Chapter 8

We waited for "Redemption Song" to stop playing before we actually discussed things. Matt's laugh could be heard from Sarah's living room, and frankly she wasn't enjoying it.

"Why is he laughing so loud?" Beth asked, munching on the few cheez-its she had left in her hand.

Sarah directed her attention to me "I don't know, maybe because he's telling Kai about how I supposedly have a little bitch crush on his little brother, hm?"

"Hey, how was I supposed to know that they were related?"

"I don't know, but spreading lies isn't always the best thing to do."

I chuckled "Oh, right. Telling him I was taken isn't lying at all."

Sarah puckered her lips and rolled her eyes "Oh, that was all in fun. Besides, he isn't your type."

I shifted in my seat "Well, what is my type, then?"

"Super attractive, condescending, controlling ass holes."

I blushed, defeated.

Beth brushed the remaining cheez-its remnants off her hands and onto the hard wood floor. Sarah frowned.

"Hey, I'm not Mr. Clean. You're going to have to sweep that up."

"Oh, sorry. Where's the um...?" Beth pushed herself off the couch and slowly walked towards the kitchen, looking around for a broom.

"By the fridge."

Beth nodded and walked into the kitchen, disappearing behind the wall.

Sarah focused on me "Anyway, we need to figure out how to beat Sebastian at his own game. Now this is going to require some deep...change."

"I figured as much. I'm tired of being a doormat." I said.

"Exactly. What Sebastian did today was a whole different low. I mean, he knew exactly what he was doing and saw how much it hurt you, which is number one. Don't show weakness."

I nodded.

Beth came back with a small wooden broom in one hand, a dust pan in the other. She swept the crumbs off the floor, walked to the trash bin and shook them out inside.

"Just leave the broom there, I'll get it later." Sarah informed. Beth dropped both items by the trash can and sat back down next to me, looking interested in the blossoming discussion.

"It's not even the fact of not showing weakness, it's the whole idea of showing him you don't give a fuck either. Show him that you aren't a doormat."

"I'm not a doormat." I repeated.

"Great."

Sarah reached under the coffee table and pulled out a black leather notebook. She opened it to the first page.

"Here, write your weaknesses on this paper. We will work on these. I'll write one for you." She searched for a pen, opening the drawers in the table and shuffling through the paperwork. When she found a black pen she closed the drawers, stuffing the stray paperwork back in place.

"Number one," Sarah said as she wrote, "Push over."

"Hey!' I objected. Beth put a hand on my shoulder.

"Leslie, the woman with the amazing smelling house is right. You are a push over. Remember when you missed Paul's anniversary party because you stayed to help Henry Dravis like, a year ago?"

I sighed, remembering the long tedious night of paper work that had nothing to do with me.

"Right, so we can all agree that you're a push over." Sarah added a period to the sentence before looking at me.

"Second. Your turn, Les."

I thought for a moment. There were a lot of things that I didn't like about myself. Being a push over was definitely on the top of the list, but after that they all just came together into one category.

I pointed to the notepad "Write...not being able to express feelings properly."

Sarah glared at me "No, Les. We're not having some depressing therapy session. We're trying to make you...not give a fuck. Trying to earn..."

"Respect." Beth added.

"Exactly. Once Sebastian sees that you aren't taking shit from anyone anymore he's going to be filled with such regret that you'll have him on his knees...or he'll have you on your knees, depending on if it gets that far-"

"Sarah, please!" I buried my face into the arm of the couch in embarrassment.

"I swear if only he heard all of the sexual innuendos I have created for you two. I should write a fucking book. It would be a hit. Anyway, I'll make up number two."

I heard the faint sound of pen on paper since my head was still resting on the arm of the couch.

"How about, low confidence."

I straightened my posture "I am very confident."

Beth snorted "I'm sorry, Les. I'm your best friend which inclines me to tell you that your confidence level...well it isn't as high as it used to be."

"used to be?" Sarah asked.

I sighed "I admit I used to be pretty confident but I believe I still am."

"Okay, well not confident enough to go hit on a hot guy, demand a day off for once, have your assistant actually do more assistant work or wear fitting clothing."

Beth slammed her hand on the table "Number four! Clothes, clothes, clothes! Leslie, you look like a corporate nightmare. No offense."

I stayed silent, my mouth hanging open at Beth's sudden honesty.

"Blondie's right. You wear gray, black, brown or dark purple all the time. And I have no problem with these colors, but the fact that your...design of clothes just-"

"-throws it off." Beth added.

Sarah stood up. "I mean look at me. I wear slacks and a blouse almost everyday, but..." She turned around and cupped her hands on her ass.

"At least there is something here. And this blouse isn't eating me alive. Your dresses are too big for you. I've seen you in a fitting dress and I swear, you have a figure women would kill for. Curves for days."

Even though I hated to admit it, Sarah and Beth were right. I was curvy, and I did like my figure but at the same time I didn't like showing it off, not like my sister and definitely not like my mom.

It was then silent for a moment as Sarah stared off into the distance. She closed the notebook and smiled.

"That's it! We don't need to write shit down, what we really need to do first is give you a makeover!"

Beth jumped up from the couch and hopped around in circles "Yes! Yes! Exactly! I can see it now! That will definitely get Sebastian pissed."

"We can go to The Grove this weekend."

Beth nodded "There or West Minister."

"Yeah, I'd be willing to go half-"

I stood up "Guys wait! You didn't even let me give my say so in this."

Sarah crossed her arms over her chest and shifted onto one hip "Leslie, the moment you decided you wanted to give Sebastian a taste of his own medicine was the day you gave the operation control to Beth and I."

"Mhm, she's right."

She dropped her arms and looked at me with a soft expression "And besides, I've gone through the whole heart broken phase. I had an ass hole boyfriend and the complicated relationship after wards. I've realized that you don't get mad, you get even. And this," Sarah pointed repeatedly to the notebook on the table, "is the way it goes. Once you're in this you aren't getting out."

I turned towards Beth, who had an approving expression on her face. It seemed I was left with an important choice to make. I didn't want to back out, I wasn't going to back out. As long as I was the Leslie who cared too much about following the rules and being accepted, I wasn't going to get anywhere.

I glanced at Sarah, the notebook, Beth, and then back at Sarah again before answering "Alright. I'll do it."

Sarah clenched her fists in front of her in excitement. "Yes!"

Beth walked over to Sarah "I think we should definitely start off small. Keep it in budget range-"

"Well, I was given some money from Garret for the Sebastian thing." I blurted out without thinking.

Sarah slowly brought her attention towards me "How...much, exactly?" She asked, inching closer.

I played with my hands nervously "Well it...it was negotiated before we left so it-"

"How much, Leslie King?" Sarah repeated.

"Around fifteen."

"Hundred?"

"Thousand."

Sarah and Beth suddenly gasped "Thousand?!" They both yelled in unison.

I plopped down on the couch "I know, I know. At first I accepted it because you know, it's money. But when I saw all those zeroes in my bank account I didn't know what to do, so I just left it there."

"You mean you haven't spent a dime?" Beth asked.

"Well, I got a raise in addition to that so I haven't really needed to. And plus I don't shop or go anywhere anyway."

"That's all going to change, this weekend." Sarah said. She walked next to me and sat down "How much are you willing to spend?"

I thought for a moment "Honestly, probably around five thousand. Is that enough?"

Beth's eyes widened. She looked at Sarah for approval before answering "That's way more than enough, especially when we add in, you know, where we go and stuff."

"Then it's a plan, Stan," Sarah paused, "But there is one condition. You don't get to pick out anything."

My jaw dropped in disbelief "What!? That isn't fair!"

"Hey, how are we supposed to trust you when your ideal work attire consists of wearing giant gray sacks to the office?"

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but then closed it again.

"To make it fair, you will of course come with us, and we will do votes. You'll try something on and if majority vote likes it, then we get it. I can assure you that whatever is chosen is going to be great." Beth said.

"And, adding on to what Beth said, it's actually going to fit."

I rolled my eyes "So, this is like "What Not To Wear" except without the throwing out the clothes thing?"

Sarah shook her head "Oh, no. We're going to be throwing some stuff out. A lot of stuff."

**

The next day after work, Sarah came over to my place to scope out my wardrobe. I was nervous, but knew that it had to be done. Without the option of my old attire in front of me, I was certain I wouldn't break to gray sacks again.

Sarah walked into my room, where Beth was sitting on my bed, an anxious smile planted on her face.

"Now to make things better, we're only throwing out your work clothes. Everything else can stay...for now."

Beth nodded "And eventually you're going to love your new clothes so much that you'll shop for them all the time."

Sarah rubbed her hands together before opening my closet door. She grimaced at the sight.

"Look at all this gray." She said in disgust. She grabbed the first hanger she saw and pulled out a black and white plaid pencil skirt.

"Wait! That's my favorite!" I pleaded.

Sarah smiled deviously "Then it needs to be thrown out. You look like a character from "Clueless" with this shit on."

Beth laughed so hard she wheezed "God I love this woman. But seriously, this is," She checked the tag on the back of the skirt, "two sizes too big for you. How do you wear this?"

I snatched it and held it close to my chest "With a belt."

"This brown leather belt? Oh my God." Sarah picked up my favorite belt from off the floor and held it in front of her like it was a snake.

"Yes, I love that belt very much and it holds everything in place."

Before Sarah could protest, the front door opened.

"Are you expecting someone?" She asked.

Beth stood "I invited Paul. He has amazing fashion sense."

Sarah smiled "Paul? I love that guy."

Paul ran into the room and threw his bag onto my desk "What did I miss?" He asked out of breath, hugging Sarah and Beth before hugging me last.

"We just got rid of our first item." Beth took the skirt out of my hands and showed it to Paul.

"Ha! I hated that skirt! It prevented you from showing off those curves and I hated it."

Beth walked over to the corner and picked up a black garbage bag "Then I will give you the honors, Paul."

"With pleasure." Paul happily threw the skirt into the bag.

"No!" I exclaimed.

"Hey, you can do this! You can't play the part if you don't look the part. Next item!" Sarah said, walking further into my closet.

**

At the end of the process, my friends threw out 90 percent of my work attire, only leaving me with two dresses and one pair of shoes. The pair of dark brown wedged heels I wore everyday, were sitting at the top of the heap of clothes in the garbage bag.

I laid back on my bed and sighed "I can't believe this is actually happening." I mumbled. Sarah laid next to me.

"Honestly, I can't either. But I'm excited." She said.

Beth scooted down next to me on my right side "Yeah, I mean. I'm sure there is going to be drama in the future but with you learning how to handle yourself, it won't be a challenge." She said happily.

"Drama?"

Paul laid next to Sarah, leaning on his elbow "Well, of course. I mean, he's doing this on purpose to irritate you and make you break like a stick, but once he sees you aren't only breaking but fighting back? God, that bickering is going to be so hot. The sexual tension? Good Lord." Paul sighed longingly.

Sarah and Beth laughed as I covered my face with my hands.

Beth sat up and looked at us "Okay, so here's the plan. We all try to leave around two tomorrow to get a head start on the shopping. Sebastian is going to be in Riverside, I heard."

I nodded "Yeah, that's right."

"We can all get it off easily, but Leslie? I don't know. It depends when Sebastian leaves. If it's after two she's going to have to sneak out and deal with him on Monday."

"Alright. I can do that. I'll call you guys if I make it out."

"Okay," Sarah started, "We'll all carpool in the morning together so that way we can carpool to The Grove in the afternoon."

"My car has more room, we should take mine. I'll pick up Sarah first and then get you two." Paul offered.

"Sounds like a plan." I said.

**

Thankfully, Sebastian left for Riverside in the morning, and wouldn't be back in L.A. until Sunday. Lucinda and Lucas were with him, which meant more wiggle room for the employees on the top floor since Henry didn't really care what we did.

"Darcy, I need you to cover for me." I said.

She nodded enthusiastically "Sure thing. May I ask why?"

I put my things in my bag, unable to contain my excitement "My friends threw out all of my clothes. And with this being the only dress I have left, we're going shopping." I pointed to my black sleeved dress, which looked bigger around the waist since I didn't have my belt.

Darcy smiled widely "Oh, I like where this is going. Have fun, Leslie. I'll text you any alerts."

"Thanks, Darcy." I walked out of my office and passed the receptionist's desk, which was filled by Ava instead of Paul.

Once I got to the garage, Sarah, Beth and Paul were waiting for me by Paul's Altima.

"Let's go shopping, bitches!" Paul said, opening his door and stepping inside. I sat in the passenger's seat, while Sarah and Beth sat in the back.

"Remember, Leslie. No interference. We pick out the outfit. Alright?" Sarah told me.

I took a deep breath "Alright" I responded.

**

When we arrived, we walked into Barneys New York, where we were greeted by a blonde woman in a conservative outfit, who obviously had an attitude problem.

"Welcome to Barneys, may I help you with anything?" She asked, eying me up and down before meeting my gaze.

"We just threw out her entire wardrobe and we need something more...fitting, if you catch my drift." Sarah responded.

The woman smiled slightly "Oh, I can see why. Just to let you know, things here are...pretty expensive."

"Um, yeah we know." Sarah said, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Good...well, may I ask what line of work you're in?" She looked at me and waited for me to reply.

"I'm Sebastian Harrison's publicist." I said confidently. The woman's eyes suddenly enlarged at my statement.

"Oh, oh my God. Um, Leslie King?"

I nodded.

She chuckled "I'm, I'm so sorry I didn't-I mean I knew you looked familiar but I didn't want to just...I'm so sorry. Come, come this way. Marian!"

We followed her through the isles, passed the clothing racks and mannequins. An African American woman ran up next to the snotty employee.

"Yes, Julia?" She said, fixing her bun.

"Get a few more girls to bring in some clothes to the back room after I get her measurements." Julia pointed to me.

Marian nodded. Before she left, Julia grabbed her arm slightly, whispered something in her ear, then let go. Marian looked at me in awe before hesitantly walking away from the group.

Julia led us to an isolated room that had white couched lined in the middle, with a small single person stage in front of them, mirrors all around it.

"If you don't mind, Ms. King, Rob and I would like to get your measurements." Julia asked with a smile.

A man who I assumed to be Rob walked into the room with measuring tape around his neck and a notepad.

"Hold your arms up, hun." He said. I did as told. Beth, Sarah and Paul sat on the couch and watched me.

"Mind telling me your shirt size?" He said, wrapping the tape around my waist.

"Um, I'm a medium, I think."

"And pants?" He asked.

"A...9? 10? Somewhere around there."

He pulled the tape off my waist and recorded it before measuring other parts of my body, including my height.

"These seem about right. I'll give these to Marian." Rob said before exiting. Julia looked at me, as if she wanted to ask me something.

"Um, so, how is it working for Mr. Harrison? A lot of work?"

"Oh yeah, definitely."

She nodded "Wow that, that must be exciting."

"It has it's moments."

"Good that's good. Well, Marian is bringing in clothes for you to try on, to see if you like them. They're all in your size range so it should make the process easier."

"That's great." I said, feeling amused at how fast her attitude changed.

Marian and a few other employees brought in three racks of clothes twenty minutes later. Sarah stood up first and analyzed the clothes in front of her, Beth followed.

"Hm, no. No. No. No. Definitely not. Ah, yes." Sarah slowly pulled out a black dress with spaghetti straps, creases coming off the side.

"Try this on." Sarah handed me the dress. Before I walked to the curtain towards the back, I glanced at the girls, who happily stood by the racks of clothing.

"Okay, that's all for now. Thank you!" Julia said. Marian and the girls frowned, as they made their way out of the room and closed the door.

When I slipped on the dress, I walked out behind the curtain, irritated.

"Can someone zip me?" I asked. Beth got up and pulled the zipper all the way up. She then stepped back and smiled.

"I love this. We're getting this." She said.

"Blondie's right. You look hot in that. Turn around?"

I did a three sixty and came back to my original spot. Sarah nodded.

"Perfect. How much?"

"Um, this is 456.99" Julia said.

As Sarah looked as if she was going to negotiate the price, I interrupted.

"I'll take it." I said.

"Okay! That's great!" Julia said. I walked back into the dressing room, hoping I wasn't going to regret my decision.

We shopped at The Grove for a good three hours. Trying on clothes and shoes, not to mention the new makeup Beth made me buy. In total it added up to a good 4,200 dollars, which in all honesty, was less than what I expected.

We hauled the bags into Paul's trunk and closed it. When we got into the car, Sarah tapped Paul's shoulder and whispered something in his ear.

"Oh yes. I'm on it, girl." He said with a smile, as he put the keys into the ignition.

"Wait, where are we going? I thought we were going to eat?" I asked.

"We are, but we need to make a little stop before we go." Sarah said.

About thirty minutes later, as we still drove through Beverly Hills, Sarah pointed to a high end hair salon place on Paul's left.

"I'm paying for this one, Les." Sarah said.

I gasped "We never agreed on this."

"What we agreed on was for you to let us take the wheel. And that's what we're doing. Now, c'mon. Get out." Beth got out of the car and closed the door. I groaned, before doing the same.

We walked into the salon, welcomed with black and white design all over the place. The receptionist looked up and squealed at the sight of Sarah "Sarah! Oh my God it's been so long!" She ran around the counter and gave Sarah a hug.

"I know, Kara. How is the place?"

"Business is booming, as usual." I looked around, to find every seat filled, as well as various people waiting in the waiting area.

Kara adjusted her glasses "So, are you here for a cut? Dye? I've got a seat open for you, girl."

"Actually, it's for my friend. She's looking for a new hairstyle. Something for someone who hasn't worn their hair down in years."

Kara looked at me "Oh, I can't wait for Tony to get a hold of you. Tony! Stop what you're doing! We've got a special one today." Kara grabbed my hand and guided me through the waiting area. I heard groans and complaints behind me.

"Oh, can it!" Sarah yelled, walking though the crowd.

Kara guided me to the last empty chair, and I sat. A man with dark ebony skin that contrasted surprisingly well with his blonde buzz cut sat behind me, looking at me through the mirror.

"So, you must be..."

"Leslie." I said.

He smiled "Why, hello Leslie. Nice to meet you. Now, Sarah. What do you have in mind?"

She thought for a moment "Well, I think we need to take her bun out first to see what we're working with."

I froze. No one has seen me with my hair down in ages. I couldn't even imagine the thought of it being taken out of it's bun.

Tony saw my hesitance and rubbed my shoulders "Now, sweetie. I understand that your bun is like a comfort blanket. Believe me, I've dealt with clients like this and I still do, but it's obvious to me you're going through a change. Which means letting go, right? Taking risks?"

I nodded "Yeah...I-I suppose you're right. Okay, just...you can do it."

Sarah smiled widely, waiting anxiously for Tony to begin. He wiggled his fingers, trying to figure out what bobby pin to take out first. He slipped his hand into my bun and took three out at one time, unraveling my hair into a long, curly pony tail. He then gently grabbed the hair ties and slid them down my hair. My curls sprung free, falling about four inches past my shoulders.

"Child, the Lord has blessed you with a thick head full of hair!" He said, massaging my scalp. Sarah stared at me, wide eyed.

"Go ahead, Sarah. Laugh all you want." I said.

"Leslie, what the fuck is wrong with you? Your hair is amazing!" She reached her hand in and grabbed a handful of curls, amazed at the volume and constant shape.

"I'm thinking a wash, then we straighten it to see what we have." Tony told her.

"Yeah, that sounds good."

After he washed in thoroughly, combing out all of the tangles, he blow dried it before he straightened it, a process that took longer than expected.

"Her hair comes...about to the middle of her back when it's straightened. What do you want to do, hun?" He asked me.

I saw myself in the mirror, someone completely different than who I was. And I wasn't afraid, I wasn't regretful. I loved it, more than I thought I ever would. A spontaneous feeling rushed through me. Before I could gather my past senses, I looked at Tony in the mirror and said "cut it."

He turned towards Sarah, who was more surprised that he was.

"Um, how short?" He asked, running his fingers through it.

"I want it...right above my elbow. And layered, too. I want some volume to it."

Tony grinned "I was hoping you would say that." He grabbed the scissors and snipped away. When he was finished, he spun my chair around for me to get a better look. I smiled instantly.

"I...love it!" Beth walked to my chair and ran her fingers through it.

"Um, no touching yet. Oils." Tony warned.

Beth backed away from the chair.

"Thank you so much, Tony. I...I can't...it looks amazing."

"What's the special occasion?" He asked, spraying something over my head.

"...Nothing really special. Just felt like giving a certain someone an unexpected surprise."

**

When I got home, Beth and I went through all of the items I bought and put them in my closet, while she also gave me tips on how to put on makeup. She added lengthening mascara, as well as liquid eyeliner and different shades of brown and black to create a smokey eye, which looked amazing.

"Just follow these steps, and you should be able to do them on your own." She said. Before I could thank her, an e***l popped up on my phone from Lucinda:

Hello, Leslie. Here to inform you that Mr. Harrison and Mr. Anderson have rescheduled the Wednesday meeting for Monday morning. Have a great weekend! -L

A smile slowly crept on my face.

"What happened?" Beth asked.

"They changed the meeting to Monday instead of Wednesday."

Beth gasped "Are you ready for that?" She said.

"Oh, yeah. I'm more than ready for this."

**

"I'm not ready for this. I'm not ready for this!"

Beth, Darcy and I were in the elevator Monday morning, as they were trying to calm me down. It was the weirdest thing. I was ready in the morning. I had my fitting black spaghetti strapped dress laid out, with my red bottom heels I had bought from Michael Kors. I was in the zone, until Darcy saw me and said "Oh my God. You look hot!"

For some reason, I lost it there.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"It's not your fault, Darcy. Leslie. Look at me. You can do this. Show him who's boss. Show him that you aren't to be messed with and that you can win at his little game."

I nodded, scowling "Yeah, you're right. I can do this."

The elevator doors opened for Beth's floor "This is me. Tell me how it goes!"

And then she was off.

"Why am I freaking out? I can do this."

Darcy nodded "Of course you can. You are such an inspiration for me, Leslie and the fact that you aren't taking anything from Mr. Harrison is inspiring as well."

I smiled. "Thanks Darcy. Now let's do this."

**

When we reached the front of the conference room, Darcy looked at her watch.

"Damn, late again." She said.

I shrugged, flipping my hair behind my shoulder "Oh, who cares. They're waiting for us anyway. Let's go."

Darcy opened the door, I followed. Everyone was there, including Sebastian, who was facing the opposite direction of me.

"There you two are-"

Suddenly, he spotted me. Sebastian's face lost all expression, as if he had seen a ghost. The pen in his hand fell from his grip and onto the table, but he paid no attention. At the moment, his eyes were on me.

"Sorry we're late, we had to get some paperwork." I said non nonchalantly, sitting down in the seat.

Sebastian was silent, his mouth partially open. I tried my hardest not to smile.

No one spoke. Not even Hudson, who was gawking at me as well. Alejandra noticed Hudson's eyes were checking me out, from my eyes to my breasts. She nudged him, but he kept staring.

"Mr. Harrison," Mr. Anderson started, who was looking at me as well, "should we begin."

Sebastian swallowed "I-I jush-I-um...I can'tst-uh..." He shook his head.

"Are you okay, Mr. Harrison?" I asked, grinning slightly.

Sarah looked at me, amused.

His eyes met mine, and he began to blush. Noticeably, too. He wandered off on other places besides my eyes a few times before snapping back to meet them again.

"Mr. Harrison, should we-"

Sebastian shook his head again "No, I'm fine." He cleared his throat.

"Perhaps-"

"I'm alright, Mr. Anderson. We sh-I-um...let's start." He shifted in his seat uncomfortably as Mrs. Keening read his demands.

I smiled to myself, content. "Score one." I whispered.

**