by Lucy Coleman
‘Danielle, can you explain to the girls that we have an hour before the public are admitted. You understand?’ I turn my wrist, tapping my watch, and she nods.
Her briefing to the girls goes on for several minutes, which is a little worrying, but judging by her demeanour and the way she is waving her index finger around, she is telling them to listen, observe and not waste time by wandering off. In fairness, since I arrived, they’ve settled down and the exuberance is pure excitement, that much is obvious. They will all have practised walking the runway at modelling school, but I’m not sure if any of them will have performed live in front of an audience of two hundred people before.
The path leading across to the promenade leads us past the café and the gift shop, to the Pius XII walkway, which is a paved area with eight brick-pillared loggias. We walk in the shadow of Cristo Rei, which towers way above us, and without warning, goosebumps begin to run up and down my arms, making me shiver involuntarily.
‘Is exciting, yes?’ Danielle remarks, as we approach the promenade.
Drawing to a halt, the models all crowd around, but everyone’s eyes are on the silky-looking surface of the vast expanse of water as it flows with eddying currents beneath the mighty bridge. This morning, the steelwork looks salmon pink as the early light catches it.
Everyone is quiet, waiting in anticipation for me to begin, and I take a moment to glance around at their eager faces, then it’s time. Pulling the large folder from my tote bag, I give Danielle a pile of printed sheets to hand out.
A guy appears, placing a cone over by the edge of the path and then he walks off into the distance, a second cone in his hand. Bless Carolina, she said she would get me a marker to indicate the length of tonight’s fashion runway.
‘Thank you all for coming and I hope this is going to be a most wonderful experience. As time is limited this morning and the monument will be opening in forty-five minutes, let’s begin by taking a walk along what will, tonight, be our catwalk.’ I raise my voice slightly, competing with the constant drone of the pounding traffic as commuters head across the bridge into Lisbon.
The group of twenty-two girls close around Danielle, as she translates. I peer down at the sheet in my hands, skimming the text which is printed in Portuguese on one side and English on the other.
‘Your photographer, Rafael Osorio,’ I stop for a second as a little buzz of excitement ripples like a wave around me, ‘will direct each of you in turn this evening, before you do your first walk. Remember, this is a video shoot that won’t be done in one take and he will also be taking still photographs in between. Rafael wants this to be a fun experience and it’s important that you enjoy yourselves as you will become living canvases.’
Watching Danielle as she speaks, the words coming out her mouth sound like serious instructions and I do wish she’d smile occasionally. I hope it doesn’t put the girls off.
‘Can I ask for a volunteer?’
Hands go up and Danielle points to a dark-haired girl dressed in shorts. She steps forward and she’s at least five inches taller than I am. In fact, they are all taller than me and I can see already that the gowns are going to look amazing on them.
‘Thank you…’
‘Andreia,’ she confirms, giving me a nervous look.
I point up at Cristo Rei as he smiles benevolently down on us. ‘Isn’t he magnificent?’ I ask and she nods. ‘The gowns you will be wearing will fall to just below your ankles and when your arms are extended,’ I strike the pose, ‘your silhouettes against the evening sky will mirror his outline.’
I have their full attention as I wait for Danielle to finish translating.
‘Andreia.’ I indicate for her to move further forward.
With her back towards her peers, she faces the long, gentle curve of the promenade and I can see she’s nervous, so I stand a pace or two in front of her, in line with the first marker.
Turning my head to look at her, I spread my arms wide, indicating that they should be kept straight, and she follows my lead.
‘When you hold out your arms like this, the designs printed on the gowns will be on display and our artist, Reid Henderson, has captured the natural beauty of the banks of the river Tagus. Smile as you walk forward and then, after a few paces, stop and turn full circle. You will be wearing flat pumps, so simply turn on the balls of your feet.’
I demonstrate while Danielle explains.
Turning back around and lowering my arms, I nod my head, indicating for Andreia to give it a go. Her movements are a little clunky because she’s wearing wedges and she starts laughing as she begins to topple. I glance around and spot one of the other girls who is wearing flat shoes and beckon her forward.
At least they all seem relaxed and we watch as the girl takes three steps forward and executes a perfect, three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn with ease. I clap my hands, delighted, and they all join in.
‘You cannot keep your arms outstretched like this for long. So, you will walk for twenty paces, extend your arms and slowly twirl around. Rafael’s assistant will tell you when you can go, and make sure there is an even space between each of you. The runway will be marked out properly tonight, as it will not be the entire length of the promenade. But you can see where the two cones are and that’s where it will start and finish.’
As Danielle repeats my instructions, I scan their eager faces. They are all beautiful girls and it’s wonderful to be able to offer them this opportunity. I can see that getting them to smile tonight is not going to be a problem. This isn’t about catwalk attitude, but a celebration of what nature has created and, for those who believe, what Christ has bestowed.
‘Right, you have twenty minutes to have a little practice and then we’ll head over to the changing rooms for a dress rehearsal, to check everything fits properly.’
Once Danielle has said her piece, we both stand back and watch as they walk and twirl, effortlessly, looking like graceful ballerinas with their arms outstretched. Rafael said he wanted it to be a spectacle, like the carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Vibrant, happy and with our wonderful models looking like elegant mannequins when they spin around and suddenly each scene is revealed for a few seconds, before they move on. I glance at Danielle.
‘As meninas ficarão maravilhosas!’
Any sentence with marvellous in it works for me and Rafael is going to be delighted.
My phone pings and I excuse myself to rescue it from my bag, then saunter off in the opposite direction.
I’m sorry about this morning. I shouldn’t have just turned up like that. The kestrel is a work of art, Seren. I love him, almost as much as I love you.
My heart misses a beat and my legs feel wobbly. Leaning up against the stout, wooden ranch fencing, my body sags as I read his words. I so want to believe that but waving aside the problems is just pushing them away temporarily, until the day there is no choice other than to face the facts. The first part of my life involved living a lie because I wasn’t being true to myself and I won’t put myself in that position again. I can wear beautiful clothes and engage in cocktail party conversation, but my heart isn’t in it. I’m no Beatriz and I don’t want that lifestyle. If you truly love someone then you want what’s best for them, even if it means letting them go. Reid has worked hard, and I believe he will realise his dream, but I can’t be a part of it. And I understand why he can’t be a part of my dream, because he has an exceptional talent.
The girls are still twirling, their voices becoming more distant the further away they get. I can hear Danielle booming out instructions as she trots behind them, gesticulating and encouraging them to keep an even distance from each other. She is a professional coach, whereas I’m just a… woman who wants to spend her day turning inanimate bits of metal into something that comes alive. How can I get Reid to understand that the side of me that he’s seeing now isn’t the person I want to be forever, it’s simply a means to an end?
The breeze is light and refreshing, as I stare down at the narr
ow strip of shrubby ground beyond the fence. My gaze is drawn to the backdrop of shimmering blue water as I look across at the coastline opposite. It’s easy to ignore the fact that the land falls away quite sharply, but the edge of the cliff is invisible from this position, hidden by the greenery. It’s merely a few feet away from where I’m standing, and yet I’m oblivious to it and the potential danger.
In a way, it’s a little like the situation I have with Reid. He can’t comprehend the simple life I’m dreaming about because it’s so far removed from his reality, it’s unimaginable. Wouldn’t it be worse to be together, full of love and hope for the future, and gradually the connection between us begins to die because we disappoint each other? It happens all the time. It’s the differences that divide you, not the things you instantly have in common.
My fingers begin tapping away, as if I don’t respond he’ll get anxious.
Well, our fabulous models are going to make the audience fall in love with your wonderful artwork tonight. We’ll speak later, I promise.
It’s been a hectic morning and I make my way to the café when Carolina texts to let me know that she’s grabbed a table and Antero is ordering us some lunch.
Walking past the chapel, I linger for a moment, stopping to listen to the haunting voices of the monks singing. I know it’s only a tape, but it’s easy to imagine them inside on bended knees, raising their voices to the heavens.
I turn, heading for the covered terrace and spot Antero carrying a tray on his way back from the café.
‘Seren,’ he calls out, ‘over here.’ He tilts his head and I crane my neck, unable to see Carolina at first, as I make my way towards him. She’s managed to bag a table that is completely in the shade and I sit down gratefully, feeling extremely hot and bothered.
‘How was your session with the models?’ she asks and they both train their eyes on me.
‘Wonderful. They have it nailed, and they are going to be amazing. They immediately got the fun vibe we’re aiming for, and when they tried on the gowns, well, you’d think they were wedding dresses. With the undergarment, the dresses are heavier than I thought they would be, but I can see that it’s necessary to keep the fabric straight if the wind whips up. But everything is looking good and the show is going to be phenomenal.’
They turn to look at each other, eyebrows raised, and I watch as they relax back into their seats.
‘This calls for a toast,’ Carolina declares, raising her coffee cup and beaming.
The look that Antero gives her makes me want to sigh; he can’t help smiling as his eyes sweep over her face.
‘To a great team. The best!’ I say, as we touch cups.
‘And to a boss who knows what she’s doing,’ Antero chimes in. ‘It’s all about the hard work to get it to this stage and tying down every little detail. Success is never down to luck, is it?’
I laugh, dipping into my tote bag to retrieve the little black swallow. ‘Talking of luck, my neighbour gave me this just before I left this morning. I don’t know what the symbolism stands for, but a little luck might come in useful, as we don’t want the wind to pick up at the tail end of the day.’
Antero stares down at the swallow lying on my open palm. ‘Portuguese sailors used to have tattoos of swallows on their arms. They viewed the birds as a symbol of good luck because swallows always return home. It was also believed that if a sailor drowned at sea, a swallow would carry his soul to heaven.’
Carolina reaches out and I pass the little bird to her.
‘This isn’t one of the new ones you see in the gifts shops. It’s lovely and obviously handmade, rather than mass-produced. My grandmother always said that swallows are symbols of love and loyalty, but also of home and family values, which is at the heart of the Portuguese culture. Swallows keep a single partner during their entire lifetime and as a keepsake it represents faithfulness and loyalty.’
‘Maria told me that her grandfather made it. I think both her father and brother made traditional azulejo tiles, too, including the ones in the house I rent. It was very kind of her, and I was very touched.’
Antero is already tucking into his bifana roll.
The pork isn’t just grilled and sliced, but it has been marinated first and then simmered in a rich stock. I can taste the paprika as soon as I bite into the soft roll and then the mustard and chilli hit my tongue. My stomach rumbles, appreciatively. I couldn’t face breakfast this morning, but I quickly push those thoughts aside.
‘Can I assume, by the way you both seem so relaxed, that everything went to plan this morning?’
Antero gives me a thumbs-up as his mouth is full and Carolina, nods her head, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
‘After lunch I’ll check that the site manager is happy and that we haven’t caused any unnecessary disruption so far, then I’ll head into the office to update the directors. After that I will pop home to change and I’ll be back here about four o’clock.’
‘Sounds good to me,’ Carolina replies. ‘I’ve brought a change of clothes with me and will get ready shortly before Bernadette is due to arrive on site. I’ll give her and her assistant a hand preparing the gowns. I’m sure I can operate a garment steamer if required.’
‘And I’ll be on site the whole time, too, doing the rounds. So, if you need any errands run and things are going smoothly elsewhere, you can call on me.’ Antero winks at Carolina but doesn’t realise I caught it and I have to bite my lip to stop myself from smiling.
Maybe swallows do bring good luck, because so far the plan is playing out item by item as we move down the tick list. Then my phone starts ringing. It’s a number I don’t recognise, so I excuse myself, hurrying off to find a quieter area.
‘Seren Maddison,’ I reply cordially.
‘Seren, it’s Beatriz Esteves. Can you hear me?’
I increase my pace, walking away from the noisy café area and across to the grassy expanse the other side of the loggias. ‘Sorry, I’m walking to get away from the background noise. How can I help, Beatriz?’
‘I’m calling to thank you for kindly extending an invitation to my niece, Leonor, and a friend, to tonight’s exciting event. As my daughter is here, too, Leonor asked me to check if you are happy that Ana comes along as her guest?’
‘Of course, that’s wonderful.’
‘We will all travel together, so is it all right if we arrive at the rear entrance as planned and then they can wander off together? They are so excited to see Rafael Osorio in action, and the models up close, of course.’
Beatriz’s enthusiasm throws me a little.
‘Perfect. I will arrange for someone to show them around so that they can get their bearings and then leave them to enjoy the show.’
‘Thank you, Seren. We are all looking forward to this evening. I’m sorry if I didn’t fully appreciate how much work you have put into this project. Filipe talks of nothing else and he’s not an easy man to impress. Reid and I are most grateful, Seren. I won’t hold you up any longer as I know you will have much to do. Tchau.’
Beatriz sounded friendly and an uneasy fluttering begins to stir in the pit of my stomach. About a week ago, I woke up in the middle of the night, my brow covered in sweat. I couldn’t shake off a bad dream that stayed with me. Everyone was here, at the monument and the show was in full swing, and then I heard my name being called. Beatriz walked towards me, her eyes blazing as she shouted out, ‘There is the woman who is having an affair with my husband,’ and every head turned my way. I wanted to run and hide. The cold, grim light of the early hours didn’t help to dispel my mortification. Or the fact that it wasn’t real, or even that Reid isn’t her husband any longer. It is my worst nightmare, the thought of being called out like that, publicly. It could damage my professional credibility. It would embarrass the directors, Reid and my team. Would anyone give a damn that Reid’s free to do what he wants? Here, family, and well-known families, in particular, have a code of conduct.
I wander back, my mind racing. Anter
o and Carolina are standing next to the chapel, waiting for me. Carolina has my bag in her hand and holds it out to me.
‘Thanks. Carolina, can you walk with me to the gates as I’m a bit short for time now. That phone call was Beatriz with a request.’
Antero bids us goodbye and the two of us set off.
‘Problems?’
I do my best to hide my unease. ‘No. But Reid’s assistant, Leonor, and his daughter, Ana, are coming as special guests. They will arrive with Beatriz and when we whisk her off to the VIP tent, could you organise for someone to show the two girls around? I will, of course, look out for them both and if I spot an opportunity, introduce them to Rafael.’
She laughs. ‘No problem and all eyes are going to be on him, so they’d love that. I’m sure quite a few of the tickets will have been snapped up by his fans.’
‘Oh, before I forget.’ I slip the tote bag off my shoulder and pull out the folder. ‘Here’s the signed programme I promised you for your parents.’ It’s neatly tied together by a silver grey ribbon and I can see she’s delighted.
‘Bless you, Seren, when you are so busy. This will mean so much to them, I can’t thank you enough!’
‘On another, more personal note, and please don’t read anything into this, but I’m just covering all bases.’
Carolina turns her head, her eyes searching my face.
‘If anything unexpected happens tonight, and I disappear for whatever reason, you can have total trust that Danielle Vala will keep the models on their toes. And I’m sure she can take any of Rafael’s demands in her stride. But I’d be grateful if you could step in for me, keeping a general eye out to ensure our special guests are never left unattended. I have no doubt that the directors will be doing their bit, too.’
‘Where would you go?’ she asks, incredulously.
I shrug my shoulders dismissively. ‘I like to have a contingency plan in place should an emergency arise. Just in case.’
