The Project

The sales assistant, however, wasn't having any of that. He offered a good discount if they bought the shirt, pants and belt together. Steven gratefully accepted and they walked out of the store a few minutes later with his new outfit.

They walked through an outdoor arcade and enjoyed the cool breeze there. "That was a quick shopping trip," Steven observed.

"We're not finished yet," Julia objected. She stopped under a tree, out of the way of other pedestrians. "Do you have any black shoes?"

"Actually, I do," said Steven. "I haven't worn them since graduation but they look fine."

"Very good," Julia replied. "Then the only thing left to consider is your hair."

"My hair?" Steven touched it self-consciously.

"Yes. You have nice hair for a guy but it needs a trim and some styling product to keep it under control. Look, there's a barber right over there." If Steven minded being bossed around he didn't show it outwardly. He just shrugged and followed her across the road to the barber.

Afterwards they had lunch at an outdoor café. Julia ordered a chicken salad and Steven had a grilled Turkish sandwich. She couldn't stop looking at his hair. "What?" asked Steven, noticing her staring at him again.

"Oh, nothing," she replied, smiling. "Your hair looks much better." It was a little bit shorter and no longer reached his neck. His curls were now better defined and not so frizzy. She wished she could run her hands through them and see if his hair was as soft as it looked.

"Thanks," he said bashfully.

Julia finished her salad and rested her chin on one hand, still observing him. "Maybe you'll have better luck with the girls with this new look," she said casually.

"Wha…what?" he asked, his forked paused halfway to his mouth. "Or guys, if that's what you prefer," she continued with a sly smile.

"I'm not gay," he insisted hotly.

"Ok, just checking," she said soothingly. "I just can't understand why a nice guy like you is still single." Inwardly, Julia wondered what on earth possessed her to start this conversation. It was really none of her business why he was single. But on the other hand, maybe she could help him. She never could pass up an interesting challenge.

"Yes. Well." Steven stabbed his sandwich and avoided making eye contact. "I was kind of the fat kid at school. Plus I was a total nerd," he said eventually.