The Blush Factor

by Gun Brooke

  Eleanor stood and left. Addison studied her surreptitiously as she made her way around the table, moving with such grace and economy and, yes, with total femininity.

  The rest of the meeting consisted of Keith and Addison working out a schedule that suited them both. Vanessa and Linda added a few meetings, and their tones convinced Addison they wouldn’t be easy to deal with. Why did the two women seem so hostile and overbearing? Was it because of her, or because Eleanor had brought someone in from outside the company? Telling herself she could put up with a lot as long as she made the money Stacey needed, Addison finally politely wished everyone a good day and headed to find Eleanor’s office. Just as she was closing the door behind her, she heard Vanessa’s acidic voice.

  “Can anyone tell me why Eleanor didn’t simply hire an agency with brand expertise?”

  Cringing at the malicious tone, Addison lengthened her stride as she walked toward the foyer to locate Susan. No way was she going to stumble around this maze of corridors unaided, especially as she knew Eleanor hated to be kept waiting.

  Chapter Five

  Eleanor glanced up from her laptop as the intercom buzzed and pressed the large red button. “Yes.”

  “Ms. Garr to see you, Ms. Ashcroft.” Susan spoke in her usual efficient manner.

  “Show her in.”

  The intercom clicked, and then the door opened and Susan motioned for Addison to enter. It was quite enlightening to watch Addison’s reaction to Eleanor’s office. Her eyes grew bigger and her mouth fell open as she came to a full stop, gazing out the panoramic windows. Perhaps the young woman had never seen this particular view this way before?

  Overlooking a large portion of midtown and in the distance the famous skyscrapers, the view was astonishing. As a child, while visiting her father in this very office, Eleanor had been intrigued by the view and had stood there for hours sometimes, her nose pressed to the glass. She had firmly believed he ruled the world, that the miniature people down there below them were his minions. The sad thing was that Kenneth Ashcroft had completely bought into the idea of how far his power stretched. He may have resided in this ivory tower and wielded his power ruthlessly, but for Eleanor, he fell from grace the day he betrayed his sister. It had given Eleanor immense pleasure to dethrone her father.

  “Have a seat.” Eleanor pointed at one of the visitors’ chairs.

  Addison sat down, perched at the edge of the seat. She looked tense and something glimmered in her eyes, a shadow or a glimpse of pain.

  “Are you satisfied with the arrangement you discussed with the team today?” Eleanor leaned forward on her elbows, interlacing her fingers.

  Addison’s smile looked polite at best. “Parts of it, yes.”

  “What do you mean?” Surprised at her own annoyance at whoever said something to erase this young woman’s spark of innate joy, Eleanor frowned.

  “To be honest, how well did you explore the idea of bringing me in on this project with Face Exquisite’s staff? I think they expected someone within the industry, someone with extensive business experience, I mean.” Her hazel eyes so open and honest, Addison looked a little tired.

  “We have a great deal of business experience readily available. I need someone who knows makeup, who understands our future customers and what they’re willing to pay for. If anyone—and I mean anyone—at Face Exquisite doesn’t understand this, I’m sure they’ll realize they’d be happier somewhere else.” It was rather amusing to watch Addison follow her reasoning. Eleanor prevented a broad grin from appearing when the young woman looked completely aghast.

  “Oh, God. You can’t just fire someone for not liking my presence. I mean, I’m the new kid on the block here. They…I mean, you just can’t.” Pale now, she looked imploringly at Eleanor.

  Clearly, Addison knew an enormous amount about makeup and very little about the cutthroat world of business. “If they stand in the way of what’s best for the company and don’t work as a team according to the guidelines I’ve set, I most certainly can. Face Exquisite is my company. I own eighty percent of the shares, and I will do what it takes to bring it back to its former glory. It was seriously mismanaged before.”

  “By your father,” Addison said, and nodded.

  Eleanor flinched and tried to hide her reaction. “You’ve done your research.”

  “Yes.” Addison sounded apologetic. “I risk a lot by giving up my day job to do this full-time instead. I needed to find out everything I could. Peter, my lawyer, helped me, but Stacey and I did most of the research online.”

  “Ah, yes. Your sister.”

  Addison looked surprised. “You remember.”

  “Why wouldn’t I? You were so concerned I’d see the fact that you have private, personal responsibilities as some sort of issue.”

  “Yeah.” Looking flustered now, Addison actually squirmed a little in her seat. “I can’t tell you how much this assignment means to Stacey and me.”

  “Well. I imagine consulting pays better than working as a barista. Nothing against that profession, not at all. Baristas help keep me sane.”

  “You’re right. The money’s not good. I mean, I had been there long enough to have basic insurance for us, but this way, I can set money aside for when…when we need it.”

  It was obvious Addison meant to say something else, but Eleanor didn’t push. Soon enough she’d find out what she might be hiding. Her mind brushed against the question of why she would bother in the first place, but she didn’t venture too far into this realm. She was curious about the woman who would be instrumental in saving Priscilla’s company. Of course she was. She couldn’t let anything, or anyone, fail. Eleanor hastily changed the subject. “I need you to attend a cocktail party this Friday.”

  “Friday?” Addison quickly pulled up her phone and ran her fingertips over the screen. “Sorry. I can’t.”

  “If you examine your contract, you’ll see that you are obligated to participate in events that showcase our products and our company.” Eleanor gazed sternly at Addison, making sure she infused into her eyes the force that was known to make even the most hardened people shiver. “Networking at the occasional function is part of our agreement.”

  “I understand.” Oddly enough, her practiced glare didn’t seem to affect Addison. “My sister is going to a party, something she’s been looking forward to for months, and I have to make sure she gets there and back safely.”

  “I’m sure you can arrange for the parent of one her of her friends to drive her.”

  “You don’t understand. I have to be there to accompany her on the subway.” Addison shrugged. “I have to sit this one out, Eleanor. I’m sorry.”

  Not at all pleased, Eleanor rapped her fingernails against the cherrywood desktop. Reluctantly, she had to concede that even if this hurdle annoyed her, she admired Addison’s loyalty to her sister. The only time she’d been on the receiving end of unconditional love was when she’d spent time with her Aunt Priscilla as a young girl. Her father had expressed nothing but callousness most of her life, and her mother had been absent, emotionally and physically, for as long as she could remember.

  She slowed her fingers as she thought of a compromise. “What if I arrange safe transport for your sister? Just give me the address and the time this party starts and ends.”

  It was interesting to see how Addison actually gaped at this suggestion. Eleanor couldn’t fathom why this suggestion would cause such a response but found it rather refreshing. Most of the people around her lived lives where such arrangements were commonplace, but perhaps that wasn’t the case in Newark.

  “It’s that important I attend?” Addison straightened in her chair, her eyes narrowing.

  “Yes. I’ve arranged for you to network with several other makeup experts. Quite a few of them are looking at diversifying and expanding. I want you to put your ear to the ground and listen to the buzz, then go online and compare what you pick up to what the beauty bloggers are saying.”

  “And Stacey
will have a ride to the party?”

  “Yes.”

  Addison gazed out the window, clearly mulling the possibility over. Eleanor knew what her answer would be before she turned and said, “All right then. Thank you for realizing that Stacey is my number-one priority.” She sighed and slumped back against the backrest. “I know it’s probably not very business savvy to express that, but it’s the truth.” Eleanor thought she could detect fatigue on Addison’s face no matter how perfectly her makeup was applied.

  “Perhaps not, but I appreciate honesty.”

  “All right. Thank you.” Addison pulled her bag toward her and stood. “Unless you have anything else you need to discuss with me, I’ll be going. I have two new clips to post to YouTube. I thought I’d film the ‘big announcement’ one about my new assignment and have it ready for when you think it’s time for me to post it.”

  It was rather ridiculous to feel close to giddy at the thought of new clips appearing on The Blush Factor. Ever since they had spoken in the restaurant, Addison had posted only once a week. To have access to two new ones was going to make coming home to her vast penthouse condo a little less…lonely. Angry at feeling vulnerable in the presence of the one person who’d managed to penetrate her carefully constructed walls for the first time in a long time, Eleanor merely nodded briskly. “By all means. My assistant will have the drivers contact you on Thursday, midday, at the latest.”

  “Drivers?” Addison stopped and turned so fast she had to hold on to the backrest of the visitors’ chair. “Drivers, plural?”

  “Of course. You need a ride to the function.”

  “Oh. No, no. Not necessary, Eleanor. I’ll just take the train. I’m used to it.”

  “I’m sure you are.” Eleanor wrinkled her nose slightly at the thought of being crowded by complete strangers while dressed in a cocktail dress. “How many times have you ridden the train dressed in a designer outfit?”

  Addison looked affronted. “Designer dress? I’m sorry, but I don’t have enough money to get my hands on one of those. But I do have a dress that’ll be great for the occasion. It’s from Forever 21.”

  Eleanor blinked. “Forever 21. Can’t say I’ve ever frequented that chain.”

  “You’re hardly their intended demographic.” Addison’s expression shifted and now she had the gall to look amused.

  Too old. “Really?” Eleanor’s frosty tone would have sent her assistants into exile in Canada.

  “Uh-huh. Off the rack. Not elegant enough.”

  Eleanor wondered if Addison knew how many points she’d scored by not playing the age card. “You may be right. And still you maintain you have a dress that’s appropriate.”

  “I do. Besides, where would I get a designer dress?” Addison’s hair flowed down her left shoulder as she tilted her head. Her beauty was mind-boggling and enough to make Eleanor cross her legs, a reaction she couldn’t remember ever having experienced before.

  “I would have supplied you with a selection, of course. I’m your client, but you also represent Face Exquisite. It’s strictly for business.”

  “I realize that. What else would it be?” Little cheeky devils glittered in Addison’s eyes.

  “Exactly.” Eleanor thought quickly. “Would you mind texting me a photo of yourself in this dress?” She held up her hand as Addison’s face darkened. “Listen. I don’t distrust your taste or your ability to choose an outfit, but a lot rides on your making a good first impression.”

  “Oh, all right. I can do you one better. If you give me your Skype nickname I can show you on my webcam.” Addison smiled, and again the perplexing sparkles appeared among the translucent hazel.

  Eleanor was as close to speechless as she ever got. This woman wasn’t like anyone she’d ever come across, either privately or professionally. Why wasn’t she responding to her foolproof means of intimidation? “Very well,” she heard herself say, pulling a notepad closer. She wrote down her Skype username. “What’s your handle so I know to accept your call?”

  “Blushaddict. One word.”

  “Figures,” Eleanor muttered, and handed over the note. “I’ll be home after nine pm.”

  “See you then.” Addison took the paper and glanced at it. “‘Valkyrie.’ Cool.”

  Eleanor shrugged, determined not to look as flustered as she felt. “It’s the one I use on my private laptop.”

  “Okay.” Addison tucked the note into her briefcase. “See you tonight then, sort of.”

  “Well. Yes.” Eleanor sat motionless as Addison waved with that little flick of her fingertips that she’d done once before and left.

  Had she just made a huge mistake, giving Addison her private Skype username? Normally she used the company premium version while conducting business, but it didn’t seem appropriate to watch Addison display outfits on the company machine. Her laptop at home wasn’t on the company intranet. Instead it was connected to the Internet via an air card. Eleanor wasn’t quite sure if she was protecting herself or Addison with these security measures, but she trusted her gut feeling that it was the smart thing to do.

  *

  Addison placed two dresses on her bed. She had forgotten about the midnight-blue cocktail dress her friend Katie had outgrown when she couldn’t shake the extra pounds after her pregnancy. It was a lovely dress, by Calvin Klein, no less. Perhaps Eleanor would deem it more suitable for Friday.

  “So when’s this runway show starting?” Stacey poked her head in. “Should I bring popcorn?”

  “Hey, you’re not going to be here. You’re still not done with that essay.” Addison shook her head, looking her best stern self. “I can do without your smart-ass comments.”

  “Ah, such language, Ms. Garr. Are you sure that’s appropriate with the rich and famous of Manhattan? I’m sure they kiss the air around each other’s cheeks and go, ‘Oh, dah’ling, it’s been ages since we played polo.’”

  “Please.” Addison had to laugh at Stacey’s antics. “All the more reason for you to do your homework in your room and let me do my thing here.”

  “And show off the schexy dresses for schexy Eleanor.”

  “That’s it. Go get smarter. If possible.” Addison pushed Stacey out through her door. “And no silly pranks. Remember, this is important.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m only kidding.” Stacey pouted. “Where’s your sense of humor?”

  “Oh, I have a sense of humor, but I can’t be all giggly when I talk to my first big client via Skype. She’s going to see me, and I’m going to have to try to not look like a total dork in these dresses—not to mention the shoes.”

  Quickly growing serious, Stacey gave Addison a quick hug. “Don’t be like that. She’s the one who’s lucky to have you save that company of hers. You look freaking awesome in both those dresses, and I for one think it’s great that you finally get some use out of them. When was the last time you went clubbing?”

  Like never? Addison tried to remember. Her days consisted of making coffee drinks, filming for YouTube, taking care of Stacey, and doing housework. Clubbing? As if. “Thank you for the compliments, sweetie-girl.”

  Stacey tugged the ends of Addison’s ponytail, something she did when she was emotional and didn’t want to show her feelings too blatantly. She disappeared into her room and soon the sound of One Republic hammered against the door.

  Checking the clock on the wall above her desk, Addison saw she had only five minutes to get ready. Hurrying, she put on the black Forever 21 dress. She added a hammered-silver cuff bracelet but didn’t want to look “too much,” so she left the matching necklace in the box.

  At one minute to nine, the familiar tones of Skype ringing made Addison jump in her desk chair. Her fingers were ice cold as she clicked to answer. Feeling bold, she let her laptop connect with the webcam on directly.

  Eleanor came into view and she’d clearly just gotten home. She was standing a few feet from her computer, pulling off a mustard-colored trench coat. Tossing it on a—was that a bed? Were they bot
h in their respective bedrooms? Addison swallowed. “Hello, Eleanor.”

  “Good evening, Addison. Is that the dress you intend to wear?” Eleanor came closer and sat down in front of the computer, tilting her head. “You have to stand up and back off a bit.”

  “I found one more that I forgot I had, if you don’t think this one’s good enough.” Addison felt clumsy and was grateful she hadn’t thought to put on heels as well. She was wearing a bra under the dress, but her only black one that worked with the thin fabric was rather flimsy. Suddenly very aware of how her breasts swayed as she shifted and stood, she chewed on the inside of her cheek to keep from thinking about it too much.

  “Farther back,” Eleanor said, and folded her hands under her chin. “Turn.”

  This was totally awkward. Addison knew she wasn’t model material; she was too short and too curvy for that. She glanced at the full-length mirror at the other end of the room. The dress was cinched in at the right place, giving her more of an hourglass figure.

  “So?” Addison placed her hands on her hips and met Eleanor’s gaze.

  “Not too bad. I trust the material isn’t too cheap looking?”

  “No. I don’t think so. Look.” Addison stepped close to the webcam and tugged at the fabric at her shoulder to get the camera to focus on it. “See? It has very subtle flowers, woven in with some silky thread.”

  Eleanor coughed. “Um. Yes. I see.”

  Addison glanced at the monitor, where she saw her own picture in a smaller version in the corner. When she realized she’d more or less pressed her entire décolleté into the camera to show off the fabric, she backed up so quickly she nearly toppled over. “Oops.”

  “Careful, now.” Eleanor didn’t look offended, and why would she be? They were both women. It’s not like Eleanor was an ogling guy or something. Quickly disregarding the fact that had the roles been reversed, Addison would have been the one doing the ogling, she scooped up the blue dress. “I’ll go change into the other. Be right back.” She dove into her bathroom, where she spent the first ten seconds thudding her forehead against the mirror.