Today she wore a pale green silk pantsuit with an ivory blouse and pearl accessories. Not over the top, simply tasteful. Like Grandmother.
“I had planned to save my announcement until our fashion training session this morning, but then I thought you girls deserve to hear it first.” She cleared her throat and sat up straighter. “I have made my final decision about which three girls will be accompanying us to New York next week.”
The table got very quiet now.
“Naturally, you girls are all going. Even our blue girl, who will hopefully look more normal by then.” Grandmother frowned slightly. “I only wish that Taylor had made it back in time.”
DJ pressed her lips together and waited.
“My first choice is Ariel Buford.” Grandmother smiled. “I’m a bit surprised myself, but Ariel really seems to want this, and she’s got the walk down beautifully. And with all her improvements in hair and makeup, well, I’m just very pleased to let her know that she’ll be joining us.”
DJ wanted to add that those “improvements” were probably mostly thanks to Eliza and Rhiannon since they’d helped her with hair and makeup.
“My next choice is our newest student, Daisy Kempton. Goodness, with her height and those legs, Dylan should be very happy.”
“But I thought you said he wanted real-looking young women,” DJ reminded her, mostly for Kriti’s sake.
Grandmother nodded. “Oh, yes, dear. He does. But this is a fashion show. We must have some long-legged beauties in our midst.”
DJ tried not to roll her eyes.
“My third choice is Madison Dormont,” continued Grandmother.
Casey dropped her fork, and Kriti let out a little gasp.
Grandmother looked around at their surprised faces. “Is something wrong, girls?”
Eliza spoke up. “It’s just that we’re rather shocked, Mrs. Carter.”
“Shocked? I don’t see why. Madison has worked very hard, and I think she deserves to go.”
Eliza nodded slowly. “Maybe so . . . but I’m not sure that you know that much about Madison. Not like we do.”
“What are you saying?”
“For one thing, we’re almost certain that Madison was responsible for this,” said Casey as she held up her blue hands.
“That’s right,” said DJ.
“Do you have proof?” asked Grandmother.
“No, but — ”
“Certainly you girls must know that people are innocent until proven guilty in this country.”
Casey let out a low groan. “Yeah, right.”
“That’s not all, Mrs. Carter . . .” Eliza smoothly intervened.
“Haven’t you been trying to teach us about being ladies, using good etiquette and deportment and such?”
“Well, certainly. That’s been my goal.”
“And I hate to say it, but Madison Dormont hasn’t been the most wholesome influence, especially when it comes to . . .morals.”
DJ tried not to laugh. Who was Eliza to talk about morals? Not that she didn’t know what Eliza was up to. But since it was Madison they were discussing, well, DJ wasn’t going to jump to her defense.
Grandmother shook her head. “I had no idea it would be this difficult.”
“I have a suggestion,” offered Eliza. “Why don’t we vote on the third girl?”
Grandmother’s lips puckered as she considered this, but then she nodded. “Perhaps Eliza is right.”
“I nominate Haley Callahan,” said DJ quickly. “She’s worked hard, and she’s pretty and coordinated, and I think it would mean a lot to her to go with us.” And just like that all the hands shot up.
“Goodness . . . it seems to be unanimous.” Grandmother looked slightly worried. “But she is rather short, don’t you think?”
“You mean petite,” said Kriti.
“You said that Dylan wants real-looking models,” said DJ.
Now Grandmother looked even more uncomfortable.
“And maybe it will be more balanced having two petite girls in our group,” suggested Eliza.
Everyone clapped. Even DJ, although she suddenly realized that Haley, being the third choice, probably wouldn’t be going anyway. Not with Taylor back in the game. Poor Haley. This was something DJ hadn’t fully considered before.
Grandmother slowly nodded. “Yes, Eliza, I think you make a good point. All right, you girls will have your way. Haley it is.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” said Grandmother. “I have some things to prepare for class.”
“Whew,” said Rhiannon as Grandmother was gone. “That was close.”
“We did it!” Casey made a hand-pump motion.
“Just say no to Madison,” said Eliza triumphantly.
“New York, here we come,” said Rhiannon.
“I can’t believe we get to miss school for this,” added Casey.
DJ didn’t say anything. Mostly she just felt bad for Haley. Then again, it’s not like Haley had been expecting to be picked. And if she didn’t know she’d been a finalist, well, what difference would it make? More importantly, they had escaped any possibility of having Madison along.
The girls gathered as usual on the third floor. Naturally they asked Casey about her purplish blue hair, as well as Daisy, now sporting a jaunty little plaid hat to cover hers — Eliza’s suggestion. Madison and Tina managed to appear as surprised as anyone, which DJ assumed was simply a well-rehearsed act. The session began, and Grandmother showed them a sneak preview DVD to Dylan’s fall collection. But the whole time, DJ kept glancing nervously toward the door, hoping that Taylor would soon make her appearance.
“And today we will be taking measurements,” Grandmother said after the DVD ended. “So that the appropriate clothing can be selected for the models who have been chosen to go to New York. I promised to get this information to Dylan today.” There was a quiet murmuring in the crowd, and it was clear that everyone was eager to know who was going to Fashion Week.
Grandmother put her hands together and smiled. “And that means it’s time to announce which lucky models will make their big New York debut next week. And I have a little surprise for you . . . everyone who is chosen will have their way paid — that includes train fare, hotel, food, and other expenses.”
The girls all let out an excited cheer, and then the room got quiet. DJ tried not to be obvious as she glanced back at the door again. Still no sign of Taylor. What if something had gone wrong? What if Taylor had already fallen off the wagon and gotten wasted last night? It could happen.
“As I’m sure you all know, the Carter House girls are my first choices. After all, they are the ones that Dylan originally invited. So to start with, I would like for the Carter House girls to come forward and line up, please.”
DJ and the others went forward, lining up on the catwalk and waiting.
“As for the other three girls . . .” Grandmother made a dramatic pause, and DJ stared at the door, actually praying now that Taylor would suddenly march in and make her big entrance. But no one was there.
“I need a drum roll.” Grandmother chuckled as one of the girls imitated a drum roll. “Ariel Buford, please, come forward.” Ariel looked shocked and pleased as she stood and joined them. “Daisy Kempton, please, you too have been selected.” Daisy let out a happy yelp. “And Eliza has assured me that your hair and skin will be perfectly normal in a few days.” Daisy giggled as she clumped onto the catwalk and stood beside Eliza. Just then DJ noticed dark frowns appearing on both Tina and Madison’s faces. “And finally, we will be joined by Haley Callahan.”
Haley jumped to her feet. “Me? Did you say me?” Her eyes were bright with hopeful happiness, and suddenly DJ felt really concerned. What would happen when Taylor showed up? Or would Taylor even show up? Either scenario seemed packed full of potential problems.
Grandmother smiled and nodded at Haley. “Yes, dear, I said your name.” Haley came quickly forward, stood next to DJ, and even grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. DJ loo
ked out on the girls remaining in their seats. There were only seven girls left, and every face looked genuinely disappointed. Not for the first time, DJ felt irked at this whole business. Why did Grandmother allow these girls to be set up like this, only to be let down later? Oh, she was sure that Grandmother would say, “That’s the way it is in real life. Why should this be any different?” But did Grandmother really understand that issues like self-esteem and confidence were at stake here? Did she even care?
“And I do have a bit of good news for you girls who aren’t going on this trip with us . . .” Grandmother held her hands out wide. “You have all been invited to model in a spring fashion show at the country club in May. It will be a marvelous local event, and I hope you will all participate.”
The girls sort of nodded and smiled, but DJ could tell this was small consolation compared to Fashion Week in New York City.
“Not only that,” continued Grandmother. “But if Fashion Week becomes a tradition for Carter House, you will all have a chance of being chosen for the next Fashion Week as well. Isn’t that wonderful?”
Their enthusiasm grew ever so slightly. But Grandmother seemed oblivious to the possibility of hurt feelings as she got them busy taking each other’s measurements and filling out forms that would be sent to Dylan’s design studio. But as they were doing this, all DJ could think about was where was Taylor?
And the more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that something had gone wrong. Maybe Taylor had been lonely and called Seth last night. Maybe they’d gone out partying . . . and maybe Taylor was right back where she’d been just a month ago. Finally, DJ couldn’t stand another minute of not knowing. As soon as Rhiannon finished measuring her, DJ hurried to a quiet corner and pulled out her cell phone. She was just pressing the numbers when she heard Casey shrieking.
“Taylor!” she cried. “You’re back!”
DJ turned in time to see Taylor coming in the door. The room actually grew hushed as everyone turned to see her walking in. To DJ’s relief she didn’t look wasted at all. In fact, she looked fantastic — like a rock star — as she strolled into the room. She was wearing what looked like a very expensive suit, kind of a caramel brown with safari pockets and a stunning braided leather belt and very cool shoes with killer heels.
Soon they were all gathered around her, oohing and ahhing and complimenting her beautiful outfit. Everyone except Eliza. She was standing over by the catwalk with a slight scowl playing across her high forehead.
“Welcome back,” said Grandmother happily.
Casey and Rhiannon both hugged Taylor, and DJ just grinned as she joined them. “You made it,” she said quietly to Taylor.
“Is that a Marc Jacobs?” Grandmother asked as she closely examined Taylor’s suit.
Taylor smiled. “You nailed it, Mrs. Carter. But how did you know?”
Grandmother smiled with pride. “Just years of paying attention.” Then she put an arm around Taylor’s shoulders. “Oh, I’m so glad that you’re back with us, dear. And just in time for the fashion show too.”
“So who is going to be left behind now?” asked Eliza as she pressed her way into the circle of friends and observers that had surrounded Taylor. “Since it seems that Taylor is going to New York . . . although she hasn’t been to a single training session.” Eliza looked directly at Grandmother now. “And you did say that only girls who had attended the sessions could go with us, didn’t you, Mrs. Carter?”
Without even blinking, Grandmother waved her hand. “Surely, you know that doesn’t apply to Taylor. Good grief, she already knows how to do the walk perfectly. And, as always, she looks stunning.” Grandmother turned to Taylor. “Oh, Dylan will be so pleased to hear you’re joining us.”
“But you said only eight girls,” persisted Eliza.
“Yes.” Grandmother’s brow creased. “That’s true. Dylan wanted only eight girls for the show.” She turned to Haley now. “I’m terribly sorry, Haley. But since you were the last pick . . . well, in light of this unexpected occurrence, oh, I’m sure you’ll understand why I must change my mind.”
Haley nodded, but DJ thought she could see Haley’s chin quiver just slightly. “I understand.”
“Well, I don’t understand,” snapped Madison. “I think it’s totally unfair that we go to all this work, we come to every class, we practice and do everything you ask, and then Taylor waltzes in and takes over like she owns the place.” Then Madison grabbed Tina by the arm. “And we’re like so outta here.”
“Well.” Grandmother just shook her head. “I’m sorry, girls.”
“Don’t let those two get to you,” said Casey.
“I don’t know,” said Eliza. “I think Tina and Madison make a good point.” Then she turned and walked out too.
“My goodness!” Grandmother blinked. “It seems emotions are running rampant today.” She looked at her watch. “I think we’ll do a few more runs down the catwalk and call it a day, girls. I find all this emotion to be exhausting.”
Taylor slipped into the lineup and did her walk just as easily and naturally as ever. Like she’d been doing it her whole life. Grandmother actually clapped when she finished. “Yes, just like that, girls. Pay attention to Taylor. No one does it half as well as she does.”
And it was true; no one else in their group could do the walk quite like Taylor. But, unlike times in the past when Taylor had come across as somewhat haughty and arrogant, today she seemed changed. Now as Taylor strutted down the catwalk, something was different. DJ wondered if the others could see it too. Oh, sure, Taylor still held her head high and her shoulders back. But there was a new softness about her, the same thing that DJ had noticed yesterday — the same thing that had worried DJ slightly. But now, rather than seeming like a flaw or a deficiency, DJ thought it made Taylor look better than ever.
14
AS THE “CHOSEN” GIRLS CONTINUED to practice the catwalk, DJ observed that, one by one, Haley and the rest of the girls who hadn’t been picked were quietly slipping out of the room. They reminded DJ of whipped animals with their tails tucked between their legs, trying to get out without being seen. Very sad.
And, although DJ was hugely relieved that Taylor had made it and seemed perfectly fine, she felt sorry for the others. Okay, maybe not Madison and Tina so much. Mostly she felt badly for Haley — to raise and then dash her hopes all within a short time seemed unusually cruel. And, not for the first time, DJ wondered why American culture put so much value in superficial things like physical appearance. Even more than that, she wondered why she was forced to be part of it.
Finally, the practice session was winding down, and DJ knew what she had to do. She had made a decision, and as she marched over to her grandmother, she knew that nothing was going to dissuade her from it.
“Grandmother,” she said firmly. “May I have a word with you?”
“Certainly, Desiree. Is something wrong?”
“Yes. I would like to step down from the fashion show.”
“What?” Grandmother’s pale blue eyes glinted with fire now.
“I’d like to offer my spot to Haley Callahan. She desperately wants to go. And you know that I’m not that interested in this sort — ”
“Not interested?” Grandmother’s hand came up to her chest as if she expected to have a heart attack. “You’re not interested in participating in one of the biggest fashion shows of the year, Desiree?”
“That’s right. I’d like Haley to go in my place.”
Grandmother just shook her head. “Oh, Desiree . . .”
“Please, Grandmother. Haley wants to go so badly. I know she’s brokenhearted right now. Please, I’m begging you to let her go instead of me.”
Grandmother sighed then shrugged. “Fine, Desiree. Although I do not agree, and I fear you will regret it, I will let you make this decision.”
“Thank you!” DJ actually hugged her stunned grandmother, then hurried to dial Haley’s number, waiting impatiently for her to answer.
>
“Guess what?” DJ cried.
“What?” Haley’s voice sounded flat and discouraged.
“You’re going to New York!”
“I don’t think so . . .”
“No, you are, Haley. I just talked to Grandmother and — ”
“No way. Taylor made that — ”
“Trust me, Haley. You are going! Grandmother wants you back in the show.” Okay, maybe that wasn’t one hundred percent true. But it was sort of true since she’d said DJ could choose.
“Really?” Haley’s voice was laced with hope now.
“Absolutely.”
“Oh, that’s so great, DJ. Thank you! Thank you!”
Just as DJ finished the conversation and hung up, she felt someone tapping her on the shoulder. She turned to see Taylor looking at her with a perplexed expression.
“What did you just do?” asked Taylor.
DJ confessed that she’d given her spot to Haley. “With Grandmother’s approval.”
“Why?”
“Because Haley was brokenhearted.”
“That’s my fault, isn’t it?”
“No . . .” DJ firmly shook her head. “It’s just the way it happened.”
“But I want you to go to New York.”
DJ shrugged. “Sorry.” Then she considered something. “Hey, don’t tell the others I’m not going, okay?” She could imagine Casey getting mad at her or Rhiannon trying to talk her into it. DJ didn’t need that.
Taylor frowned, but at least she agreed. “Okay, mum’s the word. At least for the moment. Anyway, I have something else to ask you about.”
“What?”
“Is it true . . .” Taylor lowered her voice, “that I’m now rooming with Princess Eliza?”
DJ grimaced. “Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. Sorry.”
Taylor firmly shook her head. “I cannot do that. Seriously, DJ, I’d rather sleep on the floor somewhere else than be with Eliza. Rooming with Eliza would probably put me right back to where I was. I just can’t do it. I’m sorry.”
DJ explained the problem with Kriti and Grandmother’s decision to switch rooms. “It’s not like I really had a choice.”
New York Debut Page 12
