“Thanks. Actually, I think I’ll use the office. More professional than sitting on the bed.”
Frankie nodded. “Definitely.”
Harper went in and grabbed her laptop, then carried it to the office. She set up on the desk and opened her camera to see how she looked. The lighting was good. This would be fine.
As usual, Mimi was early and already in the room when Harper clicked the link to join. She put a big smile on as she joined the chat. “Hi, Mimi. It’s great to see you. You look wonderful.”
“Thanks, Harper.” Mimi’s face filled the screen. She was in her closet, a huge walk-in affair. She’d set her laptop on her dressing table to take advantage of the lights that surrounded the mirror. She was perfectly made up, her blond hair styled in a 1940s pinup look. “How are you? Is it true you’re in Florida?”
So much for clients not talking, as per the NDA they’d all signed. She’d only told a handful where she was going. “I am and I’m enjoying the time away, but let’s focus on you. Is that the hair and makeup you’re wearing for the show?”
“It’s one possible look. Raffi was just here. Do you like it?”
“I love it. It’s giving me real Old Hollywood glamour.”
Mimi grinned. “That’s what I was going for, you know, with the movie and all.”
“Right. I totally get it. How are you feeling about doing the talk show?”
Mimi blew out an uneven sigh and dramatically put her hand to her chest. “I’m working on finding my peace, but this is a big deal.”
“It is, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that it’s also Jimmy Kimmel. He’s not going to let you stumble. He’s a good host who will take care of you, because if you have a good show, he has a good show.”
“Right.” Mimi nodded. “I need to remember that.” She exhaled and shook out her hands, a technique Harper had given her to release tension.
“What are you thinking about wearing?”
“I’ve narrowed it down to three outfits. I can show them to you.”
“Could you try them on? It’s probably better if I see them on you. It can be hard to tell when something is hanging on a hanger. I’d like to see all three options before I make my judgment.”
“Good idea. I’m fine with that.” Mimi disappeared for a few minutes, then came back in a sleek black gown with big shoulders and a deep vee neckline that showed a tremendous amount of cleavage. The waist was snatched with a wide belt of glittering black seed beads. It looked like something that might have come off the movie set.
Mimi turned side to side. “What do you think?”
“It’s a real stunner. Might be a bit much for Kimmel, though.”
“I was thinking that, too. Might be a dress to save for an awards ceremony.”
Harper nodded. “I agree. Really looks like it belongs on a red carpet. What’s next?”
“Two minutes,” Mimi said before disappearing.
She returned this time in a tight, short red number that didn’t show much cleavage but still left little to the imagination. She laughed as she walked on screen. “My stylist said this is a dress that will get me remembered, but I’m not sure that it’s my acting people will be thinking about.”
“I’d have to agree with you there. I mean, you’re a total wow in that dress, but can you sit down in it?”
Mimi went silent for a moment, her lips parted. “You know, I hadn’t thought about that. I should try, right?”
She came back toward the camera and the chair at her vanity. She moved down toward the chair, but stopped before making contact, her body oddly stiff. “Okay, that’s not going to happen. Not without doing damage to the dress.”
She stood up again. “I guess we’re on to Look Number Three. You’ve already saved me. If I’d worn that to the show, I’d be in trouble.”
“I’m sure you would have figured it out when you were in makeup, but it still wouldn’t have been good. Can’t wait to see the next one,” Harper said.
As Mimi went to change, Harper frowned. What kind of a stylist recommended a dress that was so tight the client couldn’t sit? Sometimes it felt like Harper was doing several jobs beyond her own.
Mimi reappeared in front of the camera and Harper sucked in a breath. “Oh, wow, that is amazing.”
