Stone in Love (12 page)

“As ready as I’ll ever be. Are you going to do my hair and makeup?”

“Yep, sit down at my vanity,” Ireland said pointing to the wooden seat. She proceeded to roll Lindsay’s hair in curlers around her entire head. “Now, you may not recognize yourself when I’m all finished,” she said, applying Lindsay’s makeup. “I’m giving you an out–of–this–world makeover.”

“I’m sure you are.” Ireland had a lot of practice getting glammed up, mile–high hair and all. Lindsay had no idea how she would look after Ireland got a hold of her. Ireland was so excited, Lindsay couldn’t tell her she wanted to do her own makeup.

Ireland removed the rollers and teased the roots of Lindsay’s hair. Then she separated the curls with her fingers, and finished the look with hairspray. “Ta–da! What do you think?”

Lindsay was speechless. Her wavy, voluminous hair screamed sexy! The makeup was edgier than what Lindsay would normally wear, but it worked for the occasion. Smoky gray eyeshadow, long, dark lashes, and barely–there, nude lipstick captured the sexy theme she had in mind. “Wow! That’s all I can say. Just … wow!”

“I thought you’d like it,” Ireland said, all proud of herself. “Now, let’s get you out of that robe. What did you decide to wear for your photo shoot? One of your leather corsets and some black fishnets?”

Lindsay shook her head. “Not this time. I’m not that girl anymore.”

“Oh? The sexy kitty is gone? What gives?”

“I don’t know. Charlie makes me feel girlie and sweet, more innocent in a way. I was thinking of something that would show off the new side of me.”

“Okay. You can be sweet and girlie, yet still sexy. What did you have in mind?”

“This.” Lindsay disrobed, unveiling cotton–candy–pink panties with ruffles on the backside. A coordinating bra, knit, footless knee–highs, and silver strappy heels completed her ensemble.

Ireland’s eyes widened. “Oooh yes. That’s terrific. It captures that innocent vibe you’re going for. And I have some pink, artificial rose petals we can use too.” She rubbed her hands together. “You’re man is going to love this.”

Ireland skipped to her room and flipped on the light. “Check out my spread.”

Lindsay followed her in. “How professional.” Ireland had covered the bed with pink netting, and flameless candles flickered on a nearby nightstand. A black cotton sheet blocked the windows and soft music played.

“Now don’t be shy. It’s just me, and you know I see naked girls every day.”

“All right, I’ll try.”

Ireland had Lindsay lose the bra and lie back on the pink crinoline, with her head on the edge of the bed. Her long, curly locks cascaded toward the floor. She instructed Lindsay to position her legs straight up and cross them at the ankles. She strategically placed the pink rose petals over her breasts and down her stomach.

Lindsay was nervous at first, but with Ireland’s constant reassurances she relaxed enough to get some nice shots.

“Well, that’s a wrap,” Ireland said. “You looked fabulous, girl. Charlie is going to drool over his picture.”

“Let’s look at them on the computer,” Lindsay said.

“Let’s not,” Ireland countered.

“I don’t understand.”

“Let me handle it from here,” Ireland said. “Trust me, you’re going to love the surprise I have in store.”

“All right, then. Just make sure you pick the best one. Don’t develop anything with stretch marks or blubber.”

“You don’t have any, but okay,” Ireland said, removing the black curtain from the window.

“I really appreciate this,” Lindsay said, bundling the pink netting. She stored it in the closet. “This is a memory I will never forget. I’m going to miss you. That reminds me—Charlie wants to have a party for us on Saturday. He said it’s a going–away party for you and a new–job celebration for me. Can you make it?”

Ireland sat indian–style on the red sofa. “I think so. Is it okay if I invite my dad?”

“Sure. Charlie said to invite all of our friends and relatives.”

“Who are you inviting?”

“Maybe some girls from my old job. I haven’t really thought much about it.”

“What about your parents and your sister?”

“Absolutely not.”

“But—”

“Please don’t, Ireland. You know the situation between us. I don’t want to discuss it any further.”

“Okay. I understand,” Ireland said reluctantly.

“I’ll tell Charlie you can make it. Be sure to dress nice, because he’s going all out.”

Chapter Fourteen

Lindsay finished her makeup with a touch of lipgloss. She had allowed her hair to dry naturally to give it some natural wave, and scrunched in texturing cr�me. Perfect beachy hair complemented her white sundress. There was a knock at the door as she slipped on a pair of nude, wedge sandals.

Lindsay looked through the peephole and didn’t recognize the man standing there. She tiptoed into Ireland’s bedroom. “Are you expecting someone? There’s some man at the door.”

“I don’t think so, but I’ll check it out.”

Ireland looked through the peephole and opened the door. “May I help you?”

“I’m the driver. Mr. Corbin sent me. He’s awaiting your company outside in the limousine.”

“Awesome!” Ireland chimed. “Tell him we’re on our way.”

“Grab your purse, honey,” Ireland said to Lindsay. “My dad sent a limo.”

“Wow! How gracious of him.”

“Yeah, Dad likes to ride in style.” She linked her arm into Lindsay’s. “Now, let’s get this party started.”

* * *

On arrival at Charlie’s, several cars were parked out front. The pathway to the front steps was lined with tiki torches.

Charlie opened the front door with two fruity drinks in his hands, adorned with pineapple slices and umbrellas. “An island cocktail for the two ladies of honor,” he said handing the drinks to Lindsay and Ireland.

“Thank you,” Lindsay said, taking the drink from Charlie. She kissed him on the cheek and gestured toward his white button–up shirt. “You sure do look handsome—not to mention that we color coordinated.”

“Great minds think alike.” Charlie reached behind the door and lifted two Hawaiian leis from the standing coat rack. He placed one around Lindsay’s neck and the other around Ireland’s.

“What’s this all about?” Ireland asked.

“I was thinking of a way to distinguish the two guests of honor from everyone else here tonight, and that’s what I came up with. Did your dad come, Ireland?”

“Yeah, he’s smoking a cigar right now. He’ll be inside when he’s finished.”

“All right.” Charlie offered an arm to each of the girls. “Shall we?”

“Yes,” Ireland said.

“Show us the way,” Lindsay added.

Charlie ushered the girls to the back yard where he had gone all out as promised. A tiki–bar hut decorated with a grass table skirt had its very own bartender. Brightly colored paper lanterns and hand–painted flip–flop streamers bordered the brick pavers. Candles inside floating, artificial hibiscus lit the swimming pool. The song Wipe–Out played on the speakers hidden at the base of the palm trees.

“Incredible,” Lindsay said, her mouth hanging open. “It’s beautiful! Great job!”

“My pleasure,” Charlie said, giving her a rub on the shoulders.

“Yeah, Charlie, it’s awesome,” Ireland said. “Well, I better go inside to wait on Jeffrey. He’ll be here in a minute.”

“I don’t see anyone I know yet,” Lindsay said to Charlie.

“Don’t worry. I don’t know many people here myself. Must all be friends of Ireland’s. Remember, you said only to invite the girls from the mall.”

“That’s right. I’m excited to celebrate with only the people I’m closest to,” Lindsay said, wrapping her arm around Charlie’s back. They walked over to the tiki hut to order another cocktail.

After a few minutes, Ireland walked onto the deck and waved. “Hey guys, come inside. I have a surprise.”

“Uh–oh,” Charlie said. “What’s she up to?”

Lindsay shook her head. “Don’t know. Let’s see.”

Ireland stood beside something large wrapped in plastic and Jeffrey sat on the sofa.

“Jeffrey,” Charlie said, extending his hand. “Good to see you again.”

Jeffrey stood. “Good to see you too. Ireland had me stop and pick this up,” he said, referring to the package leaning against the sofa. “I have no idea what it is, but it must be important. She warned me not to show up without it.”

“Charlie,” Ireland said, “why don’t you and Lindsay go somewhere private and open the surprise. Jeffrey and I will stay here and greet the guests.”

“Okay,” Charlie said, picking up the present. “Do you have any clue as to what this is?” he said to Lindsay.

“Maybe,” Lindsay said. “We’ll just have to see.”

Ireland gave Lindsay a wink as they passed her by. They climbed to the top of the stairs where Charlie set it down. “Whatever it is, it sure is heavy. Do you want to open it, or do you want me to?”

“You go ahead,” Lindsay said.

Charlie pulled off the layers of plastic wrapping to unveil the framed photo of Lindsay printed on canvas. “Oh my,” Charlie said, catching his breath. Keeping his eyes on the photo, he said, “It’s exquisite.”

Lindsay was speechless, herself. She hadn’t envisioned the final print in black and white, but somehow it fit. It portrayed her in the manner she was hoping for: sweet, angelic, and sexy. There was a lot of skin, but with the selectively placed petals, it was tasteful.

Charlie’s gaze was still locked on the photo. “It’s perfect,” he said. He turned and took Lindsay’s hands, “You’re perfect.” The kiss that followed showed just how appreciative he was. “It’s the greatest gift anyone has ever given me. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Lindsay said. “Can you believe Ireland was the photographer?”

“You don’t say? Wow, she has a natural talent. She should look into that as a profession.”

Charlie made a point that should have occurred to her. She would mention to Ireland that she should think seriously about photography. Especially since her dad was adamant about getting her away from her current profession.

Downstairs the door had opened and closed several times in the minutes they had been upstairs. The next time the doorbell rang, Lindsay glanced down over the catwalk.

“Oh great,” Lindsay and Charlie said in unison.

Lindsay noticed Charlie was also surprised by the new arrivals. “You see Asher too?”

“No.” Charlie cringed. “I see my ex sitting on my couch, next to that man with the salt–and–pepper hair.”

“Your ex?” Lindsay said. She couldn’t tell much about her from the distance. “Why do you think she’s here?”

“I have no idea,” Charlie said, his arms crossed. She was probably driving by stalking me, and decided to invite herself in when she saw the crowd. I tell you, she’s a few cards short of a full deck.”

“You know who that is she’s sitting next to, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t believe so.”

“It’s Mr. Corbin, Ireland’s dad.”

“I see. No wonder she’s sitting so close, then. She has a radar for men with money. And that Armani suit is a dead giveaway. Is Ireland’s dad a single man?”

“He’s divorced from her mother. As far as I know, he’s not seeing anyone.”

“You should have Ireland pass on to her dad that Miranda’s a man–eater. Better get the warning out fast too.”

“Why don’t you get rid of the problem instead?” Lindsay said.

Charlie started down the stairs. “I thought I did,” he mumbled under his breath.

At the bottom of the stairs, Lindsay grabbed Charlie’s arm. “Oh my gosh,” she whispered in his ear. “I recognize her. That’s the crazy lady I told you about—the one I gave the makeover to. Remember, I said she had a nice body but a terrible face—not to mention attitude.
That’s
your ex?”

Charlie pulled his collar away from his likely aching neck, and let out a heavy sigh. “Unfortunately. Recalling the story you told me, you described her precisely. I can see her behaving that way. I told you she’s crazy.”

“Clearly. How could you have been so blind?”

“She hooked me by pretending well. Her true colors showed after I was emotionally invested.”

“I have a plan,” Lindsay said. “Go introduce yourself to Mr. Corbin, and I’ll tend to her.”

Charlie raised a brow. “You sure?”

“Positive,” Lindsay said, “I owe her one, and this time what I say—or do— to her won’t jeopardize my job.”

Lindsay ambled toward Mr. Corbin. “I don’t believe you’ve met my boyfriend, Charlie Mundy,” she said, standing next to the sofa.

Mr. Corbin stood up and extended a hand to Charlie.

Lindsay was about to sit next to Miranda when Ireland approached her. “Not now, Ireland,” Lindsay said through clenched teeth.

“But it’s important.”

“Make it quick. I’ve got a situation on my hands.”

“Okay. Did you see Asher pass by? He was headed upstairs when you and Charlie were coming down. Is there any trouble he can get into up there?”

That gave Lindsay an idea. “Actually, yes there is,” she said mischievously, and nudged Ireland out of the way.

“Hello there,” Lindsay said to Miranda, standing over her. “I don’t know if you heard—I’m Charlie’s girlfriend, Lindsay.”

“Whatever you say,” Miranda said, checking her face in her compact mirror.

Lindsay folded her arms and cocked her head to one side. “And what exactly does that mean?”

“Call it what you will, honey, but he’s only capable of loving me,” Miranda snapped, arrogance seeping out of her every pore.

“Is that right?”

“Yes, it is.” She slammed the compact shut, and tossed it into her purse.

“Would you please come with me?” Lindsay said. “I have something I’d like to show you.”

“I’d love to.” Miranda followed Lindsay up the stairs.

The huge canvas print of Lindsay was turned facing the wall in the upstairs hallway. She spun it around so Miranda could see.

Lindsay wished she could photograph
Miranda’s
expression right then. “This will soon occupy the space over Charlie’s headboard. What do you think of that?”

A new voice answered. “I think I’m in love,” Asher said, coming out of the upstairs bathroom.

“Oh, brother,” Lindsay grumbled.

Miranda’s face lit up at the sight of Asher—his hair styled neatly, wearing navy slacks, a tan polo shirt, and half a bottle of expensive cologne.