Chapter 372 Mistake on Stage
Grace was struggling with those sky-high 7.87-inch heels. Just slipping into them had her teetering like a newborn deer.
Luann gave her a nod of approval. "Not bad. Nail it later, and I'll make sure the cameraman gives you some extra love."
Grace's red lips tightened, and she gripped the table so hard she almost snapped a nail.
To nail her entrance, Grace stayed put, waiting for the Fashion Week to kick off.
Luann left the backstage area and found her seat, dead center facing the runway, with a camera set up right next to her.
The photographer spotted her and snapped a few close-ups. "Ms. Weaver, you are here!"
Luann smiled. "Yeah, had some free time, thought I'd check it out."
The photographer chuckled. "This show's a must-see. It's Sunflower's big gig! All their stuff's on display. Bet Sunflower's gonna be trending later. If only we could snag a shot of Sunflower's founder or designer!"
Luann rested her chin on her hand. "You'll get your shot."
The cameraman laughed. "Thanks for the good vibes!"
【Why's the cameraman chatting with Luann?】
【Watch out, or Myron's gonna come after you!】
【Sunflower is my jam!】
【Why didn't they get Luann to model? She'd slay!】
【Don't jinx Luann, not everyone can be a model.】
【I always thought Grace had connections. How else could she...】
【Luann's fans are too much. Do they have to drag someone down to lift her up?】
【Who's dragging anyone down? It's just facts, okay?】
【Grace is the best, no cap. Haters, bounce!】
【Can't we just chill and wait for the show to start?】
Luann sat in the front row. Lots of folks nodded or said hi as they found their seats. Anyone sitting next to her was stoked.
Soon, the lights dimmed.
The place was massive, with a long runway leading to a big round platform and back to the backstage.
Fancy chandeliers sparkled under the lights. Media folks with cameras and notebooks lined both sides of the runway. The back rows were packed with business partners, high society peeps, and celebs.
The AC was cranked up a bit too high. Just as Luann felt a chill, someone handed her a thin blanket and some hot water. "Thanks."
Luann looked around and realized she was the only one getting this VIP treatment. She asked, "Is this just for me?"
The person smiled. "Mr. Curtis specifically called to remind us, saying you weren't feeling well and shouldn't catch a cold."
Luann got it. It was around her period. She sipped the hot water and wrapped herself in the blanket, feeling warmer.
After a quick opening speech, the show officially kicked off.
Soft piano music started playing. With the first spotlight, a model with perfect poise strutted out.
She had a killer figure, flawless steps, and a straight posture, but all eyes were on the clothes she was rocking.
"Sunflower's designer is a total genius. Where'd they find 'em? I need to snag a couple too!"
"Their founder's a beast. This brand's been around for less than ten years and it's blown up."
"The secret sauce is the quality. No scandals all these years."
People murmured as one model after another strutted down the runway.
Backstage, Grace leaned against the wall, shifting uncomfortably. She glanced at the models behind her and said, "Why don't you go first? My foot's killing me."
The models shot her icy looks. Thanks to earlier drama, they weren't exactly chummy.
"Ms. Curtis, you were specially invited by our organizers. Didn't you prep before coming? Don't you know each model's spot and order can't be changed without permission?"
Grace's face tightened. "I was just asking. No need to get all hostile, right?"
The models rolled their eyes. "Ms. Curtis, that's rich. You walk the runway once and bounce, so you don't have to think about anything else. But have you thought about whether the biggest investor in our fashion week this year will still invest if you tick her off? Will we lose a partner because of you? Such a pain, so selfish."
"Yeah, how did someone like you even get invited? Unreal."
Grace's expression soured.
Someone up front barked orders. "What's the holdup? Don't fall behind!"
Grace stood there, her mind spinning, unsure if it was because of Luann or the models' words.
She ended up stepping out a beat too early, three steps ahead of the other models.
As soon as she took a step, Grace knew she was screwed. But she couldn't backtrack, so she had to keep going. To close the gap, Grace had to slow down, but her rhythm was all off. When others stepped with their left foot, she stepped with her right. She stuck out like a sore thumb.
Sure enough, the audience started murmuring.
"What kind of walk is that?"
"She's not a pro model, just a celeb."
"Didn't she train? This is a Fashion Week, not a stroll through the mall."
Grace's mindset was completely wrecked, cold sweat beading on her forehead. The more anxious she got, the worse it became.
Already wobbly on those 7.87-inch heels, she had to hunch slightly to keep her balance. From a distance, her slouched posture looked awful.
【Oh my, is that Grace? She looks terrible.】
【Does she think this is a fan meet? Lift your head and straighten your back, please?】
【The gap between amateurs and pros is huge.】
【The timing was tight, it's normal for Grace not to be well-prepped.】
【Stop making excuses, okay? If she didn't want to show off, she could've just passed on the event.】
