Page 60 of Cinderella-ish
Chapter 26
Daniella
This is it.And fuck, I’m nervous. I don’t even know why I opened up my big mouth three days ago, offering to step in for Ramon as the set director. I mean it’s been years since I was backstage at a fashionshow.
So much todo.
But I’mgame.
Liza has been a doll. We went shopping, and together, we found everything on my list to match the sketches for the accessories and complementary clothing for the show. Jonah has also been helpful, putting together the video presentations that will be displayed on the screens behind therunway.
But I have had to keep Liza and Jonah separate because either they argue over stupid shit, like which shade of blue something is, or they become engrossed in conversations as if they are in their own littleworld.
Antonio has been supportive, giving me an endless supply of funds to do all that I can to make this work. Yesterday I reviewed all of the show details with him and he seemed verypleased.
But I know he’s got a lot riding on today, so I can understand hisapprehension.
We’re up next—closing the show. All models are in place, ready to go strut their butts to Donna Summer’sShe Works Hard for the Money.They are all carrying briefcases and are wearing blazers, neckties, stilettos,CraveMepanties, and matching cleavage-enhancing demi-bras. Their hair is in sleek buns and they all have black-rimmed glasses. Nonna saw them when she came backstage to say hello, and she got a kick out of the ensembles—especially theglasses.
Nine songs later, models are prepared for their final walk tonight—to Madonna’sExpress Yourself.And what better way to ‘express yourself’ than to do so wearing sheer negligees and teddies in strappy heels while being escorted by hot topless guys with oil-slicked chests, tight jeans, andboots?
They all look perfectlynaughty.
When it’s all over, the fashion show attendees give Antonio a standing ovation, and when he pulls me out there with him, the crowd gets louder. The experience is trulygratifying.
And now that it’s over, all I want to do is curl up and take a longnap.
“Daniella. You’re amazing. Thank you for making sure my designs stand out like superstars,” Antonio says, lifting me up and embracingme.
“I had fun. And believe me, they would have stood out on their own. They’re soexquisite.”
“Come on. We still have to change for the ball. And I know you’re tired, so we don’t have to stay long. We can even leave after the first set of photos in the showcase photoshoot.”
“Photoshoot?”
“Yes.” He chuckles. “But you have nothing to worry about. I can tell the camera favors you. Just look at how many times TMZ has posted photos ofyou.”
I lightly punch him in the gut and he hunches over inlaughter.
We take the elevator up to our floor and, when we hop off, he lets me know he’ll pick me up in twohours.
I lie down for about fifteen minutes before I finally peel myself off the bed and jump in theshower.
The warm water feels good as it hits my skin and aching muscles. Stress has made my body tense over the last few days and now that the fashion show is over, I feel some of that tension subside. Although I am a little stressed about the ball—mainly what I’ll be wearing. And the fact that I am going as Antonio’sdate.
I have to admit that I am getting into him. I mean he’s quite an irresistiblehottie.
I step out, dry off, and blow-dry my hair and decide to go for a sophisticated up-do, which I start to do when my phonerings.
It’s Emma viaFaceTime.
“Hey there! Is everything okay?” I ask straight away as It’s only 5 a.m. there. Her calling early makes me worry abit.
“Yes, D.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s just been hard to catch you at a good time so I set my alarm to be sure I’d get you. I missyou.”
“I miss you too, babe. But I’ll be home tomorrow. We fly out early tomorrowmorning.”
“It’s raining pretty bad; aren’t you landing in New York first?” Emma’s eyebrows form into a worried furrow as she lays down under hercovers.
