by Blue Saffire
“It was lovely to meet you Sephora,” Nicholas says in his rich deep voice as he helps me into my coat. I feel his fingers brush my hair out of the way or maybe it is my imagination, but his fingertips seemed to linger on the nape of my neck sending a shiver down my spine.
I step away quickly. “It was nice to meet you as well, Mr. Lincoln and once again thank you so much.”
“Ah, Luke is my family, which makes you the same please call me Nick.”
“Okay, thank you, Nick. I will make sure every penny is well spent, promise,” I chirp lamely, to my own embarrassment. Wow, I sound like such a nerd, could he please just let me get in a cab and go home to sleep off this nightmare. Is he waiting for me to trip again because I know it will happen.
“I know you will, Sephora and I will be watching. I am interested in what four years will do,” Nick says with a sexy half grin. I think I am blushing all the way down in my shoes right now. Thank God I am the one sibling that got dark skin. I would be so embarrassed right now. Not that I don’t suddenly look to see if my toes are indeed red, because it seems to be the best thought I have had all night.
“Although, I will have to insist that you are on time for your classes. I wouldn’t want to have to come to your school to punish you.” My mouth drops open as I watch him grin down at me.
“Ohhh, Nick, take it easy on Sophi, I don’t think she knows how to take you,” Luke laughs uncomfortably and pats his friend on the back.
“I think she understands me pretty well, but I do think it is time I said goodnight to you both. I have a flight to catch in the morning. Luke, let me know if you decide to leave New York behind like our Sephora here. I would love to have my right hand around again.”
“Yeah, I may just have to follow her after all,” Luke murmurs almost to himself as he narrows his eyes in confusion.
I am just as confused. Is it me or is Nicholas Lincoln flirting with me. I didn’t have champagne tonight. I know I’m thinking clearly other than being intoxicated by Nicholas himself. I shake my head to clear it, I’m just being silly. That is until I watch Nicholas and Lucian hug and Nicholas turns to hug me. I feel his lips brush my cheek before he whispers in my ear, “Until we meet again, my little butterfly.”
I gasp and squeeze my eyes shut. This has to be a dream.
Chapter One
The Makeover
“Wake up sleepyhead,” Ettie squeals in my ear. Oh God, please. Why me? I have been dreading this day for weeks now. According to Ettie she will not be having any ugly bridesmaids. Since she is now engaged and getting married to one of Luke’s friends and business partners and I am her maid of honor she feels it is her duty to make me over. Just so happens my graduation and graduation party are tomorrow as well. So Ettie believes she is getting a head start by forcing me out today.
“Seriously Ettie, can’t you give me one more hour before you start the invasion of the body snatchers,” I groan into the phone.
“Nope,” she sings, “I have been waiting years for you to agree to this and I am going to finally uncover my sexy as hell little sister.”
“You are welcome to try, but I know you are wasting your time.”
“Baby doll, live a little. You deserve it,” Ettie whines more seriously this time. “After everything we have been through. Listen, I am starting a new life, Luke is letting us both breathe and for once he is not totally stressed out over Mom and you are graduating with honors. It’s a way for a fresh new start for us all. Moving turned out to be good for all of us. Now just have some fun for once, Sophi.”
“Ettie–.”
“Sophi, you have to let go sometime. Look at what’s holding on too tight got Daddy.”
Okay, Ettie once again effectively shuts me up. We both know the consequences of my father’s actions. He is the reason we all moved to California in the first place. Well for me I wanted to go to college here, but in the end none of us could take the memories my father left behind and California became home. Luke himself was finally getting the family business back on track.
“Okay, okay, I’m getting up,” I huff.
“Great, because I just pulled up to your dorm,” Ettie sings. “You have ten minutes.”
I hang up the phone to make my way to the shower. My dorm room had been packed up a week ago. Luke being the brother he is had it all set up in my new apartment, I had to pretty much beg to have.
If it were up to Luke, I would move in with him and Nina his latest model. So not what I want. Once again the most perfect man in the world came to my rescue. Nicholas Lincoln offered Luke a great deal on a condo in one of his properties and promised it would be perfectly safe for me, with security, concierge, amenities and all.
Thinking of Nicholas just reminds me of the dream Ettie so conveniently interrupted. I haven’t seen him in person since the night I first met him four years ago, but I have not forgotten one inch of him. I know Luke sees him all the time.
I have been tempted to ask can I tag along to some of the functions I know they go to together, but I haven’t had the nerve. Besides, I made a promise I planned to keep. I just didn’t want to let Nicholas down. So I have spent the last four years in the University library or in my dorm room with my nose in my books and my computer.
That would explain why I have only made one friend here. Kimmie, who has only become my friend because she is also my roommate. I don’t know if we ever would have talked to each other had we not been thrown together. We are like night and day, but we have become so close she will be moving into my apartment with me. I guess we get along because she reminds me of Ettie.
Kimmie has tried to get me to go to parties with her, but I just know I won’t fit in. And then there is always my promise to Nicholas not to waste a dime of his money. So Kimmie has learned to love me as I am and I have learned to live vicariously through her.
I make it back to my room and throw on some sweats that I know Ettie and Kimmie will not approve of. Then I head out to meet Ettie at her car.
When I get outside the dorm I roll my eyes at Kimmie sitting in the back seat of Ettie’s convertible with her shades on and a cup of Starbucks in her hand. Ettie gives me a devilish smile and shakes a cup at me. Of course she would sweeten me up with a Frappuccino. She never has to worry about her weight, but that damn thing is going to go straight to my butt.
I slip into the passenger seat and take a long pull from the straw before pouting at the scowls on their faces. Just as I thought, I will be hearing about my choice of outfit. Kimmie pulls her shade down the bridge of her nose. Ettie tilts her head to the side and all I can do is sigh.
“I am burning those pants tonight, just so you know,” Ettie chimes and starts the car.
“I have scissors for that sweatshirt, it has haunted me for four years. No roommate should be subject to that,” Kimmie giggles.
“Whatever, who invited you anyway,” I murmur. I know I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone other than the two in this car, but I am not about to let Kimmie know that right now.
“Sophi, you know you want me here. I am just hurt Ettie had to be the one that asked.”
“This is going to be so embarrassing Kim,” I groan.
“But worth it Soph, you are superhot and it is time you realize it.” Sure, I am superhot to a spider. All this coming from the cute diva with the clearest chocolate brown eyes I have ever seen. If only I looked like Kimmie, I would have no problem grabbing the attention of Nicholas.
Where she is six feet tall in her sexy party heels, I am five four and have not dared to wear heels since my mother insisted I wear them to my father’s funeral. That was a disaster. I almost fell in with the casket.
Kimmie’s light brown hair is streaked with red and falls to her shoulders, it is shiny and pin straight. My hair is thick and wavy and falls in disarray down my back below my waist. I fear cutting it because I would have nothing to hide behind.
Kimmie has a beautiful, lithe body and I have curves that really should have been share
d with Ettie. I’m just saying, it is so not fair for one of us to get it all. Kimmie has honey brown skin that screams perfection and maintenance and I on the other hand have chocolate skin that only works on my mother or pretty girls like Tika Sumpter and Naturi Naughton.
On a good day, I have honey-colored eyes like my mom, but then there are the days were my father shows up and my eyes play tricks to show themselves a grey tinged with golden honey brown flakes. Ettie and Kimmie fuss at me consistently to wear colors that show off my grey eyed days, but it seems so startling to me with my dark hair and dark skin.
“We’ll see,” I grumble.
I know they want nothing more than for the swan to finally come forward, but I doubt she will. However, Nicholas Lincoln’s last words to me makes me want this makeover more than they want me to have it. It has been four years and I am so ready to see that gorgeous man again.
Rumor has it he doesn’t date. Luke never said why, but I know my brother and there is so much more to it. You can tell in the way he says, ‘Nick is not into dating,’ every time Mom and Ettie start trying to play matchmaker. We are all so grateful to Nicholas and as jealous as it makes me, I know the two of them are just trying to return the favor. A silly part of me has dreamed that he has just been waiting for me.
I snort to myself. Nicholas Lincoln did not spend the last four years waiting on little old Sephora Emilsson. He has probably forgotten I even exist other than signing the checks for my tuition each year for the past four years.
“What are you in such deep thought about?” Kimmie asks from beside me as we follow the pretty redhead back to our private room of spa torture.
“I guess I am nervous about tomorrow. You know I hate speaking in front of crowds,” I lie.
If Kimmie knew I had a crush on, the now multi billionaire, Nicholas Lincoln she would never let me live it down. As far as she is concerned, I only follow his life because his company funds my scholarship. Though she has told me on a number of occasions how much she would love to jump his bones.
I have followed everything about Nicholas, from the expansion of his company to the lawsuits that showed up around the same time as my father’s death - that kept him from coming to the funeral, to the very expensive real estate he purchased a few months ago. Though the location was not made public the whooping price was. There were rumors about it only being an apartment while other rumors placed him on a beach front property. Wherever it is I bet it is as gorgeous as the man himself.
“You have nothing to worry about Soph. You’ll be great and when we are through here you will feel great,” Kimmie reassured me and throws her arms around me to give me a tight hug.
I let myself relax with her hug. They were right, it was time for me to come out of my shell. Given the fact that I will have to go job hunting soon, a new attitude and a new look wouldn’t hurt at all.
Half a day later and I have no idea who the woman in the mirror staring back at me is. Ettie left no stone unturned. Not only did she have my brows threaded, which even I will admit really needed it, but they waxed, buffed and shined everything and I mean everything. I don’t think I will have favorable ideas toward Brazil for a very long time.
I lived through the threading, waxing, a facial, manicure, pedicure, full body massage, a dye job that included highlights, a haircut–that caused a fight and a time out between me and Ettie–and a lesson in applying my makeup along with the purchase of enough makeup for my whole floor at the dorm. If I thought I was put out by all of that, Ettie took me to every shops she could think of with plans to replace my entire wardrobe, and when I say entire I mean entire.
I would never have brought the underwear she insisted I have. I have to admit in the end thoughts of Nicholas were the only reason I gave in. Especially when she got to the thongs and garters. Girls with curves like me should never wear thongs, but that aside, I stand here in this black pencil skirt with a light grey blouse. Kimmie and Ettie don’t seem so crazy now. I think the girl in the mirror is beautiful.
My hair still falls down my back, now stopping at my waist, but in soft layers that complement my face and new hair color. I now have long sweeping bangs that cup my round chin and make my face look innocent, but sexy all at once. The shirt is flattering to my full bust and for once I am not ashamed to be so full in the chest. This skirt makes my legs look shapely and not like the short stumps I used to see in the mirror. Not to mention my waist looks tiny, but in the right proportion to the rest of my curves. Wow.
“Here try these,” Ettie says bouncing out of her skin as she passes me a pair of blue suede heels. Oh my God, this is it, the part when she really tries to kill me. I just stare at her wide eyed and petrified. “Sophiiii, they are just shoes. You can walk in them, stop being a baby.”
I sigh as I take the shoes from her and lean on Kimmie’s shoulder to put them on and hold my balance. They look perfect with the outfit, but I am so afraid to try to walk in them. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I glance again at the swan in the mirror. Wow, her legs look great in these heels. Taking a few tentative steps forward I smile and do a little dance shimmy shake. I can do this.
“That’s right, hot momma, shake that ass,” Kimmie laughs and smacks me across the butt causing me to yelp. “I knew she was in there.”
“Oh guys, thank you so much,” I squeal.
“We are not done yet, Andrew is bringing a friend of his along to the party tomorrow and I want to make sure you have on a killer dress with those shoes,” Ettie coos.
“Oh no Ettie, just because you are marrying Andrew does not mean I am ready to be married off to one of his friends,” I choke out.
“Sophi, you have never had a boyfriend and I think it is time,” Ettie says firmly.
“Who says I never had a boyfriend,” I demand as I lift my chin in defiance.
“You are twenty-two and have never had a boyfriend and I am willing to bet Andrew’s black card on that,” Ettie retorts with her hands on her hips.
“Ugh, I agreed to the makeover Ettie, not a hookup. I have my priorities straight. Luke promised that if I find a job in a month, I don’t have to come work for the family. I want my independence so I am focused on getting a job not a boyfriend.”
“Who said anything about a boyfriend. I’m just trying to get you laid,” Ettie grumbles under her breath.
“I heard that,” I scowl.
“Me too, you are so bad,” Kimmie chuckles.
“What am I going to do with the two of you?” I sigh, placing my head in my hands.
Two hours later we have my new wardrobe and a brand new dress for my graduation party. Ettie will make sure everything gets to my new apartment while I make sure the items for tomorrow make it to the dorm with me. After all, this was not the worst day ever. I may have even had fun.
I sure am smiling enough as I get whistles and ogles on the way to our dorm room. Kimmie squeezes my shoulders as she beams like a proud mother. My study buddy for the last three years Mark, is waiting outside my room when we arrive. His jaw hit the floor. Ettie and Kimmie refused to let me return in my clothes from this morning so I have on a pair of black skinny jeans and a navy blue silk blouse with red heels, Kimmie’s idea so that I get used to walking in heels for tomorrow.
“Sophi?” Mark says in almost a whisper. I nod my head and laugh at his reaction. “Oh, let me help you with some of that.” Mark reaches for some of my bags as Kimmie unlocks our room and pushes her way in the door. It seems a little jammed, but she gives a good push and an envelope that was wedged under the door slides to the center of the room.
“Were you expecting something Soph,” Kimmie quizzes.
“Not that I know of,” I muse as I watch Kimmie put our bags down and reach for the envelope. She spins around with a huge grin on her face.
“It’s from First Lincoln Industries,” Kimmie squeals.
I freeze. What would Nicholas’s company be sending me? Did they send all the graduates letters to congratulate them? But that envelope
is way too big for just a letter. Maybe it is a bill for the money First Lincoln Industries put out for my tuition. I mean Nicholas would know that my family’s assets were released and we could more than afford my education now.
“Well, are you going to open it?” Kimmie huffs in impatience.
I reach for the package and start to open it as I sit on my bed. I barely notice Mark at my desk staring in interest and anticipation. I pull a navy folder from inside the envelope and place it on my lap. I run my fingers across the bold gold writing that spells out First Lincoln Industries before taking a deep breath and opening the folder. I read through the first piece of parchment and am sure I am dreaming as my ears start to ring.
“This must be a mistake,” I say in a whisper dropping the paper to my lap and cover my lips with my shaking fingertips. It has to be a mistake. I cannot see any other explanation. I feel a cold chill run through me. This is such a cruel joke to play, who would do this? I will kill Luke.
“Oh. My. God!” Kimmie shrieks as her eyes get large in her face. I didn’t even register the fact that she has picked up the letter and started to read it. “This is amazing Sophi. I didn’t know you applied. Why didn’t you tell me?”
I look up in disbelief. “Because I didn’t apply. This has to be a mistake,” I repeat.
“Soph, things like this don’t happen by mistake. Oh God, do you see the salary they are offering you?”
I am sure I am going to be sick. Nicholas Lincoln’s company just offered me a ridiculous position for a ridiculous amount of money. This is so not real. I mean it is my ideal job in about five to ten years, but here it is being offered to me on a platter in black and white the night before my graduation. Luke has to be behind this and I am going to kill him. I meant it when I said I wanted independence. I want to find my own job.