Shallow Love

by Georgia Mantis

  “I can’t wait sis,” said Jackie, delighted at the prospect of catching up with her sister and having a good chit chat over lunch. Jackie left an hour earlier and drove into the city, to purchase her dress for the upcoming event.

  The attendant looked busy as Jackie looked for her size, relieved she found it hanging on the back wall. She charged hurriedly in to the change rooms, thrilled to try it on, but checking the time on her wrist, so she wasn’t running late. As she glanced in the mirror outside the change rooms, the consultant stood staring at her dress.

  “Absolutely stunning, that dress looks amazing on you.”

  Jackie double checked in the mirror, making sure it was right, before she decided.

  “I do love it actually,” she smiled. “I think this is the one for me.”

  “I want one too,” grinned the assistant.

  “I’ll take it, thank you.” Jackie responded. Then she left the boutique on her way to meet Carrie.

  Johnnie’s café was bustling with customers and Jackie was glad that she had booked a table, she arrived at exactly half past twelve and Carrie walked in at the same time and they bumped shoulders on the way in.

  “I’m starving,’’ hinted Carrie. “I skipped breakfast this morning.

  They were seated at their tables and the waitress handed them the menus.

  “Can I get you girls some drinks?”

  “Yes I’ll have a glass of lemon, lime bitters with no ice” said Jackie.

  “Make that two,” added Carrie.

  “Done,” said the waitress. I’ll come back for your order soon.

  They ordered some wedges with sweet chilli and sour cream sauce as an appetiser, then a light salad, with crispy, baked potatoes and crumbed schnitzels as a main course.

  While they waited for their meals, Jackie couldn’t help noticing, Carrie’s rock on her finger.

  “Oh my God! Where did you get that bling sis?” Jackie looked astounded.

  “Liam proposed to me, we are getting married,’’ she announced with joy in her eyes.

  “I’m so happy for you, I think Liam is a wonderful guy and you both love each other.”

  “I want you to be my maid of honour,” pronounced Carrie, “will you accept?”

  Jackie was honoured, “Of course I will sis, I can’t wait! You are going to be a beautiful bride.”

  Carrie reached over and gave Jackie a kiss on the cheek, “Can you help me look for a dress? I’ll need help with the flowers and I’m thinking of wearing a tiara.”

  “Oh stop, you are making me jealous, of course I’ll help you. I have contacts in the fashion industry and a few bridal houses, so I’m sure they will make us a generous offer, so we can feature them in Glamour.”

  “Amazing, that’s why I love you so much sis, you are the best.’’

  “Hey did I tell you I am going to Glamour’s tenth birthday party and I bought a dress today.”

  “That’s fantastic, show me later, I think the waitress is bringing our main meals out now, I’m starving.”

  “Hmm, looks delicious sis, I am starving too.”

  “I was thinking if you aren’t in a rush, we can go shopping after lunch, I need to buy my shoes and bridal purse to match?”

  “Of course girl, I’m the shoe queen, I have a flair for chasing the latest fashion, I know Roxanne’s shoe boutique has some of the best.”

  “Well lets finish up on our lunch and get going, I want to buy my bridal shoes today,” Carrie said with enthusiasm.

  “Sure, I think we can go shoe shopping and even buy you a tiara, I know a place called Bridal Bling, you will definitely find something you like, what do you say?”

  “Well I don’t get paid until Thursday, I think I’ll only buy the shoes today.”

  “I’ll buy you the tiara as your maid of honour, it’s on me?”

  “You serious?” Carrie was thankful, “you don’t need to do that?”

  “Don’t be silly, you know I’m on an enormous salary, I want to buy it for you, think of it as my gift to you?”

  “Okay if you insist, that means a lot to me, you are big-hearted sis.”

  “That’s the least I could do for my sister,” she responded.

  Jackie wanted Carrie to feel special on her wedding day and getting married was a big deal, she wanted to avoid the high cost of hiring a wedding planner and help her sister with the final touches.

  They window shopped in the mall and came across Roxanne’s shoe Boutique and Carrie noticed a pair of white bridal shoes, in the shop window.

  “Wow! I like that blingy pair,” Carrie pointed out.

  “Let’s go in and you can try them on,” Jackie suggested, “they have more styles inside.”

  “I can’t wait, I’m so excited,” Carrie said with joy in her eyes.

  “So am I and I’m not the one getting married,” said Jackie smiling. She was overwhelmed and delighted to be going bridal shopping with her sister.

  Carrie tried on several different pairs in her size, but she wasn’t used to wearing heels and they didn’t feel very comfortable. She looked around and noticed, another pair similar to the one she had liked.

  “Can you get me my size in this one?” She asked the shop assistant.

  “Sure, I think we have one more pair left in your size,” replied the assistant.

  “Cool, what do you think of this pair, sis?’’ She modelled the shoes in the mirror.

  “I love them, the stiletto heel looks classy and its ivory, it will match your wedding dress.”

  “That’s true, I always said if I ever got married, I would prefer to wear ivory over white.”

  “Exactly,” agreed Jackie. “I think this pair looks elegant with the encrusted pearls and the peep toe look.”

  Carrie tried on the last pair in her size and modelled the shoes to check for comfort. “They feel comfortable on,” she said checking the mirror for reassurance.

  “Wise choice,” added Jackie. “How much are they?”

  “They are three hundred dollars,” frowned Carrie, “but on sale for half-price.”

  Carrie turned to Jackie with a worried look on her face, “I only have one hundred on me, maybe I should leave them.”

  “No don’t do that, I’ll pay the difference,” offered Jackie, “they are perfect for you.”

  “I can’t let you pay for the shoes,” Carrie said with conviction in her voice, “you are paying for the tiara.”

  “I want to buy them for you,’’ Jackie handed the sales assistant her credit card, “your wedding dress will cost you enough.”

  Carrie was grateful, “thanks so much, I am so lucky to have a sister like you.”

  “Likewise, it’s the least I could do, since I am your maid of honour,” then Jackie leaned towards Carrie and gave her a warm, sisterly hug.

  They didn’t spend much time in Bridal Bling, looking for a tiara, “they are all gorgeous, anyone will do,” Carrie said, as she tried one on with gold and silver rhinestones.

  “That looks stunning,” smiled Jackie.

  Carrie was overjoyed, but then she read the price tag and her face dropped. “It’s like two hundred and eighty dollars!”

  Jackie didn’t seem bothered and turned to the sales assistant and handed her credit card.

  “Are you sure?” Carrie said with a worried look on her face. “I’ve already spent all your money today?”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Jackie put a comforting arm around her sister, “I have plenty of credit.”

  When they left Bridal Bling, they were both smiling and Jackie felt over joyed to have helped her sister out. Then they walked into Pearls to Remember, it was a high quality jewellery store, that sold anything pearl.

  Carrie picked up a pair of tear-drop earrings in her hands, “I love the look of these pearls,” she said turning to her sister.

  “They are stunning and they come with a matching pearl necklace,” added Jackie.

  Carrie tried on the necklace, viewing it in the mirro
r and smiled. “I think I’ll take the set,” she said looking at the assistant behind the counter. Jackie was about to open her wallet, when Carrie said firmly, “no way I’ve got this covered sis.”

  “Okay, but I am your maid of honour and I don’t mind paying for it.” Jackie had enough money in the bank, to live comfortably and she wanted to help her sister.

  “You have already paid enough today,” Carrie acknowledged, “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  Jackie put her arms out and gave Carrie a warm hug and kiss on the cheek. “Hey what do you say we go grab a latte together, my shout girl?”

  “No way,” Carrie said with a twinkle in her eyes, “I think with the amount you spent on me today, I owe you a latte.”

  At Noah’s café near Darling Harbour, it was very breezy and there were scores of birds flying around, but that was Sydney life, true alfresco dining, at its best.

  “Retail therapy was fun today,” said Carrie. “I can’t wait to walk down the isle with that handsome man of mine, I love Liam so much you know?”

  “I know,” Jackie nodded in agreement. “I can see it in your eyes, you look like a woman in love. “What I wouldn’t do to feel that way.”

  “Don’t worry,” Carrie said in a comforting tone of voice. “It will happen one day and you will fall in love.”

  Jackie had hoped it would happen, she had been disappointed by men in her past and she yearned to fall in love.

  Chapter Four

  It had been a frenzied week at work and Jackie couldn’t wait for Saturday night to arrive. She had been looking forward to attending the event of the year, the much awaited birthday celebration to honour Glamour. Her outfit had been chosen and the blingy accessories, all she had to do was show up on the night and would look amazing. Everything was arranged by head office, the venue, the food, the band and even the Paparazzi. She had written an awe-inspiring column mid-week, advertising the occasion and what readers could expect in the next edition. Glamorous fashion, fresh from the catwalks of New York and Paris. She was hoping to access all the photos of the night, to commemorate a special edition for Glamour.

  The staff had worked immensely the past week, the phone wouldn’t stop ringing and there was paperwork everywhere. Samantha couldn’t stop cracking jokes in between morning and afternoon breaks. It was as much fun as hard work, but Jackie wouldn’t have it any other way. She cherished her job! The staff had put in longer hours than usual and Jackie was working until eight in the evening most nights. It had been a crazy week, one filled with excessive errands and hard work. Putting a publication together wasn’t a simple task, it had taken a dedicated team to remain competitive in the publishing industry and the lead up to Friday, was worth the wait.

  “Thank God it’s Friday,” enthused Jackie behind her desk.

  “I’ll drink to that!” agreed Samantha, who reached in the fridge pulling out a small bottle of sweet Moscato.”

  “Hey, I thought we only serve coffee in the office?”

  “You kidding me,’’ laughed Samantha. “Aren’t we finished for the night?”

  “Too right, we are!” Jackie announced. “I will drink to that, pour me a glass of the finest Moscato Sydney has to offer, we are done girl!”

  “Now you are talking,” Samantha chuckled, “let’s do it!”

  “So looking forward to the party tomorrow,” Jackie said with excitement in her voice. “So what you wearing?”

  “You will see,” Samantha winked. “I don’t want to spoil it for you.”

  “I can hardly wait,” laughed Jackie.

  “See you tomorrow night then,” Jackie picked up her handbag to leave, “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”

  “Awesome,” nodded Samantha, “I’ll be waiting.”

  Jackie was wondering what Samantha would wear and knowing her, it would probably be something outrageous. Samantha was not your average dresser and guaranteed to turn heads on the night.

  Contemporary fashion was massive news and the latest trend was an assortment of diaphanous detailing, panelling, monochrome dresses, pointy button-up shirts, lots of graphic, floral and lacy designs. Glamour wasn’t only about evening wear, it covered fashion from morning to night, from top to toe.

  Though tuxedo dressing was one of Jackie’s favourite collections, as she loved promoting a sexy riff on the menswear classic and that meant not a shirt or tie in sight. She was certain she would spot more than a few guests wearing a sexy tux on the night. The cooler weather had been an influence on women’s fashion, from the popular trench every season in any shade, to fierce boots, trendy clutches and leopard prints were all the go.

  Jackie believed that keeping up with the latest trend was significant to a woman’s lifestyle and her self-esteem, but at the end of the day, you only have yourself to impress. If a woman felt comfortable wearing a particular outfit, who really cared what other people thought. Jackie believed high fashion was truly an art form and it wasn’t all about the brand all of the time, it was the detailing, design and how you wore it, that inspired.

  Women were looking for high fashion and affordability, as Australia had always been a highly taxed country and the cost of living was remarkably high. She believed women deserved to dress in the latest fashion and be able to look and feel good about themselves.

  Jackie retired that night in her bedroom retreat feeling drained, it had been an agonising week of errands in the office and next week would be no exception, as there was plenty to promote, surrounding the event of the year.

  Jackie wore a pair of pink, silky pyjamas and swiftly got into bed, she was awfully tired and couldn’t be bothered removing her make-up. She needed to get some rest and a good night’s sleep to look relaxed and radiant for the big birthday bash of the year, because anyone who was anyone, in the fashion industry would be there.

  The next morning, Jackie got out of bed, fresh faced from a restful sleep, but as she glanced at the clock on her bedroom wall, she noticed it was half past ten in the morning.

  She hadn’t slept in for a long time and she felt relaxed and ready to take on the day and night with enthusiasm. She had booked an appointment with the salon, to have her hair coloured and her nails done. She wanted a new set of square, acrylic nails in her favourite violet shade and caramel gold babylights put through her hair, a stylish alternative to her boring brown. The hairdresser spent half a day using the trendy balayage method of painting on highlights to the hair, known as babylights. Jackie requested a hot iron wave, as an elegant style. She had her make-up done, for a polished appearance and had enjoyed being pampered and she looked smoking hot. Her lips were coated in wild berry and her eye-lids were a smoky grey, her eye-liner a sapphire blue. It was an amazing transformation and it was her turn to shine.

  When her day of pampering was over, it was latte time and then it was home time, she made a quick dash to the nearest café and got her latte fix. She fantasised the idea of a sumptuous piece of carrot cake with whipped cream, as she was feeling hungry after a day of pampering.

  She decided not to eat anything, that would spoil her appetite, before the party tonight. She snacked on some crackers to keep her energy up, got dressed completing her look with accessories. She wasn’t accustomed to taking selfies, but snapped one with her smartphone.

  She kept wondering whom she might run into, inevitably people she knew in the publishing industry, celebrities from abroad and fashion designers.

  Previously, she had enjoyed male companionship, it gave her a sense of comfort, knowing she had a soft place to fall if she needed it. Though it wasn’t always the case with her ex-lovers, they weren’t always available when she needed them. She wondered, if men were born to be bachelors, so they could be free to pursue their own selfish desires, hence with no commitment.

  In reality men, were not interested in dating anymore and if they did, there was always a motive behind their actions. She had realised that after a break-up, the man in question had been playing with her emotions, fulf
illing his sexual desires until the relationship had become dull. It was always about what she could do for them sexually, financially or otherwise.

  That’s why Jackie was so delighted that her sister Carrie had met a wonderful man in Liam. He knew how to treat her sister with kindness and genuine appreciation. There love was unconditional, rare but real, that’s the kind of love she had searched for her entire life.

  She was convinced, she had seen all the red flags in her ex-boyfriends, right from the very beginning. They say first impressions are lasting impressions, but like most women looking for love and a secure relationship, she had ignored every single one of them. A new relationship was uplifting, especially when you had a new boyfriend. The elevated feeling of knowing that maybe, you had found your soul mate, was very gratifying. Though that couldn’t be further from the truth right now, she was attending a party in just over an hour and what bothered her most, was that she would be going dateless. She hated the eerie look she would get from other women, who boasted about being married, it made her feel deficient in love and socially inadequate.

  In her heart of hearts, she deeply felt alone and wished that it was true, what people had said, that there is someone for everyone and there was still hope for her.

  Time flew and she wanted to be punctual on the night, not to walk in and have all the guests gaze at her, while she made her entrance alone.

  Samantha was going with her new boyfriend Jack, whom she had met at a Sydney nightclub a month ago. The rest of the Glamour staff, were taking their partners along.

  It was a forty minute drive away from her place and when she finally arrived she felt content. She smiled at the security staff at the door and one surprisingly winked at her, as she entered the function venue. But he was too stocky and blemish faced for her taste, she preferred athletic men with clean skin.

  There was a red carpet entrance on arrival, and she had to walk with confidence, smiling at photographers flashing their cameras in her face. She wasn’t expecting that much attention, but she had been warned, it would resemble a night of celebrity status. She smiled from every angle, hoping there wasn’t a hair out of place and that her make-up looked immaculate. There were critics out there ready to pounce on any flaw or mishap they could pick. She had obsessively checked herself out in the mirror, before she had left home. That’s why she had run out of time, worried she would have a stocking run, stained teeth from a lipstick smudge, or a loose bra strap. She had double checked all of that and nothing was out of place, and thankfully there was no breeze blowing to mess her hair up. She felt like a queen for a night and she followed the crowds ahead of her and there she noticed the guests sipping Champagne and snacking on canapés.