Love California Box Set: Books 1-3 (Love California Series Collection)

by Jan Moran

  “This has been a year of launches,” Scarlett said. “Verena launched Skinsense, I started my new practice, and you’re next with Penelope of Denmark for High Gloss.”

  “Don’t forget Bow-Tie,” Penelope said. “What are you wearing to the restaurant opening?”

  “I have no idea. I’ve been so busy.” Whatever she wore, she wanted to look fabulous. She’d just seen the guest list, and she wasn’t happy to see Carla’s name on it.

  “Fianna has some incredible pieces in her upcoming summer line. This is one of them. You should stop by the boutique.”

  Scarlett loved Penelope’s dress. “Maybe I will.” She’d been conserving cash because of her new practice. Everything cost more than she’d anticipated, but that was the price of starting a business. Johnny was working late, so she could call Fianna tonight.

  Over the past couple of months, Johnny had been working double schedules. Between their jobs at the Beverly Hills Hotel, and getting the new restaurant ready, both of them were stretched thin.

  Penelope opened the front door to High Gloss. “Would you like to see the new color palettes? We can have you made over, too, if you don’t mind.”

  “I’d like that. I need a new look.”

  Penelope sauntered over to a makeup station, where a black-clad makeup artist was tidying her studio section. “Hi Joanie. I’d like to try the new colors on Scarlett. Do you have some time?”

  “Absolutely.” Joanie took a fresh set of brushes from her apron pocket. “Have a seat, Scarlett. You’re not wearing much makeup. Mind if I remove it?”

  “Go ahead. I’m in your hands.” Scarlett closed her eyes. It felt good to be pampered. “Work your magic on me.”

  Joanie cleansed her face. “Your skin is utter perfection. What kind of skincare are you using?”

  Scarlett opened her eyes and traded a look with Penelope. High Gloss was strictly a color cosmetic company. “Skinsense. Verena Valent’s new line.”

  “Oh, right. I’ve heard wonders about her restorative serum. I’m going to have to try it.” She touched the delicate skin around her eyes. “I’m afraid my laugh lines are showing.”

  “I can’t see a thing,” Penelope said. “But Verena is a friend of ours. I’ll bring some product to you.”

  Joanie pulled out a tray of new color palettes. “Let’s see. With your green eyes and golden hair, I’m going to use complementary colors on your eyes, and shades of coral on your lips and cheeks. First, I’ll contour your cheeks and nose, and then we’ll apply color.” She dabbed her brushes and went to work.

  Penelope stood by, watching Joanie work and making suggestions. From her years of modeling, Penelope had a good eye for makeup. She also had a degree in fine arts, and in her free time she dabbled in oils and watercolors.

  When Joanie was finished, she stepped back. “What do you think?” She held up a hand mirror.

  “Wow, what a difference,” Scarlett said, touching her cheek.

  “The colors are excellent on you. I love the consistency of the products. They blend so well.” Penelope angled Scarlett’s chin and inspected her from each side. “Sensational. Your coloring is perfect for this color palette. And you look so natural.”

  After Scarlett left Penelope and Joanie, she called Fianna. “Hi, I’ve just had a makeover at High Gloss with Penelope, and she gushed over your new summer line. Can I get a preview?”

  “Absolutely,” Fianna replied. “I haven’t seen you here in forever.”

  Scarlett laughed. “There’s a reason for that. I’m self-employed now.”

  “Like the rest of us. Let’s complete that makeover. Don’t worry, this one is on me. I can’t have my attorney looking dowdy. Not when you’re representing me and my line. Come on over, let’s play dress-up.”

  A few minutes later, Scarlett arrived at Fianna’s boutique on Robertson Boulevard, where hordes of famous people strolled after lunch at The Ivy restaurant.

  “Hi, love,” Fianna said, looking breezy in a white shirt and a bright yellow, six-gore skirt that fell to her knees and flared flirtatiously. Her red tresses were piled high on her head. “What divine makeup. We can definitely work with this new look. I know just what to do.”

  Fianna had already pulled several dresses of her own design for her to try on, and they were hanging in the dressing room.

  She flitted to another rack and chose a sexy, sage green dress that set off Scarlett’s eyes and natural highlights. “This is so elegant. Try it on. I think it’s you.”

  Scarlett went into a large mirrored dressing room, which Fianna had designed to showcase every angle of a garment. She slithered into the dress and stepped onto a raised platform.

  She caught her breath. Fianna was right. The dress skimmed her figure and transformed her into a better version of herself. It was understated, yet sensual, and sexy without being too obvious. It oozed sophistication.

  Something Carla Ramirez could never manage.

  Scarlett winced. She wasn’t usually the jealous type. What was it about Carla that irked her so?

  Fianna let herself into the fitting room. “That dress looks great on you, though it needs proper fitting in the back.” She stuffed straight pins in her mouth, clenching them between her lips as she pinned extra fullness to fit Scarlett’s slim figure. “Last one…there, that’s it. Now look.”

  “Even better.” Scarlett held her hair up in the back and turned from one side to another.

  She felt renewed. Fianna’s styles were much more her than the oppressive suits she’d lived in for years at Marsh & Gold. Now that she had her own firm, she could dress more stylishly, unless she went to court, which, as a transactional intellectual property attorney, she seldom did.

  “My seamstress can whip this up in no time. You have to wear this to the opening of Bow-Tie.” She snapped her fingers. “I should make Johnny a matching bow-tie, with a little extra pizzazz.”

  “That would be fantastic,” Scarlett agreed.

  “Before the party, we should all get dressed here,” Fianna said. “Maybe you can get that makeup artist magician to come in, too. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

  “I’ll ask Penelope if Joanie will do that.” Scarlett tried on several other outfits, and Fianna insisted she take three that were perfect on her. Scarlett hated taking the clothes, but promised she’d pay her when she could.

  Fianna waved Scarlett’s pledges away. “I’m your client now, Scarlett. You’re going to put together some great licensing deals for me, I just know it.”

  Scarlett laughed. Except for the tight cash flow, she was enjoying having her own business. Every day when she rose from bed, she looked forward to working. Even Johnny had noticed the change in her demeanor. “You look happier, mi amor,” he’d told her. And it was true.

  “Are you meeting Johnny tonight?” Fianna gathered Scarlett’s outfits and hung them with care for her to take.

  “I am. He wants to show me the new barstools and chairs that were delivered to the restaurant today.”

  Fianna plucked a flowing, coral and turquoise blouse from the rack. “Then wear this,” Fianna said, blowing a wayward strand of red curls from her freckled face. “It will look great with your pants and heels. Simple, yet sexy.” She scooped up a stack of bangle bracelets in an array of metallic tones. “Pile these on these, too. I showed them at a charity event yesterday, and the women loved them. There. See if Carla Ramirez can match your class.”

  Scarlett turned. “You know about Carla and Johnny?”

  “Where’ve you been? The whole town knows she’s after him. But my bet is on you.”

  Scarlett narrowed her eyes. Love wasn’t a competition. Why was Carla making it one?

  Fianna leaned over the counter and rested her chin in her hands, clearly pleased at Scarlett’s new look. Her mismatched blue and brown eyes sparkled with pride.

  Scarlett changed her blouse and slipped on the bracelets. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Fianna was right, this was a great look for her. Sh
e picked up her packages. “Love you, Fianna. And we’ll get some licensing deals for you, mark my words.”

  “That would be great. Love you, too, sweetie. Have fun tonight.”

  “Think we’ll make the opening date?” Johnny stood in a T-shirt and jeans with his hands on his hips, surveying the restaurant. The gleaming stainless steel kitchen was a mess. Cartons of dishes, silverware, utensils, pots, and skillets had arrived earlier, and Lance and his team were unpacking. Boxes and packing material were strewn across the floor, and clanging noises filled the air.

  “We have to, buddy, we’re committed,” Lance said, brushing packing particles from his chef jacket. “We’ve already put in our notices of resignation at the hotel.” He opened another box. “Ah, great. My immersion blender.”

  Johnny squinted at the contraption. “What’s that for?”

  “It's for emulsifying things like sauces. Makes it a snap to puree, or make vinaigrette dressing.”

  They’d bought a lot of equipment at a restaurant auction house at great prices. But where it counted, they didn’t scrimp. Lance insisted on the proper tools in the kitchen, just as Johnny made sure the interiors were stylish and comfortable.

  Johnny was relieved that Maude and Patrick backed them on this one hundred percent. They had a discriminating clientele in Beverly Hills. Everything had to be flawless, from the food and service to the ambiance.

  Johnny and Lance had a devoted following from the hotel, but friendships would carry them only so far. In Beverly Hills, everyone rushed to visit a hot new restaurant, but they wouldn’t return unless it was unique.

  “How’s the patio and the bar coming together?” As he spoke, Lance organized an area of the kitchen for efficiency.

  “The chairs and barstools came in today, but the patio furniture got backordered. And now it’s stuck at U.S. Customs in the Long Beach harbor.” Johnny shook his head. “Those were the only things I ordered through Carla. Scarlett is going to hit the ceiling when she learns about it.”

  Johnny knew he shouldn’t have succumbed to Carla, but she’d been so insistent on showing him her ideas for the restaurant. He hadn’t told Scarlett because he’d felt embarrassed about it, and he knew Scarlett didn’t like Carla.

  Lance rubbed his stubbled chin. “You’re right, bud. Watch out.”

  When Johnny had arrived at Carla’s home, she had lit candles, turned the lights down low, and practically attacked him.

  “Come on, Carla, you know I’m seeing Scarlett,” he’d told her.

  She’d slid her hands across his chest and murmured, “Johnny, don’t be shy. Come on, I know what you really want.”

  “Patio furniture,” he’d blurted out. “That’s what I came here for.” So much for being nice.

  Lance grinned. “So what’s your plan?”

  Johnny pushed a hand through his thick hair. “I’ll rent outside tables and chairs for the opening if I have to. Or, if the furniture clears customs in time, I’ll send someone to pick it up.”

  “You’ll figure it out.” Lance slit open another carton. “Have the invitations been mailed?”

  “Yesterday. Also lined up the food critics. A different one every night. Didn’t want to overwhelm you.”

  “Thanks, but that’s what I do, buddy. Perfection. Every dish, every table, every time.”

  “Hello, where is everyone?” Scarlett’s voice rang out.

  “In the kitchen, chica.” Johnny opened the swinging door for her. “Hey, new outfit? You look fantastic.” He wrapped his arms around Scarlett and kissed her. They’d both been so swamped with their new ventures they’d hardly had time to see each other.

  He pulled back and brushed a wisp of hair from her cheek. She looked even more beautiful than usual today. “Something is different about you, mi amor. Your face is glowing.”

  “I went to see Penelope at the High Gloss offices. The new color palettes are ready, and the makeup artist did a trial run on me.” She held her arms up and executed a perfect pirouette. “And the outfit is courtesy of Fianna.”

  Lance came out of the kitchen. “Hi, Scarlett. Good to see you. Did you know we’re serving Isabel’s empanadas and paella at the grand opening?”

  “No, in fact, I’ve been trying to reach my mom.”

  “I’ve been here, nena.” Isabel poked her head around the corner. “I’m organizing the pantry.”

  “It’s all hands on deck,” Lance said. “We’re training everyone this week, too.”

  “Anything I can do to help?” Scarlett asked. “The patio seemed awfully bare when I came in. What can I do there?”

  Johnny shot Lance a warning look. “We’re expecting the furniture any day now,” Johnny said, grimacing. “Let me show you around.”

  Johnny had worked with one of Maude’s designers to create a sleek, stylish scene inside. Taking his cue from the name, Bow-Tie, he’d envisioned a 1920s jazz bar inside, and conversation pits on the patio with casual groupings, sofas, umbrellas, and fire pits.

  However, only the umbrellas and fire pits were in place. Johnny chided himself again.

  The dining room was an eclectic mixture of sumptuous fabrics and furniture, combined in a casual, artistic manner.

  “It’s really come together well. The chairs are perfect,” Scarlett said.

  Johnny looked around, satisfied. This was his dream. He ran his fingers along the small curve in Scarlett’s back, which caused a frisson of excitement in him. Scarlett was his true dream.

  “Come on into the bar,” he said, encircling her waist and guiding her with him through the restaurant.

  Scarlett paused at the door, taking in all the different textures and silky colors in the room. “I love these exotic pillows,” Scarlett said, running her hand along an assortment of vivid silk pillows from Shanghai Tang. “They look so inviting on the eggplant banquettes.”

  “Then you should try them out,” Johnny said.

  Scarlett gazed at him with a playful glint in her eye. “Maybe I will.” She wrapped her hand around his shoulders and pulled him down onto the leather banquette with her. They crashed onto the pillows, laughing. As Johnny touched his lips to hers, he felt every dream he’d ever had was coming true.

  If only he could manage to keep his life just like this.

  20

  JOHNNY AND LANCE’S last day had turned into a party at the Beverly Hills Hotel. All their regular customers had heard about their planned departure and the opening of their new restaurant, Bow-Tie.

  Johnny watched as familiar faces poured through the entryway. Lance emerged from the kitchen wearing his Beverly Hills Hotel chef jacket for the last time. “What a turn out tonight.”

  “I hope we see them all again soon at our new place,” Johnny said. And that was the day after tomorrow.

  “Hola, mi amor.”

  Johnny turned. “Carla, nice to see you.” She wore a strappy white dress that left little to the imagination. He plastered on a professional smile. He’d really had just about all he could take of her.

  “Wow.” Lance raised his eyebrows. “That’s quite a, ah, dress you have on.”

  Carla twirled around, obviously enjoying the attention she was attracting. All around them, men’s eyes roamed over her nearly bare limbs.

  “The designer calls it a band-aid dress.” Carla shimmied her shoulders.

  “Careful with that move,” Johnny said.

  Lance’s eyes widened. He excused himself to return to the kitchen.

  Carla giggled in Johnny’s ear. “Oh, come on, Johnny, you’ll take care of me if I have a little dress mishap, won’t you?”

  “Please don’t let that happen,” Johnny said with a grimace. Eager to change the subject, he said, “What have you heard about the furniture for the patio?”

  “I called my customs broker this morning. Relax, mi amor, it will be there. I’m a professional designer.”

  “Carla, this is your first job.” Johnny’s patience was wearing thin. “If you want to work, I suggest you spe
nd less time shopping and more time making sure you order goods in time to have them delivered.” He paused. “I saw the purchase order, remember? I have no problem paying you, but we needed that furniture by now. I can’t replace it because the order clearly states that it’s nonreturnable.”

  “Okay, okay, I’ll call the customs broker tomorrow. I’ll wait there all day for you if I have to.” Carla stuck out her lower lip. “Don’t be mad at me, Johnny. It’s my first job. I’m not a workhorse like Scarlett. But I do have other talents,” she added with a wink.

  On the day of Bow-Tie’s grand opening, Scarlett stood next to Verena in the new kitchen, enjoying the aroma of her mother’s fresh empanadas, hot from the fryer. The scent of food rose in the air, making Scarlett remember she’d skipped lunch. Her stomach growled in complaint.

  “I’m so proud of them, I’m bursting,” Scarlett whispered.

  “Is that what that sound is?” Verena chuckled. “I’m starving, too.”

  Johnny and Lance were opening their new restaurant tonight. As Johnny walked by, Scarlett gave him a kiss for luck. This was a night she would never forget.

  Johnny and Lance had been at the restaurant all day to make sure everything ran smoothly tonight. During the day, Scarlett and Verena had pitched in, too, before they left to get ready.

  Verena leaned over to Scarlett. “What a great idea to get ready at Fianna’s boutique. That was so much fun.”

  Scarlett had asked Joanie, the makeup artist from High Gloss, to go to Fianna’s boutique on Robertson. Fianna had set up a special table and mirror, and they all had their makeup done before they dressed. It caused quite a scene, and attracted lots of curious shoppers, especially when people recognized Penelope Plessen from the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. It turned out to be an excellent day for Fianna in terms of sales, and Scarlett was pleased for her.

  “You look marvelous,” Verena said.

  “So do you, especially in that white silk.” Scarlett wore the sage green dress that Fianna had fitted to her, and she felt fantastic. All her close friends were here: Verena, Fianna, Dahlia, Penelope, and Elena. Scarlett was so glad to have their support for Johnny and Lance. Zelda, Lavender, Olga, and a host of former clients had told her they’d stop by, too.