Designs On You

Sophie Middleton bought the tan Honda Accord to a stop in front of Chef Cecil Deville's mansion. She opened the driver's side door, exiting the car. With a Bluetooth headset in ear, she said in a professional voice, "Jamie, what do you have for me?"

"I'm sorry, Sophie. Miss Lee hasn't decided on who she's going to give the project to. I'm calling you back out of courtesy."

Sophie let out a small sigh. She really wanted to land the interior design contract. The owner, Dana Lee, was considering several companies to redecorate her estate. Van Horn Designs, where she worked, put in a bid, and she was willing to do what she could to win over Miss Lee.

"I appreciate you calling me back." She opened the backseat passenger door and removed the roller luggage bag. "Any idea of when Miss Lee may make a decision?"

"I have no idea," Jamie said. "When she makes a decision, I will let you know."

Sophie was disappointed. Her team gave a presentation several weeks ago. They should have heard something by now. "I know you will. I'm just trying to hurry it along."

"I'm sorry, I have to get going," Jamie said. "I have to go and stand in line to try to get John Legend tickets. You know it's going to be a long line."

"What if I can get you tickets?" Sophie asked.

"Can you get tickets?" Jamie asked in a hesitant tone. "That would be awesome, if you can get them."

"I can get the tickets," Sophie said. "But I need you to set up a follow-up meeting with Miss Lee so I can persuade her to give the account to Van Horn Designs."

"As bad as I want those tickets," Jamie said, "I don't know. Miss Lee has her own way of doing things."

"Look at it as both of us getting what we want."

"How so?" Jamie asked.

"You get a chance to prove just how much of a great assistant you are, and I get another chance to show why Van Horn Designs should get the project."

"Maybe she will keep me on permanently," Jamie said, thinking out loud.

"That's the way to think," Sophie said. "Own it. Believe it. Achieve it."

"Alright," Jamie said. "You convinced me. I will see what I can do. I can't promise anything."

"That's all I ask."

"Okay. Expect to hear from me." Jamie ended the call.

Sophie let out a sigh of release. A lot was riding on this project. Miss Van Horn announced that she was looking to add a partner to the group. Sophie wanted to prove she was more than qualified for the position. She had been at the company for ten years. She had bought in more business than anyone the past five years. No one deserved to be a partner more than she did.

Sophie headed for the front door. She looked up to see her team members, Rios and Les, headed in her direction. She smiled and waved.

Rios returned her wave with one of his own.

Les yawned. "It is too early."

"You owe me, "Rios exclaimed with attitude. "This is my day off. How many days off do I get? I can't begin to tell you the plans I had to give up."

Sophie pretended to look hurt. She poked out her bottom lip. "I'm sorry."

Rios waved her off. "Don't even try it."

"You made plans with Kenneth?" she asked as they approached the house.

"Yes, I did," Rios replied with a little attitude.

"Tell Kenneth, I will find some way to make it up to you guys."

"I didn't have any plans," Les said in a pitiful tone. "I just didn't want to come in."

Rios placed an arm around her. "Same old story, huh?"

Les made a face. "Sad but true."

"Look, I want to thank you guys for this. I know it was short notice, but I do appreciate it," Sophie said.

She grabbed the large lion-face knocker and banged on the iron door. "Les, are you ready to give your part of the presentation?" It was her first time giving an idea to a client. She looked nervous.

Les fanned herself. "I'm a little nervous," she said. "But I think Mr. Deville will be pleased with what we came up with."

"I think so too," Rios agreed. "I love the outdoor concept."

Sophie nodded at Rios. "It's my favorite too. It's okay to be a little nervous. We have all been there."

A moment later, a Hispanic female housekeeper answered the door. She flashed them a friendly smile. "Good morning. How may I help you? " She asked in a thick accent.

"We have a ten o'clock appointment with Mr. Deville," Sophie said. "We're from Van Horn Designs."

The housekeeper wiped her hands on her apron. "Of course. He's been expecting you. Wait a moment, I'll let him know that you are here. " She walked off, disappearing in one of the back rooms.

"Where's Kyle? Isn't he supposed to be here? " Rios asked when the coast was clear.

"Kyle couldn't make it," Sophie answered. "He's tied up with another project."

"Hmm," Rios said.

"Don't start, Rios," Sophie exclaimed. "I'm not in the mood today. This isn't the time or place."

Rios leaned back. "All I'm saying is that this is his project. He should be here; this is his client."

"Kyle is swamped," Sophie said. "I offered to help. We're all in this together."

Rios threw his hands up in a surrendering motion. "Not another word."

"For now," Les quipped.

"I may have some good news," Sophie said in excitement. "I spoke with Dana Lee's Secretary today."

"Jamie? " Les asked. "Did we get the project?"

"Miss Lee hasn't made a decision yet."

"I really hope we land that project," Les said.

"Well, all it is going to cost us is a pair of John Legend tickets." Sophie flashed Rios a smile.

"John Legend tickets?" Rios asked. "You didn't promise a perk again, did you?"

"Sorry," Sophie said.

"The cheapest tickets are one-hundred-twenty-five dollars," Rios said. "Those are the nosebleed seats.

"But you can get me a pair, right?" Sophie raised a perfect arched eyebrow. She was grateful that Rios was on her team. He had a knack for coming through with perks for the elite clients.

Rios let out a light sigh. "Alright, I'll reach out to my contact. But you already owe me for coming in on my day off."

"Come in. Come in," the short, heavyset man spoke, heading toward them. He clapped his hands together in excitement. "What happened to Mr. Dern?" Upon close examination, he resembled Tom Arnold.

"He couldn't make it," Sophie said. "I hope you don't mind if we give the presentation instead."

Cecil waved a hand in mid-air. "Not at all. You're much cuter."

"Thank you for that," Sophie said. "Let me introduce you to members of my team. You already know Les Griffin, and this is Rios Martinez."

"Good to see you again, Miss Griffin," Cecil said. "Nice meeting you Mr. Martinez. I'm excited to see what you guys have come up with."

Cecil led the trio to his private study. Sophie quickly set up the presentation. "I think you are going to like what we came up with. I got the idea from talking to and reading notes from Mr. Dern. He informed me that you like nature, so I figured we design your home in a greenery concept. "

Les began clicking through the slides.

"The texture of interior design can be just as important as the color pattern. We want to bring the greenery of the garden inside."Sophie explained.

Cecil took a seat on the loveseat. He crossed his short legs. "I'm listening."

"We are also going for a soft and inviting feel of various pallets," Sophie said. "This will give the home a more relaxed mood."

"That's what I want, a feel of Mother Nature. I want practical, you know, tranquil, warm, and inviting."

"Exactly," Sophie said. "That is why I was thinking of adding plenty of candles, plenty of plants, and even a small waterfall inside. Something with a natural nature inspired interior."

"What about the color schemes?" Cecil asked.

"Muted tones," Les replied. "I think that will fit the concept we are going for."

Sophie nodded in agreement.

"That would fit this house perfectly," Rios said, looking around the room.

Sophie looked out the window. "That would fit in perfectly with the surrounding garden."

"Okay. Okay," Cecil said. "My favorite color is green."

"Mr. Deville, can you give us a tour? Sophie said. "I would like to get a better feel for the concept."

"I'd love to," Cecil said, getting to his feet. "Follow me."

Sophie followed Cecil from room to room. She could see where the green could easily be transformed into the home. She would add neutral palettes so that the rooms flow into each other.

"We can easily add personality and character to each of the rooms," Rios said.

"Along with accessories, patterns, wallpapers, and flooring to give them their own feel," Sophie said. "We want the home to be nature inspired."

"I can't wait to see what you come up with," Cecil said as they made their way back to the library.

"So, Van Horn Designs get the project?" Sophie asked in excitement.

"Are you kidding?" Cecil said."No one has been able to get what I was going for until you. Yes. You get the job."

"I will have my office send over the contract," Sophie said.

"I will read it, sign it, and get it back to you as soon as possible."

Sophie extended a hand. "Great. I look forward to working with you."

Cecil accepted the handshake. "Same here."

Sophie quickly packed up the presentation.

"I guess I will see you guys at the Van Horn birthday party tomorrow night," Cecil said.

"Were you invited?" Sophie asked.

"Yes. I'm attending with a friend of mine," Cecil said.

"Oh, Sophie said. "I guess I will see you there then." She grabbed the handle of the roller bag and trailed Cecil.

They passed through a large kitchen area. An older woman and the housekeeper were crowded around a television.

"They must be watching the London Meadow Show," Mr. Deville said. "They never miss an episode."

"Shhh," the older woman said. "Cal Jenkins is speaking."

"Mother, did you just shhh me?" Mr. Deville asked.

"No one talks when Cal Jenkins is on television," his mother said.

"Mother, I thought you were a fan of his father, Oscar Erkshire," Cecil said.

"I was back in the day," she said. "But I like the son, Cal, better. I think he's a better actor. I loved him in Legion."

"I don't know," Rios said. "I never miss an episode of Bayside Hospital. Nobody plays a villain like Oscar Erkshire."

"I know what you mean," Les agreed. "Dr. Tobias Snead has got to be the most hated character on television today. Now that's acting."

"Bayside Hospital?" Sophie said. "Never heard of it."

"I'm not surprised. You don't watch much television," Les responded.

"No time," Sophie said.

Cecil's mother got off the stool. She walked over and placed a coffee cup in the sink. "Who are you?"

"Mother, these are the decorators from Van Horn Designs," Cecil said. "I told you they were coming today."

"You are finally going to get rid of this hideous furniture?"

"Mother," Cecil exclaimed.

She chuckled. "Look around. Do I need to say anymore?"

"Don't pay her no mind," Cecil said. He led them to the front of the house. I'm looking forward to working with you. I will see you all at the party."

"We'll see you there." Sophie hurried to the vehicle. "I'm headed back to the office." She unarmed the vehicle and replaced the luggage in the backseat. "Rios, I will talk to you later. Hopefully, you will have good news about the tickets."

"Consider it done," Rios said. "I will talk to you later."

Thirty minutes later, Sophie hurried through the double glass doors of the office. Her male secretary, Troy, was waiting. He ran over to meet her, notepad in hand.

"Go," Sophie said.

"Call from Tanner Brown."

"Call back."

"Missy Connors," Troy said.

"Call back." Sophie handed Troy her roller and Gucci bag. She removed her designer shades.

"Tell her I'll send someone over from the team to go over her concept. Now, did you arrange for a car to take me to the airport?"

"Yes, ma'am. It's all taken care of."

"Make sure that everyone on the team has my number in case they need to get in contact with me."

"I'll do it, but I don't understand why you would want someone to reach you in Hawaii," Troy said.

"I'm going to work," Sophie explained. "There could be an emergency. Now who else called?"

"Mary Furman," Troy said.

"Oh, can you get her on the phone for me?" Sophie said. "I'm going to step in a moment to speak with Miss Van Horn. I'll only be a moment."

"Yes, ma'am

"Oh, I'm expecting a call from Jamie from Dana Lee. Pass it through."

Troy turned to leave.

"Troy, can you get me a couple of Tylenols?" Sophie said. "I feel a headache coming on."

"Tylenol, coming up."

"Thank you." She knocked, then walked into her boss's office. She was on the phone and waved her in.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Patricia Van Horn asked on the phone. "Can I please speak to someone that has a clue of what's going on?"

Sophie took a seat across from her desk.

"Well, have someone call Patricia Van Horn. I will be more than happy to explain it to them." She slammed the phone down. "Idiots. I hate incompetence. They sent the wrong bathroom tiles to the Macklands. Mitch is all up in arms. I can't say that I blame him. I won't be doing business with them again. " She placed a clip earring to her ear.

"We got the Deville case," Sophie boasted.

"How did you manage that?" Patricia asked. "I sent several teams over with different concepts. He turned them all down."

Sophie shrugged. "It was easy. He likes the outdoors."

"Well, okay," Patricia said. "We will celebrate tomorrow night at my birthday party. Sophie, that is what I like about you. You're so much like me. I look at you and I see myself ten years ago. You get it. You know what it takes to make it in this business. Besides you, I don't know anyone in this office that really gets it, well, besides Kyle, your fiancé."

"Kyle is like me," Sophie said. "So, he gets it. He knows what it takes to make it."

"You are right," Patricia said. "Kyle knows exactly what it takes to make it. Well, keep it up. I'll be making the decision for a partner soon. You are at the top of the list. No one works as hard as you do."

Sophie grinned. "Thank you, Miss Van Horn. You won't be disappointed."

"No problem. You will soon get everything that you have worked so hard for," Patricia said.

"Welcome back to the London Meadow Show. I am your host, London Meadow. Today we are talking to singer and actor Cal Jenkins. Sitting next to him is his special lady, the lovely and talented actress, Sierra Broadeux. Before the break, I asked what is next for you two. " She turned to Sierra. "Rumor has it that you are highly favored to play Cinderella on Broadway. What can you tell us about that?"

Sierra snuggled close to Cal. She looked lovingly into his brown eyes and smiled. "It is not a rumor." She tossed her long, straight mane of black hair over her shoulder and crossed her long, tan legs at the ankle.

"Are you telling us that you got the role?"

Sierra tilted her head in a coy manner. "Yes. Steven Archer called me personally to tell me that I will be the next Cinderella."

"You heard it here first, folks. Now you also worked with him on, All I Need, which is another of my favorite plays from you. We all loved it. " She gestured to the audience to clap.

Sierra beamed from ear-to-ear. "Thank You."

"It was your first leading role, am I right?" London asked.

"Yes, it was," Sierra said. "Someone has been doing their homework."

"And now? " London prompted. "You will be working with him again. What made you decide that you wanted to play Cinderella?"

Sierra gushed. "Every little girl growing up wants to be Cinderella."

"I have to agree with that," London said. "I know I did. Just hoping to meet my prince charming."

"She had a rough life. Treated awful by her wicked stepsisters and mother. " Sierra reached out and grabbed Cal's hand. "But in the end, she gets her prince."

"Ahhhh," the audience moaned.

"You got yours."

"Yes, I did."

Cal leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "My Cinderella."

The audience clapped.

"What about you, Cal?" London asked. "What are you up to?"

The audience began clapping wildly and cheering.

"You are so versatile," London said as the cheers finally died down. "Folks refer to you as the Renaissance man of Hollywood. You sing, act, produce, and you have been successful in all of those avenues."

"Sierra is right, you have done your research," Cal answered in a calm tone.

"It wasn't that hard," London said. "There is so much written about you. And let me say, I love your new movie, Legion. " She held up two fingers. "I have seen it twice."

Cal smiled that smile of his. The women in the audience were swooning and hanging on his every word. He mimicked London and held up two fingers. "Only twice?"

The audience whistled and clapped.

London beamed. "For everyone in the audience, everyone watching at home who hasn't seen the movie, can you tell us about the movie?" London asked.

"Shame on the people who have not seen it," Cal said. "Get out and see it. In the movie, I play Arias, the King's most trusted General. He's loyal to the throne, even though he is serving a cruel and evil king."

"I read the book," London said, cutting him off. "I love Arias' character. He's conflicted. He is torn between staying loyal to the king, but also to his undercover spiritual beliefs."

"That is why I accepted the role," Cal said. "It's different from any other role that I've ever done. It takes me on a deep and soul-searching journey. I like how he must figure out who he is loyal to, the throne or his God. You would think it is an easy decision for him, but it isn't"

London clasped her hands together. "All I have to say is that if you haven't seen Legion, you must get out and see it. You will not be disappointed. Cal gives an Oscar winning performance. Okay, we know Sierra is playing Cinderella and you have the number one movie at the box office. But I heard another rumor, and that is that you have a good chance of playing King David."

The audience came to their feet.

"I heard that rumor too," Cal joked.

"So, you are not saying whether it's true or not?" London asked.

Cal smiled. "No, I prefer not to say."

The audience moaned in disappointment again.

"Okay. Okay," London said. She waved to calm the audience. "We have to respect his decision." She laughed. "I, for one, hope it's true. Before we go, I want to ask the question that fans around the world are dying to know. And that is what is next in Cal and Sierra's relationship?"

Cal squirmed. He had a feeling the question would come up. They have been together for three years. They have had their share of ups and downs. He cared for her. He glanced over at Sierra. She was grinning from ear-to-ear.

"You two have been together for a while now," London pointed out.

"Three years," Sierra answered.

Cal nodded in agreement.

"I guess what we all want to know is, will there be an announcement soon?" London asked.

"What kind of announcement?" Cal teased.

"A wedding announcement," London said. "When are you two going to tie the knot?"

"We both have been so busy lately that we really haven't had time to discuss it. But when we do, London, you can be sure that we will let the fans know."

"I'm going to hold you to that," London said. "We will be back in a moment."

"I can't believe you embarrassed me like that," Sierra said with an attitude, twenty minutes after the show. She slid into the backseat of the limousine. "And on national television."

"Cal settled in next to her. "What are you talking about? How did I embarrass you?"

"We are Hollywood's hottest couple right now. It's only natural that fans would want to know when we are getting married."

"When the time is right, the fans will know," Cal said. "I just don't think it should be announced on a talk show." He knew it wasn't the answer she wanted to hear but he had a surprise for her.

Sierra leaned her head on his broad shoulder.

Cal pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. "You know how I feel about you. I will never do anything to embarrass you."

Sierra lifted her beautiful caramel face and locked her hazel eyes with his. "I know how you feel about me. We are awesome together," she corrected. "I just want us to take our relationship to the next level. I thought that's what you wanted."

"I do want that," Cal said. "You know I do."

"Then let's do it." Sierra looked up into his face.

"Do what?" Cal asked.

"Let's run off to Vegas and get married.

Cal chuckled. "I thought you wanted a big wedding."

Sierra clasped her fingers with his. "I did before, and we can have a big wedding later."

Cal ran a hand up and down her arm in comfort. She was not only beautiful, but she was also insatiable. He didn't want to deny her anything, but eloping wasn't in the plan. "I know you do. I love you too. The back of a limousine is not the place to talk about this."

"Let's talk about it later at the hotel," Sierra replied. "Then pack our bags and head for Vegas. It will be our little secret."

"I have a better idea," Cal said. "Why don't we get away? Talk more about where to go for our romantic getaway."

Sierra clapped in excitement. "Sounds like Vegas may be out. Where should we go? Hawaii? The Virgin Island?"

"Virginia," Cal said. "It will just be me and you." He dropped his voice to a low, seductive tone.

Sierra's face dropped. She straddled him in the backseat. "That's not exactly what I had in mind when you said romantic getaway. The last time we were there, all we talked about was redecorating your mother's house."

"That's not all we talked about," Cal said.

"The furniture is old," Sierra argued. "It should be updated or replaced. The whole house needs a makeover."

"My mother decorated that house," Cal interrupted her. "I just want to do something with the gatehouse."

"Only the gatehouse?" Sierra asked.

"Only the gatehouse," Cal said in an adamant tone.

Sierra began unbuttoning the top button of his expensive shirt. "It's where your mother did her painting. I can add my own personal taste to it. We can talk about the house later."

"You are not playing fair." Cal's eyes locked with Sierra's. His body felt as if it was on fire. The woman knew exactly how to break him down. He reached out and fondled one of her breasts. Now, she could do whatever she wanted to do.

Sophie placed the key in the lock and strolled inside the apartment that she shared with her older sister, Bella. She spotted her moving around the kitchen. "Hey, sis," she yelled. "When did you get back in town?"

"This morning. "Bella opened the refrigerator and removed a plastic container.

"Why didn't you call me? " She rolled the luggage next to the sofa and placed her purse on top of it. A make-up artist, Bella had worked on some of the top and upcoming celebrities in the business.

"I figured you were busy. I wanted to surprise you."

Sophie sat on a stool at the kitchen counter. "You are right on both counts. My feet are killing me. " She removed one Gucci pump and then the other.

"Van Horn strikes again," Bella said.

Sophie began rubbing her feet. "I took one of Kyle's projects at the last minute. I got the contract for him."

"You go all out for him. How's my future brother-in-law?"

"Swamped like me," Sophie said. "He's stopping by later."

"What happened to you starting your own business?" Bella said. "Isn't that the reason you went to work for Van Horn Designs? You wanted to get experience so that you can open your own interior design business. What happened to that dream?"

"It's still my dream," Sophie said. "I've been saving every dime I can get my hands on. Why do you think I have been working so hard?"

"You used to talk about it all the time," Bella said. "Now, you barely mention it, especially since you began going out with Kyle."

"That's not true," Sophie argued.

"Yes, it is," Bella replied. "What does Kyle think about you opening your own business?"

Sophie became quiet.

Bella shook her head. "You haven't mentioned it to him."

"I mentioned it to him once."

"He's your fiancée."

"I know," Sophie said. "Like, I said, I mentioned it once, but we were in bed, so I don't remember what he said or if he even heard me."

Bella took the stool next to Sophie. "Why haven't you mentioned it to him? You don't think he'll be supportive?"

"I think he'd be very supportive."

Bella bit into a strawberry. "Maybe you guys can go into business together."

"Don't think I haven't thought about it. " Sophie smiled.

"You should really get on it," Bella said. "From what you're always telling me, you're doing the work, and your boss is taking all the credit. That's not right."

"I do work for Van Horn Designs," Sophie argued. "It comes with the territory."

"Still doesn't make it right," Bella said. "How much have you saved?" She took a sip of water.

"About seventy-five-thousand," Sophie said. "I want to start up with at least one-hundred-thousand."

"You can get a business loan for the rest," Bella said. "I'm sure you can put together a knockout proposal."

"I can do that in my sleep," Sophie said.

"I have about ten thousand saved," Bella said.

"Thanks, but no thanks," Sophie said. "Besides, you're looking at the new partner at Van Horn Designs."

"You made partner? " Bella asked.

"It's just a matter of formality," Sophie said.

The sound of Sophie's cell phone filled the air. She rushed over to her purse, rambling around in the side pocket to retrieve it. She recognized her mother's familiar number "It's Mom," she mouthed to Bella. "Hi, Mom." She placed the call on speaker. "How are you? You don't have to worry."

Bella smiled and gave a thumb up.

"When I don't hear from you, I worry," her mother said. "One of the conditions of you moving to DC was that you would call at least twice a week. I haven't heard from either of my girls in about a month."

Bella mimicked her mother.

Sophie waved her off. "Mom, I'm sorry. Things have been so hectic at work that I haven't had a chance to call. It's not an excuse. It's the truth. But I promise I will do better," she quickly added. "I will call more often."

"Me too," Bella threw in. "Sorry, Mom."

"Bella!" Mother squealed. "When did you get back? Why aren't you answering your phone?"

"This morning," Bella asked. "I'm charging my phone."

Awkward silence fell between them.

Sophie was the first to break the silence. "Mom, you still there?"

"Yes, I am here. I was just thinking how well you girls turned out. I wish your father was alive to see it. He'd be so proud."

Sophie nodded in agreement. Their father died was she was 10-year-old. Their mother raised her and Bella working as a grade school teacher. She never remarried. With her and her sister out of the house, it must be lonely. "I hope he would be." She heard a doorbell in the background.

"Listen girls, I have to cut you off. The ladies are here," Mother said.

"What ladies? " Bella asked.

"I'm meeting up with some of the ladies from the Retired Teacher's Association," she explained. "We're going to Atlantic City for the weekend."

Sophie looked over at Bella in surprise. In the past, her mother would not be caught dead in a gambling casino. "You're going to the casino?"

"Not only am I going to the casino," Mother chuckled, "I plan on taking in some shows. I can't wait to see the boss, Diana Ross," she bragged.

"Go head, Mom," Bella exclaimed in the background.

"I don't know, Mom," Sophie began.

"Your father died when you were young. I raised you and Bella the best of my ability. I am retired now. You girls are gone. I'm going to go out there and live my life while I can," Mother explained. "Now, I have to go." Without another word, she ended the call.

"Wow," Bella said. "Mom has changed. I remember when she wouldn't even buy a lottery ticket. " She chuckled. "She says she misses us, but I don't know. It doesn't sound like it. What time is Kyle getting here? " She changed the subject.

Sophie looked at the clock on the wall. It was 8:45 p.m. "He should be on his way. If not, I have plenty of work to keep me busy. I have some designs to look over."

"Work? " Bella said. "That's all you do."

"Look who's talking? " Sophie asked. "Do you have plans for tonight?"

"Matter-of-fact, I have a date tonight," Bella bragged. "I'm just grabbing a quick snack before I head out."

"Where are you going?" Sophie asked.

"Some friends of mine are getting together to unwind. We are waiting to hear if we're going to be working on a new movie that's going to be filmed in Egypt."

Sophie whistled. "Egypt?" She was proud of her sister. Hair and makeup were what she loved to do, and she turned it into a career. "What's the name of it?"

"King David."

"King David," Sophie said. "Are you serious?" She was familiar with King David. He was her favorite person from the bible.

Bella's face lit up. "I am dead serious. You won't believe who may be playing the lead?"

"Who?"

"Cal Jenkins. The most handsome man the Lord has created. Beautiful, smooth, pecan skin, light brown eyes, tall, and six pack abs. Gets me all worked up just thinking about him."

"I saw him on the London Meadow Show this morning," Sophie said. "A client of mine's mother was watching it."

"Then you saw him?" Bella asked. "He is all that."

"He's kind of handsome."

"Kind of? You need your eyes checked," Bella replied. "Sierra Bordreaux is one lucky woman."

Sophie stood. "That's the fiancée, right? " She strolled over and opened the refrigerator door. She grabbed a Perrier water. "She's pretty."

"If that's what you want to call her," Bella said. "I mean, she's okay. The typical actress. She has the weave down her back, breast implants, had her lips done, and some folks say the butt too."

Sophie almost choked on the liquid. "The butt? I've never heard of anyone getting butt implants." She glanced at her own backside. She could use a little more in the rear, but there was no way she would get implants.

"Lots of women these days are getting them," Bella said, "especially in Hollywood."

Sophie cringed. "That's disgusting."

"Tell me about it," Bella continued. "I hated her in the movie, All Is Love. She can't act her way out of a paper bag, but she looks good on the screen."

Sophie leaned back a little. "Ouch! Tell me how you really feel about her?"

"I'm sorry, but a man like Cal Jenkins deserves better. The man is ultra-talented," Bella said. "And she's too young for him."

"How old is she?" Sophie asked.

"She's about twenty-five? Twenty-six? " Bella said. "Cal is thirty-two? Thirty-three?"

Sophie stood. "In today's day and time, that's acceptable. A Hollywood relationship is about opportunities and climbing the ladder, isn't it?"

"I would love him to climb me," Bella said. "The other actor being considered is Stoner Johns. He's okay. Not much experience, though. " She clasped her hands together in a praying gesture. "I pray I get to do Cal Jenkins's makeup. Not that he needs it. I just want to touch that beautiful face."

"You're too much." Sophie giggled.

"I'm serious," Bella teased. She glanced at her watch. "I better go get dressed. Why don't you and Kyle hang out with us tonight? " She said on the way to her bedroom.

"No, thank you," Sophie said. "We're going to spend the night in."

Bella stuck her head out the bedroom door. "Sounds romantic."

"Nothing like that." Sophie giggled. "We're just going to stay in and relax. Why don't you join us tomorrow night for Miss Van Horn's birthday party?"

"I can't. I have plans," Bella yelled back.

"Will I get to spend any time with my older sister?"

"We will see," Bella yelled back.