The Look Of Love

Chapter 53: Be The Queen

The next two weeks are filled to the brim, with organized chaos. First is the matter of a pageant coach. Mary's girlfriends all said she'd be fine without one. All she needed to do is think like Miss America, walk like Miss  America, and talk like Miss America. The thinking and talking part is fine, but the walking concerns Mary the most. Pageant people have their own style and way of walking, among other things.

In light of this concern, she turned to the one person she knew who might help her achieve success. After school, on Monday, she drove to her destination bursting with hope. Once she parked at the Beverly Hills business, her magenta heels carried her forward. 

Stepping into Fern's office is a little like stepping into a posh and glamorous carnival (if a carnival could be posh and glamorous). Displays, of every kind of imaginable wedding decor, were strategically spread around the room. Tables of massive floral arrangements, and place settings, rounded out the space. To top it all off, there is even a chocolate fountain. The chocolate fountain had finger foods you can actually skewer and taste. 

Mary walked straight over and skewered herself a marshmallow. She coated it in the gooey chocolate. Then her mouth died, surrounded by the incredible, creamy piece of paradise. Regaining her senses, she sauntered over to the secretary's desk. 

Mary greeted the stylish secretary. "Hello. I'm Mary Grainger, a client of Fern's. I don't have an appointment, but I am hoping he would be able to see me regardless." Fern's secretary is just as spiffy as he is. She wore a silver, silk jumpsuit with a silver belt cinched around the waist. On her feet are neon yellow heels. Quite the combination.

His secretary looked at the appointment book, on her desk. When she looked back up, she spoke with a smoky shrill voice. "He's in with a client right now, but he has nothing on the calendar scheduled after. I can pencil you in there. It should be about a 30 minute wait. Would that work for you?"

Having not a thing to do this afternoon, Mary said yes. For the next thirty minutes she wandered around the room admiring each display. She took out her personal planner and turned to the notes section. With her ink pen clicked, she began writing down different ideas she gleaned from each one. 

A particular wedding exhibit really stood out to her. It gave her a wonderful reception idea. Attached to a gauzy white fabric are oversized, white, paper flowers with gold leaves. Those would look so cute placed around the formal ballroom, at her house.

At another exhibit, she found herself loving tall skinny vases. They have gorgeous flowers pouring out of them. It was at one such display, when she heard Fern's loud billowing voice. Turning herself around, she saw his outfit before she saw him. Today's outfit of choice is a pale turquoise suit. Underneath his jacket, he wore a light pastel pink shirt. His wardrobe choices are uniquely Fern.

After kissing his client on both cheeks, he hurried over to Mary. "Miss Grainger you always look so chic," he said as he kissed her cheek. Mary's outfit choices are unique too. Today she wore a pair of silky leopard print pants. Paired with the pants, is a short sleeve magenta shirt embellished with a Peter Pan collar. 

"Do tell, what brings you by today?" he asked. He took her arm and led her into his luxurious  office. 

Mary decided to get right to the point. "I'm in need of help, but not with wedding details. You're doing a fabulous job on that part. I even wrote down some things, I like from your displays out front. But we can talk about those later. See the thing is, I'm competing in the Miss Teen Tri Valley Beauty Pageant. I am in need of a coach.  I figured, with all your contacts, you might be able to point me in the right direction. Please." She passed her notes to Fern's outstretched hand.