Skinny Dipping

by Kaye, Alicia M

  “Can you get someone else? Aren’t actresses a dime a dozen?”

  “It’s going to eat into our time to get someone else. More casting time, more auditions. We don’t want to blow the budget. In the meantime, we’re working on the website. There’s a load to do.”

  Bradley nodded. “Okay, you seem quite on top of it. Your work-in-progress for this account is building up. We need to bill soon. You need to get this done and invoiced to the client.”

  Sophie nodded. “I’m going as fast as I can.”

  “A tip Sophie.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Most actresses are out of work, why are you going with someone green? Someone so fresh? It sounds like a mistake for a national commercial. Maybe reconsider her.”

  Doubt suddenly went through her mind, but Desmond had agreed once he’d auditioned her. Samantha was perfect as the face for the Silver Swimming Chain, and for what they were trying to achieve.

  “Think hard about this Soph, don’t put a rod up your back, pinning everything on someone inexperienced. The client is important, but so is our revenue. We need to stay afloat.”

  ***

  Sophie left work early that afternoon. Thoughts whirled through her mind, had she made the wrong decision with this fresh girl? Samantha, with so little experience. The thoughts melded into those of her Dad, having a hard time finding work. His lack of job and Gloria’s spending spree.

  Sophie left a message on her Dad’s phone. If he didn’t tell his mother the truth within the week, then she would. She felt awful, they still hadn’t spoken since their terrible conversation. This was the very time when her father needed support, and not to be told off.

  She found herself at the swimming pool. She got in the water and on her way out her mood instantly brightened when she saw Matthew standing at the pool reception counter. “You’re here to practise? We don’t have a lesson – or did I get it wrong?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve just finished some practise.”

  His face broke out into a smile which extended from ear to ear, he was so pleased. “Are you okay? Feverish?” he asked, he touched her forehead in a joking manner, rounding his eyes innocently. A ripple of excitement went through her body when his eyes locked with hers.

  “Ploughing away; thought I would take out any negativity in the water.” She dropped her Mary Poppins bag on the counter, settling in for a chat with him. “What about you?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “I’m manning reception until Eve gets back from her break. Everything going okay at work?”

  She sighed. “It’s busy right before Christmas, I suppose. Have you read the fabulous script for your commercial?”

  “Yes, I’ve read it. I’m excited.”

  “The shooting will take place after the new year. One shot will be here at the Highbury Aquatic Centre, and the other at Brighton beach. Right at sunset, and all you see is a shadow of a girl running into the sea water, and a pair of swimmers hurled at the camera.”

  “I’ve got a hotel up there,” he said casually. He grabbed the strap of her Mary Poppins bag and peeked in, avoiding eye contact with her.

  “Well let me know if there is any site you particularly like. We’re scouting out a few different spots in Brighton. I’m actually going to go up there, possibly with Desmond,” she said, although she was sure Desmond would try and palm the task off to someone else. “We’ve got to take location photographs for the shooting script.”

  “Yes, boss,” he winked at her. “You’re not trying to get out of practising?”

  She paused, caught off guard, her face turned red. “Hang on, I’ve already practised. Well if you’re trying to get rid of me I’d better get going. I just thought…”

  “Thought what?” he teased.

  “You might like the company rather than standing here all on your own.” She grabbed her bag, lifted her chin, and walked toward the exit door.

  He called out. “We still on for the ballet tomorrow night?” His voice was playful and she couldn’t help but smile.

  She nodded. “I’m game if you are?”

  “Hell yes,” he grinned. “My first ballet experience. I’m pumped.”

  “One thing Matthew, I’ve never asked, do you by chance like Jamie Oliver?”

  “Jamie Oliver?” Matthew gave her an odd look.

  “It’s a very important question.” Then her phone rang shrill, breaking the mood. “Look, I better go, see you later.” She waved to Matthew, as she opened the door to exit. She answered her phone, walking outside the Highbury Aquatic Centre. Might as well begin the walk home.

  “Hello,” she said. All Sophie could hear was a muffled sobbing.

  “Sophie, did you know?”

  Apprehension crawled up Sophie’s spine. “What happened?” she asked, but she was pretty sure she knew what was coming.

  “About your father.”

  “What about my father?” Sophie felt herself stiffen as she listened. Her whole body was tense; she felt like a string ready to snap.

  “He’s been made redundant.”

  “Okay.” She felt a sense of relief, the secret was out. She felt like doing cartwheels down the street. Now they could at least talk about the problem.

  “You sound very calm about it all.”

  She swallowed hard. “And what did Dad say when you spoke to him about it?”

  “I asked him what he had been doing for the last few months?” Gloria laughed shrilly. “He’s doing very well. He’s been swimming, as you know, with your bloody client.”

  “Yeessss.”

  “And he’s been going to your place, during the day.”

  “Yes, that’s true,” Sophie said in the smallest voice.

  “But Sophie, if he had been going to your place, why didn’t you tell me? How can I trust either of you?” Gloria said narkily.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, feeling a surge of absolute guilt. There were two sides to every story, why was she getting in trouble about this. But then she knew why. She’d covered up one of those secrets that needed to be shared. It was too big a secret to have kept. “It’s true. He’s been coming to my place and I’ve been helping him look for a job. Honestly, he’s been trying to find the right timing to tell you. He didn’t want to worry you.”

  “Well I was very worried.” Gloria’s voice was steely. “And don’t talk to me about honesty, Sophie. I thought I’d raised you better. Thanks a bloody lot. I was dead set certain he was having an affair.”

  Then Gloria must have hung up the phone because all Sophie heard was a dial tone.

  Chapter 21

  Feeling overwhelmed with guild. Sophie found herself holding a glass of wine in Carol’s room. She told her all about the situation with her Mum and Dad.

  “At least it’s out in the open,” Carol insisted.

  “Yes, thankfully,” she sighed elaborately, then almost as if the wine was talking she continued to confide in Carol. “Tomorrow night. Matthew. Maybe I should cancel him coming. I think he thinks it’s a date.” Clothes sailed through the room like sea spray from the water. Carol’s head was thrust between hanging clothes, searching the depths of her wardrobe. Carol discarded items over her shoulder.

  “I can’t believe you didn’t think about this earlier.” Carol’s voice was muffled, but the exasperation rang through. Sophie looked down at the new, black pinafore she’d worn to work, a little shorter than usual.

  “It’s not a date, I never invited him to the ballet as a date, just as friends,” Sophie stated.

  “Boring, boring, boring. Would it be so bad if it was a date?” Carol sang from the depths of the bedroom. “Thank God I was home to give you fashion advice. Especially since you’re all seeing my show. You need to look gorgeous if you going on a date – gorgeous enough to maybe even get a snog.”

  Sophie sat on Carol’s bed, the sole human amongst a mountain of clothes. If she stayed here any longer, someone would have to send a rescue party to find her.

  A pair
of black jeans flew through the room and Sophie’s hand moved like lightning, snatching the garment. Holding the jeans up, she quickly determined that there was no possibility of her fitting in them. They were just too small.

  Sophie folded the jeans, adding them to the pile of clean clothes, creating a division like the Berlin wall. A clean, neat pile of clothing now stood tall against the unknown. Carol wasn’t known for being tidy.

  “Matthew’s very good looking, and he’s seeing you after work tomorrow, to see my show. You don’t have time to do emergency shopping, and don’t you dare run late. No time to come home and change. You’ve got to be seated by seven. And you might as well give him a go. He’s a nice guy. What’s wrong with you?”

  Sophie shrugged. “I dunno.”

  “He’s not like Derek, the cheating bastard. You can see it. We’ve seen him drunk, he’s always swarmed by girls, but he’s not a player. He’s reliable.”

  “I don’t trust men – any men – to be honest.”

  “You should trust Matthew, he makes sure you survive each swimming lesson. Have you drowned yet?”

  “No.”

  “So… give him a chance.”

  “We’ll see.” Sophie jumped off the bed, picking a pair of dirty stockings up off the floor and throwing them into the laundry basket. “I didn’t think I’d have to buy anything new for the event, because his fiancée died and he’s still dealing with it. We’re just friends –we work together. It would be way too complicated if we started dating. Didn’t you give me that advice, never mix business and pleasure?”

  Sophie looked around the cluttered room for something else to think about besides dating Matthew. Carol got in late each night, tired from her show, and her dresser was covered in makeup, lipsticks, handbags, sequined leotards, and hats – every type of hat a person could possibly have ever worn. Bowler hats, sunhats, sombreros, firemen’s hats and police hats, as well as a large collection of wigs were piled atop the dresser. Maybe she should spruce up Carol’s room, just a little bit, not too much for her to take offence, or to even notice. There was no harm in that.

  “Bollocks, take a risk. Just because I offer advice, doesn’t mean I take it,” came Carol’s muffled voice from the closet. “This is the most exciting thing that’s happened in this house. A date!”

  “Friends,” Sophie said.

  “Yes, okay, friends. If and only if, guys and girls can be, just friends,” Carol said sceptically. Suddenly she shrieked, “Sophie, I’ve got it!” Carol emerged from the closet a smile spanning from ear to ear, her face shining. She shook an orange dress with excitement. “This will fit and look amazing. I’ve even got wonderful shoes to match.”

  Sophie took the dress from Carol, holding it steadily, resting the garment in front of her. The dress looked like fairy floss, all layered ruffles and tulle. She frowned, considering a tactful response.

  “Repeat after me, ‘it’s not a date,’” Sophie ordered.

  “It’s not a date.” Carol muttered. “He’s on the mend sweetheart, and you’re getting him on the rebound. You’re on the mend, too. You can trust this one. He’s a good guy.”

  “I’m not out to seduce him, and I’m not getting him on the rebound. It’s been too long a gap for it to be a rebound.” Sophie tried to control a stricken look as she examined the dress. “Do you think this dress is quite right?”

  “Matthew’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you in quite a while. The dress is perfect! Go on, try it on.”

  She looked at the dress for a second time, seeing the excitement on Carol’s face, sighing she slipped the dress on.

  Carol gasped with pride. “I knew it would look amazing,” she said. Placing her hands on Sophie’s shoulders, she turned her to the mirror.

  Sophie pushed aside a yellow feather bower and a collection of wigs that were hanging over the dresser mirror and glimpsed at her reflection, holding off a shudder.

  “Okay, the purpose of this dress is to make him notice you,” chided Carol. “You’re not just at work, or at the swimming pool, you’re dressing up – you want him to see the woman in you.”

  “Don’t you think it’s a little bit too much?” She was a life sized piece of meringue, someone just had to dare take a bite.

  “Not at all.” Carol dug a small box out of her handbag. “Men like women with confidence. You’re in advertising. Work it girl, work it! You love it, don’t you?”

  Sophie caught Carol’s eye, and nodded. “Of course, it looks fab. Thanks for helping.”

  “But first, Soph, look what I picked up? The very thing for your hair, Matthew won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

  Sophie felt herself pale as she took the packet. Hair dye. “You know this will bleach my hair.”

  “Change your look a little bit. Take a risk for a first date. Let me do it for you, I did some of the girls at the studio. Now take off the dress for tomorrow and I’ll grab a towel for over your shoulders so you don’t mess the floor up.” Carol then instructed Sophie to sit in a chair, pushing her in, undoing the packet with speed.

  “What’s wrong with just straightening it? This all seems like such last-minute effort. Not really thought out.”

  “We’ll do it right now. You’ve got to see Matthew looking your best. Besides you’re clearly getting over Derek, so we need a new you.” Carol opened the hair dye box and put plastic gloves on her hands, then began combing Sophie’s hair.

  “Matthew won’t even recognise me if I go blonde.” Sophie closed her eyes, her lip wobbling a little. “But the dye might totally ruin it, the bleach and everything. My hair is dark brown you know.”

  “Look it’ll go a little Aztec. Look at the box. Don’t you think the colour looks fantastic?”

  Sophie took the box, examining it, going blonde could be the new thing. Looking at the smiling blonde on the packet – weren’t blondes supposed to have more fun? Blonde hair could be the start of something new, problems solved with a bottle of hair dye.

  “It will be the best thing to pick yourself up out of the hole you’re hiding in. Move on from Derek. There are decent guys out there. This one is teaching you how to swim. He’s a good fish.”

  Maybe Carol was right, maybe hair dye would change her life? She eyed Carol, her sparkling eyes looking back at her in the mirror. Sophie’s excitement mounted, superhero Sophie, she liked the sound of that. Confident, sexy, better.

  “Go on. Do it.” This was not a world of fear she lived in, it was only hair dye after all.

  Carol rubbed her hands together. She opened the hair dye, combing it through Sophie’s hair. “This is going to look absolutely sensational.”

  Carol’s mobile phone rang.

  “It’s my director,” she said, then answered the call. She fled to the next room, her voice loud and animated as she spoke. She ran back into the room, grabbing her handbag.

  “Oh God, Sophie. I’ve been called in. My director wants to see me right now and he won’t say why. I’m so worried, I might lose my job. Are you okay to leave the dye in and just wash it out? Follow the instructions on the back of the box. It should be easy. I’ll see you in the morning.” Carol darted out of the room, not even waiting for a response.

  “I’ll be fine.” And her hair, she’d be fine. Following directions for lustrous hair shouldn’t be that hard. She imagined what she’d look like when she entered the office.

  A half-hour later, she washed the dye out in the shower, forcing herself to towel-dry it without looking. She ran her fingers through to smooth out the tangles, then ran to the mirror, apprehension filling her as she approached, ready to gaze at the new, changed, dynamic Sophie. This was truly a step to moving on with her life. But as she stared at her reflection, she felt her heart pounding. She froze.

  Her hair was orange. Not Aztec blonde, not golden, but orange. Shaking her curls, shades of bright carrot and soft pumpkin shone back at her instead of blonde or brown. If she wore the fairy floss dress, she’d be truly edible. Come on
boys, just eat up.

  Sophie paced the room, head darting back and forth to the mirror. Her hands ran through strands of wet, orange hair, wanting desperately to call Carol, knowing she couldn’t. Carol was dealing with something urgent, and she couldn’t possibly come back to fix it.

  Sophie grabbed one of Carol’s wigs, a short black bob, there was an idea. She twisted her hair into a French roll to tuck it under the wig. The roots shone bright like the sun praising a glorious new day.

  She sighed. It was only orange. She could deal with that. Hair colour was nothing to get overly excited about; and after all, she was only seeing Matthew Silver and it wasn’t a date.

  Oh God, what if he thought it was a date?

  ***

  Sophie ran to the underground tube station, darting across the heavily trafficked streets in Highbury. Her gaze fell to her watch; time was of the essence. Then a force jolted her to stop, pulling her shoulder back. Sophie whirled round, clenching her fists. A fairy floss dress thrust at her face. Sophie stepped back with caution as the coat hanger almost poked her in the nose.

  “You forgot it. You can’t be late tonight, and I know how caught up you get.”

  Sophie grappled to hold the garment steady, away from her body. Peeking over the ruffles, Carol stood in her bright pink pig slippers, a silk pink nightgown wrapped round her shoulders and last night’s mascara smudged over her face. A glow of triumph exuded from her face, but her grin slowly faded, as she tugged a wisp of Sophie’s carrot hair from under the baseball cap.

  “Oh Jeeeeezzzee,” Carol hissed.

  Sophie shrugged Carol’s hand away. “It’s fine. What are you doing awake? I heard you come home after four.” Sophie noticed circles under her friend’s eyes and wondered whether Carol had gone to visit Josh or whether something urgent had come up at the theatre.

  “Oh Soph, I had no idea it would turn orange.” Guilt spread across her friends face. “Keep the dress. Please keep it.”

  “No. It’s fine.”

  “What are you going to do? Did you want me to dye it again?”