Designing Woman (The Sloan Brothers Book 2) (10 page)

“No!  I can’t let him dictate my life anymore!  If he generates fear, then he’s won.  I can’t let him make me afraid anymore.  I’ve lived that life and it doesn’t work for me.”

“Ayla, sis’, be reasonable.  It’s one show and not even a major one at that.  It’s a pre-holiday stint to try and sell a little more shit before the end of the year.  That’s it and you know it.  Give us a picture of him and stay out of sight.  If we spot him, we can message Chase.  If you’re not visible, he’ll get careless.  This is the closest he’s been and he won’t be able to control himself....”

I was interrupted by the ringing of Ayla’s cell phone.  She grabbed it from the desk and looked at the caller I.D. before she looked at Sean and me.

“It’s Chase.”

She took the call and I watched her get paler as the call progressed.  By the time she hung up, she was shaking all over and Sean and I were practically on top of her.

Sean wrapped his arms around her and she clung to him with her face against his chest.  We barely heard her.

“Chase and Austin are at the apartment picking up the rest of our clothing.  The place has been destroyed.  He said it looked like a tornado blew through.  There was a word written on the mirror in my bathroom with my lipstick.  ‘MINE’, in capital letters.”

I started rubbing her back in a comforting gesture.  She turned her face but didn’t step out of Sean’s embrace.  She scrolled through her contacts and hit a button.  I looked at her in question.

“Who are you calling?”

She put the phone to her ear and waited.

“I’m calling a man about a safe room.”

There are two terms that come to mind when describing backstage at a fashion show.  They apply to any fashion show, and not just some “before the holidays” thing that we were doing.  The terms are, “herding cats” and “a stampede of water buffalo”.  Those graceful creatures that you see strutting their stuff in couture designs on the runway?  They’re tall screech owls backstage that eyeball every other dress but their own, backstage.  You can read their minds too.  Everyone is wondering if everyone else’s dress is prettier than their own, closely followed by wondering if they can keep the one they’re wearing.  It’s a freaking nightmare.

Then there are the designers.  Myself included.  Will this be the show that gets you laughed out of the industry?  Will this be the show that makes your name whispered amongst names like Prada and Chanel?  One perfect design or daring maneuver will do that for you.  People think it’s all snobs and prancing ponies, but for those of us nose-hole deep in it, it’s putting your ass on the line every time you dress one of the buffalo up and send her out with your name on the label.  Sean was unimpressed.

“Ladies, get a grip!  Charlotte, you’re in the blue silk, not the beige linen.  Andrea, the green brings out your eyes, quit fussing.  Move it!  We’ve got twenty minutes ‘til show time!”

I watched him and became more than a friend, I became a fan.  Ayla was always an organizational whiz, but Sean pulled rank and got their asses moving.  I needed to talk to that man about making this a regular thing.

Since Sean seemed to have everything under control, I slipped out to peek around the curtain.  I wanted to see who showed up from our camp to check this out and offer moral support.

The front row to the left of the runway had been reserved, but no one knew by whom.  I stole a look and there they were.  Deacon was seated next to my sister, both of them looking relaxed and bored.  He was rubbing off on her and I smiled.  Pierce sat alone with an amused scowl on his face (only Teddy Bear could pull that off), and next to him sat Anton, with his arm around some redhead who was dressed to the nines.  At least she wasn’t wearing the latest in Stripper Chic.  Neither Austin or Chase was anywhere to be seen.  My mother was seated next to Deacon, looking excited, but my father was likewise absent.  I understood.  He’d been through enough of these when my mother was modeling.  He and I had forged an alliance on this years ago when I graduated and started business.

I felt activity behind me and someone in a well tailored, big name suit took the stage.  Her hair was perfect a la Audrey Hepburn, and her makeup was perfect.  She began by announcing that the show was about to begin and she thanked everyone for attending.  She gave special thanks to the “who’s who” in the audience, making sure to mention my mother who smiled and nodded her head like true royalty in the fashion industry.  I could be sending my models out in various colored paper bags and my mother would still gush as if I was the next up and coming Versace.  My mom was a well of support where her girls were concerned.

First up was a newcomer that had generated some buzz back in the Spring, but had been laying low since.  I’d met her once or twice at various functions, but she still didn’t stand out yet.  Her designs took the stage and I had to give her credit.  A few were noteworthy and I smiled at her.  She looked relieved.  Odd that.  I was slowly becoming respected, but I was no one to pass judgement on anyone else.  Not yet anyway.  Sean whispered in my ear, “Where did she find those models, the Pound?”  I choked and elbowed him in the ribs.

Another group of five took the stage and we were up next.  We lined them up, checking hems, collars, and accessories, and finished just in time for our cue.

The first one strutted an example of our daytime office ideas.  A simple silk blend trouser ensemble in navy blue with a fine gray pinstripe.  The jacket that matched was cropped, tucked at the waist and had a wide lapel.  The blouse beneath was a silk dove gray and showed a scant amount of cleavage.  It moved beautifully on Cameron when she walked and the applause showed approval.  So far so good.  The next was our “Night on The Town” number, and was our version of the backless Little Black Dress.  Once again, approval and a few “ahhs”.  Two more models took the stage to applause, each design sparking more and more interest.  The final model came up and this was the one.  We saved the best for last.  If it fell flat, we’d be talked about alright, but it would be the kind of talk that would make us glad we’d discussed a fashion line for babies.

Chantel was tall, blonde and cool.  Her eyes were ice blue and that’s why we went with the indigo blue watered silk.  Sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline, she had the bust to pull it off.  In a retro maneuver, we put her in elbow length indigo blue gloves and a sapphire and diamond pendant that my folks had given me as a graduation gift.  It cinched at her waist and fell in an a-line skirt.  The kicker was the silver embroidery along the bust and at the hem.  Just a tiny line of swirls that looked like ocean waves rolling along, but Sean had worked hard on it and it made the dress pop.  The back was laced from the waist like a corset, the laces were thin silver cords.  The crowd went crazy.  People were on their feet the minute she took the runway.  Flashbulbs went off and the sound was deafening.  Critics and fellow designers were taking notes on steno pads.  People, we had arrived.

Sean and I high-fived and did a happy dance, wondering how we’d ever top that one.  That’s what you think about when you put your ass on the line doing anything creative.  It doesn’t matter if you’re designing, writing, painting, or playing music.  You’re always thinking one step ahead and dreading the next speed bump.  You battle your own mind constantly.  Today though, we would celebrate.  The next show wasn’t until the Spring.

We took our bows at the end of the show and accepted our glasses of champagne for a job well done.  The other designers were flocking around Sean, trying to poach him for his embroidery design, so I snuck away into the audience.

My mother wrapped me in a hug and whispered her praise.  That never got old.  This time, I could tell it was genuine.  She loved the dress so I offered it to her as my gift.  I could think of no other person I would want wearing that one of a kind.  She would look magnificent in it.  She had tears in her eyes when she accepted it.  I’d made my mother proud and now she was speechless.  My job here was done.

My sister hugged me and congratulated me, followed by Deacon who asked about the office suit which surprised me.  Dorothy had taken an interest in it and he wanted to surprise her with something nice for after the baby was born.  I could see her in it so I told him I’d send it over after I had it cleaned.  He beamed at me and kissed my cheek.  High praise coming from my brother-in-law.

Pierce surprised me the most.  He picked me up and swung me around in a tight embrace, then kissed my cheek.

“Your designs were amazing.  The three of you do unbelievable work and I’m proud to know you Mel’.”

I grinned up at him in an, “ah shucks” way, and punched him lightly on the shoulder.

“Careful Teddy Bear or I’ll think you like me.”

He winked and grinned back.

“By the way, where did you store Ayla?”

He straightened his tie and glanced around.  That was more like the Pierce I knew.

“She’s at home with Chase and Austin.  Chase is leaving to go home tomorrow, but he’ll back after the holidays.  Sooner if things heat up.  He always spends holidays with his family.  He mentioned something about taking a leave of absence until this problem is wrapped up, but we’ll see what happens.”

I nodded in understanding.

“You should call her and congratulate her on her success.  None of this would have been possible without her or Sean.”

He smiled and kissed my hand.

“Even when you’re a pain in the ass, your heart’s in the right place Melody.  That’s why you’re a perfect addition to our family.”

“That’s where you’re wrong Slick.  You guys are an addition to OUR family.”

“That’ll change when Anton gets a clue.”

I was shaking my head adamantly.

“Nope.  We had a brief discussion on that subject and I set him to rights.  He thinks we’ll keep the current arrangement as is and I informed him that I’ll be settling down eventually.  I don’t think he liked that very much because he hasn’t spoken to me since.”

I nodded my head once in his direction.

“He even brought a date to my big day.  That speaks volumes in Anton speak.”

I saw something in Pierce’s eyes that I hate to see in anyone’s when they look at me.  Pity.  There was possibly a little sympathy there, but mostly it was pity.  Before he could start the “let’s dis Anton” speech, I set him straight.

“Pierce, he has every right to feel the way he does.  I won’t knock him for that.  We’re reading from different books and that’s okay.  I’ve ditched guys for getting too serious too fast, so I know where he’s coming from.  He’ll get there eventually and for his sake, I hope he finds the right girl when he does.  I’m thinking I’ll be off the market by the time that happens and that’s just a matter of timing.  Cut him some slack.”

Pierce gave me a brief hug and rubbed my back.

“You’re too good for him Mel’.  I’m afraid he’s gonna figure out what he had after he’s lost it.”

“That’s the way life is Teddy.  Some people are always looking for something better when they’ve got the best in the palm of their hands.  Sad but true.”

I pulled away and gave him a genuine smile.  No melodramas today folks.  I was the talk of the town and I was gonna bask a little.

Anton was watching me, I could feel it.  When I looked over at him, he looked wary and maybe a little nervous.  His arm was around his date, his hand resting on her waist.  I saw him clench a little tighter at my approach.

“Hi Anton, glad you could make it.  Solidarity and all that.  What did you think?”

He relaxed but looked confused.  It was my favorite look on him.

“I haven’t been to very many of these, but I was surprised.  You stole the show Mel’.  Congratulations.”

I sipped my champagne and smiled.

“Thank-you.  We weren’t sure until the crowd reacted, but we’re hopeful for a positive response to our Spring line now.  Who’s your friend?”

The stunning redhead looked at me as if she were in awe.  Good start.  It’s hard to hate someone that’s looking at you as if you’d cured cancer.

Anton cleared his throat, getting ready for trouble that was not going to materialize.  I was done passing judgement and playing games.  Something clicked when I was talking to Pierce and I realized I’d meant every word I’d said.

“Janet, this is Melody Lincoln.  Her sister is married to my brother Deacon.  Melody, Janet Bridges.  She writes for Fashion Magazine.”

Holy shit.  Fashion Magazine?  I was pretty sure Janet would be my new best friend.  If I had to use duct tape and rope to make that happen.

I extended my hand and she took it like a life line.

“Ms. Lincoln, it’s an honor to meet you.  I’ve been following your work since you introduced the pearl satin number two winters ago.  Tonight’s Indigo Dream blew me away.”

Kissing my ass was always a nice start to a perfect relationship.

“Janet, please call me Mel’, all of my friends do.  I’m glad you liked it.  Sean’s embroidery work is always exquisite and when he suggested it for this dress, I had a feeling it would be well received.  My mother, Catherine Jacoby-Lincoln will be wearing the dress from now on.  I presented it as a gift a few minutes ago.”

And cue the doe eyes.  Of course she’d heard of my mother.  The only people that hadn’t, were either cave dwellers or island refugees.  If you were anywhere near fashion, you knew who Catherine Jacoby-Lincoln was.

“She was made to wear that dress!  Mel’, would it be too much to ask for an interview sometime?  I realize you’re busy, but the magazine would love to run a feature on you if that’s possible.”

A feature in Fashion Magazine?  Here comes Santa Claus my friends.  We were about to hit the big time.

“Absolutely.  Let me give you my personal number.  If you contact me after the holidays, you can come to my home office and meet Sean and Ayla, my assistants.  We can show you how we make things happen and answer any questions you might have.”

Bless her.  She hopped up and down.  I had my first fashion minion.

She thrust her cell phone in my hand and I programmed my number into her contact list before handing it back.

“There you go.”

“This means the world to me Mel’, you have no idea.  This will be a real coup for the magazine.  You’re the rising star in fashion.  Everyone knows that.”

I felt myself blush and I smiled at her.

“I don’t know about that, but it’s nice of you to say so.  Thanks for coming and I’ll look forward to your call.”

Then I looked up at Anton who had remained silent during our exchange.

“Close your mouth Anton, you look like a Gomer.  Thanks for inviting Janet and I’ll see you over the holidays.  We’re all going over the river and through the woods to the farm.”

His mouth clamped shut and his eyes grew huge from shock.  I winked at him and smiled.