A Little Payback (and a Lot of Lace)

 Laurence stopped dead in the doorway of Lara's bedroom, one hand still resting on the doorknob and his eyes wide with disbelief. He blinked once, then twice, as if clearing his vision might somehow make the reflection in the antique vanity mirror change into something more familiar.

It didn't.

The delicate features, enhanced by flawless eyeliner and a subtle shade of lipstick, couldn't quite hide the truth. Sitting before the mirror was his best friend, Bert.

And Bert was wearing a red minidress covered in tiny white polka dots, complete with a completely bare back, white lace-trimmed thigh-high stockings, and matching high heels. A long brown wig framed his face, falling in soft waves over his shoulders.

Those clothes definitely weren't his. Or, at least, they weren't supposed to be.

The moment Bert noticed the unexpected visitor, his cheeks turned crimson, nearly matching the color of his dress. Embarrassed and visibly furious, he opened his mouth to explain himself, only to shoot an accusing look at his sister, Lara, who stood just behind Laurence, desperately trying to stifle her laughter.

"Dude, I owed my sister a huge favor," Bert blurted out, struggling to sound convincing despite his rather unusual appearance. "She needed a model to practice some new makeup techniques she learned in her course. That's all!"

Lara finally lost the battle against her laughter. Stepping forward, she decided it was time to expose her brother's increasingly creative version of the truth.

"Oh, absolutely! Practicing makeup was just the beginning," she said, winking at Laurence. "But once you started admiring the results in the mirror, you decided to try on the long brown wig, too. And let's not forget that you were the one who rummaged through my wardrobe and picked out that little red dress!"

"Shut up!" Bert snapped.

The sharp, masculine command sounded strangely out of place coming from the graceful, feminine figure sitting in front of the vanity. He crossed his legs with some difficulty, trying to maintain his dignity despite the heels.

"And another thing, Laurence. What are you doing here? Wasn't today supposed to be football day?"

Laurence finally broke his silence, letting out a loud laugh that filled the bedroom. He folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

"Yeah, it was football day. But the field is on my way here, so I figured I'd drop by, say hello, and see if you wanted to come along." He paused, his grin growing wider. "Now? Well, now I'm not so sure I feel like playing anymore. This is way more entertaining."

With the mischievous smile of someone who had just discovered the perfect bargaining chip for the next ten years, Laurence glanced at Lara and gave her a knowing nod.

"Go ahead, Lara. Your 'sister' looks gorgeous, but I think this makeover could use a few finishing touches. And I definitely want to be here to witness them."

Bert's face grew even redder at Laurence's casual remark.

Your sister looks gorgeous.

It was obviously meant to tease him. Laurence was enjoying every second of his embarrassment, and Bert knew it. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the compliment stirred a strange little flutter in his stomach.

He quickly dismissed the feeling. It was just humiliation. It had to be.

"You know what?" Laurence said, dragging a small stool closer and settling down as though he had just found himself the best seat in the house. "Our team was already short a couple of players anyway. Besides, the sun's blazing out there. Who wants to spend the afternoon running after a ball?"

"Exactly," Lara chimed in, her grin returning as she examined her brother's reflection in the mirror. "I have a feeling Tuesday football is going to be missing two players from now on."

"Two?" Bert repeated suspiciously.

Lara simply smiled.

Laurence chuckled, making himself comfortable. "Well, if your sister needs another model next time, I might volunteer. You know, just to make sure the makeup techniques are up to standard."

Bert stared at him through the mirror.

"Oh, you are going to regret this."

"Probably," Laurence replied cheerfully. "But not today."

And as Lara reached for another lipstick, Bert realized that his afternoon had taken a very unexpected turn. His sister had discovered a surprisingly cooperative model, his best friend had found a new favorite way to torment him, and neither of them seemed remotely interested in letting him change out of that dress anytime soon.

Somehow, he suspected this was only the beginning.