“I do. And I was serious about that help. I’m sure Danni...”
“No, thank you.” Sophia interrupted.
“I was going to say, I’m sure Danni knows where you could go.”
“And she’d be glad to tell me.”
“I think you read too much into things. Do you want me to ask?”
“Well, since I’m in a pinch, fine. But don’t call her now, it can wait until tomorrow.”
Their car pulled into a parking space near the paneled van. Mr. George eagerly emerged from the front of his studio. Before they could enter, he spoke rapidly on the street, “Ms. Sophia, I’m so surprised you were able to get all your art work settled so quickly. Of course, it is wonderful. I heard from the buyer today. The mystery investor will be in town tomorrow night and wants the paintings delivered to his hotel.”
Sophia nodded, “Well, can that be done?”
“Oh, yes!”
Listening to Mr. George’s words, Sophia looked to Derek and her heart filled with pride as she saw his delighted expression. Finally her manners returned, “Mr. George, this is my husband, Derek Burke.”
The next day, sitting in the stylist’s chair, Sophia mentally went through her wardrobe for the evening. The day had started early with her visiting numerous boutiques in Santa Clara, all at the recommendation of Derek’s PA. When the visits yielded no bounty, Sophia debated more boutiques in Palo Alto verses big department stores in San Francisco. The department stores won. Time wasn’t her friend, Sophia needed an evening gown, and she needed it yesterday. So remembering Derek’s comments, she tried to shop without looking at prices. It worked until she needed to pay.
Nevertheless, Sophia pushed on, determined to make Derek proud at this important gala. As the young man, with way too many piercings, pulled and pinned her long blonde hair she hoped that the Cameron Marc Valvo silk chiffon gown would fit the bill. It was the third dress she tried on at Saks and about the tenth for the day. Yet, from the moment she saw herself in the full length mirror, Sophia knew it was the one she liked.
First, the bright indigo color made her gray eyes shimmer with a blue hue. The plunging V neckline, together with the gathered bust and bodice accentuated her assets. In a nut shell, her breasts looked bigger and her waist looked smaller. The flowing silk chiffon outer layer reminded her of the gauzy skirts she liked to wear. Based on pure esthetics, it was the gown she wanted; she continued to avoid the dreaded price tag.
The sales associate was very helpful, obviously working on commission. She emphatically expressed Sophia’s need for new shoes for this exquisite dress. A mirrored metallic leather sandal completed the ensemble. The heels were a little over four inches, but Sophia had experience in heels while wining and dining art investors.
She shivered at the memory of paying for her outfit. Her sensible-self screamed -- it’s an outfit, for one night! However, her rarely touched shopping side, purred but you look gorgeous in it. And Derek will be pleased with the result. Sophia quieted the internal debate by reasoning I just made a ton of money on three paintings. I deserve this.
It was that voice that sang triumphantly, as she signed the receipt for $1600.00 give or take a few dollars. The hairstyle, facial, and professionally applied make-up added to the total of her day.
The man with the piercings slowly spun her. Peering into the large mirror, Sophia viewed his masterpiece from all angles. Completely outside of her comfort zone, Sophia eyed the woman in the mirror. Courageously, she nodded in approval. The make-up was next. Yes, Sophia told herself, I can do this, for Derek.
*****
Amber clapped her hands like a school girl when Harry entered her condominium. “You look so handsome all cleaned up; you should try it more often.”
His expression warned his sister to not get too excited about this. “Since you’re dating Keaton, you two should be attending this.”
“I really don’t like these kinds of things. I mean, the charity is worthy and all, but the hob-knobbing isn’t my thing.”
Harry eyed her suspiciously, “And what makes you think it’s mine?”
She grunted a stifled laugh, “I know it’s not, but it is Claire’s. She’s good at this kind of thing. She’ll be good for SiJo.”
Harry walked around nervously, not sure if he should sit or stand. The tuxedo felt like a suit of armor.
“Will you relax? You look very handsome and wait until you see Claire’s ...” The ringing of Amber’s cellphone interrupted her thought. “Sorry, it’s Liz. It might be about your car, I have a SiJo driver coming to get you two in about twenty-five minutes.”
Harry could only hear Amber’s side of the conversation: “Yes, Liz, is everything all right?” “Really?” “When did you find this out?” “All right, well thank you for letting me know. However, I find it hard to believe this information wasn’t available sooner.” “No, no, it’s all right.” “Oh. What about the car?” “Okay then, twenty more minutes.” “Bye”.
He could tell by the change in his sister’s tone something was amiss. “What’s that all about?”
Amber sighed, “Remember the confrontation in the kitchen between Claire and Emily?”
“How could I forget?”
“Well, do you think she meant what she said?”
“Who, Emily or Claire?”
“Either, but I’m more concerned about Claire.”