Beautiful People - Chapter 37: Chapter 37

After Vera's speech had spun itself out, Sharise parted her lips, then pressed them together again. She looked up at the sky, eyes tracing out the path of an airplane crossing high overhead, visible only by the blinking lights on the tips of its wings. Vera was sure her thudding heart could be heard all the way at the end of the alley.
At last, her gaze settled. She spoke in a soft voice, and Vera stepped closer to listen.
"After you left that day in Venice, when the photos leaked, Carmen was lashing out. She was being cruel. I knew it was only because she was hurt, but that didn't make it easier to be her target. And you and I had been talking about what I would want to do if I wasn't working for Carmen, and I–" She paused. Her throat rippled as she swallowed. "I realized that our working relationship wasn't serving either of us. Maybe it hadn't been for a long time. So I told her that I could support her through this as a friend, but not as her manager. And I walked out."
Half a laugh trickled from her lips. "I regretted it immediately, because she was in crisis, and I had abandoned her. She was too upset with me to let me walk back in, but I made some calls for her, to help her find a new team fast. Someone who could handle her and the situation with care. Then, since she still wasn't talking to me, I went to Paris. While I was there we came up with this event, for Carmen. And I realized you were right. I didn't even know who I was without her anymore."
Vera didn't remember saying that, at least not in so many words, but maybe something they'd talked about had sparked an epiphany. Either way, she wasn't entirely surprised to hear it. Just a little sad.
Sharise pressed a palm against the brick of the building, maybe drawing strength from its lingering warmth. "You say you run from difficult things. I'm the opposite. I cling. Even when they hurt, I can't let go of the things I know." Her gaze lengthened, went somewhere else. "You know that I cut my mother out of my life. It was the right decision, but goddamn, I still miss her sometimes. I think I'm so afraid of losing more people that way that I'd rather stay with the pain I know than risk the pain I don't."
She shook her head, dappled yellow light sparking off the gold stars in her hair. "When we met, your intensity scared me. The way you rush into things without looking over your shoulder. Not like me. I wade in slowly, always ready to back out or see betrayal. But your passion is exhilarating, and I fell for you anyway."
Vera forced herself to unstick her jaw and say it even though she didn't want to. "I don't want you to stay with me because you're afraid to let go."
"No. After Ellie, I promised myself I would never make that mistake again." She pressed a hand to her stomach as though an old ache lingered there, then let out a small, sharp breath and dropped it. "I was hurt that you moved out, but I think that it was a good thing. You undo me, Vera. I can't think clearly when you're around. The space gave me clarity."
Vera forced her heel to stop tapping. This was it. She was about to be dumped for good. But she had tried. That's all she could do.
At least the boots that were going to crush her heart under their heels were fabulous ones. It wouldn't make it hurt less, but she could appreciate the aesthetics of a beautiful heartbreak.
Starlight caught in Sharise's teeth as she smiled, a small, gentle smile. "You're not the only one who's been busy during our break. I decided I want to find out who I am when I'm not Carmen's manager. I'm going to give acting another shot. I got an agent and I'm already looking at a few scripts. I said no sassy best friends."
"Oh my god." Vera was stunned and thrilled in equal measure. "Congratulations! I can't wait to see you as the romantic lead in the film of the summer."
"We'll see what happens." The corners of her eyes crinkled. "But I know that I wouldn't have had the courage to move on if you hadn't encouraged me to reconsider my priorities."
Vera rubbed the back of her neck, unable to help the smile that unfurled. "Will you miss Carmen?"
"I'll still see her. We'll just be friends, instead of colleagues. I think that will be better for both of us. I've missed you, though," Sharise said, her lips curving into a crescent. "When I was in Paris, I kept wondering what you would have to say about the fashion. And I got used to having you at home. Although I do appreciate that you remembered I said temporary roommates."
"Sorry temporary ended up being semi-permanent."
Sharise fiddled with one of the gold chains on her wrist, twisting it between two perfectly manicured fingertips, around and around. "I understand why you didn't tell us you were working for Marina. You were trying to spare a confrontation with Carmen, and to spare me the trouble of deciding whether to keep your secret. But since Ellie... I don't handle secrets well. I would rather have the confrontation."
"Yeah," Vera said, quietly. "I know. I'm sorry. That was so fucking dumb of me."
"Maybe not your most brilliant move. But I think I understand you. You're not an asshole. You're just a little bit thoughtless sometimes." A bright laugh spilled from Sharise's throat like the first rays of sunshine bursting between lingering storm clouds. Dark lashes fell low over deep eyes. "In Venice, you asked me what I would be doing, if I could do anything in the world. I've thought about it, and my answer is: I would wake up beside you every day."
Vera's stomach did a weird gymnastics trick.
"You do make me feel loved, Vera. Loved and supported. I think your cheesy lines are adorable and romantic. Being with you is like having someone on my team I can count on at all times. Well, almost all of the time, but we can work on that. And-" Another shower of laughter, this one softer, more intimate. "-when you look at me like that, you make me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world."
"You are the most beautiful woman in the world," Vera said. Her cheeks hurt from the huge, stupid smile that refused to leave her face. "Maybe some people might disagree, but those people are wrong."
"Thank you for listening when I said I wanted a break. I needed time to sort myself out. Now I'm ready for us to figure out how we move forward together."
"I'm ready for that, too." Reaching out, she took Sharise's hands in hers and squeezed gently. "I'll have confrontations with you every day if you want me to."
Her laughter settled into this impossibly soft smile. "That's exactly what I want."
She brushed fingertips featherlight against Vera's cheek. They had drawn together unconsciously, close enough that their mingled warmth pushed back the cool of the night. Vera slid her hands up Sharise's back, felt a small shiver chase under her palms and up, to feather out between her lips.
"Tell me what I can do to earn your trust back."
"I'd like to just date for a while. You probably signed at least a few months lease at your new place, so let's keep living apart for now. That way, when we see each other it's with intention. We can take our time and re-evaluate in a couple months."
"Yeah. I like that. And if we decide to move in again, it will be a decision we make together, not something that just sort of happens because of circumstance."
"That sounds perfect. And I must admit I don't mind the sound of flowers for a year," Sharise teased. "Maybe one of those huge bouquets that you can't even carry."
"Anything you want, angel. As long as you don't expect me to deliver it myself. Troy's bouquet just about squished me flat. You almost ended up with a two-dimensional girlfriend." She grimaced. "Don't tell Jay I said that. He'll tell you that I'm already 2D."
She smiled, gentle and full of warmth. "I love you, Vera."
"I love you, too."
A hot thumb pressed against an earlobe. Hips shifted together. Quick breaths and hooded eyes and the air thrumming with their heartbeats.
Vera pressed up onto her toes, but- "Uh, I won't complain because you look fucking hot in those boots, but you might need to bend down a bit."
Laughter spilled, was caught between lips and kisses and fingertips until nothing was left but the way their bodies met. It felt like coming home after a very long time away.
They parted reluctantly, the desire for more thrumming in their nerves, happiness brimming in bright eyes and matching grins.
"Later. We have a fashion show to watch, remember?"
"Right. Of course. Fashion show."
Vera had completely forgotten.
Sharise led the way through the backstage bustle. The security guard at the entrance had now totally abandoned their post to watch the show, bopping along to the music and snapping their fingers at awkward off-beat moments. A designer currently stood on stage, saying a few words about how their collection represented what they saw as the soul of Los Angeles. Judging by the models taking a last turn around the catwalk, the soul of Los Angeles was a dumpster.
With whispers of "excuse me" they slipped by the gathered audience, past all the people who turned to stare at Sharise in her fabulous dress, and right to the front row, where two seats were empty next to Marina and Carmen.
As they sat down, Carmen leaned over. "Jesus Christ, it took you two long enough. What were you doing, reciting poetry at each other?"
Vera just grinned and winked at her and mentally added poetry to her list of ways to woo Sharise.
The view from the front row was perfect. Vera could see every fold and dart and precise hand-sewn hemline as the next set of models flounced down the runway in their colorful couture.
Energy hummed in the room. The French DJ spun one dynamic tune after another, and the clothes were electric. Vera itched to take notes on color combinations that caught her eye, silhouettes that intrigued her, and style decisions she envied. Instead, she and Sharise kept up a whispered commentary. That was even better than notes. Sharise had a practiced eye, and, when it wasn't Carmen's wardrobe they were discussing, her insights were sharp. Plus, the chairs were very close together and her thigh was deliciously warm and soft where it pressed against Vera's. That alone was a win.
Every single piece that they saw go down the runway was exciting in some way, even the dumpster collection. These designers may have been amateurs, but they were talented. Vera hoped all of them walked away from here with deals or internships of their own.
As the show neared its end, an assistant popped up beside them and leaned close to Sharise. Vera couldn't hear what they said, but Sharise nodded.
"Back in a bit, love," she murmured, pressing to her feet to follow the assistant backstage. That term of endearment thrilled right through Vera, all the way down to her toes.
The last batch of models walked in a collection inspired by the ocean, swathes of deep blue cloth, rope fishnets, and wave-froth skirts. After the designer made their speech and took their bow, the stage lights dimmed. A moment later, the lights lifted again to the sound of a sensual beat.
"I thought that was the last designer?" Vera murmured.
Carmen leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs at the ankle. "We had a small last-minute addition."
The host swept out on stage, a dazzling smile on her face. "Wasn't that last collection fabulous, folks? You don't even need to go on vacation when you can bring the Caribbean Sea to your closet." She let out a sigh of relaxation. Maybe she was tired of jokes. "Now, we have one last designer joining our show tonight. They're a newcomer to LA and they're showing just two pieces, but let me tell you, these are stunners. I'll admit, I'm a little disappointed none of them come with freebleeding as an accessory. Wouldn't that be right on theme?" A ripple of uncertain laughter in the crowd, and the comedian hurried on. "With a focus on diverse body shapes and incredible use of color, you won't be disappointed. This is Vera Kwan!"
"Excuse me." Vera's jaw was going to fall right off her face if she kept getting smacked with surprises like this. "What?"
"You're welcome, bitch," Carmen said, flipping her hair back over her shoulder.
"That's not why I made those clothes," Vera protested. "Was this your idea?"
Carmen just smiled smugly.
And then Jay strode out, brown skin glowing like he was lit from within. She couldn't deny that he looked like he belonged up there, in his orange-and-white suit that she'd put so much care into. It was a little stupid, but she found herself tearing up as he strolled the length of runway, shoulders back, one hand in his pocket. He reached the far end and posed one direction, then the other, all sexy masculine energy. As he spun around to start his slow walk back, Sharise sashayed out in that showstopping yellow dress.
She commanded the runway with her confident stride and the crowd watched her, rapt. Her poses were those of a professional, everything poised just so to show off the dress to its best possible vantage. Her strut on the way back felt like it was meant just for Vera, her ample hips swaying, feathers fluttering, expression smoldering.
As she passed Vera's seat, Sharise turned her head just enough to meet her eyes like a jolt of lightning, and Vera knew. This hadn't been Carmen's idea. It was all Sharise.
Before she reached the end of the runway, the applause had started. Carmen pulled Vera into a hug.
"I can't believe you let her do this for me," Vera muttered against her shoulder.
"Bitch, as if I could stop her. As soon as she saw that dress she called me and said she was doing it."
"Oh my god. Tell me you're joking because otherwise I swear those words are gonna give an orgasm."
"Ew, keep that to yourself. That's my sister you're talking about."
Vera surreptitiously wiped her eyes.
Then the spotlight flashed onto them. Vera pulled away, laughing incredulously, to wave to the thunderous crowd.
It wasn't New York Fashion Week or the cover of Vogue or the top models in the world wearing her designs. It was Jay wrapping an arm around Sharise's waist up on the runway, both of them smiling at her. It was Carmen next to her, shooing her up to join them. Climbing the steps, her knees felt like they might give out at any moment.
The spotlight flashed onto her, and the host stepped out to push the microphone into her shaking hand. She looked out over the dark, cheering crowd, then back at her friends. They smiled and made signs of encouragement. Her heart swelled up with so much love she thought it might burst.
It wasn't like she had dreamed it might be. It was better. So much better.