Thwarted - 20. Chapter Twenty

Pants.

Socks.

Mark stuffed each item in his bag as he mentally checked it off his list.

Underwear.

No way in hell was he going commando at Trey’s parent’s house. He shoved them in and reached for the pile of shirts on the bed. He stuffed them in and zipped the bag closed; leaving room for the smaller shaving bag that was on the bathroom counter. He couldn’t put it in until the morning since he still needed it, but everything was together and ready to go. He was determined to be ready before Trey got there and not wait until the last minute. This way he could be reasonably sure he wouldn’t forget anything. Like his cell phone charger. Shit!

Mark glanced at his phone. He’d need to charge it tonight, but he could still pack his car charger. Having it would be better than not having anything or having to buy a new one on the way or after they’d got there. Mark checked his pockets for his keys and crammed his bare feet into his shoes. Within minutes he’d retrieved the charger and shoved it in one of the side pockets on his bag.

“That should be it.” He glanced around the room but didn’t see anything he was forgetting. His cell phone started ringing and a quick check of the screen told him it was Jackie. He answered. “Hey sis.”

“Hey, you almost ready for your trip?”

“Yep; as ready as I’m going to get.” Mark moved to the living room and flopped down on the couch. “Though, I keep thinking I’m forgetting something.”

“Like what?”

“Dunno. Just a feeling.” He had the necessities; at least he was pretty sure he did.

“What kind of clothes did you pack? Just jeans and t-shirts or did you pack some nicer clothes in case Trey’s parents want to go to dinner?”

Mark groaned. He had a couple of somewhat decent shirts and some nice jeans, but if he needed anything nicer than that he was screwed.

“I’ll take that as a no.” Jackie chuckled. “If I were you I’d pack a pair of slacks and a dress shirt.”

“I don’t think I even have a pair of slacks that fit, let alone an actual dress shirt. Shit Jackie, I haven’t needed em.” Mark glanced at the clock. He didn’t have time to go shopping before Trey arrived.

“What time is Trey supposed to be there?” Apparently Jackie was thinking along the same lines.

“Probably a half hour, an hour at the most.” Mark sighed, he really hated shopping and he didn’t know how Trey felt about it, but they could probably go after Trey got there. That was really the only option he had.

“You and Brent are close to the same size, something of his might fit you. I can run something over if you want.”

“That would be great.” It was at least a chance that he wouldn’t have to go shopping.

“See you soon.”

Mark set the phone on the small end table. Jackie might save him from having to go shopping, but he’d have to go eventually. Even though he would hopefully rarely need to dress up, there was bound to be another occasion he might need to. It was ironic, he had shoes that should work, just not the slacks or the shirt.

He was still sitting on the couch twenty minutes later when there was a knock on the door. He walked over and pulled it open to see Jackie standing there, a hanger clasped in her hand.

“Why didn’t you just come in?” Mark stepped back to let her walk past him and then shut the door. “Where’s the kiddo at?”

“I wasn’t sure if Trey was here yet so I didn’t want to just walk in and Matthew is home with Brent. I just hope he remembers he has him. He’s busy watching his recording of Duck Dynasty.” Jackie handed him the hanger. “Go try these on.”

“Yes ma’am.” Mark took the clothes and kissed his sister on the cheek. “I really appreciate this.”

“No problem. Now scoot.” Jackie swatted his ass.

Mark chuckled and headed to his bedroom. He stripped and changed quickly, wanting to be done before Trey got there. The pants fit pretty good but the shirt was a little tight in the shoulders. They’d work well enough for now. He shucked the pants just as Jackie hollered.

“I want to see!”

“Seriously?” Mark paused in the act of unbuttoning the shirt and stepped back into the slacks. He tucked the shirt in and did the pants up before going back out to the living room.

“Well don’t you look snazzy.” Jackie walked around him. “How do they feel?”

“Shirt’s a little tight in the shoulders but not overly so, the pants fit good.” A knock on the door announced Trey’s arrival and Mark went to let him in. He opened the door and barely kept from laughing at the shocked look on Trey’s face.

“Damn, you look nice. Are we going out?” Trey stepped inside and glanced down at his own clothes. “If so, I think I’m a little underdressed.”

“Nope.” Mark shut the door and brushed a kiss across Trey’s lips before nodding in Jackie’s direction. “Jackie brought it over. I wasn’t sure what I’d need at your parents and I didn’t have any dress clothes.”

“Hi, Jackie.” Trey smiled at Jackie.

“Hey Trey.” Jackie moved closer and faced Mark. “I’ve gotta get back home, but I have a pair of shoes in the car if you need them.”

“Nah, I’m good there.” Mark pulled Jackie into a hug. “Thanks Jackie, I owe ya one.”

“We’re good.” Jackie returned the hug. “Good luck, and remember I’m only a phone call away.”

“Thank you.” Mark released his sister and watched as she said goodbye to Trey and left.

“So….”

“So….” Mark stepped close and wrapped his arms around Trey.

“What are we going to do tonight?”