Perfectly Imperfect (Perfectly #1) Read online

  Perfectly Imperfect

  Fabiola Francisco

  Copyright 2014 Fabiola Francisco

  Fabiola Francisco Kindle Edition/ June 2014

  Kindle Direct Publishing

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Cover photo from iStockphoto.com/Petek Arici

  Cover Design by Francisca Power

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  For every girl out there afraid of opening up and following her heart. Be perfectly you. There’s always another pea that fits your pod.

  Acknowledgements

  I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my story with all of you. It has been a lifelong dream and having this opportunity is a dream come true.

  First of all I want to say thanks to my family and friends who helped and supported me so much throughout this journey. It has been a dream to make this happen, and I couldn’t have done it without your help and feedback.

  I want to thank my parents, who have always supported me no matter what I have done. I know sometimes my ideas are crazy, but you always encourage me to follow my dreams.

  To my cheerleaders, Noemi, Nina, Nikki, Jennifer, Veronica, and Aimee, without you this process would not have been as fun and exciting. I am forever grateful for you. You were patient with me and read my story with so much love and care. No matter what I needed, you were always ready to help and support me. For being my beta readers and giving me your feedback throughout this entire journey.

  Thank you to my amazing friend, Jennifer, for being my Steph and for your encouragement and belief in me.

  I would also like to thanks Fran Power for my beautiful cover! You did an absolutely amazing job. I am ever so grateful for your help and patience! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

  A huge thanks to S.C. Stephens, K.A. Linde, and Jessica Park, the authors who helped guide me in this process and offered amazing advice to make it easier to publish my first book. They sent articles for me to read, gave me advice on where to publish, and how to go about this crazy journey. You are all an inspiration!

  Chapter 1

  I am startled awake by my alarm clock going off at 6:30 in the morning. Groaning I fling an arm out of the side of my bed to turn it off and keep on my blissful sleep. I feel beyond exhausted. I’ve only gotten home a couple of hours ago and drank way more than I intended to, especially for a weekday. When am I going to learn that partying all night and working all day would literally kill me from exhaustion? But there is always something to do and offers I can’t pass up. Hmmm, thinking of offers I couldn’t pass up reminds me of that delicious piece of ass I had a taste of last night… or early this morning? He knew his way around my body, touching and kissing every inch of it. I feel the moisture building between my legs just thinking about him.

  Going deep in thought about the amazing sex I’d had just a few hours ago and the satisfaction I’d felt against his body, my phone rings. Damn, I think to myself moving quickly but suddenly having to lie back down from my splitting headache and my stomach turning. Yeah, definitely need to learn to control my liquor. My phone keeps shrilling from some part of my room, getting louder and louder. Whoever it is should get the hint that I am not answering and hang up. Who the hell calls at 6:30 am anyways? A few seconds later, it starts ringing again. Now just annoyed at the person on the other side calling, I brace myself for the uncomfortable feeling I am about to endure and hop out of the bed to grab my phone without thinking twice about it.

  Looking at the screen I frown and answer. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Mia. Are you up?!” The voice comes from the other line in almost a yell and I have to pull the phone away from my ear. My head is paying big time for last night.

  It’s my best friend and coworker, Steph. “You don’t have to yell. My hearing is just fine. Why are you calling me so early?”

  “Don’t you remember what day it is?” After a long pause, she sighs and says, “It’s Friday, May 11th, the day of the big interview. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. It has only been the buzz around the office for two months now.”

  My eyes snap open and momentarily all unease melts off as what Steph is saying sinks in. I feel disoriented from last night. Surely I hadn’t forgotten about the interview. No wonder my alarm clock had been going off, though. Thank goodness she decided to call me, if not I would’ve slept straight through the interview and my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would have been someone else’s.

  “Shit!” She lets out a long exhale and knows it has slipped my mind. How had I let such a monumental moment slip overnight? I really needed to get my personal life under control. “I’m jumping in the shower and will be ready in twenty minutes. Meet you at the coffee shop across from Powell’s before going in?”

  “See you there.”

  I hang up the phone, jump in the shower and quickly get ready for the big day. I am interviewing Alexandre Campbell, fashion mastermind and world renowned designer. The fact that our magazine got an exclusive interview with him after years away from the spot light was a huge hit, and even bigger that I would be the one interviewing him. I know there is a lot at stake, and my boss made that very clear every day since she gave me the assignment, warning not to screw this up. I know I won’t and having this opportunity will be my ticket into writing more and more articles for Rave Magazine.

  Although I’m an editor and began my career that way, my passion lies in writing the articles rather than editing them. I enjoy putting the final touches on my magazine’s work, but being the sole creator of that work is so much more meaningful.

  Like promised, I’m ready in twenty minutes. I put on a white crisp button down shirt fitted perfectly, tucked into a black pencil skirt that falls just below my knees and hug all the right places without seeming provocative. I pull my unruly brown hair back in a high bun being tight on time and put on a pair of purple heels to add some flare to the outfit; being only 5’2” I am able to pull off 5-inch heels with no problem. I run out the door grabbing my purse on the way out and prepare myself for this life altering experience, heading downtown toward the coffee shop and work building.

  A mix of nerves and excitement enter my body, and suddenly my stomach is reminded of my previous night’s overdoing. I need coffee stat. I jump on the MAX and wait for my exit on West Burnside Street patiently. As soon as I get to my destination I spot Steph standing outside the coffee shop waiting for me, two coffees in hand. Ever so grateful I leap to her and give her a small hug, my excitement visible, and grab my coffee. Taking a comforting sip from my natural drug, I close my eyes and exhale contentedly.

>   “Good to see you’re alive and well.” She says with a hint of sarcasm. “I thought for sure you’d be a mess when I heard you on the phone. What exactly happened last night? I can’t believe you went out the night before your big interview,” Steph greets me. She always makes sure I am safe and prepared for whatever comes my way, and I know she is overly excited for my interview today and worried I may blow it over some stupid hangover.

  “I am more than alive and well. I am ecstatic. Can you believe the day is finally here!” I squeal as I hug her again. “Nothing happened last night. Normal night out at the bar, had a few drinks, made a few friends, the usual.” I give her my best smile and loop my arm in hers as we begin walking down the street towards our work building. Steph scowls at me but drops it for now. She knows what “the usual” entails. Sex with a stranger to cover up emotions I am afraid of feeling, according to Dr. Steph, PsyD. She really should’ve majored in Psychology instead of Public Relations.

  I know she doesn’t want anything to interfere with my big day though, and giving me a lecture right now about letting my emotions show and accepting them instead of covering them with meaningless sex would only do that.

  The streets are busy with people walking to work, grabbing coffee, and chatting with their companions. There’s a couple on a corner bench cuddling together, laughing as they whisper to each other, and I cringe at the sight. Steph, knowing me better that I know myself, notices my expression and laughs. “I still don’t get you. You look at couples in love like if they were going at it like caged dogs being summoned to fight.” She laughs at me again, shaking her head, and continues, “It’s not the end of the world you know. You’ve never loved anyone to know what it feels like. Maybe if you did, you would realize it’s not half as bad as you think.”

  “That’s not true. I love plenty, my dad, friends, you. I know what love is. I am protecting myself and avoiding the inevitable. Plus, don’t you remember Chase?” My voice is clipped, all humor gone at that last statement.

  Her expression turns more serious, “Mia, you know that wasn’t love. That was a fuck that lasted way longer than it should have and ended badly. You can’t compare that for love, that was lust.” I pout at her, but drop it. I don’t want to think about him right now, or ever for that matter. She just keeps on walking forward leading me to our office.

  “Stop biting your lip, Mia! You’ll do great today; no need to be worried.” Steph comforts me. I let go of my lip instantly, my telltale that I am nervous or uncomfortable. I frown at her but continue walking towards work. She giggles at me again, and leads the way. What would I do without my best friend?

  My office building is in Northwest Portland rising up above the other buildings in a beautiful glass case with 360-degree views of the city. My favorite is the view of Mount Hood in the distance. It is my solace during stressful times at work.

  We walk in and take the elevator up to our floor. Everyone is in a frenzy, running around, barking orders. The stress is clear, and there is no doubt that today is a huge day for Rave Magazine. When I walk in everyone turns to look at me. I hate having that kind of attention, and I know people are whispering behind my back wondering if I have what it takes to do this interview. I blush and avoid any eye contact with my co-workers. When it comes to my career, I am confident with the job I do, but knowing that so much depends on me today has me a little freaked out. It is my dream to write, but maybe I should have started with something smaller. Why did I agree to this again? Oh yeah, to fulfill my dream. I hold my head high, straighten my back, and make my way to my office. Steph notices my nerves and whispers, “You’ll do great.” Always my cheerleader, I give her a small smile and walk away.

  Toni, my boss, is waiting for me in my office when I arrive. She is dressed sharp with an expensive looking pantsuit and pale blue button down. When I first started working here she had intimidated me. She is tall and thin with short, blonde hair and brown, impassive eyes. She always looks ready to pounce on someone if they make one tiny mistake and her demeanor is scary. She intimidated me so much that I would try to avoid her the best way possible, but through the past year and a half that I’ve been here, she’s kind of become my mentor. I know it is a huge deal that she is putting so much trust in me with today’s interview. I am ever so grateful to her, and I won’t let her down.

  “Good morning, Mia. Are you ready for the interview with Alexandre? I want you to know that I have complete faith in you and know you are the perfect person for the job,” she says almost as if she had read my thoughts and previous insecurities.

  “I am more than ready. Thank you so much for this opportunity. I won’t let you down. You know what this means to me, and I know what this means to the magazine.”

  “Don’t thank me so much. I have faith in you and know your potential. I know it will be great, and Alexandre will love you. Everyone does. But don’t fuck this up.” She turns on her heel and leaves me alone to prepare for the interview.

  The truth is that ever since I graduated from the University of Oregon a year and a half ago and came to Portland for my dream job offer, I have worked my butt off to succeed in my career and I have done just that. I have been confident, secure, and willing to take on any challenge that comes my way. Editing wasn’t always exciting, and my heart lies in writing, but I took it to work for the best magazine in the west coast, and one of the top picks nationwide. And boy, are there challenges in editing other people’s writings. When this opportunity came along, I couldn’t resist. I was so excited I worked even harder, staying late nights, preparing my questions, interview strategies, and making sure I was up to date with all his recent endeavors, as well as, studying his past career paths. I am so ready for this interview and the doors it will open to my future.

  The interview went perfectly, just as I imagined. Actually, better than I could have imagined. Alexandre is as charming as they come and easy to talk to. No one would guess he is this extremely creative fashion genius by simply talking to him. He’s humble and down to earth. Well, except for his outfit choice. He is definitely eccentric when it comes to his style, but then again, that is why he is the most admired fashion designer in the world.

  The fact that he opened up to me and gave me such an honest and heartfelt interview made the experience that much more amazing. Not only did I meet an idol, but working so hard in my career and making everything second in my life is finally paying off. I know this is just the beginning.

  After work, a few of us head out for drinks at a local bar to celebrate my success. The bar is buzzing with people who are looking for an escape from their stressful workday. Steph joins me at the bar with a few of our other coworkers. We talk and dance. A few of them congratulate me on the interview and are excited to see the final product. Honestly, I am beyond excited and proud. I’ve got a stupid grin plastered on my face, and I am floating with glee.

  After a couple of hours, my co-workers go leaving the bar and heading home for the evening or to prior engagements. Steph and I are left and not ready to head home just yet.

  “Want to head to Luxe?” She asks.

  “Sure. I’m not done celebrating yet.” I tell her over the loud music.

  We grab a cab and head south towards Luxe, a lounge nestled in Southwest Portland that serves the best martinis I’ve ever had and hosts some of the hottest men in the city. This is our usual spot on the weekends.

  We arrive, and since it’s still relatively early, it isn’t packed like typical Friday nights. The crowds will soon arrive.

  We enter the gorgeous lounge, decorated in black, white, and red décor. There are small black and white pictures collaged on the walls of runway models dressed in beautiful gowns, some in robes prepping for their fashion shows, and others of hair and makeup. It has a runway feel to it, being long and narrow with intimate table settings with tea light candles on one side and a long bar that runs down the wall on the other. Over the bar is a huge marquee sign with the word Luxe.

  The lights are
dim and the music is pumping over the loud speakers, the perfect combination of techno and rock. The bar is busy, but we make our way through the people dancing and up to our favorite bartender. “Hey Kyle! Can we have two martinis, please?” I order.

  “Mia, Steph! How are you? You ladies are early. So glad to see you!” Kyle greets us and gets to work on our drinks. He hands them over to us and I give him my card. “Leave it open.”

  “Sure thing. How was your interview?” He asks genuinely curious, and I beam at him. “That good, huh? Well, I’m glad to hear that Mia. You deserve it! This one’s on the house. Congrats!”

  “Thanks, Kyle.” I smile shyly at him, and we make our way to the dance floor, martinis in hand.

  Steph and I met Kyle when we started frequenting Luxe a year ago. I personally think he’s got a thing for Steph, but she won’t hear of it. He’s definitely hot; muscular, tall, structured face with sandy hair and green eyes. Who wouldn’t want to date a hot bartender? Plus, he’s the sweetest guy I know. After a few months of coming into Luxe and getting to know him, we all became friends outside the bar, too. He’s never made a pass on Steph, which is why I think she ignores what I tell her, but he’s just shy. I’m sure he doesn’t want to ruin a good friendship.

  We begin dancing to the beat of the music enjoying our drinks and ourselves. We get another round of martinis and explore our options for the evening dancing with different guys around us. Steph signals her empty glass and I nod. I hand her my martini glass, and she goes to get us another round of drinks. I continue dancing, moving in perfect harmony to the changing beats.

  I feel someone dancing up on me. I turn around to get a glimpse of the face whose hips are rubbing on my backside, and I am totally caught off guard when I stare into a pair of beautiful blue-green eyes full of passion and desire. They are such an interesting color, perfect balance between blue and green, like a peaceful ocean. I can work with this. I am already passed my point of no return from my earlier drinks at happy hour and the martinis I’ve been drinking and feeling extra confident. I dance on him, so close that I can feel him everywhere. He pulls his hands around my waist and keeps me close to him.