Coco, one of the most popular radio presenters in the country, was getting ready for the biggest night of her life. Tonight, she was going to receive an award that many of her colleagues coveted. She had picked out an elegant sequin maxi dress with a thigh-high slit that was sure to draw attention. She took a long look in the mirror to confirm that she looked picture-perfect before walking out of the house.
A driver hired by her company to chauffeur her to the event met her at the parking lot. he didn’t need any introduction because he knew exactly who she was.
“Welcome, ma’am,” he said opening the door of the white Range Rover.
“Thank you.”
He got in and started the car then turned to her and asked, “Would you like the AC on or is the weather comfortable for you?”
“Actually, just roll down the windows. I prefer the fresh air.”
“Sure. Anything else?”
“No, thank you,” she replied and they headed to their destination.
By the time she got to the venue, it was fully packed. Most of her colleagues had shown up to support her and all the other nominees of the night. The driver opened the door for her and immediately she stepped out everyone stopped to stare at her.
“Enjoy your night, ma’am.” the driver said to her which snapped her back to reality.
She didn’t reply.
One of her close friends ran up to her and embraced her. She smiled at the familiar face and exhaled deeply.
“Where have you been? Come on. You’re about to miss your own award.”
She almost did. As soon as she walked in, they announced her as the winner of the Radio Presenter Of The Year. her colleagues stood as she walked to the stand to receive the award. It seemed like it took forever. Finally, she was at the front standing next to the person presenting her award. He handed her the award, shook her hand, and congratulated her.
She held up the award and said, “I wasn’t really prepared. No really, I just walked in and I was handed an award. How crazy is that? But I’m used to the chaos. My life has never been smooth sailing despite everyone thinking I have a perfect life…”
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Coco may be a pretty girl with a sexy body but she’s far from the picture-perfect girl everyone knew on the radio. Underneath the designer dresses, she carried a secret that could potentially destroy her career and she had worked really hard to get to where she was to let anyone take it away.
From the moment she joined the media industry, she had to prove herself to everyone. It was tough since she was filling in the shoes of a veteran who had been on the air for as long as she could remember. Needless to say, she was baptized with fire but as always, she rose up to the occasion. She killed her first show and it was only up from there. The audience loved her. Of course, they did. She was enchanting and had an interesting personality. Over the years, she earned not only the respect of her colleagues but also of the industry. Despite having a late-night show, everyone knew about her.
Thanks to her consistency and hard work, she received an award that none of her predecessors had. Coco was the true definition of a triple threat – beauty, brains, and talent. Or as most would say, she was the perfect girl.
********************************************************************
The crowd laughed at her acceptance speech. She then walked off elegantly to her table. As the night grew older, people started leaving one by one and the crowd became more intimate. Coco mingled with the people and eventually made her way back to her friend who was chatting with their mutual friends.
They laughed heartily as they reminded each other how dusty they looked when they first joined the company. Now, they almost looked unrecognizable in their dapper suits and elegant dresses.
“Coco?” a deep, familiar voice called her. It was Greg, the Director of their company.
She turned to look at him.
“Let me congratulate you once more on your award.”
“Oh, thank you,” she replied then turned to her friends as if to end their conversation.
“I must say, no one deserves it more than you. You brought a fresh take to radio shows.”
“That means a lot coming from you, Greg.”
Don’t mention it. You’ve been killing it from the time you got on air.” Greg said and stood there looking like he wasn’t in a hurry to leave.
Her friends excused themselves since Greg was their boss and they didn’t want to do or say anything that would annoy him.
“See you later, Coco and congrats again,” one of them said as they left.
“Why have you been avoiding me?” Greg asked as soon as they were alone.
“It’s been a busy night. Everyone wants my attention.”
“Okay. Let’s meet at the usual spot. Don’t keep me waiting.” He said almost commanding her.
As she walked to the bar, she bumped into another colleague but he wasn’t just her colleague, Charlie was an old flame. He had been watching her from a distance all night hoping to get a chance to talk to her.
“Hey Coco, long time. You look perfect,” he said admiring her.
“Not today, Charlie.” She answered.
“What do you mean? I just want to congratulate you like everyone else.”
“Okay, thank you. Now go away.”
“Wow, okay,” he answered then turned around to leave.
“Actually, don’t. I could use a friend and you’re the closest thing I have to a real friend.”
“I’ll take it,” he answered with a smile, settled down at the bar counter, and ordered drinks. “Two mojitos, please.”
She was smiling when he turned to look at her. He couldn’t help but admire her enchanting smile. There was a short moment of silence before he continued the conversation.
“Are you good?”
I’m good. Just busy.”
Coco and Charlie had a brief fling about a year ago after meeting at an office party. They had a great time but because of their different work timelines, they couldn’t make it work.
“Well, keep it up. You’re doing a good job.”
“Thanks. What about you?”
“Same old. Print is a nightmare.”
“Well, you’re killing it too. I read your articles every day.”
He blushed. For him, it was an honour that Coco even looked his way let alone gave him a chance to date her. Though it didn’t work out between them, he always cherished the moments they had together. On the other hand, Coco enjoyed Charlie’s company. That was the main reason she fell for him. He was funny and treated her as a normal person not with kid gloves that people treated celebrities.
This reunion was a reminder of just how happy she was when they were together. Hour after hour passed as they caught up on lost times. On their fourth drink, Greg called. He stole a glimpse at her phone and saw who was calling. She hesitated to pick but eventually did.
“Yes,” there was a long silence.
“Okay,” she answered then hang up the phone.
“I’m sorry. Can we do this another time? I have to go.”
“Okay. Should I drive you?”
“No, I have a car waiting for me,” she said and prompted the driver to come to the hotel’s entrance.
“Let’s do coffee tomorrow.”
“Sounds like a plan,” she answered barely paying attention.
“Great. I still have your number.”
After bidding each other goodbye, she got into the hired car and they drove off.
“Well, that was something,” Charlie said to himself as he watched her car leave.
*******************************************************************
Coco lay awake in the king-size hotel room bed grasping her phone. She kept replaying her time with Charlie over and over again. However, it was simply impossible to rekindle a relationship with him. She was risking a lot and was scared that Charlie wouldn’t see her the same way if she came clean about her secret.
As she was scrolling through her phone trying to look for Charlie’s number, her phone rang.
“Unknown caller”
She muted her phone immediately and switched it off. It later hit her that it might have been Charlie.
The following morning, she woke up to a sweet text from Charlie.
“Morning, gorgeous. I hope you’re ready for a wonderful time.”
She smiled and then replied, “I must say, it feels good waking up to your texts again.”
“Anything for you.”
“So, what’s the plan?”
Just get dressed and I’ll come to pick you up.”
“Okay. Pick me up at 11 am sharp.”
“Bossy much.” He said to himself after hanging up.
Despite his sarcasm, he knew very well what it meant to go on a date with Coco. She was everything he dreamt of and more. The fact that she even entertained his idea and gave him a second shot was a sign that he had to make a really good impression. He had to bring his A-game on that date if he wanted to win over the perfect girl.
Charlie manages to land a date with an old flame and media personality, Coco but will he fumble the date or will he make a good impression on Coco? What’s her deal with the boss? Let’s find out in Picture Perfect Part 2 – The Skeletons In The Closet
Here are other short stories you might enjoy
Sweet Cakes Will Not Get You Love Or Keep You Warm At Night (Part 1)
Would The Past Stay In The Past Or Would It Ruin The Perfect Love Story?
