Robin updated the team and everyone took a much welcome break. Robin hated to disappoint Nico. He was a great boss to work for and she loved her job. It brought her challenges but great opportunities too. She remotely accessed the approved caller list and noted that Lea had been removed. He had moved on then to Carrie. She couldn’t find Carries name. Oh hell and she had been the one to update the list with her details. Accessing her emails she checked the contact information that Nico had given her to cross reference.
No Carrie Reynolds-Davies on the list but there was a Varrie Reynolds with the same mobile. It was a typo Varrie instead of Carrie. Robin corrected the file and sent an instant message to Nico.
“Sorry boss, my mistake, Carrie was entered onto the system as Varrie Reynolds. I’ve corrected it to Carrie Reynolds-Davies. I will explain this to Carrie and apologise.”
Carrie put aside the wooden spoon and watched Tansie drop spoonful’s of cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Within minutes the kitchen was full of the aroma of the cookies baking. Carrie was quiet after her call with Nico, reflecting on a very strange morning. She texted her to sister with a quick update that she had spoken with Nico and was going ahead with the makeover. Tansie made a final check and the cookies were ready just as the door opened and Monique bellowed hello.
“What has been happening here then, tell me all?”
Monique delivered this with her usual hug.
“Not much Monique, I like you hair, it is lovely”
Whenever Carrie had met her before her hair was always down looking very much like she was channelling Naomi Campbell. Long and straight in a centre parting. Today it was elegantly swept up, with a knot in the back and her fringe was in a stylish bump at the crown of her head.
“It’s very glamorous.”
“Thank you Carrie, I am very very happy with my sexy ‘do for tonight. Now let’s get you sorted Tansie has explained everything that happened. Remember we brought you luck with your outfit at Shamiqua’s.”
With the ping of the oven announcing the cookies ready Carrie checked her watch; it was time to return to the parlour. Time first for a straight from the oven gooey soft cookie.
“Tansie, these are yum. I think they are the best ones I have tasted in my time here!”
Robin was waiting outside the parlour door.
“Carrie, can I have a word in private please?”
“On you go Carrie, Tansie and I will wait here for you”
They walked over to the large window that overlooked the garden area.
“I am really sorry Carrie, I feel like we kind of got off on the wrong foot this morning. I spoke with a couple of the girls and they think you might have overheard them having a gossip.”
“It’s okay Robin,”
“No I want to explain. Yes the team have worked together before. As you can imagine some of the events run by Devanti require the expertise of a lot people and its best if we work in one location. It was indiscreet to talk about previous occasions but we are not on call for the women who are in Nico’s life. Not that this has happened before. Oh shoot I’m making this worse!”
“Robin, I understand honestly I do. I had a bit of a wobble thinking I was in the Devanti harem!”
“It’s nothing like that at all. We’ve been pulling together the ideas for today over the last 24 hours. Another thing, the approved list. I am so so sorry. That was my fault I had a typo with your name on the list and added you as Varrie Reynolds. It’s been fixed now so when you call again there won’t be any issues with that. Nico was furious.”
“Let’s just wipe the last couple of hours away and start afresh”
“Thanks Carrie, now I hate to remind you but its 1.30pm and we still have to find you an outfit, hair and makeup.”
“I have faith plus I have Tansie and Monique my good luck charms, now they are a force to be reckoned with!”
“You okay?” Monique mouthed as they walked over to the parlour door. Carrie nodded her head.
“Wow Carrie girl let’s get this party started then!” Monique bellowed as Robin opened the doors.
Carrie raised her head, determined not to look a fool in front of everyone.
“I have found a fabulous dress Carrie, it is the dress, now let’s get you out of those clothes and into this divine creation!”
Carrie retreated to the changing area and gasped when she saw the dress hanging. It was breath taking and in an instant she knew perfect for tonight.
The dress was strapless in navy almost black coloured tulle. Gold threads were embroidered throughout the front and back with tiny sequins, beads and jewels. Without hesitation she picked it from the hanger.
“It’s beautiful Carrie, I thought it perfect for you”
“I love it D’von. Lets just hope it fits, give me a couple of minutes and I will give you a shout to zip me up”
The dress had an internal bustier built into it in a soft satin to match the colour of the tulle. No need for a bra then. She pulled the dress on removing her own bra. The dress was fishtail in design and fitted Carries every curve to perfection with a small train at the back.
Yes, this was the one. She knew even before D’von secured the back or she attempted to walk to the others.
“Amazing, amazing!” he cried out. The zipper slowly closed and Carrie stepped into the Jimmy Choo black suede sandals that he had brought.
Carrie walked back into the open area of the parlour.
A wolf whistle broke out.
“Oh Carrie, you look fabulous! I told you that you needed a little of the Monique and Tanise luck”
“I love it, but you don’t think it’s a bit much do you?”
“Carrie that’s the one, now let’s celebrate. Do we have any champagne?”
Within minutes the sound of a bottle popping could be heard then the chink of glasses.
Carrie carefully removed the dress. They were back on schedule. She was even going to stick with the Jimmy Choos that she wore with the dress. All that remained was to pick a bag. From the table she was drawn to a champagne coloured clutch bag that was embellished with faux pearls and gold beads. She opened the clasp that was topped with Swarovski crystals. Perfect. It matched the gold thread of the embroidery on the dress.
A few hours later and Carries makeover was almost complete. She had a manicure and pedicure. The first beauty treatments she had since Rob had died. She tried not to feel guilty about this parking it in the back of her mind for now and chatted away with Monique about the upcoming evening.
Carrie insisted that Monique also have manicure and pedicure in preparation as she had derailed her plans for that afternoon.
“Well I will be looking all that and a bag of chips tonight!” she exclaimed in delight and clicked her fingers.
“You will be looking fabulous Monique”
She said her good byes returning to her room for a shower and a bite to eat. Thanked Tansie and Monique for their support. Terri had arranged for some sandwiches for her as all she had eaten since breakfast was the gooey cookie that Tansie had made. A few of those cookies were also on the tray. Robin made her promise to return at six pm for her hair and make-up, ever aware of the 7.45pm deadline.
In the solace of her room she sat on the sofa trying to take in all the events of the day. Another rollercoaster. She had felt so hurt thinking that she was just another number in virtual black book for Nico. Once again she had turned to her big sister for support and sounding board for her woes. Grateful for the food and flask of coffee that Terri provided Carrie tucked in. Her appetite not diminished. There was a knock on the door and she replaced her coffee cup back on the table.
Opening the door she was surprised to see Robin again.
“Hi Carrie, Nico asked me to give you this out of sight of everyone.”
She handed over a large flat box. The distinctive pink box and black bow of agent provocateur needed no further explanation.
“Thanks Robin”
No way was she opening this
in front of anyone.
Robin checked her watch. “See you in an hour Carrie”
Carrie nodded and closed the door. She laid the box on the bed and untied the black ribbon. Layers and layers of tissue concealed the most delicate array of lingerie. Panties, bras, suspender belts, stockings in an assortment of colours. Her phone beeped. It was Nico. Robin must have confirmed that she had delivered the box.
“Hi I hope you are enjoying the day so far. Please accept this latest gift to complete your outfit of choice. X”
There’s a tricky one. The intimacy of accepting such a gift. But she really didn’t have anything suitable to wear under the dress. Somehow her sensible big pants just wouldn’t do.
“It’s all been a little bit overwhelming but thank you for today and this last gift x”
She selected a black wisp of lace to wear under the dress from the large box, not needing anything else as the dress was very secure. Time for her shower as it was getting closer to when she was due to return to the parlour. Firstly, she charged her mobile as it was running low on the battery. She found a little bag to take downstairs with her and popped in some essentials. The miniscule panties, her perfume, lipstick for later as she would not be back in the room until after the dance. They had agreed Carrie would return for her hair and make-up then she would be helped into the dress again.
After her shower she added a liberal amount of the new moisturiser once again mentally making a note to buy some more before she returned home. Then she sprayed the Tom Ford Black Orchid perfume as a finishing touch. She left her hair unwashed as they advised that it would be easier to style. Putting on the bathrobe and slippers provided in her room it was time to leave. She picked up the bag and her phone.
This time when Carrie returned to the parlour she was without the support of Monique and Tansie. Naked beneath the robe as she walked downstairs hoping that she didn’t trip and flash to the other guests.
“Hi,” she greeted Robin trying to curb the nervousness that was beginning to creep in.
“Hi Carrie, on time, great let’s get started”
Sitting in the chair she was slowly transformed as the team worked their magic. The make-up applied with a skill to create smoky eyes that Carrie would never be able to achieve on her own. Carrie had opted to use her own blush coloured mac lipstick and it was a perfect match to the smoky eyes. The lip crayon blending in with the pencil that the stylist had used to define her lips. Carrie felt the biggest transformation was her hair. They really did work a miracle with her neglected locks. It was old Hollywood glamour all the way. In a Veronica Lake style parting with a tumble of perfect waves. The sun had added natural highlights to her dark brown hair which was now glossy and unrecognisable to her.
“Thank you, I don’t believe it is me in the mirror!”
It had taken longer to do Carrie’s hair than they thought and she caught Robin glancing several times at her watch, making calls. Carrie sipped at her glass of champagne. Her second of the day and she had to admit it was giving her a nice glow, soothing her growing nerves.
D’von appeared. “Now, now Carrie its time to get you into that dress! Wow great job girls she looks fabulous.”
Back in the changing area and all alone Carrie contemplated the evening ahead. Nerves were beginning to kick in although slightly numbed from the champagne. She removed her own watch and added it to her bag as it didn’t match the outfit. Checking the time it was 7.30pm. No wonder Robin was trying to conceal her panic. She stepped into the strappy Jimmy Choo sandals. Located the tiny black panties in the bag which she did wonder what they concealed at all but they did protect her modesty. A spray of her perfume and she was ready to step back into the dress. Carefully trying not to smudge her make up or mess her hair. A few minutes later once she had shuffled her body into a comfortable position in the form fitting dress she called out to D’von to zip and button her in.
“Carrie, you look divine. I just knew that dress was going to be flawless!”
Carrie looked in the mirror and it was like looking at a stranger. Her Cinderella moment. Earlier she thought the dress beautiful when she tried it on but now with her make-up and hair it was indeed perfect for tonight’s event.
She reached over and hugged him. Surprising them both!
“Thank you D’von it really is the perfect dress. I love it”
“Before we go out, I want you to sit in that chair. Just in case I need to loosen the dress a little.”
Carrie walked over and slowly sat down.
“Phew D’von. I think it’s okay.”
“Now before Robin has a heart attack waiting we had better get you ready to go”
Carrie picked up the bathrobe and her bag. “Give me those; I will get them returned to your room. We don’t want to spoil the effect of your big reveal if you are holding those things!”
“I trust your judgement!” Carrie took a deep breath. “Okay I’m ready”
Applause greeted her.
Carrie tried to hide her embarrassment by joking with Robin was the applause a signal they were back on schedule. “We did it Carrie,”
“Thank you everyone for today, I really do appreciate it”
Carrie picked up the little clutch bag and added her lipstick. She passed her mobile to Robin.
“Robin, would you do me another favour and take a picture? I promised my sister I would take a photograph for her”
“No problem but we have one more thing to do first” and opened the door.
“Hi Jay”
“Good Evening Carrie, you look amazing. I have this from Nico” He opened a large black velvet jewellery box.
“Wow,” Carrie exclaimed dazzled at the diamonds resting on the black velvet. A diamond necklace, earrings and tennis style bracelet. The single strand of both the necklace and bracelet stunning in their simplicity.
“I can’t wear these! They must cost a fortune and I would need a bodyguard,” she joked.
“It’s okay Carrie, Nico has borrowed them for the evening. No bodyguard required”
Robin helped secure the necklace and bracelet whilst Carrie put the earrings on. Yes it was the finishing touches.
“Time for your photo Carrie, smile!”
“Thank you Robin,” Much to Robin’s surprise too Carrie hugged her.
“Sorry, I am a hugger!” and Robin laughed.
“Hope to see you again soon Carrie”
“Oh you will when I am returning everything”
“No need for that Carrie, Nico was very explicit in his instructions, the dress, bag, shoes that’s all yours. It’s only the jewellery that’s on loan”
“What? I thought it was hired or something.”
“No way, Carrie, it’s all for you”
“Time to go Carrie,” Jay instructed.
She gave a wave and a final hug to D’von. “You are a miracle worker” she told him. “You have made me feel very special today, thanks again.”
“Shush, you will have me tearing up, now go before Jay wears away the carpet”
Jay took her arm and helped her downstairs to the car.
“Just a few minutes and we will be at the house” Carrie nodded nervously.
A quick text to her sister.
“Hi Sis, on my way to the dance. Will text you later when I get a chance, sending you a pic as promised x” Within seconds she had a reply.
“Is that really you???????? Go get them sis you look fabulous! Like a million dollars. Have fun x”
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Carrie returned her phone to her bag just as the car pulled up in front of the Devanti home. A large driveway which was already busy with cars and limos dropping people off.
“Nico is waiting for you Carrie, you just have to walk through the main doors and he will be there” Jay had stopped the car in front of the red carpet that lead up a dozen or so steps before large open double doors. He helped her out of the car whilst she pulled the small train of the dress into its position.
&
nbsp; “Okay, thanks Jay”
On the outside Carrie was graceful and the picture of elegance to the many that’s eyes that were drawn to her. But within the nerves were beginning to take hold.
“Just think of it as another business dinner, one you’ve been to many times, you can do it” she coached herself.
With slow steady steps she took the stairs her body poised and head held high. To her relief she could see Nico at the doorway. Those extra steps gave her a chance to stare at him and soak in the sight of his handsome face dressed in a black tuxedo. He wore a white shirt and the customary bow tie. Although she had only known him a few days she thought he had never looked as sexy as he did at that moment to her. He was talking with an older couple. When the woman brushed a hand over his lapel she recognised from the magazine article it was his parents. The touch only one a mother who was fussing over a child would give. At that moment he looked up and their eyes caught. Was it possible to feel like a bolt of lightning had just gone through her? She felt a physical jolt of attraction as she looked at him and was completely mystified feeling like this. She had never experienced this before. He walked forward away from his parents. Within seconds he was standing in front of her. He reached out and took her hand and brushed his lips against her knuckle. Wow again. Then he pulled her slightly forward into his arms.
“Hello you,” he greeted and kissed her gently on the lips in the briefest of touches.
“Hello you,”
“Carrie, you look incredible, after the events of today I didn’t think you were going to come, But I’m glad you did.”
“I nearly didn’t Nico but thank you for today. Everyone was amazing. Robin and D’von were fantastic”
“If we didn’t have to go into a room with over three hundred people, nothing would stop me from showing you exactly what my reaction is to you.”
“Me too” Carrie whispered. “I think you look very hot Mr Devanti”
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