Metropolitan Ghost - Chapter 1b/?
Myka looked at Helena from behind. The shirt fit her perfectly, but the pants appeared to be a size too big. There was a gap in the waist in the back and the fabric was loose around her butt. She gently grabbed the waistband and tugged a little to see just how big they were.
“You need a size smaller,” she said. Helena nodded.
“Do you like them?” Helena asked softly and met her eyes in the large mirror.
Myka smiled at her when she noticed the slightly hesitant look in Helena’s eyes. “They look great on you.”
“Thank you. Would you mind giving them to Marcy to get a smaller size?”
Myka took the pants and stepped outside where Marcy was waiting with a dark suit. She handed it to Myka. “Helena said you needed a suit. I think this should fit you.”
“But I…” she shut her mouth and just grabbed the garment. It was easier to just take it than explain to Marcy. “These are too big. Do you think you could find her a size smaller?” Myka said quickly. “Just knock on the door when you have the pants okay?”
“Helena, why did you ask her to get me a suit?” Myka hissed as soon as the door closed behind her. “I can’t afford to buy a suit from here. Especially not…” she read the designer label and her eyebrows shot up. “Armani! She got me a freaking million dollar Armani suit.” Myka almost dropped it. She carefully put the hanger on a hook on the wall.
“Myka,” Helena said softly. “I asked her because I want to give it to you.”
Myka twirled around and stared at her. “You what?”
“Will you accept it? I’ve wanted to do something for you for quite a while to show you how much I appreciate all your help and your friendship. You are the closest I have to a family Myka,” she said softly and looked at her.
Myka smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you. That means a lot. But Helena, you don’t need to buy me expensive gifts to thank me for being your friend.”
“I know, but I’d like to. Please?”
Myka glanced at the suit and then looked at Helena again. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try it on, right?”
Helena laughed and gave her a quick hug. “It will look marvelous on you. Come on, try it on.”
Myka suddenly felt a little lightheaded as Helena pressed her body against hers. Helena was only wearing a bra and pants. She bit her lip not to sigh as she touched Helena’s bare skin. She was so soft. And then she was gone again. That’s when it hit her that Helena expected her to get undressed in front of her. Her cheeks flushed.
“Eh, Helena, perhaps I should go in the other stall?”
“Pish tosh,” Helena said and made a face. “It’s just us girls here. And besides, you are playing the role of my beloved.”
Myka groaned. “Can we not use that term? It makes me feel like I’m in a Jane Austen novel.”
Helena chuckled. “Girlfriend? Wife? Companion? Lady friend? Fiancée? Demimonde? Do you like any of those better?” she teased.
Myka made a face at her. “Why don’t you think about it while you turn around and close your eyes?”
Helena rolled her eyes and sighed. “It’s not as if I don’t have the same body parts. You’ve seen me undress,” she argued.
“Well, you might be more comfortable with undressing in front of people.”
“I’m not ashamed of my body. And I don’t mind you looking at me either.”
Myka smiled at her. “I’m not ashamed of my body, just a bit private.”
“But it’s just me,” Helena said confused. “You know me.”
Myka sighed. Helena was so stubborn. “I know, but… well, maybe it’s because you are so perfect. I just feel a little bit out of my league. And it makes me a bit uncomfortable in front of you. I guess I’m a little intimidated, that’s all.”
Her comment made Helena turn around. “Myka,” she said softly. “I had no idea that you felt that way. I hope I didn’t do anything to give you that impression. You are a very beautiful woman and I’m certainly not perfect.”
Myka smiled at her. “Okay, but no funny comments on how skinny my legs are, or I’ll hurt you,” she muttered.
Helena laughed. “Can I tell you how beautiful they are? Would that be allowed?”
Myka blushed and felt her ears get warm. “Helena, cut it out. I know you’re not serious.”
Helena tilted her head and looked Myka up and down. “What makes you say that? My compliment was absolutely sincere. You have very nice legs darling.”
“I… eh, well, thanks I guess,” Myka said a little flustered. She jumped when Helena put her hand on her arm.
“Does it upset you to get compliments?” she asked softly.
Myka shook her head. “It’s just a bit surprising. I’m not really used to it so I just don’t know how to respond.”
“I find that a simple thank you and a smile often works,” Helena teased.
Myka gently swatted her hand away and grabbed her by the shoulders and made her turn around.
“That’s enough of smart comments from you thank you very much. Now close your eyes and count to a gazillion.”
“What? Are you going to get naked?”
Myka made a snorting sound. “Helena!”
“What else could you possibly be doing that you need that much time for?”
“I’m taking my shirt off and it has a bunch of buttons and so does the new shirt. Okay? Just keep your eyes shut.”
“This is absolutely ridiculous,” Helena muttered. Myka chuckled. “This is going to take all day. I could be changing too you know.”
“Well, it was your idea and this is my rule. Live with it.”
“Payback is a bitch Myka,” she muttered.
Myka laughed out loud. “Who taught you that expression?”
“Agent Lattimer I believe or perhaps our dear Miss Donovan. I can’t really remember.”
Myka shook her head. She carefully slipped on the suit jacket and buttoned it. She glanced at herself in the mirror. It fit perfectly. “Okay, you can look now.”
Helena opened her eyes and blinked. “Oh Myka, it looks lovely on you.” She circled Myka, tugging a little on the jacket to make it sit better over the shoulders. She ran her hand down Myka’s back until it rested on her hip. She smiled at her. “It’s a keeper, as dear Claudia would say.”
“Are you really sure about this?” Myka asked softly.
Helena nodded and touched the lapels, feeling the material between her fingers.
“It would be a crime not to. It looks like it was made for you. Perhaps if I ask really nicely you will allow me to buy you a pair of shoes to go with it?”
Myka chuckled. “Keep working on me and perhaps I’ll say yes,” she teased.
Helena chuckled and nodded. “I will do just that.”
There was a knock on the door and Myka opened it to let Marcy in.
“Do you like the suit? It looks great on you.”
Myka smiled. “I do.”
“We’ll take it,” Helena said over her shoulder. She slipped off her pants and put on the ones Marcy handed her. They fit perfectly. “And these too.” She pointed to the items hanging on her right. “Those I won’t be needing, but everything else I’m taking.” She turned and smiled at Marcy. “And then it’s only the matter of the dresses.”
Marcy smiled. “I have a couple outside. Why don’t I take these items and start to ring them up while you try them on?”
Helena nodded. She took off her pants and handed them to Marcy. She smiled at Myka who was still in her suit. She chuckled when Myka gave her a stern look and folded her arms.
“Myka is a little shy. We’ll have the suit ready with the dresses,” Helena said and winked at Myka.
“Certainly, take all the time you need.”
Myka groaned as the door closed behind her. “God, she thinks we’re going to have sex in here.”
Helena laughed. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“What?!” Myka squeaked. Helena just laughed.
“I used to steal kisses from my tailor’s assistant every time we were alone,” she said and sighed at the memory. “She was such a pretty girl.”
Myka gaped. “You made out with your… wait, back then?”
Helena chuckled. “Of course back then. And what’s so shocking about that? We were quite frisky back then, not at all uptight and frigid as you people seem to think.”
“But, kissing a woman? Was that really acceptable behavior?” Myka asked confused.
“Maybe not exactly something that you discussed with your mother over tea, but certainly not something I tried to hide.”
“So… but, never mind,” Myka said and turned around to take off her suit. She jumped when Helena touched her arm.
“What did you want to ask me?”
“Just forget it. It’s none of my business anyway.”
“Am I on the right track when I assume that you wanted to ask me about my preference for bed partners? That you are a bit confused because of Christina.”
Myka blushed again. Helena chuckled delighted at the sight.
“I guess I was right,” she teased and caressed Myka’s cheek affectionately. “I’ve had mostly female lovers, but a few male ones too. Christina’s father was someone I met in France while staying at my aunt’s house for a couple of months. Unfortunately he passed away before I had a chance to tell him that I was pregnant.”
“What happened? Did he have an accident?”
Helena sighed and shook her head. “No, his death was absolutely stupid actually. He was killed in a duel - over me. Can you believe it? Absolutely ridiculous. I didn’t even know about it until afterwards.”
Myka gaped, unsure what to say. Helena patted her on the arm.
“It’s in the past anyway. No reason to dwell on it. Now let’s take a look at the dresses.”
Helena picked up a black one and held it up in front of Myka. “This would look very nice on you.”
Myka nodded and took it from her. She eyed Helena.
“Does it bother you to undress now when you know that I’m attracted to women?” Helena asked softly.
Myka laughed and shook her head. “Not at all. You’re still the same person who ogled my legs a couple of minutes ago.”
Helena playfully swatted at her. “No respect for your elders. I should put you over my knee young lady,” she muttered,
Myka snorted. “Try it.”
Helena just smiled. “Perhaps some other time.”
Myka slipped off her shirt and quickly grabbed the dress. She froze when she felt Helena’s hand on her arm.
“Myka darling, we absolutely have to do something about your undergarments,” she said gently. “This will not work under that dress.”
Myka glanced at her cotton bra and then at the dress. Unfortunately Helena was right. She sighed. “Victoria's Secret, here we come,” she muttered.
“Marvelous idea darling. It will be our next stop.”
Myka rolled her eyes. She slipped the dress over her head and Helena zipped it up in the back. She stared at herself in the mirror. The dress was absolutely gorgeous. She sighed.
“Helena, I can’t afford this dress. I can tell just from looking at it that it’s way out of my price range.”
Helena put her hands on Myka’s hips and met her eyes in the mirror. “I told you, I’m buying the dresses. Perhaps I can get Artie to reimburse me a little since we are wearing them on a mission?”
Myka chuckled. “Yeah, good luck with that. His idea of buying a dress involves Wal-Mart or TJ Maxx. Or even better, no dress at all, just regular suits.”
Helena made a face. “Well it doesn’t matter. I’m buying.”
“Helena, this is a lot of money, even for you. I’m a little uncomfortable with this.”
Helena smiled and touched her cheek. “Myka darling, I am fairly wealthy, even by today’s standards. I can certainly afford it. It’s not as if I was buying you a Cartier diamond necklace. Though come to think of it, you do need some jewelry. Perhaps I have something you can borrow.”
Myka chewed on her lip and finally nodded. “No jewelry. Just the clothes,” she warned.
Helena grinned and winked. “Perhaps.” She quickly slipped out of her shirt and reached for the green sleeveless dress. Myka swallowed. Helena’s underwear was both sexy and beautiful. She closed her hands before she might accidentally touch her.
“Darling, would you mind helping me?”
Myka zipped up the dress and arranged the left strap over Helena’s shoulder. She gaped. Helena was stunning. Her hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders and the dress accentuating the exactly right parts. Their eyes met in the mirror.
“We make a pretty decent couple, don’t you think?” Helena said with a chuckle.
Myka smiled and nodded. “You are beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she said and gave Myka a quick kiss on the cheek before turning to the remaining dresses. She pulled out another one, this one dark blue. She held it up in front of her and looked at the still somewhat stunned Myka. “What do you think?”
Myka tilted her head. “Not sure. What about the red one?”
Helena grabbed the dark red one and held it up in front of her. She nodded. It had potential. “Would you please undo me?”
Myka unzipped the dress and held the red one while Helena put the green one back on the hanger. She watched her put on the dark red, almost burgundy dress and then helped her zip it. This time she did put her hands on Helena’s shoulders.
“Helena, it’s stunning.”
Helena smiled at her in the mirror. “I quite like it too. I guess I’ll take both.”
Myka nodded.
*** *o* ***
Fifteen minutes and several thousand dollars later they were back on the street with their bags. Helena smiled at Myka.
“I like shopping with you.”
“Just because you’re about to see my boobs,” Myka said and made a face at her.
Helena laughed. “Oh, I didn’t realize that I would be introduced. How marvelous. Come on then, no doddling.”
Myka laughed and shook her head.
“Myka, would you mind an awful lot if we stop for a coffee first?”
Myka looked up and noticed the Starbucks sign. She smiled and nodded. “Of course not. I wouldn’t dream of standing in between you and a non-fat, grande caramel latte. I might be reckless at times, but I don’t have a death wish.”
Helena swatted at her arm. “Very funny. Hurry up then before I turn into a harpy.”
“You’re not that bad, just a little rough around the edges. Oh, and coffee’s on me. And dinner.”
Helena smiled. “Thank you.”
To be continued...
“You need a size smaller,” she said. Helena nodded.
“Do you like them?” Helena asked softly and met her eyes in the large mirror.
Myka smiled at her when she noticed the slightly hesitant look in Helena’s eyes. “They look great on you.”
“Thank you. Would you mind giving them to Marcy to get a smaller size?”
Myka took the pants and stepped outside where Marcy was waiting with a dark suit. She handed it to Myka. “Helena said you needed a suit. I think this should fit you.”
“But I…” she shut her mouth and just grabbed the garment. It was easier to just take it than explain to Marcy. “These are too big. Do you think you could find her a size smaller?” Myka said quickly. “Just knock on the door when you have the pants okay?”
“Helena, why did you ask her to get me a suit?” Myka hissed as soon as the door closed behind her. “I can’t afford to buy a suit from here. Especially not…” she read the designer label and her eyebrows shot up. “Armani! She got me a freaking million dollar Armani suit.” Myka almost dropped it. She carefully put the hanger on a hook on the wall.
“Myka,” Helena said softly. “I asked her because I want to give it to you.”
Myka twirled around and stared at her. “You what?”
“Will you accept it? I’ve wanted to do something for you for quite a while to show you how much I appreciate all your help and your friendship. You are the closest I have to a family Myka,” she said softly and looked at her.
Myka smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you. That means a lot. But Helena, you don’t need to buy me expensive gifts to thank me for being your friend.”
“I know, but I’d like to. Please?”
Myka glanced at the suit and then looked at Helena again. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try it on, right?”
Helena laughed and gave her a quick hug. “It will look marvelous on you. Come on, try it on.”
Myka suddenly felt a little lightheaded as Helena pressed her body against hers. Helena was only wearing a bra and pants. She bit her lip not to sigh as she touched Helena’s bare skin. She was so soft. And then she was gone again. That’s when it hit her that Helena expected her to get undressed in front of her. Her cheeks flushed.
“Eh, Helena, perhaps I should go in the other stall?”
“Pish tosh,” Helena said and made a face. “It’s just us girls here. And besides, you are playing the role of my beloved.”
Myka groaned. “Can we not use that term? It makes me feel like I’m in a Jane Austen novel.”
Helena chuckled. “Girlfriend? Wife? Companion? Lady friend? Fiancée? Demimonde? Do you like any of those better?” she teased.
Myka made a face at her. “Why don’t you think about it while you turn around and close your eyes?”
Helena rolled her eyes and sighed. “It’s not as if I don’t have the same body parts. You’ve seen me undress,” she argued.
“Well, you might be more comfortable with undressing in front of people.”
“I’m not ashamed of my body. And I don’t mind you looking at me either.”
Myka smiled at her. “I’m not ashamed of my body, just a bit private.”
“But it’s just me,” Helena said confused. “You know me.”
Myka sighed. Helena was so stubborn. “I know, but… well, maybe it’s because you are so perfect. I just feel a little bit out of my league. And it makes me a bit uncomfortable in front of you. I guess I’m a little intimidated, that’s all.”
Her comment made Helena turn around. “Myka,” she said softly. “I had no idea that you felt that way. I hope I didn’t do anything to give you that impression. You are a very beautiful woman and I’m certainly not perfect.”
Myka smiled at her. “Okay, but no funny comments on how skinny my legs are, or I’ll hurt you,” she muttered.
Helena laughed. “Can I tell you how beautiful they are? Would that be allowed?”
Myka blushed and felt her ears get warm. “Helena, cut it out. I know you’re not serious.”
Helena tilted her head and looked Myka up and down. “What makes you say that? My compliment was absolutely sincere. You have very nice legs darling.”
“I… eh, well, thanks I guess,” Myka said a little flustered. She jumped when Helena put her hand on her arm.
“Does it upset you to get compliments?” she asked softly.
Myka shook her head. “It’s just a bit surprising. I’m not really used to it so I just don’t know how to respond.”
“I find that a simple thank you and a smile often works,” Helena teased.
Myka gently swatted her hand away and grabbed her by the shoulders and made her turn around.
“That’s enough of smart comments from you thank you very much. Now close your eyes and count to a gazillion.”
“What? Are you going to get naked?”
Myka made a snorting sound. “Helena!”
“What else could you possibly be doing that you need that much time for?”
“I’m taking my shirt off and it has a bunch of buttons and so does the new shirt. Okay? Just keep your eyes shut.”
“This is absolutely ridiculous,” Helena muttered. Myka chuckled. “This is going to take all day. I could be changing too you know.”
“Well, it was your idea and this is my rule. Live with it.”
“Payback is a bitch Myka,” she muttered.
Myka laughed out loud. “Who taught you that expression?”
“Agent Lattimer I believe or perhaps our dear Miss Donovan. I can’t really remember.”
Myka shook her head. She carefully slipped on the suit jacket and buttoned it. She glanced at herself in the mirror. It fit perfectly. “Okay, you can look now.”
Helena opened her eyes and blinked. “Oh Myka, it looks lovely on you.” She circled Myka, tugging a little on the jacket to make it sit better over the shoulders. She ran her hand down Myka’s back until it rested on her hip. She smiled at her. “It’s a keeper, as dear Claudia would say.”
“Are you really sure about this?” Myka asked softly.
Helena nodded and touched the lapels, feeling the material between her fingers.
“It would be a crime not to. It looks like it was made for you. Perhaps if I ask really nicely you will allow me to buy you a pair of shoes to go with it?”
Myka chuckled. “Keep working on me and perhaps I’ll say yes,” she teased.
Helena chuckled and nodded. “I will do just that.”
There was a knock on the door and Myka opened it to let Marcy in.
“Do you like the suit? It looks great on you.”
Myka smiled. “I do.”
“We’ll take it,” Helena said over her shoulder. She slipped off her pants and put on the ones Marcy handed her. They fit perfectly. “And these too.” She pointed to the items hanging on her right. “Those I won’t be needing, but everything else I’m taking.” She turned and smiled at Marcy. “And then it’s only the matter of the dresses.”
Marcy smiled. “I have a couple outside. Why don’t I take these items and start to ring them up while you try them on?”
Helena nodded. She took off her pants and handed them to Marcy. She smiled at Myka who was still in her suit. She chuckled when Myka gave her a stern look and folded her arms.
“Myka is a little shy. We’ll have the suit ready with the dresses,” Helena said and winked at Myka.
“Certainly, take all the time you need.”
Myka groaned as the door closed behind her. “God, she thinks we’re going to have sex in here.”
Helena laughed. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“What?!” Myka squeaked. Helena just laughed.
“I used to steal kisses from my tailor’s assistant every time we were alone,” she said and sighed at the memory. “She was such a pretty girl.”
Myka gaped. “You made out with your… wait, back then?”
Helena chuckled. “Of course back then. And what’s so shocking about that? We were quite frisky back then, not at all uptight and frigid as you people seem to think.”
“But, kissing a woman? Was that really acceptable behavior?” Myka asked confused.
“Maybe not exactly something that you discussed with your mother over tea, but certainly not something I tried to hide.”
“So… but, never mind,” Myka said and turned around to take off her suit. She jumped when Helena touched her arm.
“What did you want to ask me?”
“Just forget it. It’s none of my business anyway.”
“Am I on the right track when I assume that you wanted to ask me about my preference for bed partners? That you are a bit confused because of Christina.”
Myka blushed again. Helena chuckled delighted at the sight.
“I guess I was right,” she teased and caressed Myka’s cheek affectionately. “I’ve had mostly female lovers, but a few male ones too. Christina’s father was someone I met in France while staying at my aunt’s house for a couple of months. Unfortunately he passed away before I had a chance to tell him that I was pregnant.”
“What happened? Did he have an accident?”
Helena sighed and shook her head. “No, his death was absolutely stupid actually. He was killed in a duel - over me. Can you believe it? Absolutely ridiculous. I didn’t even know about it until afterwards.”
Myka gaped, unsure what to say. Helena patted her on the arm.
“It’s in the past anyway. No reason to dwell on it. Now let’s take a look at the dresses.”
Helena picked up a black one and held it up in front of Myka. “This would look very nice on you.”
Myka nodded and took it from her. She eyed Helena.
“Does it bother you to undress now when you know that I’m attracted to women?” Helena asked softly.
Myka laughed and shook her head. “Not at all. You’re still the same person who ogled my legs a couple of minutes ago.”
Helena playfully swatted at her. “No respect for your elders. I should put you over my knee young lady,” she muttered,
Myka snorted. “Try it.”
Helena just smiled. “Perhaps some other time.”
Myka slipped off her shirt and quickly grabbed the dress. She froze when she felt Helena’s hand on her arm.
“Myka darling, we absolutely have to do something about your undergarments,” she said gently. “This will not work under that dress.”
Myka glanced at her cotton bra and then at the dress. Unfortunately Helena was right. She sighed. “Victoria's Secret, here we come,” she muttered.
“Marvelous idea darling. It will be our next stop.”
Myka rolled her eyes. She slipped the dress over her head and Helena zipped it up in the back. She stared at herself in the mirror. The dress was absolutely gorgeous. She sighed.
“Helena, I can’t afford this dress. I can tell just from looking at it that it’s way out of my price range.”
Helena put her hands on Myka’s hips and met her eyes in the mirror. “I told you, I’m buying the dresses. Perhaps I can get Artie to reimburse me a little since we are wearing them on a mission?”
Myka chuckled. “Yeah, good luck with that. His idea of buying a dress involves Wal-Mart or TJ Maxx. Or even better, no dress at all, just regular suits.”
Helena made a face. “Well it doesn’t matter. I’m buying.”
“Helena, this is a lot of money, even for you. I’m a little uncomfortable with this.”
Helena smiled and touched her cheek. “Myka darling, I am fairly wealthy, even by today’s standards. I can certainly afford it. It’s not as if I was buying you a Cartier diamond necklace. Though come to think of it, you do need some jewelry. Perhaps I have something you can borrow.”
Myka chewed on her lip and finally nodded. “No jewelry. Just the clothes,” she warned.
Helena grinned and winked. “Perhaps.” She quickly slipped out of her shirt and reached for the green sleeveless dress. Myka swallowed. Helena’s underwear was both sexy and beautiful. She closed her hands before she might accidentally touch her.
“Darling, would you mind helping me?”
Myka zipped up the dress and arranged the left strap over Helena’s shoulder. She gaped. Helena was stunning. Her hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders and the dress accentuating the exactly right parts. Their eyes met in the mirror.
“We make a pretty decent couple, don’t you think?” Helena said with a chuckle.
Myka smiled and nodded. “You are beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she said and gave Myka a quick kiss on the cheek before turning to the remaining dresses. She pulled out another one, this one dark blue. She held it up in front of her and looked at the still somewhat stunned Myka. “What do you think?”
Myka tilted her head. “Not sure. What about the red one?”
Helena grabbed the dark red one and held it up in front of her. She nodded. It had potential. “Would you please undo me?”
Myka unzipped the dress and held the red one while Helena put the green one back on the hanger. She watched her put on the dark red, almost burgundy dress and then helped her zip it. This time she did put her hands on Helena’s shoulders.
“Helena, it’s stunning.”
Helena smiled at her in the mirror. “I quite like it too. I guess I’ll take both.”
Myka nodded.
*** *o* ***
Fifteen minutes and several thousand dollars later they were back on the street with their bags. Helena smiled at Myka.
“I like shopping with you.”
“Just because you’re about to see my boobs,” Myka said and made a face at her.
Helena laughed. “Oh, I didn’t realize that I would be introduced. How marvelous. Come on then, no doddling.”
Myka laughed and shook her head.
“Myka, would you mind an awful lot if we stop for a coffee first?”
Myka looked up and noticed the Starbucks sign. She smiled and nodded. “Of course not. I wouldn’t dream of standing in between you and a non-fat, grande caramel latte. I might be reckless at times, but I don’t have a death wish.”
Helena swatted at her arm. “Very funny. Hurry up then before I turn into a harpy.”
“You’re not that bad, just a little rough around the edges. Oh, and coffee’s on me. And dinner.”
Helena smiled. “Thank you.”
To be continued...