, one last thing, though. I do not mean to offend…"
"But?" said Lionel.
"…If you really want to go the extra mile, may I suggest a mani-pedi? And a nice trim on the hair? Maybe a little manscaping? There's a place right up the street to which I send my customers. Very quick – very discreet and excellent service. They do walk-ins and take appointments. Shall I set up something for you?"
"Yes," said John, very quickly, relieved to not have to help Lionel address his grooming needs. The grooming conversation was awkward enough. Meanwhile Lionel just stood there, mortified, he, too, remembering the talk he had with John earlier.
Michaels excused himself and made a call to handle Lionel's reservation. "Full name?"
"Lionel Fusco."
"Michaels Douglas." He offered his hand to Lionel first, then John.
At the look on Lionel's and John's faces, Michaels murmured, "I know…. It is a pleasure meeting you both."
"Hello? Francois – Michaels Douglas here. I have a reservation to make for Lionel Fusco. VD emergency. He'll require a mani-pedi, facial, shave, haircut, and personal grooming. Do you have anything for next Friday morning? 11 a.m. Yes, thanks. Au revoir, mon chere."
The call ended and Michaels announced cheerily, "All handled. Francois will see to you personally. The place is Men's Cutz and Such, just up the block." He handed Lionel a card with the information.
"Not a word to anyone," threatened Lionel in a harsh whisper.
"About what?" asked John and the friends started to laugh.
Michaels rang up Lionel's purchases, separating the items to be sent up for tailoring. Once the purchases were paid for, John and Lionel left the store to effusive thank-yous from Michaels. He handed each man one of his business cards and hastily scribbled his cell number of the back of each one.
"I am available for emergency consultations," he said to Lionel. Lionel thanked him, gathered his shopping bags and they left.
"Damn, it's almost noon. We've been at this all morning. Wanna grab some lunch?"
"I'll take a raincheck on lunch," John said. "I'm going to head home now. Joss is waiting."
"Oh, OK. Well thanks for everything," Lionel replied.
"I almost forgot," said John. He removed a sheet of note paper from his pocket. "Finch got you and Rhonda memberships and a personal guided tour of the Guggenheim's special exhibits starting at three. Be there at 2:45. A car service is picking you up from the museum at five thirty to take you to dinner at Pub 45 in the theatre district for dinner. He also got you two tickets to Hamilton, 8 o'clock show. It's walking distance. He'll send everything over to the 8th next week.
"Afterward, I'd like you to meet us all at the Revson Fountain in Lincoln Center."
"It's so beautiful there at night," said Lionel, wistfully.
"It is," said John. "I'm proposing to Joss there right after the opera. Her friends and family will all be there and we're all having drinks at The Grill right after. I hope you'll come. I could use the moral support."
"Are you kiddin' me? I wouldn't miss it for the world. I can't wait to see the look on Carter's face. And I'm gonna call Glasses right now and thank him. First Valentine's Day I've looked forward to in 15 years."
Just then John's Uber pulled up to the curb. "I'll talk to you later, Lionel. And Lionel – thanks for calling me."
With that, John closed the car door, smiled, and headed home.
A/N: So, our boys have had a shopping experience together. Lionel is pulling out all the stops for Rhonda, isn't he? Maybe Lionel will be proposing next Valentine's Day. The shopping may seem out of character for Lionel as well as John, remember this is fanfiction. And that's what we do. Lionel is looking to make some changes and he's discovering something we ladies already know. Need a change? It's new clothing and hairdo time! It has always worked for me…
I gotta say, it was such fun researching men's clothing styles to see what the well dressed man is wearing these days. I am told by my world travelling daughter that UK men are the most stylishly dressed. Anyone agree? Disagree? So I checked out photos of David Gandy, David Beckham, and even Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, and Prince Harry. They are probably professionally styled (a la what Michaels did for Lionel), but there are photos of men on the street, too.
Hope you enjoyed the story!