‘That’ll be a keeper,’ Ethan stated confidently as the photographer moved on. ‘I might get that framed.’
I laughed nervously in reply before the lights on the audience lowered and upbeat music blared from the speakers. Models began filing on to the catwalk and everyone got out their phones, probably posting updates on social media every second. I quickly took mine from my pocket and began snapping away too, not wanting to miss a moment.
Suddenly Ethan squeezed my hand, taking me by surprise and instantly making my palms all sweaty and gross. ARGH, WHY DOES SWEAT EXIST?
I should start carrying a portable fan for whenever I bump into Ethan Duke, and just permanently aim it at my palms.
As he gripped my hand, he said, ‘There he is,’ excitedly, pointing at one of the models emerging for his moment on the catwalk. It wasn’t until he was a bit closer that I realised it was Jacob – I almost didn’t recognise him with his eyes covered in black make-up and his hair dyed peroxide blond. I looked back down dreamily at Ethan’s fingers wrapped through mine and wondered whether it would be weird to take a photo of them. Just as I was trying to work out how I could take a picture of our hands without him noticing, Ethan let go to applaud his friend as he passed.
Clapping is a stupid tradition.
When the designer, Lewis Blume, came out from backstage at the end, Skylar jumped to her feet applauding and whooping, so I did the same. He bowed to the applause several times and then singled Skylar out and came over to grasp her hands in his and give her a kiss on the cheek. He disappeared backstage again and as the lights came up, everyone stood to leave, chatting about the collection and taking more photos.
‘You ready to go backstage?’ Skylar said, nodding at iPad lady who beckoned us to follow her.
‘How do you know Lewis Blume so well, Skylar?’ I asked, keeping up with her as she strode towards iPad lady, while typing rapidly into her phone.
‘He’s designed so many of my tour costumes and award-night dresses,’ she answered without looking up. ‘He practically moved in when he was in America, he designed so much of my wardrobe. He’s the king of British fashion. And you can call me Sky, you know. Skylar’s a bit formal.’
YES! WE ARE OFFICIALLY FRIENDS.
‘Right, sure. Sky,’ I said coolly, as though I hadn’t really thought about it.
We were shown backstage, where Lewis Blume was ready to greet Sky with open arms, gushing about how divine she looked, desperate to know if she liked the new collection. She enthusiastically assured him it was the best collection he’d ever done and then, after Lewis had greeted Ethan warmly, he turned his attention to me.
‘Have you met Flick Royale?’ Sky began. ‘I’m staying at her mother’s beautiful hotel while I’m in the UK.’
Lewis launched into praise about the hotel and took my hand in his to kiss it, while I tried to get a word in to tell him how much I liked his show.
‘You know,’ he said, looking at me intensely. ‘Your mother is a remarkable woman. Remarkable. There’s nowhere like Hotel Royale. Nowhere in the whole world.’
‘Thank you,’ I answered, wondering whether he realised he hadn’t let go of my hand.
‘Any time you need a dress, you call me.’
‘OK.’ I beamed. ‘I will.’
‘Ah!’ he cried, releasing my hand to clap his together and taking a step back to look me up and down. ‘I would love to dress you. It is an honour to have you attend my show. Send your mother my love and tell her that I can’t wait for the Hotel Royale Christmas Ball. It is the party of the season. And tell her that if she needs a dress, she knows where to come.’
I laughed. ‘I’ll pass on the message.’
He blew us all kisses and went to greet Victoria Beckham who had come through to congratulate him. My phone went and I grimaced when I saw that it was from Audrey.
Photos of you at Lewis Blume’s show all over the Internet. Get back here asap. Your mum is on her way back from her launch. And that skirt is much too short.
I’ll ask housekeeping to lower your hem Love, Audrey xx
Is Mum really cross?
Yes. Love, Audrey xx
Will head back home now
Great. Love, Audrey xx
Btw, you don’t need to put ‘Love Audrey’ at the end of all of your messages. I know they’re from you, I have your number saved
Don’t be cheeky.
