Page 90 of The Movie Star and the Spy

“My flight? Two hours? We’ll never make it. I have to pack and–”

“Don’t worry about that.” He stopped her. “Everything has been taken care of. As long as we make it to the airport, you’ll be fine. All you need is to dress and grab your purse. Can you do that?”

Could she?“Absolutely.”

The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of high-speed travel. They made it to the airport with minutes to spare and waited in the first-class lounge before boarding a nonstop flight to Los Angeles. Cheyenne had never flown first class before, and the wide, plush seats and gourmet meal of Belgian waffles with fresh whipped cream and strawberries were divine. The double serving of chocolate raspberry ganache cake tasted even better.

The flight arrived early, and Frank led her to a waiting limo. She hoped to see Julian right away so they could talk, but instead a woman dressed in sparkles and sequins approached with double air kisses. Louise Beauchene, one of the premier stylists in the country, was introduced as her personal stylist for the day as Frank waved farewell. “I’d love to stay, but I have a busy afternoon. I’ll leave you two to it.”

Of course, he was busy. He’d flown across the country to retrieve her on the day of the awards. Julian had gone to a lot of trouble to make this happen. What other surprises did he have in store for her?

She ducked into a luxurious car decked with plush seats, swanky furnishings and a minibar stocked with expensive liquors. They coasted down a crowded thoroughfare flanked by palm trees and mega mansions, while up above fluffy white clouds drifted lazily across the sky, carried on a cool breeze that swirled through the open windows. Finally, they pulled into the Raffles L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, a luxurious hotel known for catering to the rich and famous. Cheyenne (somewhat) managed not to stare like a gawking tourist as the stylist checked them in and led her to a spacious suite with gilded accents and a balcony.

“How is this going to work?” Cheyenne tore her gaze away from the stunning view outside the window. “Are we going to the mall? I might not be a star, but I don’t think they’ll let me wear jeans to the awards.”

Louise turned pale, as if she’d suggested going buck naked. “Of course not, but we’re staying right here. The mall is coming to us.” Before Cheyenne could ask for an explanation, a light knock sounded from the door. The stylist answered, then returned with a large white box. “This is for you.”

Cheyenne placed the box on the table and removed the heavy lid. A gasp was the only possible response, as she lifted a creamy silk dress covered in Swarovski crystals. The floor length creation was an ethereal creation fit for a princess – or a movie star. A sparkling sweetheart neckline gave way to wispy off-the-shoulder sleeves, and then a shimmering skirt with hand embroidered embellishments. Tiny seed pearls glazed the crystals, like foam on a diamond sea. With every movement, light casted fiery rainbows along the magnificent work of fashion artistry.

Though she’d always been a tomboy, even she couldn’t resist the beautiful creation. With Lousie’s assistance, she discarded her casual outfit and slipped the gown over her head. Minutes later, she stared at the reflection that couldn’t possibly be her.

If the dress had been lovely in the box, it was nothing less than stunning on her. It molded to her curves, showing off her fit figure and shapely curves. Faceted crystals sparkled like tiny stars, amidst shimmering pearls and tiny glass beads reflecting the glittering light. The skirt glistened with each movement, falling in soft waves all around her.

The stylist clapped her hands in glee. “It’s perfect.”

“I’m more than perfect – it’s amazing.” Cheyenne couldn’t look away from the iridescent reflection. “Thank you so much.”

“I would love to take credit, but I didn’t choose it,” Louise admitted. “Julian picked it out himself. He knew your exact measurements.” She smiled as Cheyenne blushed. “You probably don’t want to take it off, but I’m afraid you have to, at least for a little while. The team is here.”

There was more? “The team?”

What Julian had done, she discovered in the next few hours, was order a virtual army of professionals to gift her the spa day of a lifetime. First, an hour-long massage that turned her muscles to jelly, then a facial. Her nails were next, polished to a gleaming French manicure with crystal accents to match the dress. The hairstylist followed, world famous apparently, and created a half-updo with shiny ringlets that made her look like a princess. Next, the makeup artist turned her skin flawless, her eyes bright and her lips sparkly. Hours later, she finally slipped back into the stunning dress and its matching crystal-encrusted heels.

“You look fabulous.” Louise fussed over her after everyone had left. “The stars will wonder who this beauty is.”

It was like living in a dream. “Thank you. You did an amazing job.”

“There’s one last thing in the hallway. Why don’t you take a look while I order dinner?”

What more could possibly remain? A flying carpet? As the stylist dialed on her phone, Cheyenne crossed the corridor and approached a flat black velvet box. “What did you do, Julian?” she whispered. With a deep breath, she lifted the top.

Diamonds, emeralds and rubies, so many of them, gleaming and perfect and flawless, lay nestled against a midnight velvet background. They etched vines and flowers in a beautiful filigree necklace, a stunning representation of the nature Julian loved so much. The gems were clear and vibrant, sparkling as if lit by an inner light. A matching bracelet and earrings set accompanied them.

“Oh my.”

Cheyenne started at the voice from the doorway.

“I apologize.” The stylist grinned. “I didn’t mean to intrude. Julian wanted to know how you reacted when you saw them.”

“They’re amazing.” Beyond so, truly. She gave a curt shake of her head. “But just for tonight, right? He must’ve borrowed them like actresses do for awards shows and–”

“He bought them,” Louise broke in. “They’re yours.”

What?She traced the flawless sparkling surfaces. She couldn’t accept, of course, but perhaps she could wear them just this once. With Louise’s help, she donned the stunning suite. Then… she was ready.

The rest of the afternoon melted away. The food the stylist ordered was delicious and savory – lasagna, a fresh wedge salad and crusty bread covered in thick slices of garlic. Finally, the limousine came and whisked them away, just like that magic carpet. When they reached the theater, Louise turned to her. “This is where we’ll separate.”

“You’re not coming?” Cheyenne frowned. After the stylist’s hard work, she should see Julian’s reaction.

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