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“We should keep in touch.” He handed me his card, and I bowed to him as I screamed and danced inside.OMG! An industry connection!
“Thank you, Yin. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
We both heard the beginning of the upbeat dance music selected for our show. Hiba took her place at the end, and my pulse jumped in my throat.It’s happening.
Each one walked to an explosion of flashes and applause. It was all like a rushing creek, and I had to join the flow. I watched Hiba stomp down the runway to applause.Xander’s cheering above them all.I floated out behind her and stopped under my name. The moment was too big for my heart. Our group came out again, and we walked with our designs as we clapped. All the hours, for less than one. It was all over.
I clutched my chest, and my legs trembled backstage. Professor Elan was the first to approach me. My eyes filled with tears, and my throat was closed. I couldn’t speak. But she understood.
“Oh, Nadia. Enjoy tonight. Celebrate. Then work harder and get further. You can do it if you’re willing.”
This was high praise from her, and I was stunned. But she never stopped pushing me to grow my potential. “Please can I hug you again?”
Professor Elan let me hug her, and I left the stage to join the audience to watch Yin Xao’s show. While I was on cloud nine, Yin’s show was leagues above us. He had the “it” factor, vision, and talent. Everything in his show was a work of art, and I could already see Hollywood competing to get his dresses and suits. His clothes had the extravagance and romance of our age, and I was inspired by just watching it. There was so much more to learn to achieve everything. But we were ready to celebrate.
Xander and I returned backstage for champagne, food, and music. Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” came on, and Xander took my hand and twirled me. “Let’s dance.”
We did the tango and laughed. Xander’s eyes lifted, and a bright smile spread across his face.
“Nadia!”
My eyes widened in surprise. It was Isabelle without her baby bump. “When did you have the baby?”
She grinned. “Last week. A beautiful boy. But I want to congratulate you on your dress. It’s stunning. I’m so happy for you.” She went in for a hug and I wrapped my arms around her and looked over my shoulder at Xander who was just as surprised as me. “We should talk sometime.” She handed me a gift bag of chocolates. “My number is in there.”
“Thank you. Sure.” I nodded and watched her go over to talk to Professor Pompei.
“What did she want?” Xander said suspiciously.
“To congratulate me?” I said, but my tone held doubt. However, I was too caught up in the grand moment. Xander and I walked me to the edge of the catwalk.This is our big dream. It was all happening!
“Oh, take a look at the back of the hall,” Xander prompted.
I peered where he told me and to my surprise there was Paul.
My heart leapt.He didn’t miss my big day!All I wanted to do was run over and celebrate with him. However, Dani was next to him. There was no doubt she was in his ear complaining about taking me to Rome and announcing our relationship. They walked away together.She probably doesn’t want the press to photograph the three of us together.
My phone chimed.
Paul: Your dress was a showstopper. I’m so proud of you, Nadia. Come out when you’re ready and fly away with me.
My heart leapt in my chest.
Xander touched my arm to get my attention. “You’ll have to come to my new place when you return. It’s not the Hudson, but it’s a loft in Soho. I got an unbelievable rent for the area. It seemed too good to be true.”
I slowed down and turned to face him. “There is no such thing.”
“The Cranes have real estate, and Paul got me a great deal. I’m still paying rent-controlled prices like Rachel and Monica in grandma’s old apartment.”
Xander made me smile at hisFriendsreference.
Xander averted his eyes. “If someone wants to help me along the way, I will never refuse, Nadia. The dorm is too small. My hat and purse business is blowing up. I even have a contact list of star fashion assistants asking when I can send something for their appearances.”Knowing Paul, he won’t kick Xander out if we end. And knowing Xander, he’ll work night and day until everyone knows his name.
“I’m happy for your success.” I hugged him again. “I want you to have it all, and you deserve it.”
“So, what’s the point of going to Italy right now? You’re leaving before fashion week—”
“Paul has a concert. The trip is for us…we’re going public, remember?”
