Chapter 59 A Taste of Victory
The models only had a few minutes to put on the new clothes. At least this time the ladies were thrilled with their outfits.
Everything was made of denim and flannel, not the most chic fabrics, but the geometric shapes of the clothes were amazingly flattering and comfortable to wear. Emily had made some fancy designs with folds and ruffles for each dress, blouse, and skirt. There were even some cute sun hats adding a classy touch to the look.
Finally the models were ready to present the clothes before the judges.
It was a hurricane of colors and textures on the runway. Each designer got different materials. Some were challenged by having to work with just a single color and built amazing shapes with it. Another got all silk and made cool, flowing gowns. One got nothing but cotton and managed to create both business and evening clothes with it.
Emily and Katie watched from backstage as each group of models strutted up to the runway.
“I’m changing my mind about becoming a model,” Katie said in her usual cynical tones, “Look at all the crap they have to wear! Some of that stuff is really hideous, and they don’t have any say in it.”
They watched incredulously as woman walked past them wearing a hat that looked too much like a pillow and a skirt that gave the lower half of her body a barrel-shaped appearance.
Emily chuckled, putting one arm around Katie’s shoulders. “It’s probably for the best. You’re very smart, and you could do something much more interesting.”
“I’d be happy to model any of your stuff, though,” Katie added, “I like your designs.”
“Aww, that means a lot,” Emily said, “And thank you for helping out today.”
“I enjoyed it,” Katie said, “I’ve never been part of such a well-planned set up.”
“Maybe there’s a future for you in the secret service,” Emily remarked with a sly smile.
When the runway show was over, the judges took a break to make their final decisions, and soon all the contestants were called out to stand before the audience and the judges.
Emily came out from behind the curtains with the rest of the designers. She blinked in the blinding white lights.
Letitia sat in the middle of a small raised platform to one side of the runway. On her left hand sat Percy Plume, a flamboyant model and fashion personality, and on her right Ronette Andrews, owner of one of the biggest fashion retailers in the country.
“It was a very hard decision,” Letitia began, “We saw so many amazing displays of talent today. But, we’ve narrowed it down to the top three.”
Percy Plume announced the next part: “In third place... Terence!”
Everyone applauded as the young man came over to the judges’ table, and they shook hands.
“In second place... Emily!”
What? Emily had seen so many amazing designs that she doubted she would even make it into the top five. But coming in second was pretty damn good!
She went up and shook the judges’ hands, feeling as if she was in a dream.
First place was awarded to a young woman had done an amazing job with nothing but cotton fabric, and it seemed well-deserved.
Judges, contestants, and audience members mingled together at the end. Friends and family members came over to hug the designers and comfort the ones who had not triumphed.
To Emily’s surprise, Ronette Andrews came towards her. The judges had already congratulated the top three officially, so she wondered what the fashion guru wanted to say to her.
“I heard about what happened earlier today with the sabotage,” Ronette said, “and I’m impressed.”
“Ruby has been at it for a while,” Emily replied, “She was becoming predictable.”
Ronette smiled knowingly. “I’ll be keeping my eye on you, Miss Danzi. You seem to be good at surviving in this business, and I really liked your outfits. Give me a call sometime when you’ve got more pieces in your collection.”
“Thanks,” Emily said, “I definitely will.”
Putting Ruby in her place had already made her day, but getting the attention of the fashion retailer was a nice bonus. Although Emily didn’t win the competition, she felt like a winner, even more so when she saw a certain handsome dark-haired man from the audience coming towards her.
“I thought you couldn’t make it because of work!” she exclaimed.
“I didn’t want to miss this,” Byron said. “And I’m glad I made it.” He clasped her in a tight hug, making her feel calmer after all the commotion.
“I wish I would have known you were here,” she murmured.
“You did just fine without me.”
Emily grinned. “Wait ‘till you hear what happened with Ruby...”
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