1
Lilly
“Youdiditagain,Jessica!” Lori surges forward, wraps her arms around my shoulders, and nearly knocks me over with a ferocious hug.
I edge my body out of her embrace and flash her a smile. “Was there ever a doubt?”
“I couldn’t have imagined a better launch night. I’m so glad you talked me into it.”
She means talking her out of wasting money on a flashy overpriced promotional agency and into my small but talented hands. Lori Rosen is the darling of Perth high society, and a stunning designer. She mixes decadent chiffon and French embroidered lace with dramatic beading to create dresses that are as gorgeous as they are expensive. But even with her daddy’s money to burn, she could never break into the pretentious fashion market and catch a break.
Until me.
The first party I threw for the latest hot fashion designer was a trunk show at an exclusive boutique on King Street. I can’t afford to shop there myself, not like the days of old, but I convinced the owner she needed Lori’s designs more than her next breath. Throw in the promise of the big names of Perth society, local celebrities, and the clientele that likes to blow the big bucks. I not only persuaded the owner to stock her clothes but offer her venue for the trunk show that Lori never knew she needed. It didn’t take too much convincing and before long It was the hottest ticket in town. Social media blew up, as did both their sales, but most importantly it landed me the job of planning Lori’s new season launch party. Which meant a big paycheck to add to my new bank account.
“Just wait until you release your next line.” I hand her a champagne flute from the tray as it passes. “But next time, give me a few more weeks’ notice and I’ll really blow your mind.”
She looks up in amazement at the aerial silk trapeze performer soaring through the air in one of her ethereal creations. “Give me a second to get over this feeling before I get back to designing.”
“Well, hurry up because this dress is gorgeous.” I look down at the dress she chose for me: a luminous white beaded mini dress layered over a silky nude base, which barely covers all my important bits. “I’m excited to see what’s next.”
“As am I. If tonight is anything to go by, I can only imagine what you’ll have planned for me next time.”
I managed to pull off one impressive party, even surprising myself, since I’ve only lived in Perth for eighteen months and had nowhere near as many connections as I used to. The nightclub we’re in is one of Perth’s hottest and a regular for me. Even in my short time here, I can sniff out the best a mile away, I wouldn’t be me if I couldn’t escape into the nightlife. There’s nothing I love more than being consumed with thumping beats, dancing under the glow of the lights, and getting lost in the music until the sun comes up. Call me crazy, but it’s always where I felt at home, a place to disappear into a sea of hot bodies where you can escape and be anyone you want to be.
And this is the new me.
Eighteen months ago, I never would have guessed I’d end up here. A new identity, flourishing promotional company, completely free and the most shocking of all… a blonde! Not that I don’t love my new bleached blonde locks, I do—and it took a tonne of work to get there without killing my hair. But I still sometimes jump at my reflection in the mirror, used to seeing my black hair filling the frame. But a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do. And that girl with raven hair is dead and gone, buried in the past, along with all the painful memories.
I blink out of the darkness and concentrate on my new favourite client.
“Now, go back out there and get that hot model who’s been eyeing you off all night to take you home.” I say and redness creeps all over her face and she giggles like a schoolgirl, not objecting.
“And what about you? Don’t tell me you’re going home. It’s still early.”
“Early one for me tonight. You can’t pull off a party like this and sleep at the same time.”
I love to party and normally I’d be the last to leave, but I am beat. It’s been a hell of a week and all I want is a hot bath and my bed. Plus, it’s already past twelve and I’m officially off the clock.
I give her a quick kiss on the cheek and take off before she can protest, working my way through the crowd. The bass pounds through my body, making me feel like I’m being lifted off the ground with every beat, begging me to come back. But my bed is calling louder, and I make my way to the front of the nightclub.
“See ya, Tiny.” I wave to the bouncer at the front.
First trick I learnt at an early age. It’s not what you know, but who you know. And in a new city, with a handful of funds and the need to feel alive again, bouncers were my best friends, and the first one’s I made.
“Soon, I hope.” He winks and flashes a flirty smile. “You need me to walk you to your car?”
“I’m good, I’m parked around the corner.” I cruise past him and almost forget the good news about the feisty bartender who’s been playing cat and mouse with him for months.
“Oh,” I turn back. “You’re good to go with Sarah. She says pick her up at eight tomorrow night.”
“Shut the fuck up!”
“I told you, don’t ever doubt my skills.”
He dips his head and bows. “You are my queen.”
“So long and be well.” With my best attempt at a royal wave, I leave him chuckling in high spirits, twirl on my heels, and almost skip away.