“I LIKE the smokey effect that you put on my eyes.” Laurie’s client complimented the makeup that she did for her. “I have no regrets in calling you to be my makeup artist for this special event.”

Laurie smiled at the woman. “I’m glad that you liked it, Mrs. Buenaventura,” she said and started checking her hair. “You look perfect now that your hair is pulled up. It showed how sexy your shoulders are. And, I’m sure that all men here will turn their heads at you as you walked on that stage.”

The woman beamed. “I’ll pay you double for a job well done,” she said and took out the checkbook in her signature bag. She did quick writing of the amount and signed it without hesitation. “Here, I’m looking forward to working with you again.”

She smiled excitedly as she took the check from her. “I’m always available to serve you, Mrs. B. Just call me, and I’ll be there.”

The woman laughed. “And, I love your humor too.” She touched her cheek. “You even have smooth and supple skin. If you don’t mind, Laurie, how old are you?”

Laurie tucked her hair behind her left ear and smiled shyly. “I’m already twenty-five years old, Mrs. B.”

“No, you’re kidding me, girl,” she said and looked at her face closely. “You looked like nineteen!”

Laurie laughed. “I wish I’m still in my nineteen years of age,” she said, then remembered that it was her age when she met and married the man that ruined her career. She sighed. “I wish to go back to that stage of my life so I could save myself from the biggest mistake that I made.”

From the vanity mirror, Mrs. Buenaventura looked at her. “It seemed that it was also your biggest regrets in life?”

She smiled. “The decision I made when I’m nineteen years old is the one that I regret the most.” She sighed. “I hope I didn’t meet that man.”

The woman narrowed her eyes at her. “Cheer up, Laurie. You were just nineteen back then—young, wild, and compulsive. What matters now is you became a better version of yourself, right? Look at you now, you’re one of the most recommended makeup artists here in Manila. You’re successful and beautiful.”

“Thanks, Mrs. B,” she said to the kind woman. “If not for you and my other clients, I wouldn’t be in this position.”

“I’m always your supporter, Laurie.” She squeezed her hand. “Whatever you did before, learned from it and used it as your inspiration to go further in pursuing your dreams. You’re a talented woman. And, whoever that man that hurt your young heart, he doesn’t deserve you.”

“Laurie, are you done?” Adelle, her co-makeup artist, tapped her shoulders. When she saw Mrs. Buenaventura, she smiled. “Wow, Mrs. B, you look fantastic!”

“Special thanks to this gorgeous woman that did my hair and makeup,” she said with confidence. 

“I have no doubt with that,” Adelle said. “Would you mind if I borrow her for a moment? I need a hand in my area.”

When Mrs. Buenaventura let go of Laurie, Adelle pulled her towards the other dressing room. They’re in an anniversary event and was chosen mainly by Mrs. Buenaventura to do the hair and makeup for her co-teachers. Mrs. Buenaventura is the dean of a Chinese school in Manila and is known for being an influencer in the fashion industry because of her glamorous OOTD, even in her late thirties.

“How much did she pay you?” Adelle asked, her eyes were focused on the cheque on her hand. “Let me see the figures.” 

She tried to get the paper from her, but she hid it behind her back. “I’ll tell you later,” she said that made her friend groaned. “Where are the other clients?”

Adelle rolled her eyes ceilingwards. “Two students and three professors,” she said, pointing at the people sitting in front of the vanity mirrors. “But before you start on them, I have good news for you.”

Laurie knotted her forehead. “We got events again?”

Adelle nodded with a broad smile on her face. “Not just an event but a big event!” She took out a calling card in her back pocket and showed it to her. “One of the parents here is a fashion event organizer, and she asked me if we could facilitate their makeup artist in their fashion show on Saturday!”

Laurie gasped. “Fashion show?” She clapped her hands in excitement. “What clothing brand?”

_________________________

“I STILL can’t believe that I became a part of this fashion show by FARAH,” Laurie whispered to Adelle as they watched the models ramped on the catwalk wearing nude makeup that complimented their Parisian attires. “It’s one of the famous clothing brands in France, right?”

Adelle nodded. “That’s why I thought that you’re perfect for this event because you worked in some fashion shows in France. I’m sure you’re quite familiar with the makeup styles that French models preferred. And, I’m right, you really did well.”

“And, I thought they’re going to pay us in euros,” she joked but fell silent when she noticed one of the male models approaching them. “Look, I think he has questions for you, Adelle.”

Her friend looked at her back and gasped when she recognized the man. “That’s Tyler Montreal—”

“Oh, you know me?” the man asked, looking at her instead of Adelle. “I’m Tyler.”

Laurie hesitated because she’s not sure if he’s talking to her or to Adelle. But he was looking at her, so maybe, he’s talking to her. Before the man could pull back his hand, Laurie took it. “I’m Laurie.”

“I know you, Laurie Olivar,” he said with a smile. His chinky eyes reminded her of somebody from her past. 

“You know Laurie?” Adelle asked in belief. “How come? This is our first time attending this event.”

“I know her because she introduced herself in the dressing room before the event started,” the man replied and smiled again, flashing them his pearly white teeth.

Adelle nudged her in the waist. “He looked like Cha Eun Woo, right?”

“I get that always, but I am not a Korean,” Tyler said with a chuckle. “So, I was actually looking for you, Laurie.”

Laurie knotted her forehead. “Me? Why are you looking for me?”

“I wanted to offer you a full-time job,” he said without a hint of hesitation. “Can you be my personal hair and makeup artist? I’ll double your service fee on every fashion event that I’ll be needing you.”

Laurie scowled at the man who looked the same age as her. “Personal hair and makeup artist?” she repeated in disbelief. “Tyler, that’s so generous and kind of you to offer me a full-time job, but I have to decline your offer.”

“Why?” he asked, doesn’t look bothered with her refusal.

“I prefer freelancing for now—”

“For your plan on putting up a cosmetic business?” he asked, and based on his expression, he looked as if he dropped his ace for this conversation.

“How did you know about that?” Laurie asked with furrowed brows. “Are you stalking me?”

“It just happened that one of your trusted clients is acquainted with me, and she recommended your service to me,” he said and waggled his brows. “You know Mrs. B, right?”

Laurie gasped and nodded. “Yes, she’s a client-turned-friend of mine.”

“I didn’t expect that I’ll see you here in our event. And, since that you’re here, maybe we’re really destined to work together. So, is it a ‘yes’?” When Laurie didn’t answer, he spoke again. “I can also help you with your business. I’m willing to be an investor, or perhaps, business partner?”

***