Mal makes a tsking noise. “I could walk that runway blindfolded, and you know it.”
“Could we try gagged instead?” Louis asks.
Mal laughs, and the sound is merry enough that Louis’s weary eyes brighten before he turns away.
Mal returns his attention to Robbie. “I cannot tell a lie, Roddie. Itisn’tlovely to see you.”
After turning his back on Robbie, Mal tuts and grabs a strand of my hair, tucking it back behind my shoulder. “How has this got free of the hairspray?” he asks. “Your hair is more feral than Medusa’s. Shame Roddie doesn’t turn to stone after seeing it. Although, he’d probably still manage to use his stone mouth to talk crap. The world is indeed a very disappointing place.”
“I am still here, you know,” Robbie says crossly.
“Are you? Ah, that’s where the annoying noise was coming from.”
My head is tracking from side to side like I’m at Wimbledon. I’m not surprised by Mal’s snarky tone. He can’t stand Robbie.From what my booker tells me, the antipathy stems from Robbie always being so nasty to Mal’s best friend, Dean.
“Afternoon, my charges.” My booker Pip approaches us as if I’ve conjured him with my thoughts.
Robbie groans. “Why areyouhere?”
“In life, or at a fashion show?” Pip enquires. “Either way, my answer would be that I’m fabulous.”
His small form is clad in a tight, purple-checked suit that would look ridiculous on anyone else. His smile is wide, and I feel a reluctant affection for him.
He steps closer and adjusts the shoulder on the sheer robe I’m wearing. “Why are you wearing this when everyone else is in coats and suits?”
I roll my eyes. “I don’t know but it’s probably something to do withfashion.”
“You said that word in the same way you’d say bullshit.”
“I can’t imagine why.”
He looks around. “Why do designers make models go bare under these coats? It’s not realistic.” He checks, looking suddenly horrified. “Oh, dear. I cannotbelievethose words came out of my mouth. Please, Baby Jesus, don’t let the designers actually hear me and cover up all the pretty skin.” He shakes his head despairingly. “Has love made me old before my time?”
I blink. “Do you want me to actually answer that?”
“No.” He takes a deep breath and offers me a leer. “Wow, look at those abs. So tight you could eat your dinner from them. Better?”
I nod slowly, and he breathes a sigh of relief.
“I see you, Pip Simmonds. Hands off the talent,” Louis shouts from the front.
Pip directs a pout at him. “I’m frightfully glad you aren’t involved in my life decisions. Hands-on is where I’m at my best.”Several people laugh, and he turns back to me. “I need a word with you.”
“Oh god, what have I donenow? This isn’t about Biarritz, is it?”
His eyes narrow. “What about Biarritz?”
“Oh, nothing. Just thinking what a beautiful city it is.”
“Hmm. Not sure I believe you, but you know what I always say.”
“You say a lot. Could you possibly narrow it down for me?”
Mal laughs, and Pip tosses his head. “What Isayis that if you don’t get caught, it doesn’t count. Save his place,” he commands Mal as if we’re standing in a school dinner line rather than a meticulously thought-out runway line-up.
“Oh well, you know I live to please you.”
“Ouch,” I say as Pip tows me away. “You’ve got a grip like a small gorilla.”
