The Party Girls – part 1
Thursday 11th February
7.45 am
The de Ros Mansion
“Good morning mamma,”
Abby said as she came down, and grabbed a slice of toast while Diana poured her
some coffee.
“So what is on your
schedule for today,” Diana asked as she looked at the paper.
“I have a show at six
and one at eight – did Angel arrive safely yesterday?”
“She did – I spoke to
Mandy last night,” Diana said, “when I got back. Both she and Maggie are doing your six
o’clock show, correct?”
“Yeah – Jo’s down
tomorrow night, and we all have a part to play on Saturday.”
“Ah yes – the APCO
show.”
“Right – I’ll grab
something to eat before the first show, and see you later tonight,” Abby said
as she finished her coffee, and kissed Diana.
“Are you seeing the others later?”
“I am having lunch with
the ladies – so I will see you later?”
Abby waved as she left
the house, Diana shaking her head and smiling.
11 am
Xavier International
Shirley looked up as
her secretary knocked on the door.
“Shirley, David McIlroy
has arrived in reception. Shall I bring
him up?”
“Ask Susan to come in
first please,” Shirley said as she put her pen down. Standing up, she walked over to the window
and looked out over Central Park.
Hearing the knock on
the door, she said “come,” turning and smiling as Susan came in. She was wearing a pale grey jacket and skirt
with a cream silk blouse, while Shirley was wearing a grey jersey dress with
matching heels.
“Are you ready for
this?”
“I suspect this is
merely the first of several meetings in which he will be slowly persuaded,”
Shirley said, “but let us see what he has to say as an opening salvo. Annabelle, please bring him in here.”
Her secretary nodded as
she left for the lobby.
“Interesting building,”
David’s assistant said as she sat in the armchair, “functional, yet classic at
the same time.”
“From what I have read
of the company, it fits exactly the ethos of the chief executive,” David
McIlroy said with a smile. He was
dressed conservatively, in a dark grey suit, blue shirt and grey tie, his shoes
highly polished. The woman with him wore
a black jacket and skirt with a white blouse underneath.
“Mister McIlroy?”
David stood up with his
assistant as the smartly dressed woman walked over.
“Miss Xavier is ready
to see you now – if you will follow me?”
“Of course,” David said
as they followed her through the security gate to the elevator, stepping in as
the doors closed.
A few moments later,
she knocked on the door as David heard the deep, smooth voice say “come.”
“Miss Xavier,”
Annabelle said as she opened the door, “David McIlroy.”
“A pleasure to meet
you, Miss Xavier,” David said as he came in, “I believe we met at the ball, in
passing?”
“Indeed,” Shirley said
as they shook hands. “May I introduce
Susan Walker, the head of my New York office?”
“Pleasure – my
assistant, Deborah Winters.”
The two women nodded as
Susan said “may we get some coffee for you, Mister McIlroy?”
“Please – black, no
sugar?”
“Miss Winters?”
“No, thank you, but if
I could have some water?”
“Of course, Annabelle,
coffee for three and some water, please?”
As Annabelle left,
Shirley said “won’t you take a seat,” indicating the leather chairs around a
coffee table.
“It’s good of you to
agree to meet me today, Miss Xavier,” David said, “I appreciate it.”
“Well, I have looked at
the progress AMININCO have made over the last few years with great interest,”
Shirley said as Annabelle returned, setting the tray down and placing the bone
china cups on saucers, before handing Deborah a glass of chilled water.
“Indeed – we have been
aware of your company for some time,” David said as he was handed a cup of
coffee, “even if you yourself have been somewhat in the shadows until
recently.”
“Well, in the past we
have allowed our reputation for discretion to guide clients to us,” Susan said,
“but two years ago, we decided it was time to become a more public facing
company. We were already reasonably well
known in our West Coast branch, and we followed their model.”
“As for myself,”
Shirley said as she sipped her drink, “I much preferred to remain in the
background, and trust my staff, but I have also discovered the benefit of being
more – outgoing.”
“Indeed – your
sponsorship of major events and sporting teams, and your reputation in the
niche insurance markets, have been noticed by us and others.”
“So,” Shirley said as
she crossed her legs and sat back, “why is AMININCO interested in Xavier
International?”
“May I be direct?”
“I always prefer
openness and honesty,” Shirley said with a smile.
“Well, we have observed
the leadership role Xavier Insurance has had in the insurance of fine art and
high end imports and exports – a market AMININCO is very interested in
expanding into.”
“So do you seek to
adopt our model?”
“Actually,” David said
as he put his cup down, “I wanted to inform you we were interested in
purchasing your insurance arm from you.”
“You are aware this is
a private company?”
“We are – hence my
request to meet with you today, to inform you of our intention to make an
offer.”
“Well,” Shirley said
quietly as she put her cup down, “I thank you for your openness and discretion,
and I am flattered such a large company as yours is interested in making a
bid. Having said which, and I cannot stop
you making such an offer, at this time I am not interested in selling.”
“I understand,” David
said as Deborah looked on, “but I hope the offer we make will at least make you
reconsider.”
“As I say, I cannot
stop you making an offer,” Shirley said as she looked at Susan, “but as a
private company, any deal must be discussed with me and my board of
directors. At this stage, I must again
say we are united in our desire not to sell, but we look forward to hearing
from you in due course.
“I return to the UK
tomorrow,” Shirley said as she stood up, “but Susan will be able to appraise me
of anything you send.”
“I can ask no more than
that at this stage,” David said as he stood up, Deborah following his
move. “I look forward to speaking to you
again, Miss Xavier.”
“Good morning, Mister
McIlroy,” Shirley said as she shook their hands, and Susan showed them out.
“So, first
impressions,” David asked Deborah as they walked out.
“She intrigues me – she
is definitely in charge,” his assistant said, “and she is strong willed. I think we have a fight on our hands.”
“Good – I like a
fight,” David said as they hailed a cab.
“Well, Madame,” Susan
said as she came back into the office.
“I am sure they will
submit a bid – remain open to talking for now, but start some background checks
on both of them please. I prefer to know
my enemy.”
11 am
Complete Style
“Well, there it is,”
Mary said as she watched Kylie flip slowly through the catalog, “what do you
think?”
"I can't believe
that of the 110 outfits Alice is showing, 12 of them are mine." Kylie
shook her head and then put the booklet down.
"Well that is why
it's an APCO show and not an Alice MacKinnon show." Mary Thomas smiled at
her protégé.
"I guess so."
Mary leaned back
against her desk and looked at the young blonde. "You look happy at least."
"Well being here
in the wardrobe always makes me happy. This place is just so incredible."
"It is isn't it?"
Mary looked round happily. "So did you take a look at the new
arrivals."
"Some of them...” Kylie stood up and stretched. “If that's what is being shown by some of the
top designers then I'm not entirely sure that I'll be happy with this year’s
fashions."
"Don't let this go
to your head Kylie Kiddo,” Mary said, “but I personally prefer the more classic
look of your APCO collection."
"Thank you
darling." Kylie smiled. "I like experimentation, but some of these
silhouettes I think will just look stupid on a model."
"I'm going to be
VERY interested what other fashion writers make of them."
"Did you hear by
the way,” Kylie said, “Juliette is letting Janine write a page on fashion
week?"
"I did,” Mary said
with a smile, “and it’s about time, Janine is a very good little writer, she
should do very well discussing this year’s new accessories."
"Marina was
talking to me about it."
"Oh? And what did Miss Marina have to say?"
"Well darling, she
has no ambitions to become a fashion writer..."
"Nor a designer
like you?"
"No," Kylie
smiled, "but she does think that one day she'd maybe like to see if she
could move into the publishing side."
"I can see
that," Mary paused, "and being in on the birth of these new editions
will certainly expose her to the business side of Complete Style."
"Well it's only
something she's thinking about darling."
"Yes but it's good
to see she has some ambitions for herself and not just for you."
“True,” Kylie said with
a smile, “very true...”
Marina opened the doors
to Merlin’s Cave and looked round.
“Mary? Kylie?
Are either of you in earshot?”
“In the back,” Mary
called out, looking round as Marina joined them.
“So this is where
you’re hiding,” she said with a smile.
“Working Darling – Mary
was showing me the catalogue for Saturday, and some of the other dresses.”
“Well, I wanted to
remind you we need to leave at two – we have a meeting with Shirley over at
Xavier International.”
“I have not forgotten.”
“So what does Shirley
say of your move,” Mary asked.
“She wished me luck,
and said she understood it was too good an opportunity to pass on,” Marina said
with a smile.
“Ai that it is,” Mary
said with a smile. “Now, can ye take
these up to Janine please? She’ll need
them.”
3 pm
Xavier International
“So, let us review what
has been decided so far.” Shirley looked round the table as Susan, Cathy and
Helen checked their notes.
“The school year ends
on the 1st of July,” Cathy said, “when does Anna want Maria to
start?”
“Anna officially starts
her new position on 1st August,” Shirley said as she looked at her
notes, “but she is keen for Marina to be here before then.”
“I would like the girls
to be here for the 4th July holiday, if that was possible,” Susan
said, “start their new like here with a break.”
“Sorry we’re late,”
Juliette said as she came in with Marina and Kylie, “have we missed much?”
“No – there is fresh
coffee in the pot,” Susan said, “we were just recognising the window of
opportunity in July for the move.”
“Why don’t we all get
some coffee,” Shirley said as she stood up.
"Well Kylie I
understand that you got a sneak preview of things that will be shown during
fashion week?" Madame asked.
"I did, and some
of it I positively hate...As an example Madame darling, what is the point of
having gorgeous slim models like Abby walk your show if you are going to cover
them up with loose oversized garments?"
"Oh on that we
agree Kylie,” Shirley said, “street inspired fashion isn't exactly me you
know."
"I don't think it
is any of us who are beyond a certain age," Cathy nodded as she took a cup
of coffee from Susan.
"I didn't even
wear that sort of thing when I really was young enough to do so." Shirley
added.
"It just makes me
question why I bothered raising myself out of a squat in North London if
designers want to make me dress as though I still live in one." Marina
also took a cup.
"I know just what
you mean." Susan served herself.
"So any hints on
what I should be buying Kylie?" Helen asked.
"Well from what I
can see ankle boots in every conceivable shape, colour and design are going to
be a huge feature darling."
"Worn with
what?"
"Virtually
anything." Kylie shook her head. "But good dark tights or leggings
mainly."
"Okay." Helen
nodded.
"Are you taking an
active interest Helen?" Cathy asked.
"Well as I pass as
someone on the edge of the fashion industry it behoves me to do so I
think."
"Quite
right." Marina agreed.
“Then the job you have,
as one who follows, is to help Anna and Pippa to show the designers how wrong
they are,” Juliette said as she sat down.
“Well, part of your job
as well,” Marina said.
“Yeah – gonna have my
work cut out there,” Juliette said with a smile. “So, where were we?”
“Kylie, you finish
school on the 1st of July, correct?”
“Well, technically it
is the 8th, Darlings, but I think I can be released a week early
given my situation.”
“And Marina, your
contract starts?”
“First of August
officially, I get the feeling Anna wants me around for a couple of weeks
beforehand.”
“Well, Susan has
suggested you come back for the Independence Day celebrations – and I think
both Helen and I will arrange to be here for that time as well. How did it go at St Angela’s yesterday?”
“No problem with Kylie
joining next year,” Susan said, “they will forward the details in due course.”
“Excellent,” Shirley
said, “Kylie, we have already agreed Xavier International will arrange payment
of your fees. Consider it a
retainer. So, it is now mid February –
we have about four and a half months in which to make further arrangements. Accommodation?”
“With all due respect
to Susan,” Marina said, “we cannot stay in her apartment permanently. I need to find somewhere for both of us.”
“We may have something
to help there,” Juliette said, “the apartment we loaned to Shirley for the last
few weeks is going to be kept empty for refurbishment. I am sure Sandy is open to talking to you
about it.”
“Which provides cover
for Kylie for when you travel as well,” Helen said, “as well as Pepsi and
others close to hand.”
“Sounds good,” Cathy
said, “and I understand there are various places nearby that serve that full
breakfast you like at the weekends.”
Marina laughed as Helen
shook her head.
“Well, we have time to
make the full arrangements,” Juliette said.
“You’re all coming to Munich in April, so we can regroup then. When do you fly out Shirley?”
“Tomorrow – but I will
see you all in April.”
7 pm
The Village
“Okay... Let me move that over here and that back
here...”
Becca and Pepsi were
standing in the front room of Ama’s apartment, as Kylie moved the cloth she had
put over them around.
"Why are we
standing here with all this cloth just draped over us like this?" Becca
asked as Kylie adjusted some of the pins she had put in the sheeting.
"You are here
because Abs, Doc, and Jeannie are all walking shows tonight, and I needed
models to look at these ideas on. And we
are here because Caroline is also working, and you have an excellent pizzeria
nearby."
"Do you get what
she's doing?" Becca asked Pepsi as Kylie stepped back a couple of places
and stared hard threw her glasses.
"Stand still
darling." Kylie spoke as Becca fidgeted.
"She's getting
ideas regarding hemlines and other things I think." Pepsi looked at Becca
herself. "Should you try a little shorter Kylie?"
"I was thinking
that." Kylie started taking out pins and lifting the hem upwards.
"About there?"
"I'd wear
that." Ama spoke as she came back from the door with the pizzas.
"Me too."
Nikki smiled as she brought out cans of coke.
"Alright
then." Kylie snapped pictures of Becca from different angles.
"I like the drape
of this over just one shoulder and with the fabric gathered towards the
shoulder like this." Pepsi smiled as Kylie switched her attention to her.
"Well it's just an
idea darling, but can you imagine it like that but in satin?"
"Very fitted over
the bustline?" Nikki grabbed the fabric behind Pepsi and pulled it taught.
"Oooh nice idea
darling." Kylie picked up a clip and fixed it to the back to maintain the
tight line.
"Hey a girl has to
breathe you know?" Pepsi complained.
"Another clip to
tighten the waist...and then let it billow in a full skirt..."
"Kylie that might
just work." Ama pursed her lips as Kylie took more pictures.
“All right – we’ll let
you breathe and eat now,” Kylie said as she unpinned and removed the cloths,
the five girls sitting round as they opened the pizza boxes.
“So you’re coming to St
Angela’s then,” Ama said as she bit into a slice.
“I believe I will be
darling,” Kylie said, “so long as you will have me as a fellow student.”
“Of course we will – so
will you do the same classes?”
“I am not entirely sure
yet – but I will join you in the joys of Math.”
“Ah, the shared torture
of Jeannie Brewster,” Pepsi said as they all burst out laughing.
7 pm
The Waldorf Astoria
“Hey,” Charly said as
she waved from the bar, “when did you two get in?”
“An hour ago,” Mary
Clarke said as she and Trina kissed the young princess. “Where’s your mother?”
“Gone with mine to have
dinner with some friends,” Fiona Treharran said as she joined them. “Did you all get the same message from
Juliette and Missy?”
“To meet them here for
dinner,” Trina said, “any sign of them yet?”
“Not yet – so let’s
have a drink while we wait – one of us is celebrating.”
“Oh,” Charly said,
“who?”
“Trina,” Mary said with
a laugh, “although she has to endure a shoot on enemy territory.”
“I mean you doofus,”
Trina said as she punched Mary in the arm, “Miss Face of Cadeau Aphrodite.”
“Oh wow,” Charly said,
“that is a cause for celebration. Let me
get you a drink.”
“No time,” Fiona said,
“boss at ten o’clock.”
“Sorry I’m late girls,”
Juliette said as she came over, “grab your coats and come with me. I’m going to drive you to where we’re going to
eat.”
“You called home Mary,”
Trina said as they stood up.
“Of course, they all
wished me luck this week,” Mary said as Mary took them out to the car, waiting
until they got in before she got behind the wheel.
“Now,” Juliette said,
“I hope you don’t mind if we make a pit stop on the way.”
“You need to go back to
the office, Juliette?”
“Oh no,” Juliette said
as she pulled into the traffic, “you’ll see.
Sit back, relax – you are going to find this a very special night...”
8 pm
“Where are we,” Trina
asked as Juliette pulled into the underground car park.
“As I said, don’t worry
– and your security detail in particular know what is happening Charly,”
Juliette said as she got out of the car.
“Please, get out and follow me.”
“Why do I feel as if I
am in a bad spy movie,” Fiona said as they walked across the car park and
through a door into a room. Her idea was
given some credence as they saw a figure in the room, a hooded robe covering
them.
“Are these the novitiates,”
the figure said as Juliette closed the door.
“They are, Sister
Titi,” Juliette said, “will you wait with them and prepare them until I call?”
The figure bowed as
Juliette said “wait here – you will be sent for in due course.” She made her way through another door, as the
robed figure looked at the four young girls.
“Do any of you know
what’s going on,” Trina said as she looked round the room.
“Yeah – yeah I do,”
Fiona said as the hooded figure looked at them.
“Fi?”
“Calm yourselves,
prepare yourselves,” she said, “I will prepare you soon...”
“Who are we waiting
for?”
“One other,” the hooded
figure said as the outer door opened.
The new arrival looked
at Trina and Mary, in their jumpers and jeans, Fiona in her white blouse and
skirt, and Charly in her blue dress.
They in turn looked at the young girl in her sweatshirt and leggings.
“Katy? Katy Carter?”
“Er – hi,” Katy said as
the hooded figure nodded at Diana, who nodded in response and went through the
other door. “Does someone want to tell
me what is going on?”
All four looked at
Fiona, who nodded and said “Well, I think we’re about to undergo initiation...”
“Initiation? I’ve already had to undergo one of them,”
Trina said with a groan. “If this
involves a large glass of gin...”
“No – it’s not that
sort of initiation,” Fiona said. “This
is something else entirely. Completely
different...”
The scene was like an
old horror movie, as the group quietened down.
"Okay Sisters it
is not very often we get a near full attendance at a meeting of the Grand
Council," the tall woman in the hooded robe looked at each of the other
women seated at the large oval table in the darkened, candle-lit room. "So
can I open by thanking you all for trying so hard to get here tonight?"
"Our pleasure
darling," one of the hooded figures drawled.
"We are gathered
for the most joyous of things, the ritual of bringing into our sisterhood a
group of novices, and can I say that I believe this group to be among the best
we have ever inducted."
"Agreed," a
few voices murmured.
"Our sisterhood is
a thing we all value I know, and I'm sure that each of these novices as we
ourselves did will find this a night they remember for the rest of their
lives."
“AYE!”
The hooded figure
turned and looked at another person. "Sergeant-at-arms
- will you please bring the novices in?"
"I will
Mother."
The room watched as she
bowed, walked to a door, and passed through.
“Sister Titi, the
presence of the novitiates is requested.
Are they prepared?”
“They are,” the hooded
figure said as she looked at the five young women. Their wrists were lightly secured behind
their backs, their eyes covered with black cloths.
“It’s okay girls,”
Trina said, “just go with the flow...”
“Do not speak – you
will answer the questions you are asked, and listen, and learn. Line them up.”
The five girls were
lined up; Katy wondering what was going on as they were marched into the candle
lit room. The group sat round the table
in silence as they were lined up along a wall.
“Sister Titi,” Mother
said, “what business do you bring before the sisterhood tonight?”
“I bring before you
these five novices, mother, who have shown themselves worthy for inclusion in
the sisterhood.”
“Oh god,” Fiona
whispered, “It is an initiation.”
“What is going on,”
Mary whispered as Mother said “Name the candidates and reveal their eyes.”
“Fiona Treharran.”
Fiona blinked as the
scarf was removed, and looked round the room as Sister Titi handed to her her
glasses.
“Charlotte Elphburg.”
“I see you managed to
get our youngest ever candidate here,” the Sergeant-at Arms whispered to Mother
as Sister Titi said “Katrina Culver.”
"Well we have
already inducted Baby G's daughter at age 14, I think it's a safe risk that
Lolita even though she's still only 13 will have a HUGE career as well
Pelican."
“Mary Clarke.”
"Well I agree on
that Mother."
"I fought it out
with her mother and grandmother, we had a few heated phone calls, but they gave
in in the end."
Both women paused as
Katy had her blindfold removed.
“Katherine Carter.”
Katy blinked as she
looked round, and then at the other four.
“Fiona, Charlotte,
Katrina, Mary, and Katherine - you
are brought before the sisterhood of Pi Tau Alpha to be considered for
membership of the sorority. You have
been considered by the senior sisters, and have found to be worthy of the offer
of membership. To accept is to agree to
do certain things, and I invite Sister Pelican, the Sergeant-at-Arms, to ask
you to take the oath of fellowship.”
Mary looked at the hooded
figure who stepped forward with the book, and then relaxed as she heard
Juliette say “Novitiates, do you agree to be as one with your sisters, support
them in their times of need, celebrate with them in their triumphs, and console
them in their tragedies?”
“Respond, if you desire
to join, with we do,” Mother said, looking at the five girls as they all said
“We Do.”
“Do you swear to uphold
the rules and regulations of the Sorority, and in doing so stand firm one with
another?”
“We Do.”
“And do you swear
always to support one another, sister by sister, in all you face?”
“We Do.”
“As do I,” Juliette
said as she bowed to Mother, “as do all the sisters gathered here today.”
“Is this what it was
like when you joined your sorority,” Charly whispered to Trina.
“There was more
drinking involved,” Trina whispered as Mother said “Thank you Sister Pelican. Who brings forward these novitiates for membership? For Fiona Treharran – Sister Love Bandit, do
you in good faith sponsor Fiona Treharran?”
“I do,” Fiona heard her
mother say as a hooded figure came and stood beside her.
“Sister Topaz, do you
in good faith sponsor Charlotte Elphburg?”
“I do,” another figure
said as she walked over, Charly gasping as she realised it was her mother.
“Sister Tufty, do you
in good faith sponsor Katrina Culver?”
“I do,” Mandy said as
she walked over.
“Sister Pelican, do you
in good faith sponsor Mary Clarke?”
“I do,” Juliette said
as Mary grinned.
“Sister Flush, do you
in good faith sponsor Katherine Carter?”
“I do,” the final
figure said as she stood and walked over.
“Novitiates, these
sisters in good standing have agreed to sponsor you for membership. If you are willing and desire to join them,
kneel and bow your heads.”
The five girls looked
at each other, kneeling and feeling the hands of their sponsors on their right
shoulders. Mother walked over and stood
in front of them.
“Novitiates, will you
accept the invitation to join the Pi Tau Alpha sorority, and enter into all the
rights and privileges of such membership?”
“We do,” they said as
one.
“Very well then – as
Principal of the Sorority, I welcome you into our sisterhood, and will grant
you your new names as members of the Sorority.”
Linda walked forward
and placed her head on Fiona’s head. “Fiona
Treharran, I name you Sister Magoo – welcome.”
“Thank you Mother,” Fiona
said as she started to grin.
“Charlotte Elphburg, I
name you Sister Flavia – welcome.”
“Thank you Mother,”
Charly said quietly as Linda moved on.
“Katrina Culver, I name
you Sister Gold Rush – welcome.”
Trina nodded, wondering
what had just happened before she whispered “thank you mother.”
“Mary Clarke,” Mother
said as she stood in front of Mary, and placed her hand on her head, “I name
you Sister Worker – welcome.”
“Thank you Mother,”
Mary said as she bowed her head. This
was the first time she had been invited to join anything, and it felt right
“And finally, Katherine
Carter, I name you Sister Lolita – welcome.”
“Thank you Mother,”
Katy whispered, still not quite believing what was happening.
“Sponsors, these
novitiates have been accepted into full membership of Pi Tau Alpha, and in the
presence of those sisters present, I announce them to be such members. Let the word be spread, and let them be free
to accept the honor.”
“Mother,” Fiona said as
she had her hands freed, then turned and hugged her mother, “why didn’t you
tell me?”
“You never get told if
you are to be initiated to a sorority,” Trina said, “but this is a shock.”
“Very well deserved,
darling,” Mandy said as she hugged the young heiress.
“Topaz,” Charly said as
she looked at her mother.
“Long story,” Terri
said with a smile.
“Juliette, what just
happened?”
“Mary, you are now in a
very exclusive sorority,” Juliette said.
“Look at who is here.”
Mary looked round as
she saw the models remove their hoods, Jeanne Beckman hugging her and saying
“welcome” before she moved to greet Jerry Hall and Trudie Styler.
"Okay will someone
FULLY explain?" Katy smiled.
"PTA is the models
sorority,” Pru Stratton said as she removed her hood, “only girls who are or
will be, top girls are invited to join."
"You mean you guys
think I will..."
"Lolita darling
it's a certainty you'll make it." Tufty drawled.
"But why the
nicknames?"
"It separates
those who are real insiders from the wannabes." Juliette smiled,
"with the exception of a few outsiders who routinely deal with us the
membership list is secret."
"Grand Council is
the official governing body." Natalia Voidanova smiled as she kissed each
of the initiates.
"In that Supernova
is right, and girls if you don't mind we have council business to talk
over." Mother reminded the other girls. "There are refreshments
outside if you don't mind waiting?"
"No not at
all," Charly smiled.
“Come this way,” Jeanne
Beckman said as she led them into a room, and gave them each a drink.
“I will say this,
Lolita,” she said with a smile as she handed Katy a drink, “you have made Baby
Supermodel very happy. Well, you and
Baby G, but that’s another story.”
“Why?”
“She’s no longer the
youngest member.”
"Well I never
expected this." Katy shook her head as she sipped her orange juice.
“Well, it is well
deserved,” Diana said with a smile. “I
will make sure you get home later, Katy.
In the meantime, I have been asked to give you these.”
She handed them a bound
folder each, with μτα embossed in gold on the front. “Your induction packs.”
"I thought maybe
in a couple of years, but this early in my career...no." Trina shook her
head.
"So you knew your
mother was a member?" asked Charly.
"Yes, but largely
inactive."
"Well I had NO
CLUE." Charly shook her head.
"Why do I know I
just did something very important, but cannot understand why?" asked Mary.
"Because in the
years to come the support from your sisters will mean the world to you,"
everyone looked round at Grace who had just slipped in.
"CONGRATULATIONS!" she embraced each girl in turn, "and you can
call me Palomino."
"When I go to St
Angela's?" asked Katy.
"No...Only in
private, secret sorority remember, you tell no one Katy, not your family, not
your friends."
"WOW!"
"How do we
identify each other then?"
"You need to read
the news sheets, and have a great memory for names Gold Rush."
"Palomino, the Grand
Council will see you now." Titi said as she came to the door.
“Excuse me girls – I’ll
be out shortly,” Grace said as she walked through the door.
"This is like a
Who's Who of the profession." Trina shook her head as she looked at the
roll of sisters in her initiation package.
"I see Jeannie is
a member." Katy looked up from reading.
"Baby Supermodel
or BS...That's appropriate," Fiona laughed.
"Are we expected
to remember all this?" Mary asked.
"I'd guess
so." Trina nodded.
“Sister Greyhound? Sister Elmore? Now that is different...”
“Who are... How on earth did they come up with these
names?”
“I’m just grateful they
didn’t call me Sister Stringbean,” Mary said as looked round the room.
“Oh I don’t know – if I
can cope with Sister Stick, I think you could manage that.”
The five turned to see
Abby as she arrived with Jeannie and Maggie Fife.
“Well now,” Jeannie
said as Katy came over and hugged her, “I guess I really am not the baby
anymore.”
“The name sticks,” Abby
said as she hugged Mary and the others, “trust me on that.”
“So that’s why your
mother brought me here,” Katy said, “I thought we were heading home. Where is here anyway?”
“Not important,” Maggie
said, “what is important is the fact you are here. So have they finished in there?”
“We have now,” Mother
said as the doors were opened and she came out.
“Now I get the chance to welcome you properly – and then send you home
and to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
One of you has school, and the others a busy day ahead.”
“I hear they got you
for Marc Jacobs next week, Maureen and Stick,” Mandy said as she came out.
“Yeah – and then they
told us about the Nun who would be walking the show as well,” Maggie said, “so
we may just have to hope Holly talks to her first.”
“Oh – who is it?”
“Lady Gaga.”
“She was a Nun?”
“Oh yes – I suppose
something else good apart from Nell Rochermann and Hilly came out of that...”
"Did you walk the
Kanye West show Abs?" asked Fiona.
"PLEASE!"
Abby shook her head, "the whole damn thing was just one big ego trip for
him and the Kardashian/Jenner clan."
"Which means you
did?" asked Charly.
"Yes...and hated
virtually every minute."
"I'd already
committed myself to doing Marissa Webb's show, and I kept the engagement."
Jeans smiled.
“You were the lucky one
- but it makes me appreciate Saturday all the more...”
“Forgive me, Abby,
Jeannie,” John said as he came in, “but I need to get you home soon.
"As always John
here is one of the unsung heroes of fashion week." Abigail smiled.
"He's been planning for a while how the hell he's going to get Jeannie and
some of us as well from show to show."
"Granddad is a
true star." Jeannie looked up proudly.
"Well I wouldn't
say that."
"You are though
John." Abigail kissed him on the cheek.
"Well other then
flattering John here," Missy walked in, "does everyone know where she
is supposed to be and when?"
"Yes, but whether
I can get from place to place on time only time will tell." Fiona nodded.
"Just watch girls
like your Mom Fi, and other veterans like Grace, they know all the little
tricks for getting to the end of this marathon."
Friday 12th February
10 am
Complete Style
“So what did your
mother say when you got back to the hotel,” Mary said as she came into the
lobby with Fiona, Charly and Trina following them in.
“Congratulations – and
no more than that,” Fiona said as Mary came out of the lifts.
“Ah there you all are,”
she said as she hugged each of them.
“Come on up – Missy and Juliette are in her office, but I need you to
come with me for a moment Mary. Someone
I want you to meet.”
“Okay,” Mary said as
she looked at the others.
“If you three go with
Marina,” Mary said as the young girl came out, “we’ll join you shortly.”
“If you will come with
me,” Marina said as she indicated the elevator, the party walking in and then
Mary taking the young Californian to one side as the others headed to the
editorial floor.
“In here,” Merlin said
as she opened the door to her cave, and showed Mary in. As they walked in, Mary heard a young English
voice saying “I am honoured you think so highly of my work darling.”
“Oh believe me, I do,
and I look forward to working with you once you make your home... Ah Merlin - and Mary.”
“Hey Bats,” Merlin
said, “Mary, you didn’t get a chance to meet her properly last night by all
accounts, but this is Alice MacKinnon, the head of APCO, and this little wizard
here is Kylie Mitchell.”
“It’s a real pleasure
to finally meet both of you in the flesh,” Mary said as she hugged both of
them, “especially you Kylie. The dress
you designed for me is truly stunning.”
“Oh – something I
should know about,” Alice said as she raised an eyebrow.
“A private commission,
Alice darling – but, if after next week Mary is agreeable, I will show you the
design.”
“Can’t say fairer than
that,” Alice said with a smile. “Right –
I need to go and talk business upstairs.
Merlin, Worker, Kylie – I’ll see you all tomorrow morning.”
“See you Bats,” Merlin
said as she waved Alice off, and then looked at Mary.
“How did you?”
“I’m one of the few,”
Merlin said with a smile, “and congratulations lass.”
“You know, I never went
to college, so an initiation is totally new to me,” Mary said. “According to Trina, that was a positively –
tame one?”
“Still, welcome to the
sorority darling,” Kylie said with a smile.
“Did I hear Mrs
MacKinnon say you are making your home here?”
“Indeed – it only
happened this week, but my friend Marina is taking up a new position here, so I
will be joining her here over the summer.”
“So you’ll finish
school here,” Mary said as she sat down.
“That is certainly the
plan at present – so you really do like the dress?”
“Oh yes – and the
jacket does set it off incredibly well.”
“I was telling Kylie that
the Vienna dresses had a fair number with the bolero jacket, so you are ahead
of the game,” Merlin said with a smile.
“So, where are you tonight?”
“Donna Karin tonight,
then APCO tomorrow afternoon. What is it
like walking her show?”
“Fun – different from
almost any other,” Merlin said with a smile.
“You will see tomorrow. Right
now, I need to get you upstairs. Kyles,
you all right down here?”
“Of course darling – a
pleasure to finally meet you Mary.”
“And you,” Mary said
with a smile as they left the office.
“So what are we doing
here this morning?”
“Team meeting with the
powers that be,” Merlin said as they entered the bullpen, and made their way to
the conference room. As they went in,
Mary saw Missy and Juliette sitting at the table, the others grabbing a coffee.
“Get a mug,” Juliette
said to Mary, “and take a seat. We have
a lot to talk about.”
12.30 pm
Bishop Walden School
“So are you involved in
the madness,” Liz said as she looked along the line.
"I'm only allowed
to walk a handful of shows," Katy explained to her friends as they sat on
the wall.
"Why?" asked
Laura.
"The child labor
laws." Shawnee replied.
"That's it...so
between them Mom, Gran, and Missy worked out a schedule for me."
"How many are
young people’s shows?"
"Not a one
Shawnee," Katy grinned proudly, "at each show I'm just another model,
and wearing grown-up things."
"Whoa I bet your
Mom had a fit?" Sandy asked.
"A little one, but
Mom gets to watch over me at each show, so she's there in case anything
inappropriate happens."
"My Mom is taking
me to the Carol Galvin Cancer Gala tonight." Liz smiled.
"Heather is taking
me as well." Sands looked at her friend.
"What about you guys?" Liz asked.
"Well I'm making
my real professional debut at the Nicole Miller Show at six," Katy
grinned, "but supposedly most of the girls are heading to the gala
straight afterwards, so I’ll see you there."
"God you are all
SO LUCKY!" Shawnee rolled her eyes.
“Tell that to the likes
of Abby and Jeannie – they have two shows again tomorrow night...”
“So did you get invited
to these things?”
“Nah - unless you are a
superstar like Abby who designers practically beg to walk their show, you have
to go to castings and the designers look at girls and decide who they want to
use."
"Oh is that what
you've been rushing off to do after school?" asked Liz.
"Precisely."
"Did you get more
invites to walk then you legally could?"
"I did
Shawnee...certainly after my notorious Lolita performance." Katy giggled.
1 pm
Inn in the Park
“Well girls are we all
in the mood for fashion week?” Nessa asked as she kissed all the early
arrivals.
“As far as one can be
given this changeable weather.” Sandy sat back down. “It’s playing havoc with
my schedule.”
“And why might that
be?” asked Liz.
“Because every time it
turns bad again,” Sandy said with a sigh, “flights get cancelled, deliveries
get delayed…when I’ve promised a client a job will be done by a certain date,
this causes me no end of trouble.”
“I can get that.” Liz
nodded.
“Plays merry hell with
construction as well.” Tonya smiled as she sat down.
“Which again has a
knock on effect for designers.” Sandy sighed.
“I get it, both of you
want a nice early spring.” Paulie said as she arrived with Jan and Jeanne.
“It would help.” Sandy
stood up and kissed the newcomers.
“Returning to fashion
week?” Nessa tried to restart the conversation. “I hope everyone cleared space
for the Blind Fashion Show next week?”
“With it meaning so
much to Olivia and Fiona,” Sandy said, “of course I have Mother.”
“I got tickets for me
and the girls.” Paulie added.
“I just hope it becomes
an annual event,” Jan smiled, “it is such a worthwhile idea.”
“As is the cancer
benefit tonight.”
“Agreed Mother,” Sandy
looked up from the menu, “Heather is taking Sands, but I’ll just send a
donation from me.”
“Why is that darling?”
asked Tonya.
“You know very well
Ton,” Sandy said as she shook her head, “I have to go calm down that witch out
in Greenwich because she can’t have a completion till next weekend.”
“Which gets us straight
back to the weather.” Tonya laughed.
“Did anyone see that
awful show last night?” Liz tried to steer back to topic.
“I did,” Gale sat down,
“I know that Kris is a friend of yours Nessa, but really?”
“I know,” Nessa said as
she shook her head, “I was discreet when I phoned her, but the phrase mutton
dressed as lamb did occur to me.”
“It was far too radical
for me to wear.” Diana plopped herself down, “and I’m sorry I’m late.”
“Katy was in raptures
over the Kanye show.” Jan tried attracting a waiter’s attention.
“She was?” asked Pussy
who as usual arrived looking a little dishevelled.
“Yes.”
“Well I suppose you
have to be her age to understand why one might wear it.” Paulie nodded.
“Am I the last?” Pussy
asked.
“No we are waiting on
Kelly and Claire.” Sandy smiled as a waiter finally approached.
“So is Katy ready for
tonight Jan?”
“I guess she is
Claire.” Jan stood up to allow the Congressman’s wife to slip in.
“Runway is a whole new
kettle of fish when you are doing it professionally.” Sandy smiled as the
waiter took the late arrivals orders. “I hated it, it’s one of the reasons I
got out of modelling.”
“Well Mary has been
working with her on her walk, and I must admit I’m impressed with it.” Juliette
said as she rushed in.
“I thought being
fashion week you’d not be with us today Ju darling.” Diana hugged her.
“Janine and Alexis are
covering for me, but if anyone rings you don’t know where I am…okay?”
“Day Two and you are
already needing a break?” Tonya giggled.
“YES!” Juliette rolled
her eyes.
“Well coming back to
Katy, she really seems totally prepared.” Jan sipped her wine.
“We were saying she may
be the only one who liked the Kanye West show,” Nessa said as Kelly slipped in.
“She may well be – I
know young Kylie wasn’t impressed.”
“Kylie Mitchell? Becca was telling me she was at St Angela’s
on Wednesday.”
“She was,” Juliette
said, “she and Susan were starting the process for her to come there next
year.”
Juliette looked at the
rest of the table. “Oh of course – only
Sandy and Diana know this.”
“Sandy told me,” Nessa
said, “but you can tell them now.”
“Wasn’t she going back
to London after Hong Kong,” Pussy said.
“Change of plan –
Marina has accepted a post with Anna as one of her new assistants, so they will
be making their home in Manhattan.”
“I’m going to have the
empty apartment in your block renovated for them Jan,” Sandy said, “make it
more suitable for two young women in Manhattan.”
“Do I need to put that
on my list,” Tonia said with a smile.
“Yup,” Sandy said with
a smile as the waiter took their orders.
“So will she do the
exams she wanted to?”
“Grace says it can be
arranged – they need to get the results from the exams she sits this year
first, but even if she has a complete disaster.”
“Which she won’t,”
Sandy said.
“Even then, the Diploma
gives a good start.”
“So I presume the young
designer of the year will spend time with you and Mary as well Ju?”
“And with Alice –
excuse me, I’ll be back in a minute.”
As Juliette went off,
Nessa whispered “everything ready for two week’s time?”
The table nodded as she
smiled.
5.30 pm
Nicole Miller Show
Jan looked round as she
watched Katy sitting in the makeup chair.
“Relax Mom,” Katy said
with a smile, “I’m not going out in a swimsuit or anything like that.”
“I know, but still...”
“It’s Janice Carter isn’t
it?”
Jan turned her head to
see Olivia and Fiona standing there.
“I’m Olivia Savage – my
daughter Fiona Treharran. Juliette said
you would be here with Katy, and asked us to introduce ourselves.”
“Oh right – she said
one or two of the others would be acting as a big sister for Katy. Pleased to meet you.”
“Hey Katy,” Marnie
Paget said as she walked by, “welcome to the world of mayhem. You only get to do one show today, right?”
“Yeah – then we’re
going to the cancer gala to meet some of the others.”
“Okay girls – to the
dressers please.”
“Showtime,” Fiona said
as she checked her glasses, “let’s get dressed.”
Katy nodded as she
followed them to the backstage area, as Missy came alongside Jan.
“Forgiven them yet for
last night?”
“I still think she’s
too young Missy, but when I see her like this...”
“You coming to the
Carol Galvin show after this?”
Jan nodded as Missy
said “I’ll drive you there – John is taking Abby and the others there from
their other shows. Come sit with me –
you get a ringside seat for this.”
“Olivia Savage is
wearing the jacket and skirt in black silk with the red rose design, while
Fiona Treharran wears the matching outfit in grey...”
Olivia and Fiona walked
down the catwalk, their hair parted as they smiled and posed, the skirts
covering their legs as the cameras flashed, and then they walked back
together.
“Ready?”
“No,” Katy said as she
swallowed.
“Well, remember the
wise words of Mary,” Marnie said.
“And those are?”
“Imagine your best
friend is out there, and do it just for them.”
“And now with designs
for the young at heart, please welcome Marnie Paget and Katy Carter.”
Katy took a deep breath
and walked out, remembering what Mary had taught her as she kept step with
Marnie, posing and smiling as her mother watched with Missy.
“I still see the kid
who loved My Little Pony and had pigtails, you know,” Jan said as she looked at
Katy with her parted hair.
“Oh she’s still
there...”
“Well done,” Marnie
said as she hugged Katy at the other side of the curtain, “now we go and get
the next outfit on pronto.”
“The life of the model
– not glamour at all.”
“No – but fun. Most of the time...”
6.30 pm
71 West 35th Street
“I’m sorry Mom couldn’t
make it, but I’m glad you came instead Heather,” Sands said as they entered the
venue. The young girl was wearing a
light grey trouser suit with a camisole top underneath, and black ankle boots,
while Heather had on a blue jacket over a white jersey dress.
“Hey Sands!”
“Hey Liz – you excited
as well?”
“I am indeed – you know
Heather, don’t you Mom?”
“Hello,” Liz’s mum said
as they shook hands. “Why don’t we sit
together?”
“Of course – come
on...”
Backstage, a very
nervous Mary Clarke was sitting with Trina and Charly.
“Jeanne Beckman wants
to talk to me? Why?”
“Because you’re a
shining new star, doofus,” Trina said with a smile.
“Make way, make way,
girl in a wheelchair,” Jeannie said as she and Abby came in, grabbing a bottle
of water each and taking a long drink.
“Glad you could make
it,” Trina said with a smile.
“First show overran –
for both of us,” Abby said as Jeanne walked over.
“Mary – are you ready?”
“I guess so – what do I
need to do,” Mary said as she walked over to where the set was waiting.
“First sit down, take
several deep breaths, and let my people work their magic,” Jeanne said as the
makeup artist touched up Mary. “Now, I’m
going to ask you about what it’s like to be here, and what this show means to
you. Relax, just be honest, all right?”
Mary nodded as the
director said “and in three... two...
one...”
“Hello everyone, I’m
Jeanne Beckman, and this is the Beckman Report.
I’m in New York for Fashion Week, backstage at the Carol Galvin
Foundation Women’s Cancer Fundraising Gala, and I’ve managed to grab a few
minutes with one of the breakout faces of 2016, Mary Clarke. Mary, welcome to the Beckman Report.”
“Thank you Jeanne,”
Mary replied quietly.
“Mary, you were
discovered by the legendary Missy Auerbach in San Francisco, and in a
relatively short time have graced the pages of Complete Style and Vogue, as
well as becoming the face of a major hotel in your home town. Have you managed to catch your breath yet?”
“Honestly, Jeanne,”
Mary said as she relaxed, “I’ve only just begun to realise what has
happened. I’m just taking it one day at
a time.”
“What’s been the
biggest surprise to you?”
“How accepting everyone
has been – I think I’ve made some real friends over the last few months,” she
said, smiling as she saw Trina and Abby watching.
“Now, we’re here to
raise money for research into women’s cancers.
I understand this is a subject dear to your own heart.”
“Indeed – my mother died
of breast cancer when I was 14, and when I was asked to walk this show tonight,
I was not only honoured, I wanted to use it to say thank you to her, wherever
she’s watching from, for everything she did for me and my family.”
“I’m sure she’d be very
proud of you.”
“I hope she would be.”
“Mary Clarke, thank
you, and good luck tonight.”
“Thanks, Jeanne,” Mary
said as the director said “we’re out.”
“Thank you,” Jeanne
said as she leaned over and put her hand on Mary’s, “I know that could not have
been easy.”
“Well, thank you for
letting me say that,” Mary said as she dabbed her eye. “I’d better get back to getting ready.”
“Go for it Worker.”
“Thanks Titi.”
Jeanne watched as Mary
walked off, Trina putting her arm round her shoulders as she comforted her.
4 pm Pacific Time
Oakland Hills
“All right,” Dave
Clarke said, “you can watch so long as you do your homework after dinner.”
“Thanks Dad,” Vicky
said as she started up the laptop.
"Mary setting us
up with the additional show coverage online is great."
"Means we should
see everything."
"Well it aint
cheap girls," Dave smiled, "but I think we can afford it."
"Yeah just
about," the girls giggled.
“Hey – the show’s just
starting!”
7 pm
“Hey Ju – working or
looking?”
“All three,” Juliette
said as she sat down with Heather. “I
want to see how this goes.”
“Big night for a few of
them,” Heather said as the lights dimmed.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
welcome,” the announcer said, “and please welcome to start our show, Abby de
Ros and Trina Culver!”
The audience clapped as
Abby came out, wearing a black lace backless evening dress, the skirt reaching
the floor, while Trina wore a white version with a knee length skirt.
As the audience
clapped, Mary was taking a deep breath at the entrance to the cat walk.
“Next out, one of the
newest faces to grace the modelling world, Mary Clarke.”
Mary strode out, her
long red sleeveless jacket falling to the ground behind her as the hood sat
over her head, the red mini dress fitting her like a glove. She smiled and posed for the cameras as
Charly walked out behind her, Jeannie following in her chair...
“These outfits are
amazing,” Liz said as she sat with Sands, “but why are some of the women
wearing animal masks?”
“I think it’s because
they’re wearing fox furs – they’re making a statement of some type.”
“It just looks
silly...”
“No – that was last
night...”
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
please welcome Meredith O’Connor!”
As the dark haired
singer started to sing, backstage the girls were having some water when Kate,
Missy, Jan and Marnie came in.
“Hey,” Abby said, “how
did the show go?”
“Not bad – Olivia and
Fi headed back to the hotel, but we thought we’d come and join you,” Missy
said. “So far, so good?”
“So far, so great,”
Trina said, “these clothes are amazing!”
"Who is the other
rather young looking model Abby?" asked Katy.
"Orion
O'Ryan...and believe it or not that is her real name, she's the 14 year old kid
from Belfast been doing what you've been doing here back in London."
"My competition
eh?" Katy assessed the redhead carefully.
“In the same way Lily
and I are, hopefully,” Abby said.
“We’ll go and join the
others front of house,” Jan said as she guided Katy to the door, “see you all
later.”
“Hey Jan, Katy,”
Heather said as they sat down, “all done for the night?”
“In terms of Katy
working, yes – how has the show been so far?”
“Different, but fun,”
Sands said as she handed a bottle of Coke to Katy.
“Well, these are
different from what I was wearing,” Katy said as Abby and Jeannie went past,
Abby in a blue sheath dress, Jeannie wearing a lace mini dress with black
boots.
“The joy of Fashion
Week – wait until the APCO show tomorrow,” Jan said. “That is going to be very different for
you...”
Midnight
The Richmond Mansion
“We’re back,” Heather
called out as she and Sands came into the mansion.
“In the kitchen,” a
voice called out, the two of them smiling as they saw Jo sitting at the
breakfast bar.
“Hey,” she said with a
smile, “did you have fun tonight?”
“I did Jo – how come
you’ve only arrived today?”
“Training, young Sands
– I’m only walking tomorrow and Sunday, and I fly back Sunday night. But tomorrow is Alice’s show – so all hands
to the pumps, as it were.”
“How’s the course
going?”
“Going well – but I do
have one bit of bad news, so let me get that out of the way now.”
“You can’t come South
with us?”
“Sorry – I’m going to
Dublin with Caroline and Ama. But I will
make the first race of the new season, and I will watch with Caroline.”
“Well, it can’t be
helped,” Heather said.
“I’m going to bed –
night Heather, Sandy.”
“Good night Sands,” the
two women said as she went up the stairs.
“So, I take it Buffalo
got cleared up,” Jo said quietly. “That
cop I paid a visit to was found in her house, with her throat slit. Clean, no clues – I smell Silent Death?”
“And friends – both of
whom are going to be moving to the city now in the summer.”
“Marina and Kylie? Carina told me she’d been offered a job at
CS.”
“Offered and accepted –
Kylie is going to do what you did, and join St Angela’s as a Junior next
year. Grace is hoping a timetable can
be drawn up to help her take the exams she wants to do.”
“Well, I think she’d be
fantastic there,” Jo said with a smile, “and she will bring a certain something
to the old girl.”
“Oh she’ll certainly
bring something,” Heather said, “that much is certain.”
Saturday 13th February
6.30 am
West Central Park
Katherine woke up,
wondering what the tapping sound she could hear was. Getting out of her bed, she could see the
light was on in the kitchen, so she put her robe on and walked in.
“Don’t tell me Jan is
being called out again,” she said to herself, only to stop as she saw Katy
tapping on the keyboard of her laptop, and drinking from a mug.
"Sorry did I wake
you Gran?" Katy said as she looked up from the computer.
"Katy - it's six
thirty in the morning."
"I know...I'm sorry...but I was too excited to sleep."
"Is there
any...?"
"Coffee? Yes I
just brewed a pot."
"So what are you
looking at?" Katherine asked as she sat down with a cup of coffee in her
hand.
"Pictures from the
shows last night...I was also checking out a model called Orion O'Ryan."
Katherine looked at the
picture of the young redhead and said "Who's she?"
"She's a 14 year
old Irish girl, and she's getting a lot of publicity."
"Just like you
eh?"
"Yes Gran."
Katy enlarged one photo. "She's good though, I get the feeling she and I
might be competing for things."
"What about young
Kaia Gerber?"
"Oh I think Kaia
is a little further up the ladder then we are."
"Do either of you
know what time it is?" Jan came in looking bleary eyed.
“Sorry Mom – I was just
excited about today, and I was looking at some of the things from last night.”
Jan poured herself a
mug of coffee and sat down. “This is
going to be a long day, isn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Katherine said,
“let’s see if we can catch a mid-morning film before we need to be there...”
“So long as it’s not
Zoolander 2,” Katy said, “from what the girls said of it, you would think Kanye
West directed it as well...”
8.30 am
The Richmond Mansion
“Good morning,” Sandy
said as she came into the kitchen, wearing a pair of old joggers and a
sweatshirt, “is that fresh coffee?”
"What time did you
get back from Greenwich Mom?" Sands asked as she did herself and Heather
French Toast.
"About two thirty
this morning...Sorry if I disturbed you lover."
"You didn't really,"
Heather finished the coffee and handed Sandy a mug. "We got back about midnight and I think
we both went straight to sleep."
“Once they had a chat
with me,” Jo said as she came in, and took a mug of coffee as well.”
“Want some French Toast
Jo?”
“Sorry, Sands – I’ve
got time for a coffee and Danish, and then I need to get to Adam Cabot’s place
for a shoot before the show later.”
“The life of the
model,” Heather said with a smile.
“Hey – it pays the
bills,” Jo said as she grabbed her coat.
“I’ll see you girls and George later.”
“Drive safely,” Heather
called out as Jo ran out.
"So,” Sandy said
as her daughter sat next to her, “was it a good show?"
"Oh it was...it
was mainly the work of that woman who won Project Runway. What's her name
Heather?"
"Irina
Shabayeva."
"That's her...this
one red dress was so wonderful."
"I only said we
might see about getting it made for you." Heather laughed.
"It would be so
perfect for my birthday later in the year."
"She wants a
couture dress?" Sandy laughed, "It's a good thing I did finally get
paid last night.”
"Yes I think she
might have raided her Trust Fund last night - your daughter liked a lot of the
clothes."
"Talking of
clothes any reports on Katy?"
"We were going to
look online later at the show Mom." Sands ate her toast, "but she
really did enjoy walking the show. She dropped into the show after hers
finished."
"Was Jan
happy?"
"Yeah, she seemed
glad the first one was out of the way." Heather finished her cup.
“Right – I presume Jo
is keeping after the show clear tonight?”
“Yeah – why?”
“Family time – I’m
insisting on it...”
8.30 am
The Huntingdown apartment
"Are you all ready
for the day?" Klaus asked as Juliette, Ingrid, and Carina sat gossiping
and drinking coffee.
"Yes...After I run
by the office." Ju stood up and kissed her man.
"Well I have a BIG
day planned for Judith and myself...Don't I?"
"YES GRAPPY."
his granddaughter nodded her head in a decisive manner.
"You don't mind
babysitting Pops?" Carina asked.
"Not at all."
"Well normally
Annie would do it, but she's helping Alice out as a favour today."
"I fully
understand." Klaus chuckled. "I get too little time with my
granddaughter anyway."
"So did I hear
Adam?"
"He came in for
coffee and promptly left." Ingrid smiled. "Fashion week is as busy
for photographers as it is for models."
“What’s he doing this
morning?”
“A shoot with Jo...”
8.30 am
The de Ros Mansion
Diana looked up as her
daughter appeared in the doorway.
"Tired
Cherie?"
"I am Mama."
Abigail stretched and yawned as she entered the kitchen, then adjusted her
glasses.
"Coffee Miss
Abby?"
"Oh please,"
Abby slumped into a chair, "I need waking up."
"Another week of this
yet darling." Diana looked at her over the pages of the Times.
"Don't remind
me...and then guest spots at shows in Europe each weekend of their fashion
weeks...PLUS school...Remind me again why I do this?"
"Because you love
it, or I'd never allow it." Diana put down her paper.
"Yeah once I'm
awake I start getting the buzz."
"Pancakes
Miss?"
"Oh please I have
a very long day, I need the calories to burn."
“I have booked the
tickets for next week, before I forget – we fly out Thursday lunchtime, and do
the show Friday night after the shoot.
You then at least get Saturday off before the ball.”
“Sounds good – I may
sleep until midday then...”
8.30 am
The Waldorf Astoria
"I'll see you
later Min." Mary waved bye to the Chinese model as her friends came in for
breakfast.
"Where is she off
to?" asked Charly as she sat down.
"She has some
pictures to shoot."
"Yeah I have some
to do later." Trina glanced at her phone.
"Everyone ready
for another busy day?" Angel giggled, "you know I feel like the veteran
with you lot."
"Well you
are." Fiona started looking at the menu.
"Where's your Mom
Fi?" Mary asked.
"Final fitting and
a rehearsal with Nick Wu for tomorrow."
"That's where Min
was off to."
"Yeah, this is all
about a lot more than just turning up and walking."
"As I keep telling
you...it's a real job."
"We know
Worker," the others laughed in unison.
"Do you mind if I
join you?" a girl with a strong Belfast accent asked.
"You may,"
Trina looked up, "It's Orion isn't it?"
"It is."
"Where's your
guardian?" asked Charly.
"My aunt lets me
at least eat without her." Orion smiled a little, "and I saw you all
last night."
“Yeah – you did well
last night,” Mary said.
“I meant to ask – who
was the blonde you were talking to after the show last night.”
“You mean Katy
Carter? She’s about the same age as
you.”
“She didn’t walk the
cancer charity show?”
“No – she had an
earlier one. This is her first Fashion
Week,” April said, “so she’s on a restricted list. You’re both doing this afternoon though,
right?”
“Yeah – what has she
done before?”
“One or two things –
she modelled the Lolita outfit at the charity show a few weeks ago.”
“OH – she’s THAT Katy
Carter,” Orion said, “right...”
10 am
The Brewster Brownstone
"Jeannie!"
"I know Granddad
it's showtime." Jeannie wheeled herself in wearing an old tracksuit, and
trainers, her hair in a ponytail and no makeup.
"If the people who
read the glossies could only see you now, " Barbara laughed.
"Well what sense
me putting my own makeup on?"
"I know."
"Girls if we are
going to do this?" John looked at his watch.
"Rehearsals,
fittings, and two shows...This will be a TOUGH one." Jeannie spoke softly.
“Right – we need to go
or you will be late,” John said, “onwards and upwards!”
11 am
Adam Cabot’s Studio
"That's great
Jo...you can take a break now." Adam looked up and smiled.
"Is it just me,”
Jo said as she stood up, “or are these the best thing Alice has ever
done?"
"Well I think they
are pretty special Jo." Aileen the shoot stylist helped her out of the
garment.
"It's going to be
a pretty wonderful show if these are the things she's NOT showing." Jo
shook her head.
"Well these are
for the Fitzstuart campaign."
"Like the ones
I'll be modelling in Ireland?"
"Exactly."
"Well I know these
are designed items and not the simple woollens that the first lot were, but I'm
going to see if I can get one of those chunky Arran cardigans we did first
today...This time of year it will be perfect for cold mornings on campus."
"Adam already ordered
himself one." Aileen laughed.
"Hmmm well if he
will wear it I wonder about getting Curt one?"
"It's a
thought."
"It definitely
is." Jo sat down to let them redo her makeup.
11 am
Manhattan
"Very nice
Caroline darling." Jack smiled, as she stood out on 35th Street seemingly
oblivious to the crowds round her and posing.
"Pru and you are
earning your fees this lunchtime." Minerva Turner of Elle the stylist
smiled.
"Well she has a
trousseau to pay for, and I have a teenage daughter...all work is gratefully
received."
"Isn't it just?"
Pru looked up as Luke explained the next setup to her, "and besides unlike
a lot of my colleagues I understand some of this street fashion."
"Well I'm glad I
got to borrow these highlights for the shoot." Minerva looked at the pics
Jack was downloading.
"As if ANY
designer isn't going to let Elle display their wares." Pru laughed as she
signed a couple of autographs for the watching crowd.
“Listen, Pru,” Caroline
said as she came over, “Lolita?”
“Oh yeah – she did well
the other night and last night by all accounts.”
“She did – but she’s
going to need some of us watching over her.
Up for it?”
“I already am dear,”
Pru said with a smile before she walked towards Jack,
11.30 am
The Village
"I should be there
by now." Grace said as she grabbed her keys.
"Slow down you
have time for coffee." Harriet stood up and pulled her into a chair.
"You'll burn
yourself out at this rate Grace." Sarah looked up from reading the
Saturday sports pages.
“All right, all right –
coffee,” Grace said as she put her hands in the air.
1.30 pm
Backstage, The APCO show
Juliette was sat in a
chair, a bottle of water to her side, her laptop open, her face deep in
concentration.
"Well certain
shows are going to stand out as beacons of elegance and style." Juliette
typed into her computer as her friends watched.
"Like what?"
Karen asked as she looked over Juliette's shoulder.
"Well like the
APCO show naturally."
"Thank you."
Alice spoke, "I am standing out a bit though against the trend."
"Well the trend
SUCKS!" Caroline spoke up, "so little of what I'm modelling is stuff
I'd actually wear."
"It's always been
that way darling...Remember we lived and worked through the grunge era."
"Oh don't remind
me Tufty." Juliette shook herself
"Well Nick's show
tomorrow has a certain class to it..."
"Other than we are
all walking it and giving it that something extra Bandit darling?" Mandy
interrupted.
"Well that helps,”
Olivia said, “but I think he knows there is an audience and buyers out there
are looking for more then most designers are showing."
"True,"
Juliette nodded as she typed.
"You know the kids
are calling it the old ladies show?" Grace sat down.
"And why might
that be?"
"Because they all
think we are positively ancient darling...including my dear daughter."
"Well Nick was
looking for models with sophistication, and I guess as older women he thinks we
have it."
"Why am I walking
it then Olivia?" asked Caroline.
"Because having a
teenage daughter ages you darling." Mandy ducked as a water bottle came at
her."
"You asked for
that one Caroline." Karen giggled.
“Yeah – yeah I suppose
I did. And some of said youngsters are
here as well...”
“So Katy’s coming
later?”
“That’s what Abby
said,” Carina said as she stood with Jo, “anyway, come and meet some of the
newest sisters.”
She walked her over to
where Trina and Charly were sitting with Fiona.
“Fiona, you remember
Jo, but I wanted to introduce her to Trina and Charly. Flavia, Gold Rush, this
is Greyhound.”
“Welcome to the show I
still can’t quite believe I’m in,” Jo said as she hugged them.
“She sounds just like
Worker.”
“Mary? I do want to meet her, where is she?”
Looking at her watch,
Trina smiled and said “checking in, probably...”
In a back corner, Mary
smiled as she dialled a number on her cell phone.
"Hey Pop."
"Hey Poppit...” Mary smiled as she heard her dad say “Howse
my girl?"
"Not too bad...but
my feet hurt."
"Why?"
"So much damn
walking. I know I used to complain when I worked at the hotel, but at least
there we wore sensible shoes, and not these high heels."
"Didn't I once
hear you say aching feet are an occupational hazard for models?"
"You did, the
other girls all told me, but I didn't quite believe them till today." Mary
laughed, "Most people think models carry makeup, etc round with them...NOT
TRUE...most are carrying small medical kits designed to care for their
feet."
"You know Poppit
you are destroying all the illusion of glamour for me." Dave laughed.
“Good,” Mary said with
a smile. “I really do love doing this,
pops, but it’s a job I’m beginning to love doing – sore feet and all.”
“Well, we’ll all be
watching you tonight up there.”
“Yeah – this is a very
different show to the others I’ve done so far.
Much more relaxed...”
“Time, ladies!”
“Gotta go Pops – I’ll
call you later tonight.”
“Stay safe, Kiddo.”
“Love you,” Mary said
as she ended the call, and walked out.”
“Mary – come here a
minute will you?”
“Sure Abby,” she said
as she walked to where Abby was standing with another familiar looking girl.
“Mary, this is my old
friend Jo Smith – we were at school together until last summer. Jo, meet Mary Clarke.”
“Pleasure,” Jo said as
they shook hands, “Abby’s told me a lot about you.”
“I’ve seen your adverts
– print and television,” Mary said.
“You’re a student, right?”
“Yeah – Psychology
major at William Smith.”
“GIRLS!”
“I see we arrived just
in time,” Katy said as she came in with her mother and grandmother.
“Yeah – time to get to
work...”
3.30 pm
“Okay girls – take a
break and then make your final preparations.”
The models broke off
into small groups, as Juliette stood talking to Alice for a few minutes. Unseen by most of them, Mary Thomas made her
way from the back of the hall, and took a seat near the catwalk.
"Okay Mary what do
you think?" Alice said as she sat down next to Merlin.
"Well at least you
are giving them something to look at Alice,” Mary said with a smile, “not 40 to
50 models all just wearing one outfit and the whole thing over in less than 35
minutes."
"Well I've always
thought a show should be a show."
"I know,"
Merlin sipped her coffee, "one or two of the girls were off cue if I put
my production hat on, but I'm sure you spotted that?"
"I did."
Alice nodded.
"Young Katy nearly
face planted herself."
"I saw that...”
Alice smiled as she said “she knows why she lost balance."
"Well other then
that I think you have a huge success on your hands as usual."
"Do I?"
"Yes, and I know
that the trends are anti-sophistication this week, but when you tot up orders
I'm willing to make a bet far more numbers get moved of your line than most of
the people who grab the headlines."
“Well, I can’t say
fairer than that,” Alice said with a smile.
“So where’s Kylie? I want her
backstage for the show.”
“She’s around
somewhere...”
Doc walked along the
back of the room, watching Kylie as she sat in a chair, her feet on the seat
and her knees under her chin.
"Why are you
sitting up here in a corner Kylie?" Doc asked as she sat down.
"Nerves,” Kylie
whispered, “and watching that run-through did not help."
"Why, everyone
loves the clothes..."
"They say they
do," Kylie interrupted, "but what will the professional critics say?
And will it be my pieces they dislike?"
"You are afraid of
letting Alice down?"
"I am
Kitten."
"Well don't be...” Doc smiled as she sat down. “I had to look see which designs were hers
and which were yours...Both were equally good."
"Or equally
bad." Kylie started to fret again.
"Kittycat you are
worrying needlessly." Doc sat down and put her arm round the English girl.
“I suppose so Darling,”
Kylie said with a smile.
“Come on, come and meet
some of the other models...”
Kylie and Doc made
their way backstage, passing the Beckman Report travelling set as Jeanne
Beckman was talking to Mandy Carrow.
“So what should we look
out for tonight, Mandy?”
"Classically chic
evening dresses darling, they are Alice's trademark almost." Mandy smiled
as she looked at Jeanne. "They make a woman feel like she's a woman."
"Are there any
other things you'd like to reveal?"
"No, only that I
know the public will not be disappointed later tonight."
"And thank you
Mandy." Jeanne made a cutting motion across her neck.
"Phew I hate
talking on camera darling." Mandy shook her head. "I always feel like
I'm having to act."
"No you come
across just like your friends know you," Jeanne smiled.
"Well I just
really wanted to say that Alice's collection is classically light and very
feminine."
"And you did
darling." Jeanne laughed as she parodied Mandy's drawl.
“Okay, okay,” Mandy
said as she left the set, and Alice came over.
“Let’s try and do this
in one take people,” Jeanne said, “this is a busy woman.”
“Careful, Titi, or I’ll
get you back on there as well,” Alice said as she was touched up.
“Not a chance,” Jeanne
laughed as the director counted them in.
“Joining me now at the
Beckman report is Alice MacKinnon, the CEO and Chief Designer of APCO. Alice, thanks for taking a few minutes out to
join us today.”
“Always a pleasure,
Jeanne,” Alice said with a smile.
“From what I’ve seen so
far, your show is going to be very different from many so far this fashion
week. Last year the Dior retrospective
was one of your major influences. What
has inspired the designs you are presenting tonight?”
“Well, in terms of
styles, I wanted to combine the classic lines with modern sensibilities and
materials. I personally see no reason
why it is not possible to combine style with functionality. So like Vera and others, looking back for
inspiration and bringing them to a modern view.”
“The colours you have
selected have also drawn my attention – a call back to the New England autumnal
scenes?”
“In part – but I have
drawn inspiration from other areas. Some
of the new designs we are producing with Fitzstuart Woollens reflect the style
of the Hebridean heritage that area shares.
Having said that, Jeanne,” Alice said, “I have used browns and oranges
in combination with other materials.”
“You’ve also included a
number of designs by young Kylie Mitchell, a rising talent in the design
world. Do you see her having a future in
the design world?”
“I would hope so, and I
hope people enjoy and appreciate what she brings to the show tonight.”
“Alice, you are also
famous for the accessories your models wear – the gloves, bags and other
items. Will you be bringing them to
tonight’s show as well?”
“Of course – I also hope
people appreciate the new line of waist cut jackets and mid length coats
designed to complement the outfits.”
“So what surprises can
we expect tonight?”
“Sorry Janine, but Mary
Thomas was not involved in tonight’s show, save as an adviser. I can promise classic, stylish clothing for
the sophisticated woman, be they old, young or just discovering themselves.”
“Alice, good luck
tonight.”
“Thank you Jeanne,” she
said as the camera went off.
"How did the
Fitzstuart shoot go darling?"
"Very well
Mandy." Jo looked at the reflection behind her in the mirror. "I
admired the designs so much."
"Well those are
down to Alice,” Mandy said with a smile, “my knitters just supply what she
asked for in the way of fabric."
"I saw in the
online version of The Scotsman newspaper that you have been buying from
knitters all over Western Scotland."
"Well after the
huge success of the basic sweaters it seemed logical to expand, and most
importantly it helps maintain these rural crafts in the Highlands and
Islands."
"Well I'm ordering
two of the Arran cardigan/jackets one for myself one for Curt."
"Yes they are
rather nice aren't they darling?"
“Oh yes,” Jo said with
a smile. “So this Irish shoot?”
“Ah yes – it should be
educational and interesting. I know it
means missing the race, but it cannot be helped, and you go straight to Munich
from there,” Mandy said with a smile.
“There is that,” Jo
said with a smile, “there is that...”
"So what
happened?" Jan asked Katy.
"I got cocky and
tried a twirl-turn...I know better now."
"Well it's good to
hear you are learning something from all this darling."
"Mom I'm just
learning SO MUCH!" Katy bubbled. "But I have to stop being
over-confident."
“Well, if you don’t
try, you don’t learn.”
Jan and Katy looked at
the young redhead standing in front of them.
“I’m Orion O’Ryan –
you’re Katy Carter, right?”
“Yeah – I saw your
photos from last night.”
“And I’ve seen
yours. It’s good to meet you.”
“And you. Have fun later.”
“She seems nice
enough?”
“Who does,” Katherine
said as she joined them.
“Orion O’Ryan over
there.”
Katherine looked over
at the young Irish lass, and the grey haired woman standing with her.
“Mum?”
“Oh nothing dear –
nothing... Will you excuse me a minute?”
Katherine walked slowly
out of the room, standing in the corridor as she closed her eyes and took
several deep breaths.
“Oh dear God,” she said
quietly to herself. “Her? After all these years?”
“Kathy? Kathy O’Dowd?”
Katherine turned her
head slowly and looked at the grey haired woman standing next to her.
“It is you? Don’t you recognise me?”
“Oh I do – Brenda, it
has been a long long time.”
“I know – forty years
at least. What are you doing here?”
“Well, my granddaughter
is Katy Carter. You?”
“My great niece is
Orion O’Ryan. You look well.”
“So do you,” Katherine
said quietly. “Well, we’d better get
back to chaperone duties.”
“I know – but if
there’s a chance, can we get together while we’re here?”
“I’m not sure – me and
your brother...”
“Please – I’d like it
if we could.”
“Okay - let’s talk
later...”
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