When The Runway Went South

by Lois Kasznia

  "Ally, what is your schedule while you're in New York?"

  "I'm to meet with Henri and we're going out to dinner. I don't have to do the show until Monday, so I'm just going to hang out for a couple of days. Henri said he had some parties he wanted me to go to, but I don't think I will."

  "You are coming back to Dallas, right?"

  "I don't know, Kat. I need some time to think."

  "Ally, I need you, please," begged Kat.

  "I've got to run," said Ally. "I'll call you later." Ally disconnected the call and tried her best appear calm. She then checked her messages and saw the one from Caleb. She smiled wanly and began to type.

  Not tonight

  She sent the text and then hailed a cab to Henri's office. As they drove through the city streets, Ally tried to feel any connection with it, but couldn't. As much as her move had troubled her, she still loved her place in Texas. Ally paid her fare and looked at the familiar tall granite building that housed Henri's office. Squaring her shoulders, she caught the elevator to the thirty-second floor.

  "You look marvelous," cooed Henri as Ally stepped foot into his office. "I hate to say this, but Texas definitely agrees with you." Henri air-kissed both sides of her cheeks while Ally grimaced. "We're going to have so much fun; you'll want to move back here." Henri clapped his hands in glee. Ally just rolled her eyes.

  "What I'd really like to do is check into my hotel and change clothes," said Ally tiredly. Not only did the traveling tire her, the emotional conflicts with both Kat and Caleb had totally wiped her out. "What's our evening look like?"

  "First, we're to have dinner at the 21 Club and then there are several parties we need to attend. I've sent all your clothes to the Pierre where you'll be staying." Henri peered at Ally closely. "Are those bags under your eyes?"

  "What?" said Ally, somewhat distracted. "I don't have bags under my eyes. I need to get something to eat and some sleep if I'm going to be up half the night." She yawned to prove her point.

  "Run along. Be at the 21 Club at nine. Oh, the makeup artist will be at your room at seven, so be ready." Henri shooed Ally out of his office.

  Ally caught a cab to her hotel, ordered room service, unpacked and looked over the selection of clothes Henri had chosen for her with disinterest. What had she done?

  "Henri, what is TMZ doing here?" hissed Ally as they walked out of the 21 Club."

  "Hello, Ally Duncan. Welcome back to New York." TMZ cameras zoomed in on her.

  "Thank you," replied Ally politely and continued walking with Henri, his arm protecting her.

  "I thought you had given up modeling?" The camera man tried to be polite but relentless for a good story.

  "Not entirely," said Ally with a forced smile while Henri hailed a cab.

  "What about your ex-boyfriend?"

  "It's what he is, an ex. 'Bye." Ally quickly got into the cab and turned to Henri. "I tried to avoid them because my ex followed me down to Dallas. I figured I could be up here while he's down there."

  "You should've told me," whined Henri. "This is all publicity for the fashion show. Come on, Ally. You're a pro at this."

  "Well, if Greg shows up, I hope you're prepared to have him arrested if he gets even fifty yards near me." Ally sat back into her seat. "Henri, now where are we going?"

  It seemed the night went on forever. Ally's face had become sore from having a smile plastered at all times, but Henri played in his element dragging Ally from one party to another, making sure she had optimal coverage. She finally got back to the hotel at four in the morning. She fell into her bed and was in a deep sleep immediately.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  "You wanted to see me?" Kat stood tentatively in the doorway of Caleb's house. She was startled by how miserable Caleb looked and her heart went out to him. "Caleb, what's wrong?" Kat quickly closed the door and went to Caleb's side.

  He sighed heavily and walked to the family room with Kat following him. He poured a healthy whiskey and sat down. "I want to talk about Ally."

  Kat put her purse on the bar and sat down next to Caleb. "Ally hasn't been upfront with me, Caleb. I don't know if I can help you."

  "I thought I'd never hear myself say this since I had sworn off women." Caleb turned to Kat. "I'm in love with your sister."

  "Does she know?" asked Kat softly.

  "No." Caleb hung his head. "I don't know where to start." Caleb ran his hand down his face, cupping his chin.

  "Start at the beginning," said Kat. "I have all day."

  "I knew my life would change the day I laid my eyes on her. The day all y'all looked at the house. I tried to deny it, but the more I got know Ally, the more I fell in love with her. I just wouldn't admit it to myself." Caleb took another drink of whiskey. "We had a few dates." Caleb looked at Kat to read her expression and saw no judgment whatsoever and continued on. "I asked her why she hadn't told you about us and Ally said she thought you would make fun of her being a bad boy magnet. She'd just got out of this relationship with that knucklehead and made a vow never to get involved again. Then, Ally asked me where our relationship stood and I couldn't answer her because my pride got in the way." His voice became deadly quiet. "And now she's gone back to New York… I don’t know if she's not coming back." He hung his head.

  "What happened that night at Cool River Cafe with Greg? I saw the clip on TMZ."

  "He's a total jerk," said Caleb, as he grabbed his glass of whiskey and downed it. "He wouldn't leave Ally alone and if security hadn't shown up, I would've decked him myself."

  "Well, I called Ally this morning and spoke to her after I saw that clip on television, I am really hurt she hadn't confided in me. But I didn't realize how hurt she felt over my teasing." Kat gave Caleb an intense look. "Yeah, I would've teased her, but not now. I know she cares for you more than she did Greg, but she hasn't told me anything. That's where I can't help you. I would give anything in the world to say she loves you, but I can't." Kat felt so helpless.

  "Do you know where she's staying in New York? Do you know anything?"

  Kat narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why? You're not going to show up in New York like Greg did here?"

  "I'd love to, but I see your point." Caleb slumped in disappointment. "If only that knucklehead hadn't done that." Caleb swore. "I'm sorry, Kat. I didn't mean to take up so much of your time." He looked at her evenly. "I just wanted to let you know my true feelings. I have to think of something. I don't want to lose her."

  "Caleb, I do believe you and I will do anything I can to help. I'm being selfish on my part. I don't want her moving back to New York, either. I don't know what I'd do without her help." Kat looked down before she too continued. "I asked Ally if she planned on staying in New York and she said she didn't know. She needed time to think."

  Caleb hit is fist on the bar. "I know what I'm going to do, Kat. I just need your help with a few things. We're going to get Ally back to Texas."

  "How?" Kat listened intently while Caleb outlined his plans.

  ****

  "Henri, I'm so tired of these parties," yawned Ally as they set off to dinner again, this time at Raoul's. "This is why I left New York."

  "Slowing down on me?" Henri patted her face. "You're doing fine. Now tomorrow night is all to yourself. You can be as lazy as you want. Pamper yourself; get a spa before the show on Monday." Henri leaned in towards Ally. "People are noticing you, Ally. You have a different air about you."

  "I'm done modeling, Henri. I'm just doing this to help you out. Believe it or not, I miss Texas." Ally looked down before Henri could read her expression. She missed Caleb terribly. Since she sent him the text message, she hadn't heard from him. Ally glanced down at her phone while Henri paid the bill. Ally had a message from Kat asking her to call. Since Henri seemed in no hurry to leave, Ally took advantage of the moment.

  "Ally? Where are you? You sound like you're in a tunnel." Kat's voice sounded distant.

  "I'm in a restaurant with Henri, what's up? Is everything okay?"
>
  "Well, yes and no. Mom and Dad wanted to know if your show is being televised."

  "No, it's not. I mean there will be photographers there with clips on the evening news. It's a new up and coming designer. All the top brass will be there. Someplace on Fourteenth Street."

  "Where are you staying?"

  "At the Pierre, why?"

  "It's Mom and Dad again. For some reason they're really curious about this venture of yours. They are worried you won't come back to Texas."

  "How's business?" Ally tried to steer the conversation in another direction.

  "It's been busy. I have five events this coming week, so if you feel like coming home sooner than you planned, I'd really appreciate it."

  "Are you going to do them all by yourself?" Ally felt badly leaving Kat in this position. If it weren't for Greg and Caleb this wouldn't be happening.

  "Yeah, I think so. I'm hoping Mom and Dad will come back up to your house and then Mom can help me." Kat remained silent for a minute, gathering her thoughts. "Are you okay, Ally?"

  "I don't know. Have you heard from Caleb?"

  "I know he spoke with Dad the other day. Dad didn't like it that you hadn't told Caleb you were leaving for New York. Dad said he seemed kind of hurt." Okay, Kat laid it on thick.

  "I don't see why," said Ally stubbornly.

  "Ally, I think you should give Caleb another chance. I promise you I won't make fun of you."

  "I know, Kat. But I don't think he likes me that much."

  Ally, if you only knew. "How do you feel about him?"

  "Since I hurt so much, I think it's the real deal," blurted Ally, causing Henri to stare at her.

  "Then, give it another shot," said Kat.

  "I have to go," said Ally quickly as Henri showed his impatience to move on.

  "Ally, it doesn't look good when you're on the phone when you're with me," stated Henri.

  "It's just my sister; she's worried about me." Ally checked her phone again for any messages and there were none. Disappointed, she put it away. They left the restaurant and Henri hailed a taxi.

  "Now, where are we going?"

  "It's just a little party at some friends of mine." He turned to the driver,

  “There, let us out here." A valet opened up the cab's door and as Ally stepped out, flashlights went off and Henri quickly escorted her to the door.

  "One of these parties?" said Ally through gritted teeth, trying to maintain her smile. "You know I hate these kinds of parties."

  "Let me introduce you to Enrique from Madrid. He is a person you should know." Henri pushed Ally towards a striking, tall, broad-shouldered, dark haired man who looked as bored as Ally. "Enrique, I'd like for you to meet Ally, one of our top models for the show."

  "Good evening, Miss Duncan. I know of your work and must I say you're more beautiful in person, no?" His accent implied charm and sophistication, but Ally didn't buy it as he kissed her hand and did not let go. Ally gently tugged free and smiled politely.

  "Ally, Enrique is with the investment company who owns Jared's, the company you are modeling for," explained Henri.

  "Very impressive," commented Ally. She knew his type and had his number, the other reason to avoid New York.

  "I've not seen you lately, have you stopped working?" Enrique drew Ally aside. Henri conveniently left them alone.

  "Not really," said Ally, hoping to make this short. "I'm no longer in the New York area. I'm only doing this for Henri." Ally grabbed a flute of champagne being offered by a waiter.

  "Really," asked Enrique, now intrigued. "Why did you leave?"

  "I have other goals in my life. Listen, I need to find Henri. It's been a pleasure meeting you." Ally turned to leave, but Enrique stopped her.

  "This is fascinating," said Enrique. "Please tell me why you would give up a career of modeling? Most women would die for a chance to model."

  "I'm not most women. I want to do something else with my life." Ally still tried to get out of this discussion, but Enrique refused to let her go that easily.

  "Ally, I'd like to get to know you better. Why don't we go someplace else where we can have some privacy?" Enrique reached for her hand, but Ally quickly pulled away.

  "Listen, this isn't a good idea, Enrique. I know you mean well, but I'm not interested."

  "Then you must be seeing someone?"

  "That's really none of your business. Please, I have to leave." Ally tried to walk away.

  "I refuse to take no for an answer. I want to talk to you," insisted Enrique.

  Ally stalled and mulled over her situation. She hated to do this to Henri, but Enrique had annoyed her. "I am on a tight schedule," began Ally when someone jostled her from behind and her drink spilled onto the front of Enrique's shirt. "Oh, I am so sorry," stated Ally. She clumsily tried to help Enrique, but he pushed her away.

  "Silly girl, why did you do that?" demanded Enrique as he tried to wipe off the liquid with his handkerchief.

  "What? Did you think I did this on purpose?" asked Ally. "For your information, someone ran into me. You have a lot of nerve!''

  "Are you okay, ma'am?" An older woman came to Ally's aid. "I didn't mean to bump into you." She looked at Enrique in disgust. "But when a woman says no, a gentleman should heed her warning." Enraged, Enrique stomped off cursing while the woman smiled at Ally. "I didn't mean to interfere, but I just couldn't help myself."

  "I'm glad you did," said Ally gratefully. "I wanted to that myself, but now I won't hear the end of this from my friend, Henri. Apparently, Enrique is Mr. Moneybags."

  "Don't worry about him." The lady patted Ally's arm and moved on.

  Ally, alone again, searched for Henri. She spotted him speaking to an angry Enrique, so Ally decided to leave and go back to the hotel. She had a pounding headache and wanted nothing more to take a nice long bubble bath without any interruptions. Ally quickly left a message for Henri of her whereabouts. Hailing a taxi, Ally slid into the darkness of the night caught between two worlds. She didn't want to stay in New York, but how could she go back to Texas without Caleb?

  Walking through the lobby of the hotel, her phone buzzed with a text. Ally quickly looked at the message.

  Spilling drinks?

  Caleb? She stopped dead in her tracks and looked around. How did he know her whereabouts? She didn't see any sign of him.

  Where r u?

  See the palm tree?

  Then she saw him. All lean, six foot-five inches of the sexiest man on this planet. Caleb smiled at Ally as he walked towards her in the lobby. "I'm not going to pull a Greg on you."

  "Of course not," said Ally softly, so taken she could hardly breathe. "You're the best thing I've ever seen. Oh, Caleb," sighed Ally as they embraced hungrily, with such longing. "How did you find me?"

  "You're a hard woman to follow around with all of your appointments," laughed Caleb. "But I can't give away my secrets." They were starting to attract the attention of some guests and employees so Caleb took Ally's hand and led her to the elevators. "Let's go upstairs," he murmured while holding Ally close. Ally nodded in agreement, still in awe Caleb had come for her.

  When they reached her room, Caleb took the card from Ally and opened the door. They fell into each other's arms, where their lips met greedily.

  "Don't ever leave me again," said Caleb hoarsely as he stared intently at Ally. "I don't want to be without you, Ally. You wanted to know what I think our relationship is; I can tell y'all right now. I'm crazy in love."

  "I love you, too, Caleb Strait." They fell onto the bed, their clothes coming off in frenzied movements. Ally had looped her arms around Caleb's neck as he molded her breasts in his hands.

  "I missed you way too much." Caleb thrust his tongue into Ally's mouth, claiming her and if a mouth could have an orgasm, his did. Caleb's hands traveled down Ally's torso, so familiar with her body, he had it memorized.

  "Caleb," whispered Ally as she curled her fingers into his abdomen sliding down to his navel. She could feel the hardn
ess of his erection against her pelvis and she reached for it, but Caleb pulled away.

  "Ally, this is for you." Caleb spread Ally's legs and began kissing her nub while he inserted his fingers into her, finding her hot and wanting. When Ally climaxed, Caleb thrust his manhood into her heated flesh and he joined her in his climax. Spent, Caleb gently lowered himself onto Ally's flushed body and wrapped her in his arms.

  Ally's eyes were wide open as she relived the moments of discovering Caleb had come here to New York. He had come for her. "Caleb?"

  'Hmm?" Caleb couldn't move. His head rested on the pillow next to Ally's.