EXTRACT FOR
Simon Says
(Elaine Shuel)

     Vanessa was highly regarded at Elegant Fashions.  She was the owner and CEO at the retail giant, which catered to the rich and famous.  Celebrities regularly frequented the establishment and she became personal friends to many.  She was on the A-list for invites and one of Forbes 500 Richest Americans, 5 years in a row.  The world was at her fingertips. She was a power to be reckoned with.  

      Despite her financial success, there were only a handful of men that she had been intimate with.  She married one of them but the relationship was short-lived. Their lovemaking was lackluster; something was missing.  Their marriage lasted only 2 years and left her with their young son, Cody, to raise.  A nanny did most of the work but Vanessa managed to say good night to him at least 3 nights a week.  That is, when she wasn't traveling.  

      As he grew older, Vanessa took Cody on some of her business trips.  He had been all over Europe, comfortable meeting royalty and partying in their circles. At 25 and working as a junior VP at Elegant Fashions, he was considered one of the most eligible bachelors around.  He was featured in countless magazines, with Princesses, heiresses, actresses or anyone else they incessantly linked him to.  Some he dated and some he barely knew. 

      Vanessa was sitting at her desk looking at some sales reports, when Kelly called.  Kelly was an important contact, personal assistant to Monica Valdelle. Monica was the supermodel used in some of Elegant Fashion's major advertising.  

      "Vanessa, Monica wants you to come to her party tonight. I know it's last moment but you know Monica.  She gets an idea in her head and she must do it right away."

      "Thanks for the invite Kelly but this really isn't a good night. I'm exhausted. Rain check?"

      "Monica is bringing someone special to the party that she wants to introduce to everyone. She would be very disappointed if you didn't show, Vanessa. "

      "Ok I'll be there."

      "Great, see you at 8pm Vanessa."

      The last thing Vanessa wanted was to attend that party but having an unhappy supermodel wouldn't help sell her new collection.  

      Vanessa arrived dressed to the nines, as always.  She was a vision of beauty in her long black gown with sequins.  Her fingernails were perfectly manicured and painted red.  Her full red lips and long red hair completed the look.   At 45, Vanessa was still very sexy and shapely.  Her chauffeur let her off by the front door and Vanessa walked in to the mansion. Monica greeted her immediately.  Monica's curvy blond hairdo, blue eyes, pouty lips and willowy body made her one of America's top models.

      "Vanessa, you came.  I'm so glad. I want you to meet, Simon.  Simon, this is Vanessa, Vanessa this is Simon. Simon and I used to model together in Paris. "

      Vanessa put out her hand to reach Simon's dark-skinned one.  Vanessa wasn't surprised he was a model. His muscular physique and his handsome face with piercing eyes were mesmerizing.  Vanessa remained cool.

      "Nice to meet you, Simon."  

      "The pleasure's all mine, Vanessa," Simon said, kissing the palm of Vanessa's hand. Instead of letting go, he took her hand in his and led her to the veranda. He looked fantastic in his tuxedo. He pulled out a chair for her to sit down.  He grabbed his seat and brought it near hers and sat.

      "Simon, would you be interested in modeling for my company, Elegant Fashions? You and Monica would make a gorgeous couple for our ads."

      "Monica said the same. That's one of the reasons I came to LA, to meet you."

      "What's the other reason?"

      "I saw your picture in a magazine and wanted to see if your beauty was matched in the real. Instead, I see it didn't do you justice."

      Vanessa blushed and changed the subject.

      "Let's discuss your modeling, Simon."

      It was decided that Simon and Monica would do a test shoot together the next day.  During their discussion, Simon disclosed that he and Monica had been lovers.  Their romance didn't last, but their friendship had endured.  Vanessa and Simon spoke briefly about the modeling job and then Simon left to be introduced to the other guests. 

      Vanessa mingled with the other invitees the rest of the evening and then said her goodbyes to both Monica and Simon and left.  

      The next day, Simon and Monica did their test shoot together and their chemistry was undeniable.  The layout would be exquisite with these two, Vanessa determined.  Simon was hired immediately.  

      Simon moved in with Monica, an arrangement they both seemed pleased with.  When Monica told her, Vanessa thought it was odd that the exes would live together but she didn't give it much thought.  

      The "Hot Nights" campaign was going to be vital to the success of the venture so Vanessa decided to oversee it personally.  Sexy lingerie was a market that Elegant Fashions wanted to conquer.  It was a risky departure but Vanessa knew it would be successful.

      Vanessa invited Monica and Simon out for dinner to discuss the focus of the shoot.  It should tantalize and promote the notion that wearing the lingerie would bring out the tiger out of the men and make the women purr.  Vanessa brought along one of the outfits each of them would be wearing, to better show them what she meant.  Monica took a peak in the bag.

      "I have an idea.  Let's go back to my place to try them on."