The Hourglass

by K. S. Smith

  Lucas stood and began pacing. “I… well I just, Dammit. If something was up with you, you would tell me right?”

  Putting on a stunned expression, I let my jaw fall lax. “Lucas, of course, I have some stuff up in the air right now, so if I have seemed scattered I’m sorry.”

  As he shook his head, I could see the wheels spinning as he tried to figure out how to use information he shouldn’t know. Running his fingers through his hair, he sat next to me again, putting on his smile that lit up the room. “No, No. I’m sorry, work has just been crazy.”

  “I hear you there, I finally got to wrap up the last issue and have a day to breathe, now it’s full steam ahead for the auction. Speaking of, did Savannah get with you on portrait approval?”

  “Yes, she did. Although it was hard to pick.” He gave me a suave wink. “The auction, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I would love to escort you to the event if you don’t already have a man’s arm to grace.”

  “Oh Lucas, I would love to,” I said with every ounce of enthusiasm before kissing him, letting his tongue slip in and do a tango with my own. When he pulled me over his lap I panicked, I couldn’t do this. How did Savannah do it? Trying to be casual about pulling back, I placed a chaste kiss on his lips and then moved my hands down to my stomach, watching as Lucas’s eyes followed my movement.

  “I probably should get back to my office, I’ve been away a while. I’m not sure when I’m free, but I’ll call you.” Placing his palm against my cheek, he traced my bottom lip with his thumb. “Brooke, I do care for you more than I thought possible for me. It kind of scares me.” Lucas’s honesty was so raw as he spoke, that while he walked out, my heart clenched within my chest walls.

  Slouching in my chair I called Savannah. “Hey I’m pulling the best friend card, I need you now.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Savannah

  HOPPING OUT OF Brooke’s jeep, I grabbed my carry-on.

  Brooke glanced into the back seat as if I was forgetting something. “That’s it? You only have a carry-on?”

  Rolling my eyes and shaking my head at my best friend, I laughed. “Oh Brooke, I’m going to Miami, not Alaska, the only things I need are skimpy bikinis and bronzer so I come back with a golden tan.” I looped my camera case over my shoulder and leaned through the driver’s side window to hug my best friend. “I’ll see you Saturday. I know it’s going to be crazy town around here, but you have to give me at least ten minutes away from the auction so we can go over everything one last time. After Saturday night, Luke will never be the same.” Waving, I smiled. “Love you, see you soon” and she hollered out her window. “Love you too, safe travels.”

  Squinting my eyes, I dug into my purse and pulled out my Ray Ban Aviators, putting them on to block the sun that was directly overhead. After checking the time on my phone, I turned at the sound of Spanish music thumping against the speakers of car. I lifted my Aviators slightly so I could see farther into the tinted windows, and a huge grin spread across my face as a white Hummer H3 with gigantic spinning chrome rims stopped in front of me.

  One of my favorite fellow Hourglass employees, Juan Carlos, leaned over the center console, forcing the passenger’s side door open. “Aye, mamasita, hurry up and get that cute little culo in my car before one of these refugees tries to steal you and take you back to the motherland.”

  I tossed my carry-on and camera bag into the back seat then slid into the huge Hummer and leaned over to hug my friend. In true fashion, he squeezed me tight and kissed both of my cheeks. “We’ve got to get you to mi casa. This outfit is for the birds, honey.”

  Laughing, I replied, “Yes, the snow birds. Remember it’s still cold where I come from.”

  Juan Carlos drove as if we were an hour late to an important meeting with Monica, shifting lanes, honking his horn and speeding faster than Dale Earnhardt, all the while, shaking his hips to the beat of the music. Pulling into the flamboyant high rise that towered over South Beach I grinned to myself. “Nice place, JC.”

  He shoved me out of the front seat then grabbed my things. “Move it mama, we’ve got a lunch date in twenty minutes.”

  Sitting down on to the oversized crisp white couch that adorned the patio of JC’s favorite Cuban restaurant on the strip, I lifted my tank top over my head, allowing all of South Beach the pleasure of admiring my brand new coral bikini top. “I would kill to be able to wear my bikini year round; I may have to request a transfer.” The handsome Latin server set two ice cold beers down on the table and proceeded to check me out when he thought I wasn’t looking.

  JC leaned in closer to me. “I think he likes you, mami. I mean what’s not to like? You just gave him a great view of your Rocky Mountains and those jean shorts are so short he can probably see your cho-cha.” Letting out a belly laugh I thanked Hourglass for bringing me such an amazing gay friend, because let’s be honest, every girl needs one.

  “So, what are the plans? I know we’re working on the beach, but what models are we shooting?”

  JC sipped his beer and began his tangent on the skinny models that were a pain in the ass to deal with. “I hope you’re ready for the prima donnas, because Miami girls are completely different from the little white girls you deal with in Denver.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh, JC and I were in the same business, but our worlds were so different. He dealt with Latin bombshells who’d rather have their bodies greased by cabana boys than actually prepare for a shoot and I dealt with uppity ski snobs who were too busy vacationing in the mountains to show up to a shoot on time. We were so different, yet so alike at the same time. My first day in Miami had been perfect, no work and all play. JC and I spent the rest of the afternoon lounging by his pool and taking in the eye candy; then later that evening we danced the night away in a popular club on the ground floor of his condo.

  Falling onto the bed in JC’s guest room I checked the time on my clock. Two in morning, which meant it was only midnight back home. Scrolling through my contacts I located Brooke’s number and pressed dial.

  She didn't even bother with a hello. “Hey, I was worried about you when you didn’t text me to let me know you’d landed, but then I saw JC’s picture on Facebook and I knew you must have been having too much fun. How is it down there? How’s the weather, I’m so jealous you get a real tan before the auction and I have to settle for a spray tan. Oh, and by the way, I’m stealing that bikini, it’s perfect.”

  I snickered at my best friend’s longwinded answer. “Well hello to you too, Brooke.” We both laughed.

  “So, how are things with Luke? Are we still on track for Saturday?”

  Brooke replied, excitedly. “He’s eating out of the palms of our hands. In fact, he stopped by tonight probably because he knew you were out of town and he wouldn’t get himself caught. I let him in for a little bit, but ended up getting nauseous from the smell of his new cologne. He stayed on the couch while I made myself a cup of tea to settle my stomach, but the look on his face was priceless. You could see that his wheels were spinning the entire time. He finally told me I should get some rest and left as quick as he possibly could.”

  She was getting good at this. “Brooke, I’m impressed. I’m over two thousand miles away and you’re still holding down the fort. This is exciting; we may have to do this again. Well, minus the sleeping with the same man part.”

  Brooke scoffed into the phone. “You’re crazy if you think I’m ever doing this again. The next guy I get serious with is going to meet you the first day and sign a contract that he’ll never have anything to do with your nether regions.”

  Cracking up, I gave her a typical Savannah response. “Well, what about my upper regions?”

  She shouted at me. “I’m going to kick your ass!” as we both laughed hysterically.

  “Alright, it’s getting late here and I have to be up early tomorrow morning to deal with some bitchy senoritas, so I better let you go. Keep up the good work with Luke. Love you.”

 
; “Love you too, Sav.” After hanging up, I plugged my phone into the charger and tugged the covers up to my chin, settling in for the night.

  A week in Miami was enough to remind me that there was no way in hell I’d be requesting a transfer anytime soon. I loved the sunshine and gorgeous people, but the models were a pain in the ass; I’d just about had it with their “I’m so perfect” attitudes. Not to mention, I’d had enough fake phone sex with Luke to last a lifetime. He was chomping at the bit to pick me up from the airport tomorrow morning after an evening at the charity auction. Little did he know, I’d already landed and was a few hours away from turning his life upside down.

  Upon walking into the lobby of my condo, I was greeted by one of the beauticians who worked for Hourglass. “Oh thank goodness you’re here, I have two hours to meet with Brooke and get all dolled up for tonight’s event.” She followed me up to my condo, and I showed her to my bathroom, where she began setting up all of the makeup and curling irons.

  Moments later, Brooke came barreling through my door. “Whoa, baby, you look gorgeous.” She stood there with her hair pinned up into loose flowing curls, makeup that rivaled a super model and her dress; it was perfect, clinging to every curve of her body. Sure to make Luke’s mind focus on one thing; getting her out of it.

  Brooke smiled and twirled. “Thanks, it’s a Jason Wu, I borrowed it from the closet at work.”

  Taking my phone from my pocket I snapped a picture of her. “That way I can take you with me everywhere and show potential love interests what you look like so they know to steer clear of you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Can we deal with one man at a time?”

  Nodding I tugged her into my bathroom so I could start my hair and makeup, “Okay, fill me in on the plan one last time, because I know you’ve got to get going.”

  Brooke sat across from me and began strategically laying out the final stage of Operation Destroy Lucas Wellington. Nodding in agreement I took it all in, excited that we’d finally be rid of this man I’d once deeply cared for. I was thrilled that tonight was going to be the last night I’d ever have to hear about Luke Wellington. “You sure you have it all in that scattered brain of yours?”

  The corners of my lips lifted smugly. “Oh yeah, I’ve got it alright.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Auction Night

  Brooke

  BUSTLING MY GOWN’S train up in my hand, I sashayed into the main ballroom we had secured for the event. Lisa was on top of things, giving out orders and making sure that everything was exactly as I had demanded. My phone buzzed inside my clutch. I undid the clasp and slid it out noticing a text message from Lucas.

  Hey Babe, I’m meeting you there right? 6PM?

  Sending back a quick text I attached a selfie photo redundant?to it as well, showing off the alluring neckline of the silver gown I had borrowed from The Closet at work. It fit me like a glove, and when the head stylist had suggested it, I couldn’t pass it up. It took my breath away, and I sincerely hoped it would have a similar effect on Lucas.

  Wow! Can I show up early and get a PRIVATE tour?

  Laughing aloud I slipped my phone back into my clutch and signaled Lisa to come speak with me. “Lisa, things seem to be running very efficiently. Well done. Where are we with the progress of set up? I want this room ready by five so that we can be ready to greet everyone as they come in.” Lisa quickly spouted off where things were at before scurrying back to work, determined to not repeat the mistakes of our last event.

  At precisely five o’clock, she was done and had all support staff out of the ballroom so I could do a walkthrough. The room was elegantly decorated. Large crystal vases were scattered throughout with bouquets of calla lilies. A carved ice hourglass that served as a champagne fountain held presence in the center of the room, surrounded by the flutes to hold the tempting sweet drink. Halfway through, Monica’s assistant walked in and surveyed the work done, a breath of relief passing through her lips. I can only imagine how relieved she was to be able to report to Monica that we were all set up and ready for the attendees.

  Walking over to where the guests would register for the auction and receive their paddles, I smiled seeing them so innocently sitting there on the clothed table, knowing how devious they would become tonight. The night was all ready to go, and would be a success in all areas both personal and professional. Stepping back to the backstage area, I tucked in behind the curtain where our personal beauticians were setting up for the runway show we were planning. I waved one over to touch up my makeup and hair.

  “Thank you so much. Could you also see to Lisa? She’s been working very hard this evening, and I want her to feel as beautiful as she is on the inside.” After giving the girl’s arm a quick squeeze, I walked back out onto the main stage that would hold the short runway show as well as the auction. From up here I had the perfect vantage point to see the entire room. My eyes were captivated by a suave man in a tuxedo who had just strutted in, it was show time.

  “Lucas, you’re here early.” I smiled as I stepped into his embrace and kissed him softly on his lips.

  “Please tell me there is a coat closet or something I can get you into. My God, Brooke. I’m not sure if I love that dress or hate it.” Lucas leaned back to rake his eyes over my every curve, licking his lips as if he would devour me at any moment.

  “Oh Lucas, you will have to exercise some patience,” I let my hand trail down his tailored jacket to his trousers. “Good things come to those who wait. I have to greet guests first and speak with Monica, but I assure you, you will have my undivided attention later.” Kissing him soundly I slipped my tongue into his mouth to tempt him to the edge. “Besides, I actually have something very important to speak to you about.”

  I turned my head to the entrance, pretending to focus on the new arrivals as I watched Lucas out of the corner of my eye. I was curious to see if my statement aroused him or panicked him. Judging by the loss of color as his eyes quickly surveyed my toned stomach, I knew my attempt to rile him up with worry had proven a success.

  “Excuse me a moment,” I murmured, stepping around him. The buzz from my clutch captured my attention as I walked toward the entryway; quickly I peeked to see what it said.

  I’m here! It’s show time!

  Savannah

  After I stepped out of the limo I made my way to Brooke, stopping so we could pose together, then I slinked my arm around her waist, smiling for the cameras while she whispered into my ear. “He’s all yours.”

  The ballroom was beyond spectacular, taking my breath away as I admired every detail we’d worked so hard to achieve. Luke was in the middle of the room, champagne in hand, speaking with representatives from Nike; not knowing it had been arranged that Brooke would be the highest bidder during the auction. Sneaking up on him I lifted his champagne flute out of his hand and took a sip. Allowing the bubbles to flow down my throat I winked up at Luke, whose expression turned into a mix between panic and sheer terror. “Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce myself, I am Savannah Prescott, lead photographer for Hourglass and also Luke’s date for the evening.”

  The men greeted me with firm handshakes and kisses on the cheek, and then excused themselves, probably so I could have a moment alone with Luke, who had yet to say a word.

  I placed a swift kiss on the corner of his mouth. “Surprise, I made it back in time to be your date.” Luke glanced rapidly around the room, not able to even focus on me. Snapping my fingers in front of his face, I tried to catch his attention. His gaze honed in on me—finally,

  “Luke, look at me, I didn’t pick out such a revealing dress to be ignored all night.”

  His hands rested on my hips. “I’m sorry, babe, I’m just caught off guard. I didn’t expect you to be here tonight.”

  Slipping my arms around his rigid frame, I pulled him in so his body was pressed up against mine. “Well, I’m here now, and I’m all yours.”

  Luke continued to scan the room, and I knew he was
looking for Brooke. Our plan was working; Luke was crumbling. Spotting Lisa, Brooke’s assistant, I decided to make it a bit more interesting. “Lisa, come over here, please,” I called across the ballroom.

  Lisa stopped in her tracks and pointed at herself, to make sure I was speaking to her. Nodding my head I grinned devilishly.

  “Sav, what are you doing?” Luke asked, worried, just as Lisa stopped in front of the two of us.

  “Lisa, I want you to meet Luke Wellington, my boyfriend and one of our eligible bachelors for tonight’s auction. Luke this is Brooke’s assistant. Didn’t she do a wonderful job? Oh, and by the way, Lisa, you better not try to outbid me during the auction. I’m taking this man home with me and anyone else who tries to outbid me will have to deal with the wrath of Savannah Prescott.”

  Lisa’s brow furrowed into a mystified expression. “But I thought…isn’t he…didn’t Brooke...I’m so confused.”

  Luke quickly interrupted. “Pleasure to meet you Lisa, now if you’ll excuse us, Savannah and I were just heading to the bar.”

  Tugging my arm slightly Luke pulled me toward the bar, which was right outside of the ballroom. “Not so fast, I have a few more people I’d like to introduce you to.” Luke’s body sagged for a brief moment, and then he squared his shoulders and gave in to me. Taking his hand I led him in the direction of Monica’s assistant, but before we could make it to her, we were sidetracked by Luke’s boss.

  “Luke, Savannah, what a pleasure it is to see you both. Savannah, the pictures are wonderful, as usual. You did an impeccable job.”

  Leaning in to hug Mr. Hemsworth, I played it up perfectly. “You all make my job so easy, especially Luke. I’m so lucky to have him in my life.”

  Placing a kiss on Luke’s cheek Mr. Hemsworth smiled. “We’re always happy to sponsor such a wonderful event; I hear there was a new lead this year. Monica hired a new employee and she is responsible for all of this?” Keeping my hands all over Luke, I began to gloat about my best friend. “Oh yes, her name is Brooke Reid, and she is just marvelous, I know she’s somewhere around here. I’d be delighted to introduce you to her.”