Pumps

By Adrian Huerta

Living the glamorous life that she always wanted, frequenting fashion shows, and jet setting across Europe, Alexis Cruz is on top of the world. Lavish dinners, rich boyfriends, rubbing elbows with the fancies, and carefree partying into the night are the ultimate perks for this forward thinking, L.A. fashionista. Without a worry in the world, there is no stopping this high society socialite and her relentless desire to be the best in the shoe biz. Until, that is, her boss decides to move production to China.

Dismayed and frustrated by the decision, Alexis contends with the fact that the easy life may be coming to an end. Struggling to cope with having to travel to China, she finds the will to be successful. She makes new friends and reconnects with old ones as she suddenly finds herself seeking to find her own spiritual meaning and purpose in the world.

As she hits her thirtieth birthday, a series of unforeseen life changes force her to slow down and think about what she really wants, and where her life is headed. The choices she is forced to make with regard to career, relationships, and self, leave her confused and unsure, and she finds herself, for the first time in her life, unsure of anything. Can Alexis trust her fate and destiny? Can she let go of her need to control everything? Will she ever realize, during her mission to restore stability and harmony in her life, that there was only one key, missing ingredient all along?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adrian Huerta
• Release date: Aug 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301510917

Adrian Huerta

Adrian Huerta and his wife live with their dogs in San Diego, California. A graduate of San Diego State University, he has always been a writer at heart, and after working many jobs, he has rolled up his sleeves and got to work on being a novelist. Adrian has dealt with many of the hardships of life, including being raised by a single parent and living in near-poverty. He has persevered through it all, never losing hope, and always striving for a better life. He believes in working hard and following your heart, and that the greatest success in life is love, not money.

Book preview

PUMPS

By Adrian Huerta

Published by Feela Finston Books

Copyright 2013 Adrian Huerta

Smashwords Edition

This is dedicated to my girls, Allie and Valentina;

And to our baby girl that left us, Phoebe. You will always be with us.

Pumps

Chapter One: Glamorous Life

Chapter Two: Spanish Dreams

Chapter Three: Driven

Chapter Four: Mean Girls

Chapter Five: Edward

Chapter Six: Reality Check

Chapter Seven: Mess with a Bull and Get the Horns

Chapter Eight: Was that a Dream?

Chapter Nine: Free Spirit

Chapter Ten: Back to Reality

Chapter Eleven: Old Memories

Chapter Twelve: Doing Something Crazy

Chapter Thirteen: Haggle Monster

Chapter Fourteen: Surprise Visit

Chapter Fifteen: Running Out

Chapter Sixteen: Nothing to Celebrate

Chapter Seventeen: Love the Holidays

Chapter Eighteen: Good News

Chapter Nineteen: Big Girl Now

Chapter Twenty: Regret

Chapter Twenty-One: Boomerang

Chapter Twenty-Two: Friends with Benefits

Chapter Twenty-Three: The New Normal

Chapter Twenty-Four: Balance Beam

Chapter Twenty-Five: Old Friend Savs the Day

Chapter Twenty-Six: Dream Wedding

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Finally Perfect

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Fashionably Fate

Chapter One: Glamorous Life

The scene was comfortable chaos. Electronic house music thumped, and a constant stream of flash bulbs stormed light on the darkly lit room as the perfectly skinny models walked down the runway. The alcohol from the afternoon’s mimosas added to Alexis Cruz’s high as she sat watching the Dsquared2 show from the fifth row.

It was the last day of New York Fashion Week. Alexis could see Anna and Andre in her peripheral view, sitting in the front row, of course. She glanced at them from time to time, just for her own reassurance, hoping that she could meet them this time, maybe. Alexis turned her attention back to the runway and she watched the models, showcasing the spring collection.

Her eyes studied the clothes of the first model carefully, looking at textures, colors, and overall style. She then looked towards the model’s feet, and her eyes strained to capture every detail of the shoes. She had always been very thorough. She was seeing a lot of flat shoes again, noting carefully that this season seemed to be full of bejeweled gladiator styles. Nothing new there, she noted.

In a trance-like state and unaffected by the alcohol buzz, Alexis studied the string of models that followed. She was in the shoe biz, and being present at the shows was among one of the greatest perks that came with the territory. Fashion was her life, and it always had been, ever since she could remember. Just then, as the show ended, the crowd of schmoozing journalists, designers, and industry insiders broke into applause as the crazy, but always classy, Canadian twins promenaded down the runway to give their bow of gratitude.

Twenty minutes later, Alexis found herself back in the main area of the Lincoln Center, enthralled upon the buzzing crowd. Alexis! She heard her name being called out by a high-pitched female voice. She turned to find an ultra-skinny woman in high heels walking gingerly towards her. Alexis forced a smile.

Hey, Shannon, Alexis blurted out while looking across the room for a lifeline. She saw Tamara Mellon then, of Jimmy Choo, with a gaggle of minions surrounding her, making a fuss. Alexis could hear Shannon muttering something in her ear, but she couldn’t imagine what it was since she was focused on Tamara. She would do almost anything to be able to work for Tamara, or better yet, be Tamara. She cursed her own wretched shortcomings in the biz.

So what do you think? Alexis? Alexis?

What? Alexis uttered, rudely, turning to see a bewildered Shannon. Alexis glanced over her, arrogantly studying Shannon’s carroty hair and fake black glasses. She was dressed cute though, at least, in a long print dress that Alexis recognized from a couture line, which she undoubtedly got from her job. She was junior writer at Vogue. Alexis couldn’t quite remember how they’d ever met, but she always seemed to be clinging on.

The Effen party, I have invites, do you wanna go with me? she asked. Alexis thought about it. Of course she didn’t want to go.

Uh… Alexis replied, when she spotted her friend, Ken, chatting up some camera-laden paparazzi. Sure, Alexis lied. That sounds great, sweetie. Find me later, she muttered, pitching Shannon her best fake smile. She made a half-assed lean in for an air kiss and then headed towards Ken.

Ken! Alexis called out. He spotted her back with one eye, but went back to talking. He was being filmed. Alexis walked up and listened, catching the tail end of the interview.

Yes, the Vivienne Tam show ended with a bang, with enough silk to please an Asian princess. What impressed me the most, though, was the way Michael Kors brought another level of chicness with solid colors and unique textures. His subtle use of houndstooth was simply genius. I wish he would give me a call, because I’m haute couture single! Alexis laughed, along with the female interviewer, at Ken’s flaming sassiness.

Ken loved the attention. He turned to Alexis. And speaking of which, miss thing, you should be interviewing this one here. This is the lovely, Miss Alexis Cruz, from Cuoio-L.A. Ken reached his skinny arm over to pull Alexis in. She smiled and reluctantly came into the picture.

Hello! the interviewer greeted with excitement. The camera loved Alexis in her orange Hermes dress that complimented her radiating, tanned Latina skin. Her long black hair and subtle highlights shimmered in late afternoon sun, framing her glowing, bright brown eyes and camera-ready smile. I’m Karen, from Style.com, the interviewer went on. And this is Angela, from Fashionista. Which show did you just see, and what are your thoughts?

Well, I just saw the Dsquared show. It was glamorous and wild as usual, but not nearly as crazy as last year’s Milan show, of course! They have such edgy and vivid creations. As I’ve always said, between Dsquared and Valentino, and Chanel, and Marc Jacobs, and Dior, and Louboutin, I wouldn’t need anything else!

Amen! Ken sang out in exaggerated excitement.

I agree, replied the interviewer. So tell us about CuoioLA. Did you have a show in here at Fashion Week? What should we expect for the spring/summer collection?

Well, we do have a show going on tomorrow night at the Times Square W, where we’ll be showcasing our upcoming line. I don’t want to spoil it now, but we’ll be showcasing some newer, innovative flats, as well as some of new heel styles and booties. Let’s just say we won’t be shying away from color!

Great, the interviewer answered with a pleased smile. We can’t wait to see the upcoming styles from CuoioLA. Thanks, Alexis. Alexis smiled. Ok, that’s a wrap, the woman said and the camera and light shut off.

Ken faced Alexis, and smiled with excitement. Hey girl! Ken uttered in dramatic exhaustion. I’m so glad you found me. I’m so ready to get my swerve and perv on, and find some tasty man candy! Alexis burst out into laughter. She had met Ken at her first show in New York, years back when Fashion Week was still held at Bryant Park. He was white, gay, skinny, and just the cutest thing ever. She didn’t know it at the time, but in addition to being the most astute fashionista that Alexis knew, he was also part of the Manhattan social elite circle. He came from money and had been born into the fashion world. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He took to Alexis immediately, and they had been friends ever since.

Ok, she replied. Where are we going? I got an invite to the Calvin Klein dinner tonight. It’s suppose to… Ken cut her off.

Uh-uh, girl! he shook his head and smiled a wry grin. We are going to the William Rast party tonight!

Ah! Alexis screamed out uncontrollably. Her pulse quickened with excitement.

Oh yeah. I knew you’d like that. You know if that sexy-back JT sees you, he is going to fall! He is so into beautiful Latinas, and trust me, you are way prettier than that Jessica Alba ho!

Ah! Alexis screamed out again, slapping Ken harshly on the arm. They laughed. I am not, and besides, isn’t he dating someone? Jessica Biel, wasn’t it?

Oh, who cares! Ken answered gleefully. We are going to drink all of his champagne, flirt with pretty boys, and dance the night away!

***

They had some time to kill before the after party, so Ken and Alexis caught dinner at the hotel and Alexis changed outfits. She was too excited about the party to think clearly, and she couldn’t help think dreamily, that there was a chance that she might see Justin Timberlake and that he might be into her. She was not foolish enough to honestly expect it, and he could turn out to be an asshole in real life, but she was also not reckless enough to be unprepared for the unexpected. Ken had to pop a bottle of champagne just to calm her down. He had not been any help with his dreamy talk of marriage and kids. Alexis was sure that he was nuts.

Around eleven o’clock that night, they found themselves walking into the Hudson Terrace, the ultra-exclusive lounge in a high-rise building, overlooking the city of Manhattan. Alexis had not been there before, but she was amazed by the luxurious spread of deep-red leather seats stretching out throughout the lounge with meticulously placed flowers and candles. Floor to ceiling glass windows surrounded the outside of the lounge, providing breathtaking views of the city. In the middle of the space, the roof was open, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Ken recognized some friends, and he pulled Alexis with him to their table. They took a seat as Ken made the introductions. Alexis nodded and smiled as she met the eyes of the four other twenty and thirty-something New Yorkers sitting there. Alexis took a glass of champagne that was offered by one of Ken’s obviously gay friends. They seemed nice enough.

Alexis tried to listen to the conversation, as Ken was gaggling about the day’s shows. She was feeling the vibe from the funky hip-hop music as she started scanning the crowd. She was looking for Justin Timberlake, but she couldn’t see him. Across from her, at another table, she spotted Jason Sudeikis from Saturday Night Live, and Leighton Meester, who Alexis recognized from the Gossip Girl show.

Alexis was used to the celebrity at these events, and she tried to draw her attention back to her group. Her mind was busy though. She thought of the flight she’d be taking to Europe the next day and it made her smile inside. She became excited at the thought of seeing Estefan. She pictured his dark green eyes and gorgeous smile, and she felt blast of heat fill her stomach.

My god, Alexis! What, or should I say, who, are you thinking about? blurted Ken. She looked up, realizing that he had caught her smiling, and she became embarrassed.

What? Nothing! she remarked with sass. The group laughed at her, and she couldn’t help but giggle.

Well here you go, girl, Ken said, handing her a shot glass. Here’s to fashion poise, rich boys, and pink toys! Everyone in the group, including the only guy that seemed straight, held up their shot glasses as they drank in a toast. Alexis drank the hot, smooth, tequila, and then finished her champagne to smooth out the edge. Come on, let’s go smoke! Ken said, grabbing two more champagnes and dragging Alexis up.

She followed, and they made it to the balcony where there were more tables, and other people smoking. She didn’t really smoke, but did on occasion, when she drank. She’d never bought a pack of cigs in her life. They smoked, and Ken was rattling on about an after party. An alcohol buzz was creeping over Alexis as she listened and considered going to the after party with Ken. She knew it’d be fun, but she did have a flight to make.

I don’t know, Ken. Maybe. I have a flight out to Spain in the morning.

Really? What’s in Spain?

Alexis smiled guiltily. A guy.

I knew it! You ho! Ken remarked loudly. I swear, you have the life, girl. Someday, if I have a daughter, I want her to be just like you! Ken joked.

Alexis laughed. Stop it! I want your life! she replied loudly. You’re rich, fabulous; you have hair and makeup people, and you’re practically famous! They laughed together, when a guy approached them, staring intensely at Alexis. She glanced at him quickly, but then looked him off. He looked like a Brooklyn party crasher that was trying too hard to be a hip-hop kid, and he was definitely not her type. He stopped in front of her.

Hi, he said gently. Alexis made eye contact and gave him a smile with a raised eye brow. It was her way of saying that she was not interested.

Uh, hey, she replied coolly, looking away.

Uh, my name is Jay, he went on. I noticed you inside. You’re very beautiful.

Thanks, she said, raising her eyebrows again. She shot Ken a look.

What about me? asked Ken. Am I very beautiful?

The guy gave Ken an amusing smile, but ignored him. Anyways, he said, looking back at Alexis.

Well, excuse me! remarked Ken with playful sass. Things are getting a bit too hetero out here for me, I’ll see you back inside, Alexis. Be careful, Rico Suave. She uses men like Kleenex. Ken put out his smoke and walked back to the door.

I’m not sure what line of work you’re in, the guy went on. But if you’re into fashion, and you wanna chill out and talk, I’d love to get to know you. I design for the house.

Alexis looked back at him, maintaining her look of disinterest. She tried to remember who designed for William Rast, but nothing came to her in the moment. She wasn’t sure if this guy was telling the truth, but she didn’t really care. She made up her mind that she just wasn’t interested. That’s great, she said, putting her smoke out. I’m flattered, really, but I’m not interested. She began walking towards the door.

Awe, girl, the guy replied with hurt feelings. You’re gonna play me like that? He reached for her arm and held her by the elbow. She hated that, but she kept control. I’m just trying to talk to you.

I get it, she barked, yanking her arm back. You are honestly just not my type. I’m sure there are a ton of girls in Brooklyn that are, she chided. She regretted being so condescending, but she was annoyed by his persistence.

Ouch, he replied, laughing off her comment. Alexis began walking away, towards the door. We’ll see if you change your attitude when you realize who I am, he said as she disappeared inside.

She got to the table as they were handing out more shots. Alexis! Another shot of Patron? shouted out one of Ken’s friends. She accepted it, toasted with them, and drank.

What’s wrong, Alexis? Ken asked. You’re face is all red? Did that Latino man-candy piss you off? he joked.

Yeah! she replied forcefully. Some guys just can’t take a fucking hint, like hello? No already!

Ken chuckled loudly. That son of a bitch! Alexis laughed, and her temper cooled.

He just wasn’t my type, she added. I’m just not into the urban hip-hop boricua type of guys. I outgrew that type in college.

Ken laughed and the rest of the table stared at her curiously. She felt embarrassed suddenly. It’s all good, Alexis, honey. There are plenty that aren’t my type either, but gangsta boricuas and Ricky Martin are so my flava, Ken sassed.

O.M.G. Ricky Martin is so not gangsta! Alexis laughed out. The rest of the table laughed too, and then the crowd became loud as Justin Timberlake went up on stage and started performing.

More champagne flowed and Alexis became carried away in the party atmosphere. Justin Timberlake rocked the house for almost an hour, and Alexis was beginning to pass her self-imposed limit of acceptable drunkenness. It seemed as though everyone was feeling the same way though. As JT ended his music set, he began rambling, expressing his gratitude for the show and the success of his line. He brought up his designer, Jay, who was indeed the guy that Alexis dissed and insulted. Ken looked back at her, as he noticed him immediately, and began laughing at Alexis. She felt embarrassed, and even a little guilty, but she roared into a hysterical laugh with Ken.

The party continued on into the night, and as they sat at the table, completely carried away, Alexis noticed JT standing across the room from her with his designer, Jay. It seemed as though they were talking about her, as they kept staring at her while Jay was talking to him. She sensed that he was telling JT about the drink incident, as JT began laughing hysterically at him. Jay looked embarrassed and pissed off. Alexis couldn’t be certain, but it seemed as though JT was staring at her, and smiling. ‘Is JT flirting with me?’ Alexis wondered. Suddenly, she wished that she wasn’t feeling so drunk.

She reached for Ken’s arm, and he turned to look at her. Alexis, we’re leaving. We’re going to hit an after party, are you in?

She felt dizzy, and she knew that she needed to get back to the hotel. No, she uttered. I need to cake a tab back to the hotel, she managed to say.

Ken chuckled. Ok, let’s walk out together then, sweetie. They left moments later, and Alexis got back to her hotel safely.

Chapter Two: Spanish Dreams

The long flight from New York to Barcelona was uneventful. Thanks to Xanax and wine, Alexis was able to sleep through almost the entire flight. She had made the trip across the pond roughly every six weeks or so for the past few years for work. As the head of production for mostly women’s shoes for her company, CuoioLA, she was responsible for ensuring smooth production for not only CuoioLA’s designer line, but also for other brand names that CouioLA produced.

Alexis was in love with all of Europe, including Spain. She loved the languages, the culture, the fashion, the food, and the way everyone seemed so content and free. There was a level of sophistication among the Europeans that she was so impressed with. She loved the way the Spaniards spoke Spanish, and she sometimes faked the accent when drinking among friends back home in LA. She wanted to find a way to live there, in Europe, in the heart of the world, and travel from Paris to Milan to London and Barcelona, living the glamorous life. It was her dream.

Alexis had met Estefan Carrasco a year and half earlier, while literally running through the airport in Barcelona after attending the 080 Barcelona Fashion Week shows. She had been running late all morning that day because of a meeting that had gone on too long with one of her major customers, Violetta. Adding to her frustration, Alexis’ taxi had hit bad traffic on the way to the airport. By the time she had gotten through security, her flight was already supposed to be taking off. As she tried to move quickly, lugging her rolling carry-on luggage and her big suitcase, a man came upon her in a cart. The tall, young, handsome stranger quickly loaded the suitcases up for her, called the gate on his radio to wait, and raced her there just in time to catch her flight.

In the midst of her haste and frustration, she never got a good look of her hero at the time, but could only remember that he was tall and handsome and spoke very broken English with a Spanish accent. It wasn’t until she got home that she found his name and number on a piece of paper in her luggage pocket. She ended up calling him and felt bad to learn that he’d lost his job over the incident, as he had been on his way to help an elderly disabled couple make their flight. The elderly couple didn’t make it, but Alexis did, and she met Estefan for coffee a month later when she was back in Europe.

Estefan now worked at a restaurant during most days, and played as a musician a few nights a week. He couldn’t pick Alexis up from the airport this time, so she took a taxi to his place and let herself in with her own key. His apartment was in an older and poorer gothic neighborhood, but it was still close enough to the beaches and the center of the vibrant city of Barcelona. His second floor flat was small, too small for Alexis, but it was fine for short visits, and it had a cool balcony that overlooked a park and another apartment building across the street.

Alexis made her way in and tossed her stuff down. Estefan lived like a bachelor, and his apartment was cluttered with dirty clothes, dishes, and his guitars. It didn’t bother her much, but she opened the windows to the let fresh air in to replace the stale, musty air of the old apartment, just the same. She walked out onto the balcony and stared out to the park and into the treetops. She closed her eyes and savored the sun as it lightly kissed her skin, just enough to balance out the cool breeze. She always felt alive being there; as if she were living the life she’d really been meant for. It almost made up for having to deal with insufferable customers like Violetta. It almost made up for the tickets and backstage passes for Gwen Stefani that she had to give to her friend, Savannah, because she had to be at Milan Fashion Week. A car’s loud exhaust from the street noise below snapped Alexis out of her daze, and she decided that a cup of hot coffee would do nicely.

Alexis was too excited to allow the fatigue from the long flight to take hold. She glanced nosily over the kitchen counters while the coffee brewed, taking note of a few dirty dishes and a black fedora hat that she’d never seen before. She picked it up and tried to picture it on him. She smiled at the thought, imagining his bare-chested muscular body wearing nothing but shorts and the hat. She giggled slightly and set the hat down.

Alexis had always seen Estefan, first, as her most beautiful and prized personal plaything. He would never be intelligent or sophisticated enough for her, and he certainly had no money, but that had never really mattered. She never wanted or expected to have a serious relationship with him, and it mattered even less as their relationship grew. He was fun, and they had such amazing chemistry that she at times wondered why any of the other tangibles and intangibles mattered that much at all. Even so, there had always been something deep inside her that would forbid her from allowing him to be her ‘permaguy’. She was smart enough to leave it at that and not let that conversation take place in her head or otherwise.

Alexis wandered into the bathroom to check her makeup. She looked into the mirror and made eye contact with herself. Her eyelashes popped back at her and then she scanned the rest of her face. Her smooth, tanned, Latina skin was barely holding up from the light application of foundation she’d put on more than ten hours earlier. She looked at her long, black hair, and ran her fingers through it. It was beginning to frizz from the ocean air, and it was barely holding on. She was beautiful, stunning even, but she did not see herself that way. Ewe, she whined. I look terrible.

She considered quickly whether she had time for a shower, but then dismissed the thought. Estefan would be getting home any minute. She wondered if she should bust out her mini flat iron and freshen up her hair. Her eyes impulsively darted down to the counter and she spotted something amiss. There was a tube of mascara. She picked it up immediately and held it in her fingers, studying it while her temper rose. Her heart sank, and her mind began to spin viciously.

Alexis scanned the rest of the bathroom and she whipped open the shower curtains. She saw nothing out of place. She stormed out and went to Estefan’s room. It was a mess. Her temper grew more furious yet. She looked in his closet, in a few drawers, and for some reason, behind the dresser, but she saw nothing out of the ordinary.

She couldn’t control herself. She was livid. She went into the living room and sat on the sofa, holding the makeup tube. She knew that she shouldn’t really be mad, but she was. The makeup tube obviously belonged to another woman, but Alexis and Estefan were not exclusive. He was allowed to see other women. Estefan knew of Alexis’ boyfriend in LA, Edward. She knew her anger made no sense, but the thought of Estefan being with someone else hurt too much.

As Alexis sat on the sofa, she could feel herself eventually calming down. She wondered what the woman who owned that mascara looked like. She wondered if she was tall, or blonde, or skinny, or maybe all of the above. She thought about the Spanish women that she had always seen in town, at the clubs, and at the beaches. Spanish women were pretty, free spirited, and had great bodies. She wondered if