Chapter 20
Blake suggested Liya see Cindy Sergio, celebrity image consultant to Hollywood celebrities. Liya was fortunate to get an appointment with the popular Ms Sergio on the following morning.
Butterflies swarmed her stomach during the short drive to Cindy’s plush office in Charleston Business Park. Sophia had been understanding and stayed behind obediently when Liya mentioned her outing. Liya couldn’t stop her nerves from getting the better of her. Cindy’s consultancy was made up of a plush office and designer boutique. Liya’s nerves intensified when she entered. Would this woman judge like the paparazzi had?
“You must be Liya.” A perfectly made-up woman who could have passed for a real-life version of Barbie greeted Liya with a bright smile.
“Yes, Miss Sergio.” Liya’s mouth and lips dried up. She’d never be able to pay for anything in the boutique on her salary.
“Please call me Cindy.” Cindy flicked her layered, blond tresses. She wore a Chanel suit that complimented her willowy build.
“You mentioned you needed a makeover?” If Cindy recognized Liya she didn’t give any hint of it.
“Yes, I need a whole new look.” Liya’s stomach knotted when she recalled yesterday’s article on her fashion sense.
“What look are you after?” Cindy gave Liya her full attention while Liya spoke. “And what made you change your mind about your present look?”
Liya stared at the floor. “Becoming Blake Stone’s fiancée did.” She looked up at Cindy after a few moments. “My dressing and hair style never bothered me until I started reading what journalists wrote about me.”
Cindy nodded in understanding. “The media can be rather cruel in their judgment.”
“Tell me about it. It’s like they love watching everything I do only to criticize it later.”
“So tell me, Liya, what are you most comfortable in?”
Liya gestured at her denim cutoffs and T-shirt.
“I see. You’re the spunky, outdoorsy type. So what type of look do you feel you would be most comfortable in?” Liya was aware of Cindy’s once-over while she waited for her response.
“Something simple yet sophisticated. I’m not a fan of anything that’s over the top or very elaborate.” She pointed at pictures of frilly and lacy clothing on one of the pin boards in the consulting room.
“I understand. We will begin with your daily wardrobe. As Blake Stone’s fiancée you will be required to attend high-profile social and charity events. We will need to incorporate suitable outfits for those events as well.”
Liya nodded. A small part of her buzzed with excitement. Was this what Cinderella felt like when she transformed into a princess?
“Let’s begin with color? How do you feel about wearing red?”
“Honestly, red’s always been a little bold for me.” Maybe Cindy was being a little too enthusiastic. She needed a wardrobe update but she didn’t want to be the center of attention.
“Okay. Let’s go with a classic dress in red to soften the impact of the color. Red is in the in color this season. Would you prefer to try on the items as I suggest them or would you rather choose, then fit?”
“The first option.” she said.
Cindy’s suggestion of a clean cut, figure hugging dress was perfect. The color complimented Liya’s light tan perfectly. She gathered the courage to study the rest of her reflection in the mirror.
“Wow,” Cindy exclaimed when Liya exited her dressing room. “You look amazing.” She held out a box. “These shoes will go perfectly with that dress.”
Liya’s eyes widened as she removed the shoes from the box. “I’ve never walked in heels.”
“Don’t worry. That’s a comfortable pair,” Cindy assured her. “It’s not too high neither is it too pointed. It’s one of our most popular choices for women who are on their feet all day.”
Liya slipped her feet into the shoes. “Wow, they’re not as intimidating as they look.”
She worked her way through designer, flared-leg jeans; shrugs for the chilly evenings creeping in; soft, ethereal dresses for her causal evenings with the family, and more designer gowns for formal functions. Cindy suggested classic items Liya could wear for more than one season. Liya’s favorite pick was a classic little black dress with matching dolly shoes, and a clutch purse. The makeover session with Cindy Sergio felt surreal. She still couldn’t believe she was here.
“How well can you do your own makeup?”
Liya shrugged. “I use concealer and foundation to cover up marks, lip color and that’s about it.”
“You’ll be an expert before you leave my office,” Cindy promised. “You have a flawless complexion. There’s absolutely no need for you to use excessive makeup. Stick to a few basics and you’re covered. Like this season’s in color is berry.” Cindy held up a vial of lip gloss. “Would you like to try it on?”
Liya was a little skeptical. “I usually prefer clear, or light pink lip gloss.” She couldn’t disguise the hesitation in her voice. “I’m not a huge fan of color cosmetics.”
“Try it on before you decide.” Cindy dabbed color gently on Liya’s lips. “Have a look and tell me what you think.”
“Oh my word,” Liya exclaimed, admiring her reflection in the mirror. The shimmery lip gloss instantly updated her regular girl-next-door image to glamorous.
“It’s awesome. The color isn’t as intense as it looks in the packaging.”
“Yeah, the packaging of most lip colors can be deceiving. I always advise my clients to do a swatch test before making a decision on any color cosmetics. Now, when it comes to eyeshadow, stick to lighter, pastel shades. To glam your look for the evening, add a little shimmer powder to your eyeshadow and blush.”
“Cindy, will I ever remember all this?”
Cindy laughed softly. “I’ll give you a guide, and an online link. If you’re ever unsure of anything, call me.”
Liya relaxed, grateful for Cindy’s offer. Would she have been more confident with wearing makeup and trying on different types of clothes if her mother had still been alive? From what she remembered, her mother had been quite the fashionista. Maybe her style choices would’ve been different. She forced her sudden heartache to the back of her mind. She shouldn’t dwell on what might have been, she reminded herself. The present was what mattered most of all right now.
Next on Cindy’s list was an appointment with professional hairstylist, Carl Pierre. The tall, European hair expert eyed Liya’s baby-fine hair surreptitiously.
“You’ve been straightening, no?”
Liya nodded, shamefaced. “Yes.” Her hair routine was nothing more than home washing and straightening with a hair iron she’d purchased at a charity shop.
“No more straightening,” Carl told Liya in his heavily accented voice. “You vil leave hair in soft waves. Natural hair is best. It is style you ver born with.” Carl cut Liya’s hair into soft layers, accentuating her oval face.
“Oh my,” Liya whispered when she saw the final result. “It’s gorgeous. I can’t believe it’s my hair.” Emotion choked her suddenly when she recalled begging Jasmine to cut her hair. Indulgences like salon visits had been reserved for Jasmine’s biological daughters – Lucy and Francesca. Although Jasmine had never been public about Liya’s adoption she’d always reminded Liya privately about her favor. Suzanne, Jasmine’s older sister, and Liya’s mom, had passed days after Liya’s birth. Suzanne had fallen pregnant after a torrid affair with an Asian playboy while on a summer vacation in the Riviera. Life with Jasmine and her daughters had been anything but easy.
“Ah, Liya’s transformation is complete,” Carl declared as if on cue.
“Thank you,” she told him.
“It vas my pleasure.”
Just when Liya assumed her dazzling metamorphosis was over, Cindy took her to a lingerie boutique.
“Cindy?” Liya squirmed inwardly.
“Ah, Liya, no need to feel shy – I’m sure Blake will have absolutely no objection to you wearing only the finest bedclothes.” Cindy winked for effect.
Liya blushed. Cindy had no idea hers was an engagement of convenience. There was no need to plan as far ahead as the bedroom. She might as well play along. She didn’t object though when Cindy chose an assortment of silk and satin lingerie.
“No more comfortable cotton for you, my dear, unless Blake is away for a business trip.”
Liya eyed the dozens of shopping bags. Cindy had a point there. She had enough underwear to last a few months without repeating. She definitely didn’t have much time to wear comfortable cotton.
“Are we done?” Liya asked as they sat inside Cindy’s car.
Cindy shook her head. “I have one more surprise for you,” she said. “It’s at my office.”
They reached Cindy’s consultancy a few minutes later. “Ta-da.”
Liya gasped. “Oh my God, Cindy.” She’d had someone print two posters of Liya – one in her old, regular clothes with the caption “Goodbye old me”. The second poster had a computer generated image of Liya dressed in a sleek, designer dress captioned “Hello, New Me.”
“I did.” Cindy held up the little black dress and baby doll shoes. “The old Liya’s staying behind. The new Liya’s leaving the building.” Liya had butterflies in her stomach as she changed into the clothes and shoes Cindy had selected. She couldn’t wait to see Blake’s reaction when he saw her.
“Remember to always walk with confidence!” Cindy called out behind her as she left her office. She finally got a chance to rest during the drive back to Blake’s mansion.
Liya sucked in her breath before jumping off the car. Her newly layered hair bounced with each step. She inhaled sharply and forced her butterflies to stay still before pressing the doorbell once. She didn’t have to ring the doorbell. She just wanted to make a grand entrance.