4. An Eye For Fashion

FRIDAY NIGHT,

outside

BROTHERS BURGERS and BACKYARD BBQ

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Craig pulled into the parking lot of Brothers Burgers and gave Taylor one last warning as he came to a stop in a parking space.

"Whether you want to be here and meet Carissa's daughter or not, you better not do anything to embarrass me or mess this up for me in any way. Don't forget what I told you would happen if you do."

"I can't believe I'm doing this for you, brother, and I can't believe you were able to make me look this convincing. You owe me big time for this one."

"First of all, I don't owe you anything. If anyone is owed, it's me, so consider this repayment for lying about me and causing me to have to go to that meeting in the first place. besides, I just want to get in her pants, then it'll be over and you won't have to worry about it anymore."

"Or, you could just tell her the truth. She made a mistake."

"No, the only reason she even agreed to meeting up was so her daughter could meet my little sister and make a new friend. I wouldn't have any chance with her otherwise."

Craig looked past his brother and saw Carissa headed in their direction.

"Believe me, if this goes how I want it to, it'll definitely be worth it, for you, too."

Craig looked past good brother again, at Carissa, still headed towards them, dressed in the tightest, short, opal colored sweater dress Craig had ever seen. It hugged her every curve; curves that seemed to jiggle continuously, in all the right ways as she hurried over to the car in her silver, strappy stilettos.

"Gawd-damn," he muttered under his breath while lustfully eyeing her every move.

"Showtime, lil sister," Craig announced with a smirk, as he opened his door.

Stepping out of the car, Craig immediately turned around and sternly muttered back into the car, "get out!" just loud enough for only Taylor to hear.

Carissa reached the car at the same moment Taylor stepped out.

"Oh, Craig, she's beyond adorable," Carissa gushed, bending down to hug Taylor.

Taylor found himself tightly squeezed between Carissa's massive mounds.

"You're so much prettier without all that sports gear on, honey," Carissa pointed out, before straightening back up and introducing her daughter. "This is my daughter Kaylee."

"Hi," Kaylee shyly greeted and then quickly looked downward.

"Hi," Taylor nervously replied, giving a little wave toward a mini-blonde version of her gorgeous mother.

Kaylee was dressed in a shiny forest green pleated dress, her hair done in a series of loose waves with the front pulled back by a silver clip. The slightest hint of mascara accentuated her big blue eyes. A clear shiny gloss coated her lips. The silver sandals on her feet with three quarter inch heels, gave her an air of sophistication. Although it was obvious to Taylor she looked quite uncomfortable in the outfit.

He surmised she didn't normally dress this fancy.

"Come on, let's all go inside," Craig suggested. "Hope everyone's hungry."

Carissa, took Kaylee by the hand on one side and Taylor on the other. "Let's get you two cuties acquainted. I think you're gonna be best friends in no time, girls!"

They entered the restaurant and followed a hostess to their table.

Once they were all seated Kaylee and Taylor didn't say much and Carissa and Craig did most of the talking.

"So girls, I thought since it's a beautiful day we do something outside. Something I'm sure Taylor will like, and we'll also make a stop that you'll enjoy, Kaylee," Carissa explained. "So something for each of you that you can share with the other, okay?"

"Yes, mom," Kaylee politely replied as Craig gave Taylor a little kick under the table.

"Um, yes, sounds wonderful Ms. Yearwood," Taylor murmured, giving Craig a sideye.

"Good, because I want Kaylee to try some new things, and come out of her shell. I thought being around another girl her age could really help her."

"M-ooooo-om, you know I hate being girly, and please tell me we aren't going to get our nails done," whined Kaylee.

"Honey, trying new things is very important. You'll be fine, " Carissa told her. "Don't worry, we'll find things that'll work well for both of you."

"Ugh, Fiiiinnneeee," grumbled Kaylee before taking a sip of soda through her straw.

"By the way, I'm very fascinated with her hair, Craig," Carissa announced, staring at Taylor. "I mean how many guys could do a knotted top braid? I honestly don't know any. And the entire look on her is just gorgeous. I'm very impressed."

"Oh it was nothing. Raising a little girl, you learn over the years. Had to since she's a fan of braids like these. She likes when the hair dries and the loops of the knots spread out a little. She thinks it looks absolutely gorgeous." said Craig, trying to sound caring and intelligent while avoiding eye contact with his brother.

Craig knew nothing about girly hairstyles. He did, however, know how to follow online tutorial videos, repeatedly, until he got what she now saw, but he would never tell her that.

He continued, "I've been getting better at these things, but I'm best at the sports and guy stuff. Of course that's why it would be nice to have a female friend. It helps to have someone to bounce things off of."

"I'm so flattered," Carissa smiled. "That's nice of you to say, but even the outfit looks perfectly put together. That top is so cuuuute and goes with the sequined jeans delightfully."

"It was easy, Justice had a good sale on and I knew she wanted to look nice for you today, so I spent a lot of time choosing just the right combo."

Craig tried to sound like he knew what he was talking about even though all he really did was just purchase the same top, and jeans one of the models had on in a poster on the store wall.

"They have some really cute stuff there for her. She's not an easy one to dress, but we're working on it. More of a tomboy than anything."

"Oh, Kaylee and I love Justice, Carissa announced giving Kaylee a look that said to keep her mouth shut.

Kaylee rolled her etes as her mom continued, "and you've got an eye for what works, unlike most other guys. We'll have to shop together sometime. I'd love that and I can certainly help you find other looks that work for you, honey."

Carissa batted her lashes at Taylor before looking back up at Craig. "I think a man that enjoys shopping and has an eye for fashion is a wonderful trait."

"Oh, any time. Taylor's wardrobe could use a little upgrade," Teased Craig, giving Taylor a look. "I certainly could use some help shopping with a person that's a fashionista like you, Carissa."

"Good then it's a date for all of us. I'll plan a wonderful shopping trip," said Carissa. "Would you like that Taylor?"

"Umm," Taylor muttered, turning beet red, and getting ready to kill Craig before receiving a sharp kick under the table. "Aaoooww. I mean wow. I guess if we have the time and can afford it. I don't want my brother spending what little money he has on pretty clothes for me. I'm just fine with what I have."

"Awww! Isn't she the sweetest thing," gushed Carissa, as Craig gave Taylor a look that said, you just dodged a bullet. "You've got a good head on those pretty little shoulders, Taylor, and by the way your shoes are just darling."

"She does, but we'll work something out, Carissa. You know, I wasn't really out looking for the flats, but when I walked through DSW I just couldn't resist how cute they'd be on her. I try to never deny her," said Craig, and Taylor rolled his eyes. "I know how important pretty things are to girls her age, I thought glitter sandals would pick up her entire outfit perfectly. They were buy one get one half off, so how could I deprive this precious little one."

"You're a shrewd shopper. I love that. I'm so glad we met," said Carissa, looking at Craig lovingly. "You two are amazing. I can hardly wait for the rest of the day."

Once lunch was finished, they all walked together down the block and as they turned the corner, the kids spotted a carnival ahead.

"Ready for some rides, girls," Carissa excitedly asked. "I figured this would be fun for both of you."