CHAPTER 19 - Flake

That night Mom told me to pack an overnight bag.

“Huh, what for?” I’d asked

“Well if you must know” she said hands on hips and a huge smile on her face “We’re staying overnight in San Diego in a flash hotel then on Thursday you and I are going to get some pampering. Since you won’t be here on your birthday I’ve decided this is your present, just a bit early and no questions about whether we can afford it okay”

“Okay sure wow, umm what do you mean by ‘pampering’”

“Just trust me Jade you’re going to love it, pack a bikini too you’re going to need it”

Tim walked past and smacked me playfully. “Pampering huh” he commented. I kicked him in the butt and instantly got a lesson in how much weaker I was now.

“I’m glad you’re on my side” I said breathlessly to him after he had dumped me on my backside

“Always and forever sis” he said over his shoulder as he sauntered out toward his motorbike “Always and forever”

I rushed off to pack a bag.

Wednesday dawned calm and clear and we jumped in the little Toyota early to beat traffic and make our 10.00 am appointment. We sailed up the freeway singing along to the radio and giggling at some of the antics radio DJ’s got up to. It didn’t take too long and we were soon in the vicinity of the offices we needed to be at hunting around for a car park. San Diego is a diverse city with a vast disparity between rich and poor. Some of the mansions in the hills or near the ocean are massive while the homeless can be seen living under bridges or in alleys. I always felt sad seeing them. The city itself was huge and growing bigger. Massive skyscrapers stood in the Central Business district located down near San Diego Bay and it was home to the U.S. Navy who had shipbuilding and submarine yards there, aircraft carriers, destroyers and so on. As you can imagine you could find a sailor on every corner.
Today was a different story though and I was both nervous and excited as we entered the office. A beautifully dressed and made up receptionist met us and asked us to wait. She wore a dark purple dress that fit her like a glove emphasising her small waist and long legs. Her makeup was perfect with dusky smouldering eyes, complemented by her dark red lips and smooth skin while her chestnut colored hair fell in waves around her face and down her back. I was in awe.

In due course Bridee Gordon came out and I began to wonder if Chances only employed incredibly attractive women. She had high heels on with a dark blue dress that said corporate and sexy at the same time. She had brunette hair cut in a bob that fell to her shoulders and perfect makeup complimenting her classically beautiful face.

She smiled warmly at us with a set of perfect white teeth and shook our hands.

“My Jade you are quite the rare beauty” she said looking me over while I blushed. This from a woman who could be in ‘Vogue’ magazine.

Ushering us through we walked to a private elevator and up to a large floor that had a studio, dressing rooms and a makeup room with mirrors and lights. I felt like I’d stepped onto a Hollywood movie set.

“You have just the look we’ve been searching for Jade, thank you so much for agreeing to come up here to do this.” Bridee gushed “I have a feeling you’re really going to enjoy today, you’ll be working with some other surfers as well plus we’ll be doing some individual shots of you for next year’s spring catalogue. It’s just still photos today but if our marketing manager likes what you’ve done we’d like to invite you back at a later date to be involved in shooting some advertisements for TV. Oh and we probably won’t have time to do any action shots down at the beach today so we’ll have to leave that till later”

“Jade can you go with that lady there” Bridee said “I’m just going to talk with your Mom about all the legal stuff since you’re so young. She’ll take you and get your hair and makeup done then fit you into a bikini for your first shoot. After that we’ll redo your hair and so on then get you to pose in some of our clothes with the others, then a few by yourself.”
She was like a machine gun rattling off instructions while I just stared in wonder around me as I was led to get my hair done. The stylist made me sit down and began brushing out my hair then did a plat down the front left of my face. It looked really cute so I got her to show me how to do it so I could copy it later at home.

Next was the makeup artist who cooed and enthused over my cheek bones and ‘gorgeous’ eyes. By the time she had finished I didn’t recognise myself. This wasn’t young girls playing around with makeup, this was a professional and I can honestly say I felt beautiful when she was through with me. The bikini I was asked to put on was a royal blue that clung to my boobs, showed off my nipples and was so small I felt I was naked. Walking out I spotted the other models being used today and just stood still. My stomach went into overdrive as I was introduced to both Anastasia and Gabriel two of the top female and male surfers in the world. Chances had done a sponsorship deal with them and part of that was they would model swimsuits, boards and clothes for them. I was star struck as I was introduced and just about peed my bikini when I shook Gabriel’s hand. They were both incredibly nice to me as I stammered out a hello. The other surfer/model I didn’t know but had heard of. His name was Nick Kelly and he was a rising star around San Diego and was tipped to go places in the surfing world. He was tall and wide with a shock of dark hair on his head. He always seemed to be laughing and his eyes creased up as he told jokes and kidded around with us. The photographer and another guy who kind of directed us around were all business like and soon we were being bossed into all sorts of poses and positions. At one stage I had to sit on Nick’s shoulders while he held a surfboard. Anastasia and I cycled through bikini after bikini together and I became fast friends with her. We laughed and chatted as we posed especially at Nick’s never ending one liners and jokes. After the others heard that I actually surfed and wasn’t just some model pulled in for the shoot they opened up, encouraging me and asking if I’d like to go surfing with them some time soon. I was over the moon and realized that this was a fairy tale come true. I also couldn’t help noticing that Nick would seek out my company whenever we had a break and would sit next to me shoulder to shoulder his leg touching mine. It didn’t help that he was handsome and funny and kooky and just plain likeable either but I felt conflicted. Here I was attracted to one of California’s top surfers and someone who was obviously attracted to me while at home was the sweetest kindest guy who just a few days ago I had kissed for the first time.

‘Damn it’ I thought ‘I really didn’t need this right now but oh my god he’s beautiful’

We shot picture after picture and I got to wear all the new clothes the shop was bringing out next Spring. After one set they’d take us girls in and change our hair and makeup then give us new clothes to put on then send us back out. I went from sultry and sexy to girl next door and back again. By the time we were finished I was exhausted, famished and ready to stop.

This whole modelling stuff was way harder than it looked.

Nick wandered up to me and put his arm around my shoulders, grinning like a Cheshire cat. He was nothing if not cocky yet he got away with it because of his humour and just downright sexiness.

“So are you doing anything this weekend?” he asked

“Umm it’s my birthday and my brothers are taking me surfing at Blacks Beach, we’re camping overnight in the dunes”

“Your birthday, cool how old are you 19, 20?”

“No just 15” I said blushing he must think I’m just a baby.

“Really, wow you look older, I mean you know with all the makeup and stuff, I didn’t mean……”

I smirked, girls have so much power if the boy likes you this was so cool.

“No offence Nick I’ll take it as a compliment, so how old are you then 40, 41?”

He laughed at that and any tension we felt evaporated. “Nah just 17 it’s all these wrinkles though”

I felt comfortable and at ease with him, we smiled easily together.

“I’m not doing anything this weekend so would it be okay if I met you there, kind of tagged along? I’ll bring a present”

“Sure, but you don’t have to go out of your way with a present, I’m not a materialistic girl, maybe just a Ferrari or a Porsche. Nothing expensive” I giggled and he grinned.

“I love your laugh” he said

‘I love your smile’ I thought but in the end I said nothing. Was I being disloyal to Phil with this flirting? I didn’t know after all surely we were just friends even though I’d kissed him. ‘Argh’ I thought ‘boys!’

Mom walked in at that moment and smiled at Nick.

“You finished hun?” she asked

“Think so, I was just talking to Nick. Oh um Mom this is Nick Kelly, he’s kind of been my partner today. He surfs too”

He turned the full force of his smile on my Mom and she smiled back.

“Nice to meet you Nick I’m Michelle” they shook hands

“Pleased to meet you ahh Michelle, you have an amazing daughter”

Mom looked at me “I know, more amazing than you’d ever believe”

Saying our goodbyes after swapping mobile numbers Mom led me out. A security guard rode down with us and let us through the door. It was already dark and cool and the night seemed to press around us. A couple of young girls in really short skirts and low tops were standing on the other side of the street. They looked at us then looked away, we weren’t potential clients. I studied them as we walked past they looked about 18 or 19 but could easily have been older or younger it was hard to tell. Their eyes darted around not only looking for clients but also potential threats. They seemed haunted, that could be me.

“He seems a nice guy” Mom commented stirring me from my thoughts

“Yeah” I said a dreamy look appearing on my face and Mom laughed.

“Let’s go to our hotel, we can grab a bite to eat on the way and freshen up. Do you want to do anything tonight?”

I was exhausted “Watch a movie in our room and fall fast asleep after a nice hot shower” I suggested.

“You young kids these days, no stamina” Mom laughed as we walked to the car our arms around each-others waists.

Thursday was pampering day and I awoke looking out the window of our 20th storey room with the most stunning views of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. From this height I could see the curvature of the Earth as the sun reflected off the smooth sea turning it a deep blue. A couple of ships sat on the horizon floating between sea and sky one of them bristling with antennas and satellite dishes heading off to guard our borders while the other was loaded down with cargo containers heading in to port with electronic stuff from Korea maybe or cars from Japan.

I was wearing a beautiful soft lavender nighty that only barely covered my rear and did little to hide my breasts. My long blond hair fell down my back messed up by my sleep. I stretched luxuriously forgetting I had no panties on. The nighty lifted and had anyone been around they would have had a good view of my shapely legs and butt. It spoke still about the innocence I had of my developing figure and ignorance over what I looked like and the effect I had on males.

I thought too about both Nick and Phil and felt queasy in my stomach. Life had just got a whole lot more complicated after yesterday. I didn’t really get it at this stage but I was going to have to break one of their hearts.

After dressing and a light breakfast, we girls had to watch our figures you know, we headed off to the spa. It was nestled in one of the more up market neighbourhoods in San Diego and was flanked by green lawns and fancy houses. Driving in we parked in one of the spaces and wandered through the large doors that opened silently as we approached them.

A young receptionist greeted us wearing a white smock but like all receptionists in San Diego was gorgeous and friendly.

We were led into a room where we changed from our street clothes into the most sumptuous bath robes that were baby pink and had the name of the spa stitched on to them in fancy lettering.

Next we were led into a studio where two women who looked to be Japanese began to work on our backs and legs massaging and kneading the knots out. The oils they used smelled heavenly and after half an hour we both felt exceptionally relaxed. Next came these hot stone things that were laid along our spines. At first it almost felt like we were going to be burnt but in actual fact after another ten minutes I was so relaxed I wanted to fall asleep.

However we were roused from our slumber and led to another room where we sat down and were given facials that left our skin smooth and glowing.

“I could get used to this ‘pampering’ Mom” I quipped

“Me too honey, me too” she said as she let the woman apply more cream to her face.

‘If only my brothers could see me now’ I mused

Finally came the manicure and I was given the choice of gel nails or a shellac finish. I chose the shellac in a cool soft mauve color that the manicurist raved over. After having my nails shaped and cuticles taken care of along with some tut tutting and strict instructions about how I should take care of my hands I looked down at what were now my really funky fingers.

“Thank you” I gushed “they look amazing” I was now a nail polish addict and wanted to go out and buy about 20 bottles of nail lacquer. “Get good stuff” suggested the manicurist “OPI or China Glaze, Sally Hansen or Zoya are tops” I made a mental note of the names and decided before we headed home I would be visiting a store that sold those brands.

Around 3.00pm we were in the car and headed home. I had bought my nail polish while Mom had bought some more cosmetics and a few new bras for both her and I. She seemed to enjoy shopping together with me and for my part I simply liked being with her. There was probably still a bit of boy in me because I just went in bought the stuff I wanted and walked out. I had a feeling though that may change over time as pretty clothes and shoes called out their siren song to me.

Arriving home the boys were about as interested as doorstops in our experiences so we raved about it to Jacinta who joined in to our enthusiastic talking then started on dinner. Pete, Tim and Jeff’s friend, turned up in his Kombi van and we chucked some of our stuff in it ready for tomorrow. It was a burnt orange color with widened rims and could carry up to six people easily. Minted in the early 1970’s it was a real classic. Almost everyone in the community recognised it instantly and loved the old school surf feel it gave off. We were all eager for the trip and spoke loudly and excitedly to each other. After a couple of tents and some sleeping bags were thrown in and our surf boards were strapped to the roof we relaxed in our kitchen and chatted over our food.

Plans were made on where we would meet, what time we would leave, whether we would get a surf in before it was dark and what food we would need to bring. If Mom, Jacinta and I had our way it would be more than a few sausages and a slice of bread. None of the boys argued about that surprisingly. They thought taking girls on the trip was all positive and no negatives so long as we filled their bellies. As I was now officially on the girl’s side we laughed at their trash talk and made fun of how much richer women made their lives. It was funny how my life had changed so drastically but it also felt warm and comfortable.

Tim and Jeff also shared an idea they had about starting a business together with Pete once they had finished school. They talked about opening a surf shop that sold surf wear and all the accessories but they also wanted to branch out and shape their own boards. They would have a range of different lengths from long to short, basic to competition.

“And where were you thinking of getting the money for all this?” Mom asked

“Well we’ve saved a bit of money and we could sell our bikes plus Pete has some cash. There are a couple of empty shops down by the waterfront and we could lease one of those.”

“Plus Mom from all of what I did yesterday with the modelling and maybe the television commercials they could use that money.” I added

“No way hun that money is going into your college fund” Mom retorted

“Yeah Jay, there’s no way we’re gonna take that money from you but we were wondering if, well, you wouldn’t mind if we called the boards ‘Jade’” said Tim

“As in ‘Jade Surfboards’ we thought it had a cool vibe” Pete continued

“Plus we were going to call the shop ‘Jade Surfboards’ as well, the logo would be in a cool metallic green color, plus you could be in the promo pics and in our catalogue” Jeff said “Women’s Surfing Champion Jade Chamberlin on a Jade surfboard, wicked aye!”
I was speechless and just scratched my chin blinking at them plus I guess blinking back the tears.

“You mean it really you’re not just pulling my leg?”

“Nope, no way we’re deadly serious” Pete said “and besides we’d have the hottest looking, best girl surfer on the coast doing our advertising for us for free. How can we lose?”

I looked up at Mom, she had tears in her eyes and then over at the guys.

“Deal!” I exclaimed and flung my arms around their necks and kissed their cheeks, Pete went bright red.

Not a lot of sleep was had that night but there was a ton of talk and planning and laughter.