Chapter Sixteen

On the evening of Wil’s show, Wanda and Paulina met Nicole at her condo. Since Nicole would be going home with Wil, she needed to hitch a ride with one of them. It made more sense for all of them to drive in to Los Angeles together. Wanda and Paulina were in the process of arguing over who was going to be the designated driver.

“Oh for chrissakes, do Rock-Paper-Scissors,” Nicole told them.

Paulina’s scissors lost to Wanda’s rock which was a good thing, because Nicole would rather show up in Paulina’s sleek black convertible than Wanda’s I’m-a-soccer-mom tanklike oversize SUV.

She had to admit the three of them were looking pretty good, even though it was a distinct possibility they’d be the oldest women at the show.

Paulina wore silver lamé trousers that hung precariously low on her narrow never-birthed-a-child hips. She coupled them with a metallic gray off-the-shoulder top that molded to her like a wetsuit. Her hair was spiked with gel, and her makeup was understated except for dark-lidded smoky eyes. If Nicole weren’t friends with her, she’d avoid standing anywhere near her, that was how scary-pretty she was.

Not that she looked too shabby, because she didn’t, but when Nicole was choosing what to wear she had to remember she was representing her company, so showing cleavage was out, as was wearing anything thigh-high. She still wanted to look sexy for Wil, so she went with a black-and-white patterned chiffon skirt that hung just above the knee, with a delicate white sleeveless blouse that came high on the neck, but left her entire back bare. Sexy, without being too obvious.

Wanda flipped the seat forward to crawl into the cramped backseat.

“You’re not wearing underwear?” Nicole asked her.

“I’m wearing a thong. Why?”

Wanda was all about cleavage and thigh-high tonight in a black sequined mini dress, accented with a sash around the waist. Her four-inch black patent leather heels had probably seen their share of potato chips, according to Wanda’s kinky story.

Once they were seated and on their way, Wanda leaned forward in between Nicole and Paulina. “Isn’t anyone going to say anything about my hair extensions?”

“You mean your phony pony?” Paulina said.

Nicole tried to be diplomatic. “It’s certainly a different look for you.”

Wanda flipped her fake ponytail from side to side. “I like it. It’s been ages since I’ve had long hair.”

“How come you didn’t drive in with Wil?” Paulina asked Nicole.

“He left hours ago to take care of last-minute details. The poor man’s been working day and night to get this collection launched. I haven’t seen him in a week.”

Wanda leaned forward again from the backseat. “Is it getting serious between you two?”

“Serious? No,” Nicole said, shaking her head. “I’ll admit I’m in lust with him though. Twenty-five years old, can you believe it?” She still couldn’t.

“What matters is that you have a connection with each other,” Paulina said. “Age is just a number.”

Nicole sat very still, gaping at Paulina. Paulina glanced over at her. “What?”

“Did you hear what you just said? That’s exactly what the psychic said to me. Don’t you remember? Age is just a number.”

“See?” Wanda said. “It must mean you’re meant for each other and screw your ages.”

“We’re meant for each other for the next two weeks, anyway.”

“And then what happens?” Paulina asked.

“Josh comes home and alas, my summer fling must end. I will morph once again into Super Mom and—”

“Wait a minute,” Wanda interrupted. “You mean to tell me that you are prepared to give up your little hottie just like that?” She snapped her fingers.

“Yes.”

“And go back to being…whatever it was you were before.”

“Celibate?” Nicole offered.

“And then some, honey,” Wanda said.

In her blunt way, Wanda did have a point. It wasn’t just the sex Nicole would miss. It was Wil himself: his infectious energy, his enthusiasm for life, and not to mention his ability to make her feel desirable, which was definitely worth a thousand points.

“You do whatever you need to do for yourself,” Paulina said, “and Wanda, you stay out of it.”

“I remember when Larry and I first started dating,” Wanda said. “Every time I’d see him it felt like there was a herd of cattle stampeding around in my stomach.”

“That’s how it feels when I’m around Wil.”

“I used to feel like I was having a full-blown panic attack: shortness of breath, head spinning, nausea.”

“And that was a good thing?” Paulina asked, exiting the freeway.

“Absolutely!” Wanda said. “I’d give anything to feel a panic attack again.”

“What happened to simple butterflies?” Nicole said.

Wanda sighed, leaning back against her seat. “I miss the excitement of falling in love, when everything is new about the other person and you can’t keep your hands off each other. You have it, Nic, even though you’re going to flush it down the toilet. Annie and Ricky Z have it.”

“The jury’s still out on them,” Paulina said.

Wanda sighed again. “I won’t ever have it again.”

Nicole and Paulina glanced at each other. “You’re bumming me out, Wanda,” Paulina said, pulling up at the curb for valet parking. “Snap out of it!”

Loud thumping music flowed out of the mammoth-sized industrial warehouse where the show was being held. Wanda, Paulina, and Nicole got out of the convertible and adjusted their clothing. Stylish people came in and out of the large bronze double doors, reminding them that they were at a party to celebrate fashion.

Wil had chosen to decorate in a Chinese theme. Round tables sported vibrant red cloths. The gold plates and gold utensils gleamed against the red backdrop. Moody red rice paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, intricate hand-painted gold fans adorned the walls, and soothing water flowed from rock-filled fountains amid twisting bamboo plants. It was as if they stepped into another world, complete with satin-clad hostesses serving delectable Chinese appetizers.

“Do you see Wil?” Paulina asked Nicole, accepting a glass of red wine offered to her by one of the porcelain doll-like servers.

“Not yet,” she said, handing a glass of wine to Wanda, and taking one for herself. She scanned the room searching for Wil while taking small sips of her wine. Wanda belted her entire glass down in four easy swallows.

“Easy there, lady,” Nicole told her.

“I was thirsty,” she said.

Annie glided over with Ricky Z following. “Is this, or is this not, a feng shui paradise?” she said.

Annie looked breathtaking in a deep chocolate silk halter dress and gold chandelier earrings.

“You look fabulous!” Wanda exclaimed, grabbing another glass of wine from a passing tray.

“Doesn’t she?” Ricky Z said, positively beaming at Annie. Ricky was dressed head-to-toe in a snakeskin suit, which may or may not have been real snake, but reminded Nicole too much of Sammy to want to get close to him.

“That’s quite a suit you’ve got on, Ricky,” Wanda said, already halfway through her wine.

“That’s quite a ponytail you’ve got on,” Ricky responded.

“Hey, Wan, slow down with the wine,” Paulina warned.

Wanda whipped her head around, deliberately smacking Paulina in the face with her phony pony. “I’m going to find some folks who know how to have a good time,” she said, yanking down her mini dress before teetering away.

“Can someone please keep an eye on her?” Nicole pleaded. “Don’t let her do anything crazy. I need to find Eric before the show starts.”

She wandered through the guests, keeping an eye out for her team. She had to hand it to Wil. He knew how to throw a party and spare no expense. The flowers alone must have cost a small fortune. There were branches of fragrant plum blossoms, Chinese roses, and her own personal favorite: peonies.

She finally spotted Eric. She almost didn’t recognize Sienna standing next to him. For once she didn’t have on her trademark black.

“Look at you!” Nicole exclaimed.

Sienna fidgeted nervously. “It’s too loud, isn’t it?” she said, referring to the scarlet dress she wore. “Brian bought it for me.”

Nicole could see why her date picked it out. Its lace-edged bra and cross-laced bodice molded to her petite frame, while the gauze-and-lace tiers of the skirt swirled whenever she moved. It also had a thin ribbon tie at the back, and if Nicole wasn’t mistaken, one pull of that tie and…Yeah, she could definitely see why Brian chose it.

“You look gorgeous,” Nicole assured her. “You should wear color more often.”

“I told her she reminds me of a sultry tavern wench,” Eric said.

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” Nicole asked.

“Of course,” he answered gruffly.

“Eric got stood up, so he’s not his usual warm and fuzzy self,” Sienna explained.

“Oh no, Eric. What happened? I thought things were going great with you and your online girlfriend.”

He sighed, looking sadly defeated. “Me too.”

Nicole piped up. “Hey, maybe something happened to her. Car accident or death in the family or menstrual cramps or—”

“And she couldn’t call?” Eric interrupted.

Sienna chimed in. “Not if she were on a stretcher at this very moment, being airlifted to—”

Eric held up one hand. “Nice try, girls, but I’m starting to accept the fact that I’m just destined to be unlucky in love.”

“I’ll do a spell for you—” Sienna said, as both Eric and Nicole at the same time said, “No!”

Brian, Sienna’s date, returned and handed Sienna a bottle of beer. “I’m not a wine drinker,” she said.

She introduced Brian to Nicole. Brian was almost as petite as Sienna, with blue eyes so dark they looked gray. He kept his arm possessively around her waist.

Nicole switched the conversation to business, knowing that was the surefire way to get Eric out of a funk. “Where’s the rest of our team?”

Eric shook off his self-pity and began to focus. “Ian’s brought his camera and is taking some shots around the party, waiting for the show to begin.”

That was a good thing, because Ian, her art director, also happened to be an incredible photographer. He was bound to get some truly memorable pictures of this evening.

“And Brent?”

“Brent’s milling around, talking to anyone he can find from Wil Blanco’s company to try and get a better idea about the man and his business. Apparently Wil’s had the same president and executive vice president since the beginning, so if he can chat with them a bit and find out what makes this man tick, it’ll help him write his copy.”

“Great, great,” she murmured, wondering where “this man” could be. “By the way, has anyone run into Wil yet this evening?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“No one’s had a chance to speak with him. He’s been surrounded by people all night,” Eric said.

Nicole gave another quick scan around the room, catching a glimpse of Wil’s mom with his brother Carlos, but no Wil.

Eric elbowed her and pointed. “There he is.”

She followed Eric’s finger and then she spied him, in profile, speaking with two older gentlemen. Nicole was struck by the handsome picture he made in a long-sleeved linen shirt the color of a pomegranate, its rich hue bringing out his beautiful skin tone.

Wil chose that moment to look in her direction and when he noticed Nicole, her breath caught as he stared into her eyes for a long moment before giving her a slow smile. She watched him as he excused himself and made his way over.

“The man of the hour,” Eric said, holding out his hand for Wil to shake.

They shook hands, and Wil said his hellos all around before turning to her. “You look beautiful tonight,” he said, placing his hand on her bare back.

She managed to somehow say thank you, while at the same time being acutely aware of the feel of his hand on her skin. She had to fight the desire to drag him off to the coatroom and give him the greeting he deserved. Eric was still in the dark over their relationship, not to mention Wil’s family, who fully expected him to marry Sonia.

A woman wearing headphones and carrying a clipboard came up to Wil and whispered something to him. He reluctantly let his hand fall from her.

“I’ll be back,” he said into her ear, and Nicole could swear she felt the whisper of a kiss.

Everyone was waiting for the show to begin. Nicole’s pulse thudded with nervous anticipation. She was excited for Wil. This was a really big deal for him and she wanted everything to flow smoothly. It was also exciting for her, because she had never been to a fashion show before, and the energy pervading the air in the warehouse was undeniable.

The lights dimmed while the music became louder. The stage exploded with light and the first models strutted out. Dark-haired athletic beauties with confidence slathered all over their faces, followed by cool blondes with C-cups, and some barely As. A variety of ethnicities graced the runway, and each was stunning in her own way.

A particularly striking Asian woman glided across the stage dressed in a sheer magenta long-sleeved top, and low-rise casual pants with a dragon design on the front thigh. Nicole heard Eric sigh next to her. He had a pained expression on his face.

“What’s the matter?” Nicole whispered.

“She looks exactly like Mia.”

“Who’s Mia?”

Eric sighed again. “My date.”

Oh boy. If Mia was, in fact, the spitting image of that model up there, Nicole could bet he’d never see her again.

She patted his shoulder consolingly while two more models emerged. One pushed a baby stroller. Nice touch, Wil. Very effective way to get the suburban angle across. They looked like a couple of in-shape stay-at-home moms with a family income of six figures or more, taking a stroll down any street in the suburbs.

Sienna leaned into her. “He’s as direct as a heat-seeking missile when targeting a new audience, isn’t he?”

Nicole nodded proudly. “Trust me. Anything Wil sets his sights on, he gets.”

“I can see that,” she smiled knowingly.

Nicole snuck a glance at Eric. He was straining his neck to catch another glimpse of the Asian model who reminded him of Mia.

The thought of Wil gave Nicole butterflies. It went to show, it didn’t matter how old, you can still get them. She wondered what his plans were for her later on when they went back to his house. Maybe Nicole had plans for him, too. Maybe she should treat him like the king that he was tonight and not let him do a thing but lie back and enjoy the ride.

First, she’d slowly unbutton his shirt, easing it off his broad shoulders and down his arms. She’d have to ask Wil for a hanger, because that shirt probably cost more than her monthly car payment and she didn’t think she should just throw it on the floor. So after carefully hanging it up, she’d move on to his belt buckle, and very slowly—

Sienna elbowed her in the ribs. “Earth to Nicole. Hello?”

“Huh?”

“I asked what you thought of the Love symbol embellished on the back of her pants.”

Nicole squinted up at the model, forcing her mind back to business. The Chinese symbol for Love was written in black on both butt cheeks, with a yin-yang symbol surrounded by flames positioned right on the butt crack.

“I think you need a great ass to wear them,” she said, trying not to think about whether Wil had used a live model to figure out where to place his symbols.

At the end of the show, all the models returned to the stage. When Wil appeared, everyone cheered and applauded as he took a modest bow and turned the focus of attention back to the models wearing his designs. Nicole’s heart lurched at the sight of him, larger than life, up on the stage.

He’s mine, all mine.

“Are you all right? You look a little flushed.” Eric was studying Nicole’s face with a concerned look.

“I’m fine,” she assured him. “It’s hot in here. I’m hot. Aren’t you hot?”

“Uh, no.”

“I think I’ll go and splash some water on my face to cool down. I’ll catch up with you in a bit, Eric.”

There were two things Nicole needed to do. One, get a grip, and two, check on Wanda and make sure she had a grip on herself.

“What a great collection,” Paulina said when Nicole found her. “I’d wear everything in it.”

Paulina was sitting at one of the tables, along with Annie and Ricky Z who were acting like two cats in heat.

“Kudos to Wil for having models who looked over thirty,” Annie said.

“Has anyone seen Wanda?” Nicole asked, even though she was pretty sure she didn’t want to know the answer.

“Last time I saw her she had a peony in her cleavage and she was going around asking various men if they wanted to smell her flower,” Ricky said.

Nicole closed her eyes and groaned. “I’m sensing disaster…”

“Can I steal you away for a minute?”

Her eyes flew open. It was Wil, grinning at her.

“As long as you promise that’s not the only thing you’re going to do.”

“I’ll need more than a minute then,” he said, taking her hand.

“Impressive show, Wil,” Annie said.

“Looked good, man,” Ricky Z added.

Wil told them he appreciated their support, threw a wave over his shoulder, and dragged Nicole away.

“If I don’t get you alone for at least ten seconds—” he started to say.

A group of three young guys surrounded him. One slapped him on the back and said, “You’re awesome, dude,” while the other two bobbed their heads up and down in agreement.

“Thanks. Always good to hear,” Wil murmured.

Wil and Nicole weaved in and out of the crowd, with Wil trying to dodge well-wishers as he went. When they ran into his mom and brother, they knew they had to stop so Nicole could say hello.

“Who’s your smokin’ friend?” Carlos asked her, and Nicole knew he had to be referring to Paulina.

“She’ll introduce you later. We have business to discuss,” Wil said, pulling her away.

The music was in full force and the dance floor was packed with people. Nicole stopped dead in her tracks. “Please tell me that’s not Wanda on the dance floor.”

It was Wanda all right. She had removed the sash from her dress and was using it to corral the man who was dancing with her. “Will you excuse me for a sec?”

She steered Wanda off the dance floor. “Come on, cowgirl. Let’s take a break.”

“Why is everyone out to spoil my fun?” Wanda pouted like a child.

“We’re just looking out for you, sweetie.”

Wanda reached for a glass of wine that was left on the table. Nicole tried to grab it from her before she could take a sip of it. The glass tipped back and spilled its entire staining contents all over the front of Nicole’s Dry Clean Only thin white blouse.

“Oh no!” Wanda shrieked. “I’ll go get a towel.” She scurried off in search of one, even though Nicole knew there wasn’t anything that was going to fix this mess.

Wil stared at her, watching the red wine drip down her chest. “You’re not wearing a bra, are you?”

She looked down at herself, sticky and beyond repair and exclaimed, “Surprise!”

Wil led her by the shoulder, careful not to stain himself. “Come with me, babe. We’ll get you cleaned up.”