to be spectacular—truly a wonderful event.”
“Tonight? I thought the fashion show was at noon?”
“Oh, that little thing? Yes it is, but the designer invited you to walk down the runway at the main show tonight.”
“What do you mean by main show?”
Daniella lifted her eyebrows. “I mean that it will be televised, and the elite of the elite will be there.”
“I don’t understand. Then what is happening at noon?”
“At noon it’s just a pre-show. It’s a demonstration of what he has to offer—mostly to high-end clients.”
“This is unbelievable.” I shook my head. “I can’t do this. There’s no way.”
“You have to do it. Look at yourself.” Daniella placed one hand on her hip. “It fits you just right.”
“There is a very high likelihood that I will fall flat on my face.”
“Oh, don’t say that.”
“No, I’m serious. I speak from experience. I have a very hard time staying upright, especially in high heels.” I sighed and looked back at my reflection in the mirror.
“Samantha, no one else would do that dress justice. It looks like it was made for you. This is an opportunity to represent real women on the runway. Can you really let that opportunity pass you by?”
I frowned. In my heart her words made sense, but my brain was full of questions. “Why wouldn’t you do it?”
“I don’t want to be known.” She shrugged. “I want the world to know me for my clothing, not for my face. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes type. I have my own designs that I want to make public, and when they’re ready, they’ll make it to the runway.”
“I can understand that.” I smiled. “I can’t wait to see some of your work.”
“It will be soon, trust me. But there’s a much better chance of me being able to break into the mainstream fashion world if someone like you in that amazing dress walks down the runway. You’ll be doing more than just promoting your book, Samantha. You’re going to be creating a niche in the fashion industry, an opportunity for every woman to be represented on the runway. I really thought you’d be excited about it.”
“I know.” I clasped my hands together. “I should be. I’m trying to be. But the thought of parading around in front of people…I don’t know. I spent so much of my life trying to hide all my trouble spots and now I’m supposed to put them on display?”
“Sweetheart, you don’t have any trouble spots. You look gorgeous.” Daniella looked into my eyes. “Your book talks about confidence. If you push yourself to get through this experience, imagine the confidence boost you’ll have.”
“Hm. I hope so.” I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. “Of course I’m going to do this. I can’t turn down such a great opportunity. I just don’t know if I’ll make it down the runway in one piece.”
“Go enjoy your day for a few hours. That’s the best thing to do. I get nervous before every show that I’ve done alterations in. Trust me, a wardrobe malfunction can mean the end of my career.”
My eyes widened at the thought of a wardrobe malfunction. It was something that I hadn’t even considered.
“Does that happen often?”
“Not with me, but with others, I’ve seen it. It’s never pretty when a garment falls apart on the runway.” She gasped. “Oh no, I shouldn’t be talking to you about this, should I? Samantha, that’s not going to happen to you. I promise. I’ll be very careful with the dress.”
“I guess I’d better get it off, then, so you can get to it.” I started to pull the dress off. As snug as it was on my chest and shoulders going on, coming off was even worse.
“Here, let me help.” Daniella’s hands freed me from the stranglehold the dress had me in.
I took a deep breath as soon as I could.
“Thanks!”
“Don’t worry. It’ll be an easier fit later. Go have fun. Forget everything that I’ve said. It’s all going