by Adams, Zoe
The first couple showed little creativity. It nullified the senses for what was next. Del squeezed Lady’s hand and let his eyes trail to the next offering on stage.
Three girls wore outfits made of the same red fabric. Of course each outfit was different. But they caught the light the same way, like a club or school spirit of red.
The girl on the furthest right wore red shorts. They were short and the sleeveless top looked like a jumpsuit. Any and every cheerleader would want to look so cute when they performed knee bends.
The middle girl wore a traditional private school skirt. It had those wide, boxy pleats of material that went to her knees. She wore a red sweater tied around her neck over an untucked button-down shirt. The highlight of her outfit was the shoes. Del had even helped with those.
The last model of the trio occasionally turned her head toward her mates. She was taller than the other two, even when standing barefoot. Her pants were baggy in the middle, with stretchy cuff bands on the waist and ankles. They got tighter and fluffier in a sleek sort of way.
They animatedly whispered back and forth. But the only thing they were allowed to move was their heads, except for the one girl who bent her knees and brought her feet up. The middle girl turned her head from side to side, and the girl on whichever side responded.
Lady wanted them to represent different outfits one girl might have. That’s why they were all the same color. Her theme was slowly emerging.
Each set on the runway had matching models on the color index. Her fears of looking cheap were completely forgotten. She had found a fresh take on matching.
The next frame of models on the runway wore black. The boy and girl couple looked frustrated. His chest showed more muscle tone than most seamstresses wanted to address. He stood there and checked out the girls in front of him.
The girl beside him was an experienced and expensive model. She walked circles around him, trying to steal his attention. She wore a black jumpsuit. It was tight and strapless across the chest, causing her pants to balloon. They tightly gathered above her ankles and were the same style as the other girl’s.
She wore big black shoes. Somehow the sharp shoes looked feminine and dainty. They matched very nicely from this angle, and Del felt relief. Lady had bought countless pairs of shoes looking for just the right trajectory for the model to wear.
The two in black were show stoppers. Lady had broken away from most traditional techniques used on the runway. She had wanted her men to be big and the women to be feminine. So far, Lady was getting her wish.
Everything led to a climax. The show successfully painted a picture of someone’s day. Or more exactly, it showed a progression of someone’s life. Looking at the stage in order, from front to back, told a story.
The fourth set of models matched in cherry stained leather. One girl wore tight pants that flared, with a form fitting vest. The other girl had on a double breasted suit. A long v-neck matched its mannishly long coat.
The next two people in line to catch Del’s attention were his favorites. They wore matching black and white polka dots. But that’s where the similarities ended.
The woman wore a new take on a square dancing dress. White sequins on top of the white polka dots made the dress shimmer. The glammed up dress twisted widely when the model swished her hips. Fluffy sleeves covered her shoulders. The neckline plunged. Sheer white material connected the top to the skirt.
The black and white polka dot material stood straight horizontally. A thin gathering of something sheer had the illusion of holding up the skirt.
Del knew better. He had helped Lady put the wire in them, and knew exactly what held up the polka dot skirt. He would forever think twice about a do-si-do with strangers.
The male model broke from traditional square dancing attire. He wore a polka dot suit coat instead. But it wasn’t just a one sided suit. He held open different sides of the lapel. The same matching black and white polka dots were used for the inside as well. He moved and his entire coat matched, inside and out.
The models did a small dance. They were only allowed to choreograph three simple movements. He would raise one arm and open his coat with the other. Then he walked past his companion. She had one hand on her hip, and swished her skirt with the other. They would take two steps, then turn around and do it again.
This was a simple set and a simple design. The models were doing a great job of combining zest and monotony. It was a hard combination, but the practice and planning paid off. The result was updated attire for old-fashioned dancing.
The atmosphere of the room seemed excited. Del heard a few sounds of approval. Lady had meticulously planned out these little scenarios of friendship and life. It worked on and off the runway. Everything combined to make a stunning show.
He knew his opinion didn’t rule the critics. He wanted Lady to be successful of her own hard work and merit. This business was cutthroat, but Del couldn’t imagine anyone with creativity in their blood being heartless enough to ruin someone’s things. How could anyone criticize Lady, or her brain? Del couldn’t wrap his head around it, so he returned his attention to the runway.
The next outfits were all formal. They were beautiful and exquisite. Lady made them in a rainbow of colors. The myriad of colors moved around and reminded Del of a kaleidoscope. The dresses were every length.
It could have possibly been a throwback to some fifties version of fashion, but Lady had given them each little updates. One dress only had one shoulder strap, while another was short and fluffy in front and draping lower in the back.
All the dresses had one thing in common: a big, wide belt around each girl’s tiny waist. They wore identical black belts with the same brass buckles. It significantly made the dresses less formal.
The yellow dress was Del’s favorite. It reminded him of a summer dress. There were thick straps over the shoulders. The top of the dress seemed square and straight. The skirt was thick, wide, and springy. Just the kind of skirt he wanted to lift up.
The belt obviously belonged to a man. It almost looked like a lumber jack’s belt. The belt was supposed to cinch her waist tightly, then hang long by her side. Seeing a belt hanging off of anything made a man want to grab it. It brought out the farmer and toughness in him that worked on everything.
Del’s thoughts moved him to check on Lady. She looked straight forward. Del didn’t know if she actually saw the scene in front of her or not. She was so still, it was trancelike.
Del didn’t think. He was already holding her hand, and gave her his left hand as well. He covered their hands and warmed the woman beside him.
She looked at him. Her eyes were startled and a little confused. Del wasn’t surprised. He had watched her work at a feverish pace for months. He was expecting a fallout of sorts. Some sort of bodily induced retaliation toward work for a while.
Lady had a plastic look in her eyes; like they were staying open by something strongly molded inside of her. She exhaled quickly and hair by his ear moved.
She looked at him and Del couldn’t read her eyes.
Del expressed himself simply. “This show is great.”
Lady nodded dumbly. She looked at the stage then back at Del. She swallowed hard and leaned toward his ear.
Lady whispered very quietly, “I look like a country bumpkin.”
Del thought he could hear an angry hiss and suddenly it all made sense.
Del turned to face her completely. “Hey, I think the city could use a little country.”
He gave her a small kiss on the lips. She was only mildly placated. She nodded silently like she didn’t want to argue.
“We have to go on stage and usher the models off of it,” she said to him.
Del’s complacency changed immediately. “You want me on stage with you? I was just going to walk you to the edge.”
“No, Del.” She shook her head.
Del didn’t need her to beg. The look in her eyes could’ve silenced anyone. One more reason to carry her o
ff for a little rest and relaxation would have spun him even tighter. He did the job she needed from him. Del was her man and would happily walk beside her.
“Okay. Whenever you’re ready.” He gave her a reassuring wink.
“No, Del, I don’t think I can do it.” Her pale face got longer. Del watched the shadows of her fake eyelashes flutter across her cheeks.
Del sat up in shock. “What? You’ve got to give the people what they want. You’re a new competitor from a proud lineage of fashion. You have to go.”
Halfway through his oratory he remembered to whisper.
“Don’t worry.” He tried to be hushed and conservative while giving her the huge mental and energy boost she needed.
Lady closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She exhaled slowly.
“Okay. I’m ready.” She shifted in her chair.
Del waited for her to stand up first. They crouched out of their seats, and along the room. Del didn’t see any more of the fashion or models. Every other girl in the room paled in comparison to Lady.
He felt her dependence on him as she gripped his palm. Her hand had been sweaty for a long time. Del wanted to wipe it dry, but couldn’t bear to let her go.
They made it to the stage. Del finally stood up to his full stature and his back cracked. Sneaking had never been his forte.
The song ended. This was Lady and Del’s cue. They walked around the corner. The entire room was now well lit but the stage lights were still a bit jarring. They walked behind the last set of models with an appropriate ten feet between them.
Everyone stood at the end of the stage and bowed. Then each group of models exited the stage together. It was a quick departing. Soon the only people left were Lady and Del.
He waved with one hand to the audience. Del turned toward Lady. He bent his head and brought her hand up for a kiss. He backed away from her, and stood on the steps.
Lady bloomed under the applause. She put one arm out and bowed, then she put the other arm out and bowed. Then she put both arms straight out and bowed at the waist.
Lady captured the crowd. The long fringes on her arms hung down straight and heavy. The feather on her head added a jaunty twist. Her simple braid and natural looking makeup was a good accompaniment to her exquisite outfit.
Not one element of her outfit overshadowed another. And nothing could overshadow Lady. Del clapped with the rest of the crowd.
She put her hand out to him and he quickly took it. They were soon surrounded by reporters, buyers, and other celebrities of the fashion world. Lady stood beside him bravely. She answered questions and posed for pictures.
If Del didn’t know Lady, he wouldn’t know how much she was acting. She played up everything with a carefree, everything comes easy attitude.
Del stood frozen with a smile in place. No one cared about him and he was glad. This was Lady’s world, his role would forever be crutch. But Lady was far too successful, and much too modest. The questions finally did turn to Del.
“Who are you?” someone finally asked him.
Del didn’t want this to be about him. He squeezed Lady’s hand and she turned to the enquirer.
“This is Delanore Frankie. My professional man of all trades.” She and Del smiled widely at each other.
“Thanks,” Del said.
He’d been silently wondering how he should introduce himself. Their tender moment was gone and they were both pulled into circles of inquiry.
“How long has this been going on? Is Miss Lady Steele engaged?” Del heard all the questions and raised his arms.
“A gentleman never tells.” He grinned.
The questions kept coming and they didn’t change subject matter at all.
“Hey. This is locker room talk. Let’s talk about fashion. All I saw was beauty on that runway.”
He shrugged and turned toward Lady. He thought he heard women sigh and men grunt approvingly. But maybe that was ego. He was used to commanding a property of vegetables. Now he could control property with people on it. He felt very large and in charge when he picked up Lady and carried her from the room.
Lady collapsed into his arms and hugged his neck. “Oh, thank you, Del. Thank you so much.”
She rested her head on his chest. Del looked down to check on her. She watched the room slip from view. Del wanted the room to be gone as well. At first he was only going to carry her to the cocktail bar and set her down. But it was too stressful. There were too many people to do what he really wanted to do, which was kiss her.
Instead they left the venue.
Once they reached the outer halls, Lady asked him to set her down.
“No way. I started carrying you and I’m going to finish carrying you.” Del adamantly held her close.
“Please, Del,” Lady whimpered. “Set me down. There are people outside with cameras. They will say I was drunk from the party or something. I have to be seen walking my own self out of there.”
Just like always, her wishes were so logical. Del accommodated and set her down.
Chapter 21
Another big event for the fashion industry was that night. Dinner would be more for making acquaintances and business associates than for eating. All kinds of designers, promoters, and whoever else would gather for a formal dinner.
Lady didn’t want to go. She’d been sleeping since arriving back at the penthouse. Del watched her wake up.
“I don’t want to go to that thing tonight.” She snuggled under the covers.
Del shrugged like he didn’t care. In all honesty, he didn’t want to go either. But he couldn’t tell her that.
“I know you’re tired and don’t want to go, but socializing is part of success, and you are continuing your family’s tradition by attending. Not only that, but you’re reinforcing footsteps for our future children to walk in.”
Lady glared at him from the pillows.
Del shrugged. “Next year, you don’t have to do it. But this year, you have to finish what you started.”
She blinked her eyes and a new strength came to her.
“Okay.” She stood up and walked to the closet. She shuffled around for a long time. Finally she called for him.
“Del, can you please zip up my dress?”
He nearly ran to assist her. He gasped when he saw how beautiful she looked. She wore a long black dress. It covered her modestly, but nothing hid her curves.
She turned around and held up her hair. Del saw the open zipper. It took all his strength to close it. He would much rather bring the zipper back to its starting place in the small of her back.
“There is also a little hook at the top of the zipper that needs to be done.” Lady’s voice veered him back toward her path.
Del leaned in closer to her. He kissed her neck softly with one tiny touch.
“Hey, you’re being bad,” she said with her low bedroom voice.
“I thought I was being good.” Del found the hook and clasped it. “All right. I’m done with your dress, for now anyway.”
She turned around and pecked him on the lips. “Thanks, babe.”
Lady kept moving in one endless motion. She picked up her gloves and then faced the mirror. She tried them on and shook her head before removing them.
“Too much black.” She shuffled around in her closet.
She removed a drawer full of shiny or lacy gloves. Lady dumped them out on the lounger. Then she went to the closet and removed all the belts.
She rummaged through the collections and looked for matches. There were the obvious matches like white and black, but Lady kept looking.
She held up a purple set triumphantly. “I could wear purple.”
Del had faith in her opinion on wardrobe, but played it safe. “I’d have to see it on you first to know if I like it.”
“Fine,” Lady said determinedly.
She tried on every set that presented itself to her fancy. Gloves of every shape and color were tidily tried on, then folded and set aside. The conglomerations she ca
me up with were perplexing to him. Soon he was overwhelmed and very thirsty.
He stood up from the chair he always used when in the dressing room.
“I need to cool my nerves. Would you like something from the bar?” he asked quickly.
“Yes, please. I’ll just take a quick shot of something. I don’t have time to be sippy.”
“Sippy?” Del asked. “Does that mean you don’t want to linger over a nice long drink?”
“Yes.” Lady looked up sweetly. “And can you make it a sweet one?”
“Sure.” Del spun around on his heels.
He turned the corner and walked out on sheer will power. Lady could exhaust him. He was still waiting for her to choose her outfit so she could dress him. And she might change her mind again.
Del looked at the bar. It enticed him to the counter. What could he give her that was sweet? He considered the different liquors and their effect on a body. He decided on rum.
He poured out two shots. Then he decided on a stronger drink for himself. In one hand he carried the two shooters and the other clenched a nice, icy tumbler.
He went back to the room with the drinks.
Lady looked up at him immediately.
“Oh, you have it? Good.” She started to remove her glove one finger at a time.
“What are you doing?” he asked impatiently.
“I don’t want to get my gloves dirty,” Lady explained.
Del would have shaken his head, but he didn’t want to spill anything either. “What’s the point of wearing gloves, then?”
“It’s traditional, and fashionable.” Lady walked to him for her drink. She carefully removed one of the small drinks from his hand.
“Thank you.”
“No problem.” Del winked.
“No really, I mean it. Thank you for everything. You are the man I always wanted, and you…” Lady looked down as she searched for words, “…you’re exactly what I need.”
