A Memory Unchained (17 page)

When Jill arrived, she dug right in to help her mother

with the schedule for the show but when Grant arrived,

they disappeared together quickly.

It was the first time Jill really didn’t want to go back to school and Pamela was concerned about her future. Was

Grant really right for Jill? She knew it was out of her hands and in the Lord’s will. Jill was a big girl now, she thought, but Pamela prayed for Jill’s wisdom in her life.

The plans for the show were going well. Grant and Jeff

worked hard together. They seemed to be forming quite

a nice relationship.

Pamela noticed how distant Jeff had become. He practi-

cally ignored her when she was around.

“Probably has another girlfriend,” she grumbled. She

couldn’t keep her eyes off him though she made sure Jeff

A Memory Unchained___________ 157

didn’t catch her looking!

When Jill arrived the following weekend, she noticed

how depressed her mother seemed.

“What’s the matter? Is the show getting you down?”

she questioned.

Pamela admitted she was tired and concerned about

everything, but that didn’t seem to Jill to be the whole

problem.

“What about Rex?” Jill asked.

“He’s so much better. I talked to Aunt Lydia; she’s so

pleased with his progress.”

“Now, the biggy, Mom. What about Jeff?” Pamela’s expres-

sion changed, her smooth forehead showed frown lines and

her soft blue eyes looked watery.

“It’s him, isn’t it? Are you in love with him Mom?”

Pamela sat down, shrugged her shoulders in despair. “I

don’t know. I’m so mixed up. Besides, he’s not even interested anymore. He ignores me completely!”

“Have you been ignoring him?”

“Well,” Pamela paused. “Yes, I guess I have.”

“What are you afraid of Mom? Is it Dad?” Jill had never

been quite that bold speaking of her late father. She had ma-tured a lot the past year.

“I suppose so; he’s still very much in my thoughts.”

“He’s gone, Mom. You can’t live being chained to those

memories. Jeff is in love with you, it’s written all over his face!”

“I thought so once,” her voice faded.

“What changed that?”

“Have you read the gossip columns lately? He is linked

romantically with a different new model every week.”

158 __________________Gloria Graham

“Really, Mom. You don’t believe that trash do you?”

“I guess that’s really why I don’t trust him, or myself. I’m a one man woman, and I want that in reverse.”

“You owe him a chance to tell you whether it’s true or

not!” Jill sounded disgusted with her mother.

“Maybe, after I get this show over, maybe then.” Her

expression hadn’t lightened. She looked tired and nervous.

“You’re working too hard Mom,” she scolded, (obviously

concerned about her Mom).

I know, darling, you are right but this is a chance of a

lifetime and I must take it and give it my all for myself and for Rex.

Everything was done. Rehearsals went

well and finally the big night had arrived! Pamela’s heart raced as she watched the spotlights flash across the sky

above the theater. She had worked hard for this night.

Rex had been very much on her mind. She missed his

reassurance, his way of making everything seem right.

This night was her gift to him. Pamela had given up her

own personal life to make the showing of his line of ‘Fall Creations’ a success.

Jeff had been present but always in a frenzy of business.

Their stolen glances kept a small uncertainty burning in-

side her. Grant had been wonderful. His expertise showed

in every preparation for the show. He had a lot riding on its success.

160 __________________Gloria Graham

When Jill arrived she got involved immediately. Her

training at college added a helpful touch that Pamela was grateful for.

As their black limousine pulled up in front of the

theater Pamela smiled nervously at Jill and squeezed her

hand. “This is it baby,” she said.

“It’s going to be great, I just feel it!” Jill answered excitedly.

The spotlights flashed across the sky advertising the

big occasion. Jeff had seen to that. Pamela blushed as she walked the red carpet and the crowd cheered. All the television stations were represented and she was overwhelmed

by interviewers trying to talk to her.

Jeff was in charge of all the publicity for the show and

her name had become well known in Boston and New York

as entrepreneur for the Rex Dupar ‘Fall Collection.’

Pamela and Jill began feeling the pressure of the crowd

closing in, when Jeff and Grant rescued them and whisked

them backstage. “Thank heavens you came when you did. I

can’t believe this crowd,” Pamela whispered in Jeff’s ear.

“It’s going to be the biggest show of the season. I

predict a hit!” He leaned closer. “By the way, you look

beautiful!”

Pamela smiled and squeezed his arm tightly. She im-

mediately thought how handsome he looked. “This is it,”

Grant said. “Now we go to work!”

Jeff and Grant disappeared instantly taking charge of

the complex details backstage. Jill and Pamela went directly to the dressing room. The room bubbled with excited models, makeup artists and hair stylists. Pamela made sure each girl looked perfect. Jill helped check each original design A Memory Unchained___________ 161

to make sure there were no slip ups, or slips showing.

The last hour before show time was exhausting! By

the time the opening orchestra strains were heard, she

was ready to get out of the dressing room, if only to keep her sanity!

Pamela caught her breath when she looked at the stage.

She had been much too busy with the models and designs

to see the stage in its final lighting. She felt pangs of pride as she stared at the colored lights of orange and gold shimmering across the magnificent stage. A cascade of crystal teardrops and mirrors hung in vertical streamers from the ceiling, each reflecting the dazzling colors and projecting them on every wall in the huge theater.

No expense had been spared. Jeff had seen to that

too.

“Where is Jeff?” Pamela asked.

“Haven’t seen him Mrs. Thornton,” the stage manager

replied.

“Have you seen Jeff?” she asked Jill as she hurried by

on her way to the next dressing room.

“Nope, not for a while. I’ve been pretty busy though.”

Jill smiled.

“I can’t tell you how much help you’ve been to me!”

Pamela kissed her quickly.

“See ya – gotta go –” she yelled back. “Tell Grant, if

you see him, I’m in room 2.”

Pamela smiled, but a quick concern crossed her mind

for Jill’s happiness. It was becoming more evident that

Grant and Jill were taken with each other. She thought

about Jeff again. Where was he? Her eyes searched the

backstage area. He had disappeared after he escorted her

162 __________________Gloria Graham

backstage and she hadn’t seen him since, nor had anyone

else.

She heard the music cue. The show was beginning.

The auditorium was filled to capacity! Pamela’s heart

pounded. She said a prayer for a calm spirit, but it didn’t come quickly. She said a quiet prayer, “Lord be present

and glorified.”

She noticed Janice peeking at the crowd from backstage.

Her expression was one of sheer delight! Her gold invita-

tions had helped pack the house.

“You’ve done it again, my thanks to you!” Pamela smiled

and blew her a kiss.

“My gown is elegant. It was worth it all!” Janice pressed her chubby hand over the shimmering jewels around her

bodice.

“I love it! I just can’t wait until the after party to show off my Dupar original!” She hurried off to entertain a few very important dignitaries with backstage privileges.

Pamela smiled. She really did like Janice! She had done

so much to make this night a success. Pamela made sure

she said “Thank You” to the Lord with every breath!

Pamela didn’t have time to think about Jeff again. Her

hands were full. She had to make sure that each design

was replaced in their individual locked cases after they

had been modeled. She knew full well that by the time the morning reviews came out there would be a dozen copies

on the market!

“That’s the name of the game,” she sighed.

“Mom,” Jill motioned to her. “Time to get dressed.

Where’s your gown?”

“I haven’t even seen it yet. It’s locked up, Rex’s sur-

A Memory Unchained___________ 163

prise for me.” She laughed. “I hope I haven’t gained any

weight!”

“Come on, I can’t wait to see it.” Jill was as excited as Pamela was.

When Pamela opened the case, there was a note at-

tached to the door. Pamela opened the envelope.

“This dress is an expression of my deep love for you. It

represents all the moods you are; soft, exquisite, shining and elegant. It’s my gift to you Chéri. Love Rex.”

“Don’t cry, you’ll wreck your makeup!” Jill scolded her

as she placed the note on the dresser. “Let’s see the dress,”

she urged.

Pamela carefully eased the blue chiffon from the locked

case.

It was more beautiful than she ever dreamed it could

be. Rex had added his loving touch to it’s elegance.

“Oh,” she sighed. “It’s beautiful, look Jill.”

“Put it on. It’s so, so yummy. Hurry! Let’s see how you

look!” Jill’s excitement was electric.

Pamela stood gazing in the mirror. Every curve of the

dress matched hers. Each panel slimming and elegant. The

color was a blue she had never seen before. It was iridescent, reflecting a silver blue at times and violet blue at others.

A rope of diamonds and sapphires crossed the front and

draped across the back, dipping to the waist.

“This had to cost a fortune!” Jill remarked. Pamela

turned slowly gazing at herself in the mirror.

“It’s the most beautiful gown I’ve ever seen,” she sighed.

“Rex must really love you!” Jill was almost speechless at it’s beauty.

“It does look elegant, doesn’t it!” Pamela sighed.

164 __________________Gloria Graham

“Rex knew, that’s why he wanted you to model it!” Jill’s

voice echoed the pride she felt.

Pamela twirled around, watching the shimmer in the

mirror.

“Oh Mom, you look beautiful.” Jill hugged her mother.

Pamela felt so special in Rex’s blue gown.

“Don’t cry Mom,” Jill reminded her, “your makeup!”

A very special stage had been prepared for the intro-

duction of Rex’s blue chiffon gown. The lights changed

to a blue and silver as she stepped on the turntable which would elevate her to the winding staircase fifteen feet above the stage floor.

Jill did a few last minute adjustments on her mother’s

dress.

“Have you seen Jeff around?” Pamela questioned

again.

“I saw him just a minute ago across the stage.”

Pamela sighed in relief. “Good,” she said. “I’m ready

now.” She nodded to the stage manager.

The turntable started it’s acsent. The blue lights flick-

ered against thousands of hollow tubes filled with water, making the stage look like a living waterfall. Pamela said a silent prayer. She prayed that she would be able to show off Rex’s gift to her in a very special way. She felt an instant calmness overcome her. She was ready.

The orchestra’s rendition of “Blue Moon” echoed softly

as the turntable reached the top of the stairs. The spotlight was on Pamela and the blue chiffon gown as she started

her walk down.

Oohs and aahs murmured across the room, then tre-

mendous applause. Her throat felt like it was closing up.

A Memory Unchained___________ 165

She fought the tears that were just a fragment away. She

swallowed hard. The applause continued.

As she reached the stage, blue fountains of water danced

in time with the music. Pamela smiled, as models are not

supposed to do, but the audience loved it. They stood up

as she glided down the staircase onto the stage.

She felt an assurance as she had never felt before. “This is for you Rex,” she whispered as she smiled and dipped

ever so slightly so the chiffon would bellow softly. As she turned again, she gasped! Jeff wasn’t alone.

“Rex!” She almost yelled it out loud. He was on crutches

and Lydia was there too. Pamela’s heart filled with joy as she blew them a kiss. Now she really put on a show. Her

graceful ambulation across the stage showed off the blue

chiffon to the utmost. The audience went wild.

She walked slowly to center stage and motioned for

the orchestra to stop. The applause died down as she held her hand up. She spoke softly. “Ladies and gentlemen,”

she began.

“Louder!” came a voice from the back of the auditori-

um. She began again, much louder. “Ladies and gentleman,

as you all know, or have read about, the famous designer of these marvelous creations was injured in an auto accident in Paris. To my surprise, and as a special treat for you all, he is able to be here tonight.”

Pamela walked slowly to the wings. The applause was

overwhelming. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she reached Rex. She gathered him into her arms.

“My Chéri,” he whispered. “You are a credit to me and

to my gown.”

The crowd’s applause begged for Rex. Pamela turned

166 __________________Gloria Graham

to face Jeff. Her mascara streaming down her cheeks and