Page 67 of Meet Me at Sunset

‘Are you OK?’ Nicolas asked softly, coming across to him.

‘I can’t believe it. I can’t believe she would … What are you saying, Elle?’

‘I’m sorry, OK, Lucas. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I must do the show today …’

‘You told me I was going to be a father.’ Lucas laughed hollowly. I took it seriously, I took you seriously. I’d even told …’ His head snapped up as he realized who he needed to speak to. ‘I need to find Stephanie.’

‘Stephanie? That’s a brilliant idea,’ Camille exclaimed. ‘Why didn’t I think of her before? She’d be perfect, Lucas. Where is she? Is she here?’

‘I didn’t mean … but yes, she’d be perfect. I’ll go find her,’ he said, suddenly desperate to see her. ‘I’ll be as quick as I can.’

‘Stephanie?’ Elle shrieked. ‘You’re going to put that troll in the show instead of me? She’s short and ugly and … You can’t! It should be me!’

She was raising her voice now and people were starting to stare. It felt to Lucas horribly like they were right back at the beach after the yacht party.

‘Call security,’ Camille said under her breath, as Nicolas signalled for two burly guards to come over and escort her away. Elle was determined not to go quietly, but right now they all had other things on their mind.

‘Lucas, find Stephanie, I need to get her into hair and make-up as quickly as possible,’ Camille instructed.

‘Camille, we need to start the show,’ Nicolas said urgently. ‘We’re fifteen minutes over, and people are getting restless.’

Camille nodded, searching the crowd for René, who was at her side in moments. ‘Tell everyone we’ll start in ten minutes, then get the models lined up for a final inspection.’

As René nodded and got to work, Camille exhaled and turned to Nicolas.

‘It’s all right,’ he assured her. ‘We’re almost there. Everything’s under control.’

Camille looked up at him, her almond eyes wide and uncertain. ‘But what if Isobel’s telling the truth?’ she asked him. ‘What if she didn’t send the notes, and the real threat is still out there?’

Chapter 31

Lucas could sense the restlessness in the air as he stormed back through to the Sunset Room. Mutters of disquiet were increasing in volume, annoyed expressions on famous faces. Some of the guests had grown tired of sitting and had got to their feet, hands on hips, immaculately painted lips pouting. These people were used to the world revolving around them, and didn’t expect to have to wait around. Lucas knew he had to act fast.

He scanned the room and quickly located Stephanie, chatting with Emmanuelle Alt beside her. She looked so elegant and poised, so chic in a white suit that showed off her incredible figure. To him, she stood out even amongst the renowned beauties in the room. A wave of anxiety washed over him as he realized how close he’d come to losing her – he couldn’t believe what Elle had done, or that he’d fallen for it. What an idiot. But there was no time to think about all of that now …

When Stephanie saw him approach, her face lit up and Lucas felt a jolt of hope.

‘Stephanie, I know this sounds crazy, and there’s no time to explain properly, but we’re a model short and my mother would be honoured if you’d step in today. Regardless of what you think of me right now, you’d be doing her the biggest favour.’

Panic flashed across Stephanie’s face. ‘Me? But I’m not a model, Lucas. I can’t do it, I … In front of all these people?’ She glanced around the packed room, her eyes wide with fear. ‘I’m sorry, Lucas, I can’t.’

Lucas crouched down beside her. ‘Look, I understand why you’re nervous, and why you wouldn’t want everyone’s eyes on you right now. But I hate to see you not believe in yourself. The girl I fell for is strong and confident and beautiful, and I believe in you, Stephanie. Life is all about taking risks – so why not take a chance on this one?’

‘The girl you fell for?’ Stephanie repeated, her expression soft as she took in his words.

‘Yes,’ Lucas nodded. ‘And I’ll explain everything properly later, but I’m really hoping we can give things – give us – the chance we deserve.’ Tentatively, Lucas reached for her hands, taking them in his. ‘There’s something you need to know – Elle isn’t pregnant.’

Stephanie’s forehead creased into a frown as she struggled to take in what he was saying. ‘What? But this morning—’

‘She lied,’ Lucas said simply. ‘She’s not pregnant. It was a way to get an invite to the show today. I don’t know what she was planning, but when she heard one of the models was sick, she pushed herself forward and confessed she wasn’t pregnant.’

Stephanie’s mouth fell open in shock. ‘But that’s crazy. She’s crazy. Why would anyone lie about …?’ She trailed off in disbelief.

‘I know,’ Lucas agreed grimly. ‘It’s … unbelievable. But I hope that we can put all this behind us and carry on where we left off. I think we could have something special …’

Stephanie smiled hesitantly. ‘I’d like that too, I really would. But it’s a lot to take in.’

‘I understand.’ His eyes sparkled, ‘But right now we’re a model short and the only person my mother wants on the Camille Andre runway is you. You’d be amazing up there. I wish you’d believe in yourself, Stephanie Moon, half as much as I believe in you.’