Life of lies

Chapter 19 - Unraveling

Aria's POV

It's a Sunday, after service, I decide to pay Nora a visit. When I get there, I ring the doorbell, but I don't get any reply, on the second ring the door opens and Nora stands there in baggy pants and T-shirt, a bonnet covering her hair.

"Nora, you look like shit" I joke as I get into the house.

"Tell me about it" she lazily smiles.
The apartment is a little bit messy.
"What brings you here my best friend?"

"Well, I came to see how my bestie is doing. Are you okay? You look tired" I ask, using the back of my palm to feel her temperature.

"Yeah...i guess" she sighs.

"Don't forget we used to live together and I know when you're lying."

"Fine, I got a job"

"Wow! That's great news. Where's the place?".

"Blackstone enterprise and before you tell me that is wonderful, just so you know the pay is not good"she frowns.

"What? Why? The Blackstone's is a big company."

"That's what I thought, but I was wrong. They just over hype the company"

"So what do we do now?" I sit up.

"I don't know...the pay isn't even good enough to take care of myself, talk less of my grandmother in Florida"
Her face is filled with concern, then an Idea comes to my head.
"How about you help me run my clothing label, I barely have time for the place. If you're there, I'll be sure the company is in good hands" I offer and she gives it a thought. "Think of it this way, you'll be the managing director, while I focus on my work...What do you think?" I smile, waiting for her answer.

"That actually sounds like a good idea" she holds her chin, acting like she's thinking.

"It is a good idea, please say yes?"

"I..I don't want-"
"Think about your grandmother" I smile. "She'll be happy for you"

"Okay fine. I'll accept your offer"
She sighs

"Really?!" I squeal.

"Do you want me to change my mind?"

"No no no no no. I'll start preparing the documents ASAP" I grin.

"Okay. Thank you so much Aria, you're the best friend I can ever ask for. I dunno what I'll do without you" she begins to tear up.

"Oh come on. When I told you I'll be always there for you what did you think?" I smile. "Okay, I gotta go now. I have a photo shoot by 6, I need to get ready"

" 6pm?" Nora raises a brow

"Yeah 6pm"

"Why that late?"

"Oh, the sky would be beautiful by that time, and It'll add quality to the pictures" I smile.

"Life of a model, I'll never understand" she rolls her eyes as we walk to the door.

"Tell me about it" I repeat her statement from earlier as I walk out the door.

"See you on Monday, for the signing of the papers." I tell her in a bossy tone.

"Yes ma'am" she laughs.

.
•••••

A year later

"Okay everyone settle down" the coordinator says. After sometime she continues when everyone is seated. "Now with a standing ovation, I present to you the CEO of Aria collections, Aria Yvette Stein-Belleville and the managing director Nora Coleson." Everyone cheers as they give us a round of applause as we climb the stage.