“You can’t give me a car,” I say again.
“What if it’s a work car?” Crystal says, a knowing smile on her face that has me confused.
“I don’t need a work car. I live a few minutes away. Besides, wouldn’t it have to come from my boss in that case?” My mind is reeling. I’ve never been so thrown off.
“What if it did come from your boss?” Crystal replies, that smug smile still in place.
“Crystal, I mean this with the absolute most respect, but what the actual fuck?”
She laughs hard at my outburst, then pats the chair beside her. “Sit. Please.”
I scan the restaurant but it’s not busy. Kira catches my eye and points toward the chair. Does she know what’s happening? I frown and sit.
“Your makeup, as always, is flawless,” Crystal begins.
“Umm, thanks? It’s simple today, just a smokey eye.” I thought we were talking about a car but now Crystal’s complimenting my eyeshadow?
“I’m about to go on tour again,” Crystal explains, and it absolutely does not explain anything.
“Congratulations.” I look at Valerie, who’s still looking at me sweetly. I glance over my shoulder at Kira but she motions with her finger for me to turn back around.
“My makeup artist has been saying lately that she would love an apprentice to train. And I think that should be you.” Crystal points at me and I stare at her.
“Me? Is this a joke?” I begin to laugh like it is. It has to be.
“No, Ella,” Valerie says. “You’re talented and have amazing style. You mentioned when you were over that you’ve always loved doing makeup and once dreamed of working as a makeup artist or stylist.”
“Yeah, when I was younger,” I splutter.
Valerie shrugs. “Dreams don’t have to end because you get older. You don’t have to say yes, but please say you’ll think about it.”
I lick my lips and take a big breath. “What if I’m really bad at it?” I say in a voice that’s only slightly above a whisper.
“What if you’re great at it?” Valerie counters.
“Give it some thought,” Crystal says. “If you’re interested at all, I’ll introduce you to Toni. Meet her, ask questions, see if this would be a good fit for you. I can tell that you have talent and an eye for fashion, but that only matters if this is something you want to do. It’s up to you. Don’t say yes just because I’m asking.”
Never in my life have I been allowed to make decisions for myself like this. Growing up, I always had to do what my mother told me to. Then Ethan made decisions and plans for me. But Valerie and her sister are giving me an opportunity to make another choice. My choice.
Becoming a makeup artist used to be my dream. But my mother forced me to go to university to study business. Ethan forced me into a box to fit into his life. My dreams were tossed away, laughed at and forgotten.
But here, now, with Valerie? She’s encouraging me to take hold of my dreams and soar.
I smile. A real one, like I had during the photoshoot when I relaxed and pulled the real me out of the ashes my life had become.
“I’d love to meet with Toni.” I swallow and close my eyes. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for saying yes,” Crystal says softly. “I’m going to head back. Valerie, I assume I’ll see you later?”
“I’ll be home in a bit,” she tells her sister, then looks at me. “Maybe a bit longer than a bit.”
I bite my lip. “I might steal her for the day.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Crystal laughs. “I’ll be in touch and set up a meeting between you and Toni. Welcome to the team.”
I go to shake her hand but she pulls me in for a hug.
When Crystal leaves, Valerie and I chat for a while. About nothing. About everything. I tell her more about Ethan and moving here. She tells me about the logistics of planning a world tour.
