365 Days with the Celebrity

Chapter 53 - The Makeover

"Yes, you heard me right," Vinny confirmed.

Ariel blinked a few times at what she just heard and was almost to the brink of tears, "How am I to prepare for a meal for hundreds of people in less than a week's notice? This is absurd! I suffered that in Tokyo and I ain't going through this again!"

"Noo, silly! You're not there to cook. You're invited to the function as one of the privileged guests," Vinny cackled. "Mr Fujita wants you to dress in your best as an ambassador for Fujita Sauces. You'll be joining A-listers, celebrities, politicians and many other rich and famous people. Aren't you so lucky?"

"Ohh," Ariel heaved a sigh of relief. However, the thought of being in the accompany of the many rich, famous and powerful was nerve-wrecking. "W-what shall I wear? What do you think I should do?"

"Go figure. Google some ideas for your dress."

"B-but I don't know what to wear. I've never attended such an important, high-class event in my life. Can I back out?"

"No," Vinny was getting visibly annoyed. "Have you forgotten the contract?"

"Oh yes," Ariel muttered, remembering its clauses.

"You'll be fine," Vinny sneered and ignored her further inquiries. She went with Ryan to collect Leon's custom-made tuxedo from a top fashion label.

Ariel's shoulders slumped. What kind of clothes should she wear, since there would be so many very important people in attendance? She was a novice when it came to fashion, much less know how to use a hair curler or apply makeup except for a simple blush and lip gloss. The event was less than three days away. Why does Team Waltz always have to make such last minute notices? Good for Leon that he had all the help he needed at his beck and call, whereas Ariel was stuck to source it all out on her own! There was nothing relevant in her closet that was fit for such important event.

She thought of the only one person who could help her, and just in time this week, she had returned from Los Angeles.

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"You're my life-saver!" Ariel gave Camila a deep hug.

"Of course, Miss Beautiful! You know I'll never leave you in the dark," Camila patted her back. "Good that Leon gave you a half-day off today to hunt for your dress, otherwise you'll be appearing in a chef suit! Now, shall we?"

The two friends went to the nearby downtown retail shopping area to hunt for that suitable evening dress with accompanying shoes and purse to match. The day went down with lots of laughter as they tried out each piece like curious teenage girls. As the sky darkened and still no dress in sight, Ariel's nerves were acting up. Time was running out! Her feet were growing weary with each step. Many of the shops had started closing but there was no dress that pleased her. When they reached the end of the street, only a small boutique shop remained open.

"Here we are, last shop," sighed Ariel.

As they poured through the racks of dresses, Ariel started to sob a little as no suitable piece was among them.

"Don't worry, we'll find one," Camila consoled.

The girls' reactions caught the attention of the owner, a petite and friendly woman in her 60s with glasses. "Can I help you?"

"We're looking for a dress for my friend as she has to attend a vert important gala dinner in two days, and some matching accessories to go with it. We don't really have much time," lamented Camila.

The old lady looked at Ariel and upon observing her face while her fingers adjusted her glasses, she brightened up.

"You...you're that chef of that, that famous singer. What's his name? Leon Walters or something?"