Oceans Apart (Ocean Dreams Book 1) (21 page)

Annie was so thankful she had called Chelsea. Even though she didn’t live in Sydney, Chelsea had many friends who did. They all seemed to work in the right industries or know people who could help Annie out. With only eight hours to transform her from a beach bunny to a red carpet siren, there was no time to waste. Chelsea had made the phone calls to everyone and explained to Cam that all he had to do was drive her to where she needed to go. She also gave him a piece of advice…‘
Ask no questions and make sure you tell her how beautiful she looks.’

First stop was a day spa at Bondi. After nearly four hours of Annie being waxed, scrubbed, wrapped, and massaged into a relaxed puddle of goo, Cam ushered Annie into the Jeep and whisked her to the next stop on Chelsea’s to-do list.

They arrived at what looked like a private home rather than a business in the beachside suburb of Clovelly. Cam doubled checked the address Chelsea texted her. “Yep, this is it.”

“Okay then. I trust your sister,” Annie said as she got out of the car. They walked hand in hand up the cobblestone path leading to the front door of a recently refurbished bungalow. Cam knocked on the door and waited, still holding Annie’s hand. She liked he felt the need to touch her whenever he could and she loved it just as much. They could hear footsteps approaching and within a few seconds, the front door was flung open to them.

“Cameron Hart, well, well! It’s been a very long time.” A tall, statuesque red head beamed at them. She looked very chic in tight blue jeans and a bright yellow t-shirt, which hung off one shoulder. Her alabaster skin was almost flawless except for a smattering of freckles across her nose and her big green eyes were shining brightly between licorice colored lashes.

“I’m sorry do I know…hang on. Kirby Watson? Is that you?” Cam said as the girl in front of them became more familiar.

“Yes, it is. Like I said, it’s been forever.” She leaned over the threshold of the door, gave him a quick hug, and then turned to Annie, her smile still glowing. “And you must be Annie. Pleasure to meet you. Come on inside.” Kirby stood to the side and held the door back while Cam and Annie walked in.

“You’ve certainly grown up since I last saw you. It must be at least ten years.”

“Not quite ten. It would have been at high school graduation when I was still going through my gangly and geeky phase. I almost shudder to remember that. Come on. Follow me and we’ll get started,” Kirby said with a smile as she walked ahead, down a long corridor, her black patent leather ballet flats making a slight tap as she walked.

“I don’t mean to sound rude, Kirby, but what is it exactly we are here for? Chelsea didn’t tell us why?” Annie was a little nervous but very curious.

They reached an open planned room at the back of the house, which seemed to be the living and kitchen area. “Oh, I’m sorry. Annie, I’m a fashion stylist. I style many celebrities and socialites for red carpet events. Actually, I’ve even helped a few up and coming actresses for the very event you are going to tonight. So Cam, have a seat on the couch and relax. Feel free to help yourself to drinks from the fridge and you have complete control of the TV. We ladies have some important business to attend to. Let’s go, Annie,” she said as she took her hand and led her back down the corridor to a set of stairs.

The girls ascended the stairs in silence. At the top, they were met with another corridor. “To the right is my bedroom suite and down this way is my studio,” said Kirby. They walked into an extremely large and sunlit room. Floor to ceiling windows ran the length of the back wall, enabling as much natural light to filter in as possible. It was decorated simply in white and had little furniture. There were numerous racks of dresses and clothing, and a few shelves housing different accessories. It was a fashionista’s playground. Annie also noted there was a large changing room in one corner of the room.

“So you’re going to find me something to wear for tonight?”

“I am indeed. I can’t wait. This is going to be so much fun,” Kirby exclaimed. “When Chelsea rang me this morning, I couldn’t believe it was her. It’s been a while since we’ve talked. Usually we just text or email; so I knew if she was phoning me, it must’ve been important.”

“I don’t know about that. I just needed some direction as to where to buy things here in Sydney. I’ve done little shopping since I’ve been here and I certainly didn’t bring any formal wear with me. Chelsea has been so kind to me.”

“That’s Chelsea. She loves helping people out whenever she can. It’s not in her nature to say no to someone, especially if there is a way she is able to help out.” Annie could tell that Kirby was very fond of her old school friend. If she read Kirby right, she missed Chelsea.

“Okay. Now the dresses I have here are one of a kind designer dresses,” Kirby said as she wheeled a rack of gorgeousness toward her. “I’ll be able to tailor it to you if it needs to be. Why don’t you have a look at the rack and see if anything takes your fancy. Then I’ll give you my opinion and we’ll work from there. A word of advice: if you like it, you will shine in it, and you will be a lot more comfortable.”

Looking at the rack, Annie was sure she would like every dress hanging there. Annie was definitely more of a ‘jeans and t-shirt’ type of girl so rifling through these dresses was a little daunting. Every color and style you could imagine was hanging there, all wanting to be tried on. It wasn’t until she was nearly at the end of the line that Annie saw what she was after. She ran her hand over the material and knew this was it.

“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it? Like I said, one of a kind and I think the color would suit you perfectly.” Kirby lifted the dress from the rack and carried it over to the dressing room, hanging it on a wall hook. “Try it on while I find a pair of shoes that will match perfectly. I’m thinking silver heels. You’re a size…eight?”

“Yes,” Annie said, astonished she could pick that.

Kirby laughed and knew exactly what Annie was thinking. “It’s a gift.” She joked and Annie giggled along with her.

Annie stepped into the changing room and pulled the white curtain across. She turned to admire the long, emerald green gown shimmering before her. The silky chiffon draped down in a ‘V’ shape from the shoulders and into small pleats at the waist before cascading down elegantly. The fitted bodice was cinched in at the waist with a ribbon that was tastefully decorated with crystals on the front, but the back of the dress was the
pièce de résistance
. Intricate lace had been shaped into small cap sleeves, which also wrapped the back of the dress, while tiny, delicate crystals sparkled randomly. The gown was completed with lace-covered buttons running in a row from the neck to the waist.

Annie shed her clothes quickly. She unbuttoned the gown, stepped into it, and then realized she wouldn’t be able to do it up by herself.

“Uh, Kirby? Can I have a little help, please?”

A few moments later, Kirby drew back the curtain, holding a pair of glittery silver shoes in one hand. “Wow. Annie, I think this dress was made for you.” A sweet smile swept across Annie’s lips at the lovely compliment.

“Let’s get it buttoned up and then you can pop the shoes on and we’ll see if any alterations need to be made.” Kirby put the shoes down and started fixing the buttons.

“Hey, ladies, can I come up?” Cam’s voice called up the stairs to them.

Kirby walked to the doorway of the room and stood just outside so Cam wouldn’t be able to get a sneak peek. “You can, but you can’t see Annie.” Cam thundered up the stairs at a lightening pace.

“Listen…uh, Nashville, can you hear me, too?”

“Loud and clear, sugar.”

“Cool. Listen, I need to go home and sort some stuff out. Take Bowie for a run and feed her. I’m not sure how long I’m going to be though. Chelsea’s message says you still have hair and make-up to go. I thought I would call you a cab to bring you home. How does that sound?”

“I have a better idea,” Kirby piped up.

Cam looked at her with interest. “I’m all ears.”

“Annie, why don’t you just stay here and get ready. You can use the spare bedroom to get ready in and we will just organize the hair and make-up to come to this address instead. Does that work for you guys?”

“Works for me just as long as you don’t mind. I don’t want to inconvenience you if you have plans.” Cam looked relieved he wouldn’t have to hang around and wait any longer.

“Ha! Me…have plans? Not a chance. Annie, is it fine with you?”

“It sounds great but we don’t want to put you out.”

“Honestly, you aren’t. It will be fun to help you get ready. We’ll make you the belle of the ball. Cam, what time do you need her ready by?”

“I’ll pick her up at six thirty. This is so great of you, Kirby. I’ll owe you.” Cam gave her a smile before calling to Annie, “I’ll see you later then, Nashville. I’ll be the one in a penguin suit.” He chuckled to himself as he went back downstairs and left the ladies to get Annie ready.

Annie was standing in front of the full-length mirror, gazing at the sight before her. Kirby stood at her side with a satisfied grin.

“ It’s so elegant. I almost don’t feel worthy of wearing this. It is like a fine piece of art.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You look incredible. With just a few tweaks here and there, the dress will be perfect. Combine it with the make-up and hair, and you are going to knock Cam’s socks off, girl. Come to think of it, I might also have something very special for underneath the dress. It can be a surprise for Cam later on, if you know what I mean.” Kirby raised her eyebrows up and down, and both girls giggled at the thought.

“Okay, I’ll get the pins and fix where we need to. After that, you can use the guest bathroom to shower and wash your hair while I get some wine and cheese. You may as well have some fun while you get made up.”

“I really am at a loss for words, Kirby. I don’t know how I will ever thank you and Chelsea. I feel tonight is going to be one to remember.”

Annie had such an enjoyable afternoon with Kirby. The two girls had connected while they readied Annie for her big night out with Cam. Annie felt she had found a new friend in Kirby. They had already planned a lunch date for the week after the fundraiser. She didn’t have many close girlfriends throughout her life, so Annie was really enjoying spending time with the women she had met since getting together with Cam. They had all been friendly and genuine, and no one seemed to care what her family was like or who they were. Annie believed these people could bring happiness into her life and be there if she ever needed it, like she would for them.

The time was now six forty-five. Cam was fifteen minutes late and Annie was growing more impatient and nervous with each minute that ticked by. She was too nervous to sit down for fear she would wrinkle the gown. She wouldn’t have a calming sip of wine, as she didn’t want to smear the perfectly applied nude lipstick. Annie really wanted to run her hands through her hair to release some tension but didn’t think that would be a wise idea since her hair had been perfectly coiffed into a sleek and elegant chignon. All she could do was wring her hands together and pace about the house.

“I really wish you would take a seat. At the very least have a some wine so you can chill out a little.” Kirby was now looking a little stressed out. “I’m sure he isn’t too far away. Bronte is only fifteen minutes from here.”

“Then he should be here by now. What man tells a woman to be ready at a certain time and then has the gall to show up late? Huh! Oh, is he going to get it later.” The frustration in Annie’s voice was evident. ‘
He had better have a good explanation
,’ she grumped to herself.

“Listen. If you don’t stop pacing, you are going to work up a sweat and you don’t want to be remembered as the stunning woman on the red carpet who smelled like a dirty footballer.”

Annie stopped where she was and turned to see a grinning Kirby. Annie had no choice but to smile back at her new friend. She knew she was being silly but this was a big deal. Cam had invited her to an important event and was about to show her off not only in front of his peers and friends, but also the paparazzi.

A knock at the door had both the girls’ smiles fade. Annie’s turned into a worried straight line while Kirby bit her bottom lip in excitement. “Here.” Kirby handed her a matching emerald clutch which contained only lipstick, tissues, and breath mints. “Go knock him dead and have a fabulous night. I’ll see you later next week so I can give you your things, but if you want to call me tomorrow and fill me in on any juicy details, I’d be very happy to listen,” she said with a wink and a smile.

“Thank you for everything, Kirby. You have been so sweet and an absolute lifesaver.” Annie almost felt teary for the generosity Kirby had shown her.

“Anytime, girl. You have a wonderful night,” Kirby said as she leaned in and gave her a quick hug.

Annie took a deep breath and let all of her anxiety out with the exhale. “Okay. Time to go.” She walked down the corridor to the front door and placed her hand on the handle. Slowly, she opened the door and moved into the doorway. The light from inside illuminated her in the doorframe and the evening sun sparkled on her front. Cam, who was a few feet away, but was looking in the opposite direction, turned around to see her. The smile on his face vanished as a look of shock took its place.