False Faces

By Stanley Levine

False Faces is a detailed story of a female fashion designer with limited ability. To get to the top of her
profession she will use her sexual prowess and her
manipulative skills to run for Designer of the Year.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456737740

Stanley Levine

BIOGRAPHY Stanley Levine knows fashion from the inside out: he helped create style, he understands style, he has style and his exciting new novel FALSE FACES, drawn from his many years of successes and experiences in the business is written in a unique style all his own. He has captured the true ambiance of Seventh Avenue from the super rich to the very powerful. This is not a surprise because he is a native New Yorker, born and bred there and now a Professor in Fashion Marketing at the New School’s Parsons School of Design. As a CEO and President of the Jerry Silverman, Inc., a very successful fashion company, Stanley was on top of the fashion scene. As he continued in business, he was able to work with many well known designers such as Pauline Trigere, Arnold Scaasi, Kasper, Carolina Hererra and Naeem Khan. Stanley began his career at America’s premiere department store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Starting as a children’s wear buyer and then being promoted to the first male women’s sportswear buyer in America. From there his career took off and now Stanley has expanded his creative talents to writing. His first novel, Facades that he co-authored was published in 1979 and released again in 1989. He has had five plays done off, off Broadway too. The designers and celebrities, the silent partners and retailers are revealed for the first time. FALSE FACES are out there in Stanley Levine’s world. Stanley is considered a master storyteller with a wicked sense of humor.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Theresa stared at the image in the mirror. It stared back with intensity. Running her hand across her face and cheek, she was able to think, God, for this forty odd year old, no marks or scars from the doctor’s intense work. And the results, not too bad at all.

Her shoulder length, black, wavy hair had just been done by her personal makeup assistant. It had been carefully sprayed and put into place. Her mascara, light pinkish rouge and vivid red lipstick were perfect too. She smiled, putting on the plastic image smile she had practiced consistently that had always worked for her and delivered great results. Her silk chiffon ombre colored shirt dress, her trademark design and the one that brought her major success when she started in the fashion industry, looked great but she opened another button so you could see more skin and more of her breasts. That always worked for her.

It’s important to know that beauty is what you feel and not only what you see.

For her, this was more than an exceptional evening of mixed emotions. She always wanted to win the Fashion Designer of The Year Award. It was always an important part of her plans. It would be more than her life’s achievement and even more important than her private married life. She sighed and then took a very deep breath and hoped this award would not get reporters and TV commentators to deeply delve into her sordid past, her family or have people look into her two marriages. Whenever she revisited her past, visions of sugar plums did not dance in her head. The past is the past, she thought. It’s dead. It’s buried and no one will ever know the real me. Since I’m a natural born American, I’m able to think sideways, upside down and inside out.

She stared at the mirror again and she knew the image that she saw and studied was not real. She was a master creation who chose to live, not exist even if her life was based on her choices, imagination and opportunities.

Either we think and act or have others think and act for us and if we do, they can take away your power. That’s never going to happen.

Theresa smiled again for the mirror knowing the clock of life is wound just once and she would prove she was a major survivor and a superior opportunist. She had gotten this far and would never look back. The warped steps on the ladder she had climbed to get here were part of her past. Reliving some of those tortured memories were no longer allowed to take over or ever fully occupy her head.

They’re dead and buried and they will stay that way! That’s why, I’m in charge and it will stay that way!

CHAPTER I

Theresa looked around her college classroom. Doom and gloom seemed to cover her classmate’s faces. Twice as many female students were in the room and the mood was more than intense.

Yes, the final exam was tough, she thought but as she looked around her classroom. she still wondered why most of her classmate’s expressions were so depressed. She thought her psychology final exam was more than difficult but she was thoroughly prepared. She knew that all her accomplishments were based on her preparations and the deals she had made with her professors were appropriate for her future plans.

If I’m not the hero, I’m a zero, she thought.

Theresa never knew too much about her early life and who her real and authentic father was or even his name. This would always be a major problem for her to deal with. It presented a void that had no explanation or conclusion. Though she still lived with her mother whose personality and demeanor she could not stand, Theresa’s accomplishments and her let’s make a deal arrangements, were made especially for her and her future. When her most important professor, who taught this class in psychology, wrote on the blackboard that there was still one half hour left, Theresa started rereading all her answers to the essay questions. As she read through, it took her less than fifteen minutes to know that she had more than succeeded. Her graduation date from college and the important ceremony, would follow in approximately two weeks and her future and her destiny were in her complete control. This is exactly what she wanted. This was her plan. She gathered all her papers and writing utensils and headed for the front of the room and her professor’s desk. She handed him her final and he grabbed her hand and smiled as he said, I can’t thank you enough for the pleasures. We did whatever worked in the heat of the moment. Your A grade is guaranteed.

Theresa smiled back and whispered, I enjoyed our time together and you helped me discover who I am and the great things I could do. You also taught me to try and live my ideals, not rules.

A look of complete and total contentment flooded the professor’s face.

"And you made me realize the joy that we could meet, greet and raise some heat.

I’ll always remember your lips, tongue and mouth which are outstanding".

Theresa smiled and left the classroom knowing all her grades would be As and her sexual prowess and appetite were greatly appreciated.

It’s definitely over, she thought knowingly and knew she would never have to relive and to see that professor, dressed or undressed, ever again or perform some of the kinkiest acts one ever dreamed of or that she learned and saw in super adult porno movies. Theresa headed for the school’s super wide hallways where her personal locker was. She smiled with great happiness as she passed some other students she knew and some school officials and many of her professors. When she reached her locker, she opened it and dumped all the papers, notes, books and other objects into a shopping bag. She was utterly amazed how many fashion magazines she still had. Editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle were still in great condition. No one in class understood her fashion connection even though she had discussed how important it was in how you looked and how you dressed especially at interviews. None of the other psychology majors wanted to hear her views or reasons. Theresa headed for the school’s exit and walked to the corner as she waited patiently for a bus to take her home. It took approximately ten minutes for the bus to come and when it did, Theresa boarded it quickly and found a solo window seat. One of the relaxing things about the bus ride were the sights that she looked forward to seeing. Passing one of Brooklyn’s major parks, the tallest of trees and the gardens in full bloom helped her relax and put the pressure of her life on a back burner. The vivid and exotic colors of the flowers helped her discover what colors she would like to wear and when. There was no doubt that basic black was her favorite for her bra and panties wardrobe. The less skin they covered, the better she felt. Even though, at times, her mother thought she was invisible, Theresa would always give the same answer, I’m not invisible. I have substance, flesh, bones, fiber and liquids. And contrary to your thoughts and beliefs, I also have a mind.

Dealing with mother was one of the most significant problems of going home. There was never any peace, thoughtfulness or understanding in their relationship.

The resolution that kept her going was in believing that life is not measured by the amounts of breath we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

These thoughts kept her going and helped her survive the enormous pressure and unhappiness that the words mother and home brought. The two qualities that mother never displayed were a big smile and a warm heart. Theresa always thought her mother had the warmth of Alaska and that living with her was as enjoyable as watching paint dry. That was the major reason they never had a mother-daughter relationship. That was more than a major void in her life.

She realized her life has had many turns and most of them more than painful.

The bus dropped her two blocks from home and Theresa walked slowly trying to enjoy her surroundings and the sights and sounds of her neighborhood. Ocean Parkway was a wide two way traffic street that was adorned with great wooden park benches and wonderful spaces of grass and greens for dog walks. Just looking up and down that major street, gazing at all the people relaxing and enjoying the view, helped her realize this was as close to suburban living she would get while still living with her mother especially in Brooklyn. The street where she lived was lined with small apartment or two family houses. None of them were too fancy or over the top. When she finally reached the three story brownstone house where they had their small one bedroom apartment, she climbed the six steep steps, found her key and opened the front door. She headed for the back of the long hallway and then walked the three long flights of stairs to reach their no view, back of the building apartment. She took a hefty deep breath, opened her front door and slowly entered never knowing what to expect. Their small space always seemed overly cluttered, unfinished and uncomfortable but Theresa tried to reason that this was the home her mother had picked and she had no voice in the selection and no choice. She also realized that when she started to close her eyes and fell asleep after taking her much needed sleeping pills, she could totally block her feelings and the very difficult mood swings she dealt with. She knew that survival and accomplishments were the driving forces that helped her make it through every day. Nothing in life was easy but she had definite plans. Theresa always felt her plans had merit and possibility.

Some of it was based on an interesting and educational documentary film she had seen that focused her attention to a special path that she approved of. The film concerned the extraordinary designer Coco Chanel and it was narrated by Karl Largerfeld. Every time she watched the film, she smiled at the designer’s accomplishments and how she maneuvered and manipulated her life to always succeed to new heights. Good looking and successful men were an important part of her life and rich men who could finance her obvious talent, dreams and plans went directly to the front of the line and to the front of her bed.

Theresa finally realized her mother was not at home. She breathed a deep sigh of relief. There on the small kitchen table was a very brief note from her.

My Mother is not doing well. I booked a ticket on a plane to California. I’ll be gone about one week. I expect your best behavior while I’m gone. Mom.

Theresa smiled. Peace and quiet for a week and I can come and go as I please

she thought. What a blessing. Her mind started to think of all the things she would like to do without the usual pressure that her mother always dispensed.

It was great not to have to deal with such a disapproving but important family member. Maybe this was the night to make her debut in the district of Manhattan she always wanted to visit. That she could make her plans without interference seemed like a major accomplishment. To live by ideals and not rules was the way she always wanted.

I love the pace and space of Manhattan. I wish I lived there so all these special areas could be a stone’s throw from where my new home would be.

Fourteenth Street, on the extreme west side, was her destination. All the fantastic and sexual information she had read about and heard about completely whetted her appetite. All the various kinds of bars, sex clubs and bath houses were all there. So were lots of major drug sellers and scores of prostitutes. It was such an incredible area that Theresa knew it would never disappoint her. How could it? She had read about and heard about S&M clubs, transsexual bars and bisexual bath houses. Just the thought of being an active participant overwhelmed and inspired her. She always wanted to do whatever worked best in the heat of the moment.

It would be great to make a real connection and meet someone who didn’t need a basket to carry on a conversation. I’ve always believed the best things in life are not seen or touched. They’re felt. And all work and no play can make you a loony tune player.

When she moaned and groaned about her mother, most people asked how do you deal with her? Her answer was quick and brief. Prescriptions! If you want a rainbow then you’ve got to put up with the rain.

Theresa slowly got up from her chair and walked to her closet. Picking her outfit for tonight’s adventure was her next chore. Making the right choice was now at the top of her list. Maybe the black T-shirt dress that left nothing to the imagination was the right selection? She also needed comfortable shoes because of the wide, unpaved cobblestone streets in the district and she knew some walking would be necessary.

Maybe it’s time for a nap so whatever time I’m out to, I’ll be completely at the top of my game.

Theresa dropped her Murphy bed to the floor that was hidden behind a bookcase.

She took off all her clothes so she was comfortable and totally relaxed with her nudity. She checked out her body in the mirror and smiled approvingly.

Hard work pays off in the future but laziness pays off now, she thought.

Tonight would not be a guilt trip. She would not allow that. It would be a trip of joyous experiences and meeting new and aggressive acting people. She also was smart enough to know that when everything seems to be coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane. There is no doubt in her mind that disappointment is heavier than cement. That feeling would not be allowed. Theresa climbed into her single bed, covered herself with her light cotton sheet and wool blanket and closed her eyes. It was the correct time to let go, to totally relax and let all the work and pressures of her everyday life lie dormant. Clearing her head at this moment was not and could not be a problem. It was something that had to be done and she knew she was in charge. There was something more than exciting planning an evening that she always had wanted to do and to do it alone meant the world to her. It meant she could come and go as she pleased and the only one there that had to be satisfied was her. It would be a major adventure. Visions of sugar plums did dance in her head.

CHAPTER II

Theresa awoke from her nap and proceeded with what was her normal routine.

She laid quietly and still in bed while she collected her thoughts. She processed her usual and every day feelings about not having a mentor that taught her about the intricacies about life and love. After a few minutes, she dismissed it.

Thoughts of an exciting evening and new experiences gripped her changing into the who, where and when which sent chills through her system. She was now ready to rise and shine and she did. She headed for the bathroom, set the temperature of the water in the shower and stepped in. The strength of the water helped clear her senses and prepared her for the next steps. Drying, blowing her hair dry, makeup and getting dressed all happened without incident or interference.

The sexy undergarments were next followed by the form fitting T shirt dress.

Heeled black pumps finished the simple look before chains and chains of necklaces and bracelets took her to the next level. Theresa went to the floor of her clothes closet and pulled out a pair of old winter boots. She lifted the lining and removed several one hundred and several fifty dollar bills.

Money saved is money earned she said as she made her final check in the floor length mirror. She turned slowly checking every aspect of her face, her arms, her neckline, her legs and finally her shoes. She took a small patent leather hand bag and loaded it with her money, all the necessary cosmetics, and several packages of condoms she thought she might need. Several deep breaths relaxed her and readied her to leave the apartment and start this evening’s sight and sound trip. She knew it would be an evening of too much to drink, too much to smoke and she might spend too recklessly. An evening of big men and small character. An evening of shallow relationships. Just an important evening out.

Theresa finally left the apartment and made her way down the stairs. She reached the corner and hailed a taxi, gave the driver her destination and sat back and relaxed. Viewing the glow from street lights and traffic made her smile. It was the kind of planned evening she had always looked forward to.

All her doubts were swept under the rug. She wondered how did that feel?

At least she knew she was totally embraced by carpet.

The taxi cab driver wended his way over the Brooklyn Bridge and headed for the west side. When he entered Manhattan the traffic on 14th Street going west was major. The meter kept climbing and changing but Theresa did not care. It was just a small part of her evening plans. The taxi cab finally crossed 8th Avenue and headed for Hudson Street, the next major thoroughfare. It pulled over to the right side of the street, far corner and her joy ride was over.

She paid the fare, tipped the driver and knew when she stepped out that she would need more than a minute to analyze the area, what was near and where she wanted to start. This evening wasn’t going to be a guilt trip, of that she was sure. Theresa was amazed at the number of people roaming the streets.

A tall, well dressed middle aged man stared at her. He finally approached her and asked, Are you a native New Yorker?

Why do you ask?

Because sometimes New Yorkers are so impersonal that if it weren’t for muggings, there would be no contact at all.

I’m sure with your looks, she answered, "you won’t have any problems.

Enjoy your evening". Theresa turned and started walking toward the River.

Thanks, he called as he watched her walk away.

Theresa saw a drawing on the wall outside of a bar called Connections. People in the drawing were taking off their clothes.

This seems like a good place to start she thought as she entered this dark and overly crowded bar. The music was extra loud and so was the noise level. The bouncer from the bar approached her and asked her age.

Twenty one she answered and moved closer to the bar so she could order a drink. Vodka martini on the rocks she called to the bartender. He smiled broadly and he asked, anything else?

That’s just to start she answered happily.

Just let me know if you want more. I’d be happy to help. You must know how awesome you look. He stood behind the bar staring at her.

Please, she laughed. First the drink. We can talk later.

Promises, promises.

It’s not a promise. It’s a maybe

I love maybes. Maybes have a future. I hope I have one with you.

The drink, please. Theresa’s face lit up from the bartender’s attention.

Coming right up. By the way, that’s not the only thing coming up.

She smiled and started to study the crowd, who was there, as she waited for her drink. Another young, virile guy approached her. He stood quietly as he checked her out. Wow he said. Are you alone.

No, I’m here with a twelve piece band, she joked. Then taking a minute to give him the once over. Of course I’m alone. There’s no one attached yet. Are you alone?

I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met.

Theresa could not hold back her laughing. I need my drink. She turned toward the bar as the guy with her drink put it on the counter.

How much? she asked.

Nothing for you but I may want something else.

Get on line the guy standing next to her answered. But I’m first!

Theresa smiled at both of them, took her drink and moved into the crowd of people. She followed where she thought the music was coming from and saw a small dance floor that was more than crowded. Both men and women were dancing alone.

A tall woman behind asked Theresa if she wanted a puff of a joint she was smoking.

Theresa took a drag and handed it back.

Do you like women? she asked.

Although we may belong in the same closet, that doesn’t mean we wear the same clothes, she answered.

The woman turned and walked away.

Theresa took a deep breath and realized this experience was more than wonderful.

All these people created a world that she wanted to live in and belong to. Life here wasn’t just black and white. It was multi colored and multi hued.

The virile guy returned. My name is Al and because you’re so hot, I wanted to discuss the angle of my dangle and the heat of my meat.. Do you want to experiment?

If I did, she answered, I’d buy a chemistry set.

Al just roared from Theresa’s comment. You make all of this worthwhile.

You’re a hot, handsome guy

I live nearby so if you want to get to know me better, just let me know. Since I met you I’ve been breathing hard. He waited a minute then added. You are an undeniable attraction.

Thanks for the compliment.

The bartender appeared with another martini. This is for you and I just want you to know, you is for me! Checking her out again, are you available later?

I don’t know my plans yet. I’m new here so I’m just getting comfortable.

Just enjoy the drink and think of me. I hope everything is going well.

So far, so good she answered. You probably better get back to work.

I wish you were behind the bar with me. Do you want to learn to tend bar?

Not tonight, but thanks. Sounds like an unbelievable opportunity.

Theresa took the drink and headed for the dance floor. Moving her body to the rhythm of the music felt like a release of all bad thoughts. The vodka certainly was doing its job so now it was time to appraise her surroundings. Theresa left the dance floor and made her way on the sides of the room. There she was able to study the lighting, the fixtures, the unique sconces and the rest of the mood setting.

Maybe it was time to check out another bar and to meet some other new people.

Just as she start to assemble her thoughts, she was approached by this more than handsome man. In a clipped English accent he introduced himself.

"I’m Jason Smythe. My dad is Lord Symthe in England. I’m here in the States just having fun and I must admit from the moment you came into this establishment, I was overwhelmed. Before I get myself into trouble or embarrass myself, I must admit that if I succeed my father, instead of Lord Symthe I would be Lady Symthe. I am gay and I am honest.

Whatever floats your boat and whatever pleases you is the reason we live. I hope your parents respect your honesty. We are who we are. Nothing can change that.

Jason took a moment to answer. I appreciate any support I can get especially from such a beautiful looking woman like you. It is a tough world out there and although I do try, life is not the easiest and satisfying your parents’ dreams isn’t always easy too. If it wasn’t for my inheritance, I’d be swimming nude in a gay sauna having the time of my life. Unfortunately, my future depends on my parents never learning of my intimate lifestyle. I always try to be photographed with a beautiful woman on my arm to erase any doubts that might arise. Unfortunately, it’s the way I do have to live. It’s not the happiest way but it is the necessary way. Living the straight and narrow path my parents have provided is a path loaded with unhappiness and heartache. However, if I want the family fortune, I must abide by their rules.

"If you ever need someone on your arm and you want to hire me, just let me know.

I’ll give you my phone number. I live at home with my mother so my life is quiet and demure. Just remember, I can always use the work and the income. Here is my name and phone number Jason and I can’t wait to hear from you and spend some quality time getting to know you. You have an incredible warm personality and it would be great to get to know you better. What an opportunity, Theresa thought as she handed him a note with her personal information. Trying to be diplomatic, Theresa thought about her next move. I need to go home. It’s been a long day at school and a long night. Would you please excuse me"?

Let me have my chauffeur drive you home. That would be a really simple thing I could do for you and it would totally please me. Let me do that for you. This way you can understand that my intentions are completely honorable and that I respect what you are and who you are. It’s also great that you are not judgmental and that you respect my choices in life.

Theresa needed a moment to sort out this offer and the plans that she had mentally made. She could come back to this part of town tomorrow night if she chose and check out other interesting places, but here was more than