A Modern Day Persuasion

by Kaitlin Saunders

  Hoping to find some sympathy from Susan, Elizabeth attempted to secure her friend’s attention, but Susan was too occupied doting on her father. Resigning herself to seclusion, Elizabeth sunk into her chair and began to give Anne the evil eye while playing idly with her food.

  Anne, on the other hand, was finding herself attracted to Will’s personality despite her initial misgivings. Will was actually quite funny, and surprisingly knew endless bits of trivia which Anne found fascinating. With each passing moment, she was becoming more intrigued by Will but knew she needed to remain cautious in her admiration. After all, a guy that good looking couldn’t be trusted, right?

  As dinner was wrapping up, Susan elected to share the recent story of Missy Dee, recounting in vivid detail the incident of the infamous sandwich. Will found the story entertaining, and while helping to clear the table, he continued to speak to Anne of Missy Dee.

  “It sounds like your visit with your cousin was quite memorable to say the least,” he said with a slight smirk.

  Anne headed towards the kitchen with Will following her. “You can say that again!” she rolled her eyes playfully, “Most movie stars today think they are practically little gods. I’m sorry to say Missy’s not what I categorize as good company.”

  With an inquisitive smile, Will prompted, “Okay, now I’m curious. What do you consider good company?”

  By now, Anne and Will had deposited all the dishes in the sink. Anne turned around and rested her back against the base of the countertop, looking squarely at him. “My idea of good company is to spend time with people who are caring, compassionate, and intelligent. People who can exchange more than ten words in a conversation without everything pertaining to themselves.” Anne paused, perplexed by Will’s captivated look. He started to grin, and Anne gave him a questioning smile while finishing her statement with, “Well, anyway, that’s my definition of good company.”

  “You’re wrong,” Will said, much to the surprise of Anne as he took a step towards her. “That’s not good company…it’s the best.”

  Anne smiled as their eyes locked for just a moment. The connection was so quick and clear, but it seemed to last forever. It was then that Anne began to feel perhaps Will was more than just a pretty face or a charmer, but actually a person whom she could relate to. She couldn’t help but gaze back into his handsome eyes. They riveted her attention as if being pulled by a tractor beam. Her father’s entry into the kitchen broke the enchanting atmosphere.

  “Anne, we’re ready for the dessert,” her father said, not sensing any of the awkwardness caused by his entrance.

  She slowly nodded, trying to avoid Will’s eyes while reaching for the cake platter to remove the glass lid. Grabbing a knife to slice the cake, Will was beside her before she knew it.

  “Nonetheless,” he began, “It is important to be seen with influential people. It never does any harm being related to someone famous.”

  This observation by Will disappointed Anne, and she said so. “I don’t care too much for acquaintances or distant family members you only keep because of their status or monetary value.” Slicing the cake with a little too much enthusiasm, Anne didn’t bother trying to hide that her feathers had been ruffled. Social status had always been a sensitive topic, especially after the ordeal with Rick. “Can you grab those plates in the cupboard above?” she asked, motioning to the dishes on the second shelf.

  Will, realizing his faux pas, tried to smooth over the situation while retrieving the dishes. “Let’s just put it this way,” he said to Anne after she had served up the cake. “Maybe it’s a good thing your dad has people like Missy Dee to distract him from…should we say, less advantageous acquaintances?” By the time he finished this statement they had reached the dining room and Will inclined his head with a pointed look in Susan’s direction. Anne paused and looked at Will curiously, following his gaze to where Elizabeth’s friend was currently making a fuss over her father.

  Will licked off some of the frosting which had found its way onto his hand, “Yum…I can see where this dessert gets its name. This is positively to die for.”

  Disconcerted, Anne distributed the desserts while Will sat down to devour the chocolatety treat. Taking her place next to him, Anne decided to let the subject drop, yet still wondered about Will’s interest in her father’s affairs. I too, have always suspected Susan’s motives, but this should be of no concern to Will. Anne wished she knew why her father’s romantic affairs seemed to be of importance to him.

  Chapter 33

  Anne flipped through her iPod as she waited for Carol at the lower level luggage claim area. The flight had earlier been delayed, and now Anne was scanning the crowd for her friend. So far, all she could see were uptight passengers and airport security guards, none of whom seemed too friendly.

  “Anne!”

  Anne heard her name and turned to see Carol rushing towards her with arms opened wide. Instantly, a lump formed in Anne’s throat. The sight of Carol always impacted her; it was like seeing her mother. Anne swiftly closed the distance between them and accepted Carol’s warm embrace.

  “Oh, how I’ve missed you!” Carol exclaimed.

  “Me too!” Anne reciprocated, then pulled away to note the medium sized carry-on which now rested at their feet. “How many pieces of luggage did you bring this visit?” she asked with a mischievous look.

  The last time the two of them traveled together for a girl’s weekend, Carol had packed six suitcases. It had been a running joke between them ever since.

  “Only three,” Carol replied with mock righteousness.

  Anne laughed. “I have a feeling we’re going to need a forklift then.”

  “Really, Anne. I’m not that bad, am I?” Carol said, feigning innocence.

  Spotting one of her suitcases beginning its way down the conveyor belt, Carol moved swiftly to retrieve it with Anne assisting. Exerting all of their strength to yank it off, Carol turned to Anne in triumph. “One down, two to go! Where are you parked?”

  “I got lucky and found a space close to the elevator on level three,” Anne answered, taking command of the suitcase for Carol.

  Carol smiled in relief. “Thank goodness—my puppies are exhausted!”

  Forty minutes later the two of them were on the freeway heading towards Carol’s hotel.

  “What a nice car! Is it yours?” Carol inquired as she took in the fine leather and smooth ride of the glitzy Mercedes.

  “It’s Elizabeth’s,” Anne answered, signaling for a lane change. “She’s letting me use it until my ‘junker’ arrives.”

  “Wow, that doesn’t sound characteristic of her,” Carol said, shifting in her seat to get a better look at Anne.

  “It isn’t,” Anne chuckled. “Actually Elizabeth doesn’t want this car anymore. She ordered a new one which won’t arrive for another week. When it does, she’ll trade this one in.”

  “Hmm…to coin Paul Harvey, ‘Now we know the rest of the story,’” Carol said, digesting the news. “Which reminds me…how about filling me in on Will Elliot? I remember meeting him once when your father and I visited Elizabeth at Dartmouth. However, after their breakup, I seem to recall your family was not on the best of terms with him. Does that mean everything is all patched up now?”

  “Yes, surprisingly. Dad’s now accepting him with open arms.”

  “Is he still as handsome?”

  “Yes, very,” Anne chuckled again.

  “So, what do you think?” Carol inquired with a twinkle in her eye.

  “Will’s very nice and I like him, but I’m not sure I see us together.”

  Carol stared at her with a mixture of disbelief and amazement. “Really?”

  Anne was a little irritated by Carol’s response. Was it so odd that she wasn’t madly in love with Will when he was practically still a stranger?

  “I need more information, dear,” Carol said, egging her on.

  “I don’t know,” began Anne, trying hard to be careful with her words. “M
aybe I just think it’s weird that after all these years he’s coming around again.”

  “Perhaps he’s beginning to value the meaning of close friends and family. Regardless, if Will seems interested in you, why hesitate? You’ve got to admit he’s rich, and considered quite a catch.”

  Anne looked over at Carol and rolled her eyes. “For one thing, Elizabeth still likes him. I can tell because she takes forever getting ready anytime she knows he’ll be around.”

  “You could look really nice, too, if you wanted.” Anne sent Carol a doubtful look. “Well, you could!” Carol began defending her statement, “Not that you aren’t nice looking now. But why settle for nice-looking when you could be allout amazing!”

  Anne laughed, “And how is this transformation supposed to come about?” Anne was convinced her glory days were over and done with.

  Carol didn’t miss a beat in responding, “I’m glad you asked. I was thinking a cute haircut…some new makeup and an updated wardrobe. Don’t you think it’s about time you spend as much effort on yourself as you do with your greeting cards?”

  Anne had a feeling Carol’s speech had been rehearsed. Looking at herself in the rear-view mirror, she wondered if once again Carol was right, and perhaps it was time for a change.

  Chapter 34

  Four days later, Anne found herself sitting nervously in Elizabeth’s Mercedes outside a popular Los Angeles shopping center. Carol had managed to secure Anne an appointment with one of the best reputed hair salons in the city, thanks to Missy Dee. When Anne considered the source of the recommendation though, it didn’t give her much confidence. Instead of being pleased, Anne refused to budge from the car.

  “After all the strings your cousin Missy Dee pulled to get you into the hottest salon in town, you, young lady…” Carol scolded, “…are going to keep the appointment and at least have the courtesy to hear what the stylist has to say.”

  Somehow, Carol managed to persuade Anne to leave the safe haven of the car to venture inside Hair Extraordinaire. Once indoors, Carol triumphantly informed the receptionist of their arrival. Soon after, the two were escorted to a stylish hair station loaded with the latest magazines containing popular hair styles. Also of interest were advertisements for hot new hair dyes, showing colors which ranged from normal to downright bizarre. Anne felt herself becoming hesitant again. After all, a dye job was nothing to sneeze at, and Anne was not one to do anything drastic.

  Carol did her best to calm Anne’s trepidation, extolling all the praise she’d heard regarding the stylist. Anne became bolstered by the artist’s reputation, and her confidence once again soared until she laid eyes on Roberto.

  Wearing what looked like a psychedelic ice-skating outfit from the 70’s and having up swept hair similar to the Joker of Batman fame, Roberto sashayed his way towards Anne. He looked like a man on a mission, carefully circling her at least three times, tsk-tsking each time he passed by Anne’s wary face. So much for this being a boost to my morale, Anne mused glumly.

  At last, Roberto spoke. He was adamant Anne was in desperate need of a new hair color. Anne found him to be quite persuasive and soon Roberto’s enthusiasm started to win her over. She began envisioning a new “Anne” with perhaps a darker, richer brown hue or maybe even a sprinkling of blond highlights.

  Roberto leaned closer to Anne so that they were cheek to cheek gazing into the mirror. Anne froze at his invasion of her personal space. His breath reeked of anchovies—something which had never been a favorite of Anne’s. Trying her best not to inhale, Anne was relieved when Roberto abruptly stood straight up to speak into an intercom for his assistant Lou Lou to come forth.

  Within seconds, the helper arrived, startling them when she spoke from out of nowhere, “You know it sometimes takes Roberto a while for inspiration to hit.” His assistant looked in awe at the stylist as she offered this bit of information. “But when it does,” she continued, “You can be assured that it will be something out of this world! Look what he did for me!” Roberto flashed his assistant a look of pleased satisfaction as the girl now began to twirl in front of them in order to show off his workmanship.

  Both Carol and Anne quickly assessed Lou Lou’s hair with horror. Long hair could be seen on the girl’s left side with bold blue stripes graduating to carrot orange at the top. As Lou Lou finished twirling though, they were astounded to see the assistant was completely shaved on the right side!

  “I’m thinking…” began Roberto dramatically, causing silence to ensue. “Flaming red!” he declared cockily, nodding his head with satisfaction.

  Anne looked frightened. “Red?” she squeaked out.

  “Yes, and not just any red,” he said about two inches from Anne’s face, causing her to get a mouthful of his disturbing breath. “I want you to stop traffic, so it’s got to be stop-sign red! The highlights will be white, and I will cut cute, chunky layers up to…here,” he motioned to Anne’s jaw line.

  Roberto looked pleased that Anne appeared speechless—not that she wasn’t, but at the moment it was his breath that was overpowering her. Anne felt like a prisoner of war, watching helplessly as Roberto started embellishing to his assistant all the supplies he needed in order to accomplish his vision for Anne’s brilliant new look.

  Desperate, Anne mouthed Help! to Carol through the mirror.

  Carol, also in shock, wisely acknowledged Anne’s SOS call and plucked up her courage to say something to the overly enthusiastic hair stylist. “Ah, hmm…Roberto…” she began hesitantly, “I think Anne is picturing something more…ah… subtle.”

  Roberto wheeled around to look at Carol, his face a mixture of injured pride and anger at his genius being questioned. His assistant looked aghast and stepped towards him protectively, placing a hand on his shoulder to show Roberto she still believed in him.

  “You do not like my ideas?” he huffed.

  Carol tried to soothe him, although there really was no way of beating around the bush. “Oh…it’s not that, it’s just… Anne’s a little old-fashioned.”

  Roberto lowered his eyes and nodded. “Fine…I don’t work with people who don’t trust me.” With that, he raised his hands in surrender and walked away with a dejected air.

  Bewildered, Anne looked to Carol for confirmation that this wasn’t just some planned television prank. Horrific visions of herself being featured on Candid Camera flashed through Anne’s mind.

  Shrugging, Carol whispered, “Apparently, Roberto doesn’t like to be questioned.”

  His assistant who remained shook her head disapprovingly at Carol’s comment. “He’s a genius! Only a fool dares to go against Roberto,” she declared, her voice a mixture of utter contempt and admonishment.

  “Lou Lou!” Roberto called from across the parlor, sparing them from further chastisement by the assistant who eagerly turned to see what Roberto wanted.

  What Carol and Anne observed next made the whole situation seem even more surreal. Roberto was clearly sulking, having seated himself in what could only be described as a king’s throne. The ornate piece of furniture was about six feet tall with plush velvet fabric and costumed beading set in the elaborately carved wood.

  Roberto’s assistant hurried anxiously to him, begging to know what she could do to comfort him.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Carol said with disbelief, looking towards Anne who could only suppress a smirk. Carol nudged Anne, “Girl, you owe me big time for saving you!”

  “I don’t see where I owe you anything,” hissed Anne in a whispered breath, “I didn’t even want to come here in the first place!”

  “In that case,” taunted Carol, “Perhaps I should get Roberto’s attention and tell him you’ve changed your mind?” She began to raise her arm in pretense to catch Roberto’s eye.

  Anne panicked and held Carol in check, “Okay, okay, I owe you! Just save me from being a flaming stop sign with a crew cut!”

  Lou Lou’s voice cut through the salon, “Quick, get me a paper sack! Roberto is hyperve
ntilating!” Anne and Carol turned simultaneously to observe his frantic assistant trying her best to calm the distraught Roberto.

  “Oh dear! I feel terrible!” Anne exclaimed.

  “Bad enough to let him have his way?” teased Carol.

  Anne reared her head up quickly, “Not that bad!”

  A sack was brought pronto to the distraught stylist, and soon Roberto began to settle down once realizing he was once again the center of attention. He even dared to hope that all the hoopla might cause Anne to relent and beg him to do her hair after all. Unfortunately for Roberto, this was something Anne would never do in a million years. As if sensing Anne’s thoughts, Lou Lou sent a mean stare in their direction.

  Anne tugged on Carol’s hand, “Let’s get out of here quick before Lou Lou comes back or an ambulance arrives.”

  Carol didn’t have to be asked twice. Grabbing their bags, they bolted through the front doors, managing to suppress their laughter until out of earshot.

  Once safely in their vehicle, Carol relaxed in her seat and sighed, “I hope the salon doesn’t hold us responsible for any counseling Roberto will need.”

  Anne shook her head and looked to the ceiling. “Hairstylists,” she said with mock exasperation.

  Chapter 35

  Early Monday morning, Anne was once again sitting in a styling chair, but this time at an Aveda Salon. Her hair had been washed, cut, and was now covered in layers of foil while the two selected hair colors set in. Carol wouldn’t stop at these few changes either: once Anne’s hair was complete, Carol had arranged for the salon’s makeup artist to give Anne a complete new look, including a facial.

  Despite Anne’s initial misgivings, she found herself getting excited to see the finished outcome. Nearly three hours later, after all tasks were done, Anne studied herself in the mirror and had to admit she was pleased. She barely recognized the radiant woman staring back at her in the mirror. Her once single-length long hair was now layered, starting at her shoulders. The colorist had added deep mahogany highlights to Anne’s hair which added a beautiful sheen. Her locks felt so light and silky. Anne made the salon team laugh as she swung her hair about as if she was in a hair product commercial.