by Imani King
“I was afraid you were going to stop at big ass,” Jayne laughed.
“You?” Montay said incredulously, putting his hands on her hips. “Hardly! Now let’s get you into the studio! It’s a bit shall-we-say cozy,” she said, as they walked into a room floor-to-ceiling with bolts of fabric, and a wide desk table with a sewing machine and supplies. “You look just like her,” he said, pointing a long-nailed finger at the dress form. “Which is a wonderful thing, because it’ll speed us up tremendously.”
He looked at her critically. “So what are we thinking here?”
“Well it really is up to you, but I was thinking maybe a mint green with my skin tone?”
His eyes narrowed, the false eyelashes dangerously close to tangling. “Mm hm. Mmhmmmhmm. I can see that, yes yes… like Lupita, right?”
“How did you know?”
“Every black actress with dark skin wants that dress. Yeah, we could go that way, and you will look absolutely lovely, just like every other girl, but if we really want you to look amazing, I am thinking. White. With beading. Maybe some netting. Something very Rodarte, but with a Montay twist to it.”
She opened her mouth. “That sounds incredible, but so elaborate. Is that something you can make between now and then?”
“I will bust my hump, girl!” Montay leaned back, crossed her arms under her chest and smiled. “Only the best. Besides, I can contract out some of the beading work. You should see the workers they have around here! Fast as lightning and twice as hot!”
“Well if you think so,” Jayne said, the aqua-colored dress in her mind slowly bleaching out to a twinkly white.
“It’ll look damn good with that dark skin of yours,” he said, smiling. “Contrast is where it’s at. Black and white.”
Jayne inadvertently thought of Carson, with his pale skin and black hair. They would look so good together, him in black tie, her in a white dress. She tried to dismiss the thought. Who knew if he even thought about her?
Chapter 9
Jayne got her answer as she stumbled through the door with her bag of Thai.
“You’re not going to believe this, but you got a delivery,” said Ella, grabbing the packages from Jayne’s hand.
“Really? What is it?”
“No idea. But some really intense dude came to the door, and checked like a thousand times to make sure that you lived here before he would drop anything off. I had to sign all these forms. Probably I sold my first-born child to him, and I don’t even know it.”
Jayne laughed. “Ok wow. Well then, I’m curious. But honestly, right now I am hungrier than I am curious. That was quite the session with Montay, the designer. Can we eat?”
“Honestly I was hoping you would say that. That package will keep but I am starving!”
“Great.” Jayne went into the little kitchen and opened the bags, spooning out Pad Thai and green curry onto plates. “You want chopsticks?”
“No way!”
“Well this is the last big meal I am going to eat. I got fitted today, and looks like it’s going to be a real bodycon dress,” said Jayne. “So it’s chicken and vegetables for me for the next few days. Without the chicken.”
“Oh don’t worry so much. You’ll look great.”
They carried their dishes to the couch and curled up on each end.
“Thanks so much! This looks incredible.”
“Seriously, I know.” After some moments of silence and chewing, Jayne said, “You know, I think I do have to open that package.”
“It’s on your bed.”
Putting down her plate on the coffee table, she ran in to find a small but heavy package. She shook it but heard nothing. Grabbing some scissors she cut into it, revealing an unmistakable blue box: Tiffany & Co. of New York. Jewelry?
She yelped.
She heard a clatter as Ella put down her dish and then she was right beside her. “What is it?”
“It’s um. Jewelry. I think.” Jayne stuttered, wide-eyed.
“Well what are you waiting for, open it!”
She carefully pressed the wide, flat box open, and they both gasped. Speechless. Inside the box was a sparkling diamond necklace, with two layers of jewels, and in the center, a large pink diamond. Matching drop earrings with a pink accent flanked the piece.
“Holy fucking shit,” Ella swore.
“I know.”
“May I?” Ella made a motion to pick it up. “You need to see how it looks.” Nodding, Jayne handed her the box and quickly tied her hair up into a knot. Ella draped it around her neck. Jayne gasped, as at first the piece felt cold, and heavy, but soon it had warmed up. “I’ll say it again. Holy fucking shit. Try on the earrings.”
She hooked them into the holes of her ears, and walked over to her mirror, the diamonds flashing against her dark skin. Ella stood back in awe. “I can’t believe this. Do you own these now? Will you need a bodyguard?”
“Who knows, I can’t keep a gift like this.”
“Is it from him? Carson Weeks?”
“Who else could send me that, unless it’s from a designer or something. Maybe Linda set it up, along with the dress?”
“In which case you’ll have to give them back,” Ella pouted. “Boo! But really they look amazing on you.”
The way they reflected the light onto her face made her eyes sparkle even more than usual.
“There’s a no-oote,” Ella sang, handing her the folded paper in the bottom of the box.
“A note, really? Give me that!” She grinned and read aloud: “Dear Jayne, please forgive my forwardness. I understand you will attend the Obies, and wanted you to have a little jewelry. I thought this was almost as luminous as you are. Carson.”
“Luminous!” Ella sighed. “I’ve never been called luminous…”
“Is he nuts?” Jayne said, looking down at the jewels dripping from her neck. Still they would look incredible with the beaded dress. Maybe I could still have Montay throw in a few pink beads. Am I being greedy? I think I’m being greedy.
“Nah, he ain’t nuts. He’s just as in love with you now as everyone else is. And all of New York will be. You are about to hit it big in an off-Broadway production, so he wants to get in on the ground floor!”
“Maybe I could wear them for the Obies and then give them back?” Jayne asked doubtfully. “People are going to be dressed to the nines, it’s true.”
“Well you can do whatever you want with them. They’re yours. I just would wonder about feeling obligated. Do you even like this guy?”
“I really don’t know him that well,” she said. “But he’s incredibly attractive, understands the theater, likes me, is smart, and does good things with his money. Aside from this madness,” she added, pointing at the necklace.
“Well that’s all true.” Ella sat on the bed. “It’s hard to figure out what not to like.”
“Should I call him? To thank him?”
“Well, yeah, I think if someone sent me a million bucks worth of jewels I would call them.”
“Ok. Well I’ll ask Linda if she has his info.” She turned to her phone.
The text came back right away.
I thought u’d never ask. Sending contact info asap. This ones a keeper!
“Your life is so exciting right now!” Ella exclaimed.
“Yeah, but yours is too,” Jayne said. “Rachmaninoff concerto at Julliard for crying out loud!”
“Yeah, speaking of which, I should do another hour of practice before it’s too late – after I cram down a few more bites of that delicious green curry. If your billionaire has a brother, you’ll uh…” she looked at her friend with laughter in her eyes.
“You’ll be the first to know!”
Chapter 10
Back in her room she sat with the billionaire’s number, still wearing the jewelry. Even in this muted light, it twinkled. She had always loved sparkly things. Her mother used to call her Magpie when she’d point at sparkles in the toy store so many years ago. But these jewels were as grow
n up as could be. What was he expecting? Still it’s not like as a billionaire, it would cause him any distress at all to buy anything, even this. If you have that kind of money, it’s honestly no object.
Speaking of her mother, she always said things like, “it’s just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor man.” But for Jayne that wasn’t so. She had never put money on top of her list of requirements. Not in her own life either. But this man… there was something to him besides the mountains of money. There was intention. There was kindness, and respect.
She decided to text him.
I just received a package. I’m completely overwhelmed. I want to say thank you but I don’t know that I can accept it. Jayne
She laid down on her bed. The phone sounded its alert. Her heart jumped.
How do they look on you? Gorgeous I bet. Gilding the lily, still
She grinned.
They’re beautiful. And perfect with the dress I am getting made.
Then you must wear them. But no obligation
I’ll think about it. In any case it was a very generous present
Not at all. Enjoy
She sat with the phone in her hand an extra second, and then got up to get the box. Might as well not get too used to these. In case I want to give them back. They slid off her neck, satisfyingly heavy in her hand. She clipped them into the velvet box and hid them in a drawer.
You’ll be at the Obies? She texted.
Yes. Can give you a ride if you’d like to be my date.
I’d be honored!
This last she wrote without hesitation, despite her nerves. It would be good to arrive with him. And truth be told, she wanted to see him up close in a tux again. And just chat with him some more.
Great. I don’t want to surprise you again by sitting at the next table! ;)
She cringed. Then laughed.
You’re a brat!
Heh heh. Pick you up at 6:30
“Yes!” she said to herself. “He said date!” She danced around the room for a moment, then she grabbed her copy of The Tempest and started to study. Don’t want to forget my priorities just because of some hot guy!
Chapter 11
When Saturday came and with it the Obies, Jayne was beyond excited. The dress had come by delivery and she wanted to rip it open, to behold everything it was. She had gone for a fitting the day before, but Montay didn’t let her see herself.
“It’s bad luck, girl,” Montay had said. “You know, like the groom seeing the bride!?”
“Ok, ok, but I am so curious.”
“All in good time, my dear,” she mumbled grandly, pins in her mouth, as she adjusted the fit here and there. “You are going to look so beautiful. Remember to tell everyone it’s a Montay!”
“I’ll tell anyone who will listen! I am so grateful! And thank you for the addition of the pink accents! It’s going to be gorgeous.”
“You have no idea. This confection, with your skin tone? Hey, girl, speaking of skin, who is doing your makeup?”
“I dunno, I guess me?”
“We can’t have that. Nope, I am sending the perfect person to you. You have to be flawless in your Montay!”
“Fair enough. Can they come over Saturday afternoon?”
She was already texting. “It’s done, girl. You’ve got it!”
Jayne was getting more and more excited. To be treated like this as a serious actor, well that was pretty amazing. Sure, celebrities get special treatment all the time, but she was not that – would never be that. She was a theater kid, and this was her big break.
Now she excitedly picked up the awkwardly shaped package and carried to her room. Ella was busy with her concerto, so she tried not to make too much noise, but when she opened the garment bag, her breath nearly stopped before a little shriek came out. It was the most beautiful gown she could imagine. There were many fabrics working together in harmony, a swath of glittering beads, and yet it wasn’t old, wasn’t traditional. It was asymmetrical, partly unconstructed, and all beautiful.
She quickly slipped off her pajama bottoms and tank top, and slipped it on, the fabric cool against her skin. The zipper was on the side, so she could get in and out of it herself which was nice. The concerto could continue. Stepping in front of the mirror she almost cried. Every aspect of it was made for her. The tailoring was perfect, so that it seemed as if it floated on her body, yet every curve and line was emphasized and guided for maximum effect. She saw that Montay had included a pair of heels in the bag. Girl was right, the regular stuff wouldn’t work. These were strappy ankle boot sandals, jeweled, modern, gorgeous. Slipping them on, she thought about what Carson would think when he saw her. Would he like her?
The finishing touch would be the necklace, but she would leave it until after the makeup artist had had her way. Her stomach was all butterflies. A date with a very exciting man. To an incredible event. And before my first major role. I’m busting!
Chapter 12
There was a buzz at the door when the limo arrived for her. The makeup artist had finished only fifteen minutes before, but was worth the wait. Malik was a drag queen, she figured, because of his expertly done eyebrows, but she knew Montay would not steer her wrong.
“I am going to go mostly with a very natural, dewy look,” he said, smiling. “A glossy lip, a sparkly eye, a nod to a cat eye liner, without being too over the top. Think black Audrey Hepburn!”
“Perfect, she breathed, as he smoothed base onto her skin.
“You’re going to turn some heads tonight,” he said, preoccupied. “As long as we keep your overall look in perfect harmony. It’s a good thing Montay got in touch with me!”
“He does seem to know his stuff,” she said.
“Don’t move girl, I need your face perfectly still.” He concentrated fiercely. “So are you going with a hot date?”
“Mmmgmmm,” said Jayne.
“That was a test. You passed.” Malik laughed at his own cleverness. “This is going to be super hot!”
When she was finally ready, she called out to Ella, who came running, eyes wide.
“You look AMAZING!” she cried. “Wow! You’re gorgeous, but I have never seen you look like this.”
“Would you mind putting the necklace on me?” She smiled, holding it out. The earrings were already hanging from her delicate ears.
“Of course. Jayne, this dress is spectacular!”
“I know, right? Montay really outdid herself.”
“I’d bet you will be the most eye-catching person there.” She fastened the necklace with a click. “Really, you’re like Cinderella. But will Carson Weeks be the handsome prince?”
“He’s doing pretty good at that so far.”
“You want me to walk you to the front door?”
“Sure. Thanks. I might fall over in these heels!” They were slightly unsteady, and she did nearly totter a bit toward the elevator before mastering them. The carpet was a bit deep for heels like this. But when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirrored elevator she was stunned. She was stunning.
Wilbur jumped out of the limo and greeted her, opening the door for her. She stepped in, thinking of revealing every inch of her look to Carson, but when she attempted to look seductively to the back seat, he wasn’t there.
“Yes, Miss Jayne, Mr. Weeks will meet you at the venue. He’s unfortunately just been called away on business, but will join you as soon as he can. Tout suite. Please, can I get you some champagne?”
“Yes, I suppose, thank you.” She couldn’t keep a little hint of disappointment out of her voice. Was this what it would be like, being with someone like Carson? Looking forward to something and then have it snatched away?
“He’s asked me to apologize to you for the delay, and pass it on to you that he intends to make it up to you,” Wilbur said, not looking at her, in his vaguely British way, but she did sense some sympathy on her face.
She accepted the flute of champagne and said, “Of course, thank you for letting
me know.” Then tried to focus on the positives. It was crazy to be disappointed on the most fabulous night of her life, wasn’t it? She was in a beautiful dress made for her, had jewelry for days, was in a limo being taken to a fantastic award show. But it was dawning on her that it wasn’t any of those things that meant anything to her at all. It was that those things would be shared with someone that might end up being the love of her life that made them important. The only thing that mattered on its own, was the theater. Maybe I am losing track, she worried, as she sipped her bubbles. Of what’s important. What’s me and what is mine. Just thinking about him and his.
