For Kimberly: because she's my girl.

Va-va-va-voom

Shiny chrome and glass surfaces gleamed aggressively bright under intense halogen lighting. If there was any doubt that Sara was in the belly of the beast, the slim attenuated creature that swayed over to her, sneer fixed firmly in place, proved it.

"Can I help you?" The creature suggested in tones that offered ridicule; maybe, disdain; certainly, help: not at all.

Greg, it's for Greg, you have to look the part. Sara held onto that thought as she took a deep breath and announced in a clear firm voice.

"Do you do makeovers?"

The salesclerk at the Chanel counter lifted an over plucked brow arrogantly.

"Well, our clients usually receive the benefit of a skin care and color consultation with purchase…"

"Oh I'm planning on buying something." Dammit she sounded weak; there was no room for weakness during this exchange.

"Let me check my appointment book." The woman said unhelpfully. She flipped leisurely through the pages, Sara noticed her fingers were leaving sweaty prints on the slick glass surface of the woman's counter, she subtly ran her elbow over them and wiped them away, then pressed her hands close to her sides. Coolly beautiful women shot Sara curious glances as they floated through the cosmetic department at Neiman Marcus; she swallowed and surreptitiously checked herself over. She knew she didn't smell of death because she hadn't handled a body tonight, was it her clothes? Her hair? Sara tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and fixed her brittle smile more firmly in place.

"I'm sorry." The salesclerk said in a way that meant she really wasn't. "But the earliest I can fit you in is on Friday, does that suit?"

"No. I need it for today. Is there any way I can get a makeover today?" The salesclerk's smile became even haughtier as she caught the hint of desperation in Sara's voice.

"I'm sorry but I'm completely booked…it's usually best to book well in advance for things like this."

Like I'd know that, I get my makeup from Rite-Aid and Walgreen's. Sara thought bitterly, the last makeover I had was at Amy Barker's 13th birthday party when I slept over. Somehow Sara knew glittery purple eye shadow and baby blue liner wouldn't be the look she was aiming for.

"Oh come off it, Allison. You just want to get your inventory done." A brazen voice interrupted Sara's angry thoughts.

Two women glared at the Chanel salesclerk, one in a blue smock Sara thought might be Estee Lauder and the other in the clinical white uniform of the Clinique counter, Sara had always liked that uniform, because it was like a lab coat. They swooped in and bracketed Sara. Startled, she felt herself being led away.

"Allison's a bitch—" said the woman in blue, a slender Asian woman whose nametag said Mary-Lou.

"Not to mention lazy," piped the Clinique girl, a pretty blonde called Kimberley.

"Is it a makeover that you want?" Mary-Lou said. Sara nodded, a little dazed by the tag team action.

"I'll buy something." She stammered.

"Whatever, we don't care. We're bored and would much rather play with makeup than have to count lipsticks." Kimberly said.

So Sara found herself seated at the Estee Lauder counter as Mary-Lou "prepped and cleansed her skin in preparation for the make-up" while Kimberley watched and offered helpful comments and suggestions. Sara didn't realize it was that complicated, she just kind of slapped it on when she remembered to.

"So what are we doing?" said Mary-Lou expectantly, "just a new look for summer or what?"

"This." Sara thrust the wrinkled photocopy of Bettie Page across the counter. "Can you do this?'

"Oooo retro, very cool." Kimberley chirped. "Is it for a party?"

"Kind of." Sara replied, feeling her cheeks heat up; hoping it was the Ph balancing toner Mary-Lou had applied that was doing it.

"Say no more, one retro look coming up. I assume you'll be wanting the stay-on lipstick?"

"Stay-on?" Sara squeaked.

"You know the kind that doesn't come off when you kiss somebody," said Kimberley with a slight smirk.

"Uh…yes please." Sara said faintly. How did all these women know? First Catherine, now these two total strangers, was she giving off some kind of scent?

"I'll leave you to it then Mary-Lou, lemme know when you're done."

Kimberley disappeared behind her own counter and Sara found herself enveloped in a warm flow of happy chatter that she was only expected to nod or grunt in reply to. Once again Sara had the impression of being swept into a world of womanly activity she'd never really been privy to before. It was kind of fun actually, Mary-Lou was cheerful and gossipy. Sara learned all about her kids, her husband, her husband's new Mercedes that Mary-Lou thought he'd paid too much for. The entire time, Mary-Lou dipped brushes and whisked powders onto Sara's face.

"So what do you do? Go like this—" Mary-Lou mimicked opening her eyes really wide. Sara complied, trying not to blink as she applied mascara.

"I'm a criminalist, I work for the police department."

"Ooo! How exciting! I don't get many police officers." Mary-Lou looked impressed.

"Well actually, I investigate the crime scenes after the police have been there, I collect the forensic evidence—"

"Like on a dead body?" Mary-Lou help up a tissue and Sara blotted her lips obediently.

"Yeah, sometimes the evidence is on the body, sometimes we find more during the autopsy."

"Oh my god that's so gross!" Mary-Lou said in a delighted tone. "I don't know if I could handle being around a dead body."

Sara smiled awkwardly, conscious of the feel of lipstick on her lips.

"Well I don't know if I could handle retail," she said ruefully.

"Yeah, at least your customers don't give you a hard time and yell at you do they, and if they do you can shoot them." Sara didn't quite know what to say to that but was saved from a reply when Mary-Lou held up a mirror. "All done, look at how gorgeous you look!"

Sara gazed in surprise at the woman staring back at her; it was her, but also not her. Mary-Lou had done something to her eyes and made them look sort of sleepy and sexy, framed with long dark lashes. Her skin was smoothly pale with no hint of her usual midday shine; scarlet lips broke into a surprised smile. She could hardly believe it was her.

"That's wonderful." Sara has been nervously expecting some sort of tarty mask, but this was perfect.

"Ohmigod! You look fabulous!" Kimberley came over. "He'll be putty in your hands."

"I hope so." Sara confessed shyly. Suddenly she was glad these two women had guessed her secret and were able to share in her excitement.

"Go get him girl." Mary-Lou had rung up her purchases and passed them over; Sara couldn't help herself and had bought not only the lipstick but the eye shadows as well.

"Come back and tell us all about it," said Kimberley.

"Yeah, we want details!" added Mary-Lou.

Sara waved at the two women as she left, despite her reservations she suspected she'd be back to visit these two as well. What was happening to her? She was turning into a regular girly-girl. Damn that man and his kinks.

She caught another glimpse of herself in the rearview mirror of her car and smiled, a little taken aback by the sexy woman smiling back at her. She blew herself a kiss and headed home.

I promise to try and be more diligent about posting more regularly. Cursed computer! (glares at recalcitrant PC)

Next up: getting to the juicy bits very soon…

Feedback is loved and snuggled by me.