Chapter 2

“Life is crazy,” MJ opined, devouring another bite of naan and curry. “Last weekend sucked. Now, I couldn’t be happier.”

“Screw bad luck. And screw our diets, at least for tonight,” her friend said, holding up a beverage.

“I’ll toast to that.”

They made a toast with their mango yogurt drinks and then gulped it all down. A perfect way to spend the night.

MJ didn’t bother to tidy up her studio apartment. Not even when a famous pop star was about to visit her place. After all, she was an artist. Artists are allowed to be messy, right?

She didn’t put a lot of effort into her appearance either, since after all, this was her living space. She remained barefoot and kept her face makeup-free. No red lipstick today, but that’s fine, a girl can’t be expected to look glamorous all the time.

As usual, Tiffany showed up fashionably late to the apartment, dressed in casual clothes and big sunglasses to hide from the paparazzi. The pop singer profusely apologized for the tardiness, then turned her attention towards the sassy apartment.

“I’m so jealous,” Tiffany expressed, pulling the sunglasses off and removing her shoes to enter. “This place is awesome.”

MJ arched an eyebrow. “You think this is awesome? Let me show you the living room.”

They went over to the living room where all the concepts and designs were spread around. It was like a mini art gallery. Costume designs, models of masquerade masks, and potential fabric colors were all on display.

MJ briefly explained each concept in a way that anyone could understand. Not only did she have a gift for art, but she also had a gift for speaking. Each idea was carefully conveyed and thoughtfully shown.

“There you have it,” MJ said, like it was a slam dunk. “My concepts for Paradise, and the layout for the music video, Masquerade.“

Tiffany looked in awe at the pictures, layouts, and presentation. It was like she hadn’t been expecting anything remotely close to this.

MJ gave a knowing smile. “Wonderful.”

“Seriously, wow! This is exactly what I wanted. It’s hip, stylish, and cool. Most importantly, it’s not raunchy in any way. It’s totally tasteful and classy. I love it! I really love what you’ve done.”

“Thank you,” MJ replied. “My style has always been to accentuate the female form, which is the most beautiful thing on the planet.”

“Can we still retain your services for the future?” Tiffany inquired. “I want you on set for the music video and promotional shoots.”

“I wish I could, but I’m booked after this. I have a few clients, some are from other cities.”

“We’ll pay you more,” Tiffany asserted. “A lot more. You can always reschedule your other appointments.”

MJ gave an amused look. “Have you not learned anything about me?”

“It means, the money is nice, but not my sole motivation. I left the music industry for a reason. It’s filled with shallow people. I find my current work to be far more fulfilling.”

Tiffany fought her disappointment. “I’ll have to commend you for that.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast making these for you. But my time is better suited in the real world, instead of a music video set.”

Tiffany wanted to say, ‘Fuck the real world. I’ll pay you triple what they’re offering,’ but resisted the urge.

“We have a few more days together, right?” Tiffany asked.

“Then I intend to take full advantage of that. I want to pick your brain even further. You’ll be paid extra, I promise.”

MJ smiled, “Like I said, money isn’t my sole motivator, but it’s nice of you. And yes, I’d love to continue lending my services to you.”

“How about right now?”

“I’m already helping you now,” MJ pointed out. “The designs are yours.”

“I don’t mean your artwork. Teach me your tricks. Show me all your techniques.”

A sly expression grew on MJ’s face. “Be careful what you wish for.”

“Remember, I work for Red Lipstick now, and we have an array of techniques for situations like these.”

Tiffany’s eyes grew hungry. “Show me. I’m curious.”

Their eyes locked, with sexual tension pulsing between them with a playful teasing edge.

“My techniques are based on experience and years of training. It’s not for everyone, but my methods are tried, tested, and true.”

Tiffany pursed her lips. “I’m a durable girl.”

“You’ve been warned,” MJ winked. “Let’s get started. You want to grab people’s attention while remaining classy about it? In my humble opinion, you’ll need the confidence of a goddess. Do you catch my drift?”

Tiffany nodded. “Absolutely.”

“No offense, but I can tell you haven’t had a strong orgasm in a while,” MJ casually stated. “And you don’t masturbate nearly enough.”

Tiffany blushed. “What can I say? I’m busy.”

“That’s no excuse. All humans are sexual beings. And what’s a greater form of confidence than being completely secure in your own skin?”

Tiffany crinkled her nose. “What are you suggesting?”

“It’s unorthodox, if you’re seeking the Red Lipstick route. Here, take my hand. Let me show you something.”

Eager to dive right into this little game, the pop singer held MJ’s hand and was led over to the balcony, where they enjoyed the open air, cool breeze, and a gorgeous view of the downtown area.

“The world is filled with people too afraid of chasing dreams,” MJ reflected. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Life can be scary, and it’s perfectly okay to seek normalcy and certainty. Not you though. You like challenges.”

Tiffany agreed, “I’ve always been a risk taker.”

“Then tell me your most taboo sexual fantasy.”

The question had caught Tiffany completely off-guard. A seemingly innocent conversation had taken a strange turn.

“Yes,” MJ said with a soft sternness. “And don’t bullshit me either. I want the good stuff.”

“Is this really part of the process?”

There was a look of subtle surprise on Tiffany’s face, which was met with a look of confidence by MJ. The pop singer definitely wasn’t ready for anything like this, but seemed up for the task.

“You asked for this method,” MJ said, almost as a taunt. “If you’d like, we can go back inside to study the sketches again.”

That wasn’t an option. Not for a strong-willed woman like Tiffany who was looking to push herself for the sake of a successful career.

Tiffany took a deep breath, then dove into her explanation. “My most taboo sexual fantasy would have to be exhibitionism. Not just flashing here or there. I mean, real exhibitionism.”

“Then why don’t you join your fellow pop divas and get naked for magazine covers?” MJ asked tauntingly.

“Because I’m far too modest with showing skin. Plus, I have strong family values. This is just a fantasy from my sexual side.”

MJ nodded attentively. “What do you wish could happen in your fantasy?”

There was a long pause. Tiffany looked outward to the view of the city and collected her thoughts for the answer.

“If I’m honest here, I really get-off on the idea of being naked on a stage. Sometimes, I’ll fantasize that I’m a stripper or something. I’ll wear a pink wig so no one will notice me. Then I’ll get up there, dance to club music, do the pole thing. Then, piece by piece, my clothes start coming off. Before I know it, I’m naked, for only that audience to see.”

MJ gave an inquisitive look. “There’s got to be more. What else are you hiding from me?”

“Ever watch that movie Birdman?”

“I sometimes fantasize that I’m part of a stage play. The role requires sex in front of the audience. Me being the method actress that I am, I actually do it underneath the covers. Then the covers get pulled, and there I am, naked, having sex for the audience to see. I briefly cover my breasts, but then I don’t. I’m enjoying myself getting fucked or whatever, while the classy audience just watches, and sometimes applauds.”

“Sounds salacious,” MJ noted.

“It is. I like the idea of my naked body being admired and lusted after.”

“You have a beautiful body.”

Tiffany lightly blushed. “Thanks.”

“Tell me, in your exhibitionist fantasies, can you ever see the audience?”

“Sure, mostly just random faces I conjure up.”

“Are they men or women?”

Tiffany pursed her lips briefly. “Depends. Usually mixed.”

“Have you ever been with a woman?”

Tiffany squinted her eyes. “I’ll tell you, but on one condition.”

“A trade sounds fun.”

“You’ve said that you have special techniques you use, to help clients, what are they? Don’t shortchange me either. I was honest with you. Now I expect honesty in return.”

MJ looked the pop star straight in the eyes. “It all depends. Whatever the situation calls for. Sometimes I’ll use my mind. The power of my words. Subtle ways of instilling confidence. Other times, I’ll have to take drastic measures, like using my hands, breasts, vagina, or tongue. Whatever works, right?”

It was the confirmation Tiffany had been looking for. She had picked up the hints that MJ was a not-so-subtle lesbian. Now it was a fact. A fact which kind of excited and intrigued Tiffany to some degree.

“I’ve never been with a woman,” Tiffany admitted in response.

“But it’s a fantasy, I’m assuming.”

“I figured as much. You certainly have the vibes of a young woman curious about exploration.”

“What’s not to like?” Tiffany shrugged. “Women have beautiful bodies.”

“And soft touches, the right caresses, and we’re amazing at eating pussy too.”

Tiffany’s body tensed. “So I’ve heard.”

“Well, I’m very pleased to say that the current phase of our journey is complete.”

“What are the other phases?”

MJ explained, “The first phase was knowing your mind from the initial meeting. The second phase was creating the artwork for your music video. The third phase was knowing your sexual side.”

“And the final phase?” Tiffany asked, eyebrow rose, almost afraid of hearing the answer.

“The final phase is unlocking your confidence so you can finally be comfortable in your skin. It all sounds strange now, but wait until I’m done with you. The music world will be pleasantly surprised by your transformation. All while maintaining your wholesome self.”

Tiffany was ready to toss herself into this redhead’s arms.

“I’d like to see what ideas you have for that,” the pop singer said, throwing caution to the wind.

“That will happen in a few days. I’ve formulated the game plan while you were telling me your secrets. I’ll need time to set things up. It will also be the foundation for your Masquerade music video too.”

“Honestly, I can’t wait,” Tiffany replied.

The little mischievous twinkle in MJ’s eyes, along with her brazen words, were enough to make Tiffany’s pussy twitch with sexual anticipation.

When the plan was formed, Tiffany left the apartment with a sense of excitement. This was unlike any meeting she had ever attended, and MJ was certainly no ordinary industry employee! The methods were unorthodox with a serving of emotional depth to it.

There was a sense of mystery too. Unlike Tiffany’s normal routine with vocal coaches, dance instructors, or record executives, she had literally had no idea what MJ had planned. She liked that, though.

What fun they were going to have.

Tiffany had always kept her desires to herself, usually in the privacy of her bedroom, or bathtub, and she’d masturbate. No vibrator or sex toy necessary. Her two fingers were highly skilled with years of valuable experience. She knew exactly what she liked and where her g-spot was. And goodness did she know what fantasies hit the spot.

It was her closely guarded secret which only two people know about now; herself and MJ.