Dirty Little Secret

Chapter 74

After weeks of perfecting her runway walk & dress rehearsals, today is the day Kristina's been waiting for. Modeling a piece of the newest line for Versace. Kristina arrives outside of the Skylight Clarkson Square and Industrial building. She's already been given a badge & walks into the building. Everything is getting set up. The large white runway has been fully set up since today is day three of fashion week. Kristina is overwhelmed by her nervousness. Fashion week is a New York stable that is invite only & one of the most legendary events in NYC.

Kristina has dreamt of being in attendance which came true but to participate & work the runway was something she never expected. The chairs & seating arrangements have been made. Tony, Sophia, Happy, Genevieve & Peter will be attending. Kristina finally walks backstage. A woman with a clip board & a walkie talkie stands in her way.
"Name."
"Kristina Ruiz-Stark." She goes through her list.

"Welcome, Mrs. Stark. Donatella is waiting for you", she says with a smile.
"Thank you." Kristina heads further to the backstage area & finds Donatella.
"You made it!", Donatella says. They cheek kiss.
"I did. I'm so excited!"
"Wonderful. I'm excited to see you strut it out. Come, follow me." Donatella brings her over to the makeup artist.

"Estefania will do your makeup & Andy will do your hair while we steam the outfit. Show should be starting in an hour but you won't be on until later. Would you like anything to drink? Water? Champagne, perhaps?"
"Champagne would be great. Need to calm my nerves", Kristina chuckles.
"Of course. Coming right up." A backstage helper comes over to Kristina a few minutes later with a mini bottle of champagne & a straw.

"Here you are, Mrs. Stark."
"Thank you so much. What's your name?"
"Bella."
"Thanks, Bella. I appreciate it."
"Of course. Let me know if you need anything else."
"Will do."
"Good luck out there."
"Thanks." Bella walks off to do her duties.

The stylists & Kristina gossip & laugh while she indulges in the VIP treatment, sipping her champagne. Kristina's hair is styled into a high ponytail. Her makeup is done up to perfection. A smokey eye with false lashes, eyeliner, a glossy nude lip, contour, the works.
"Alright girl. Have a look. Tell us what you think", they say. Kristina stands up & looks in the mirror.

"Oh my god! I look incredible! You two are insanely talented", Kristina compliments.
"Thank you", Andy says pretending to flip his hair.
"Gorgeous", Estefania replies.
"Thank you. Thank you." Kristina hugs them both. There's so much commotion that goes on backstage. So many models, racks of clothing, backstage staffers, designers, makeup artists, hairstylists, cameramen, photographers. The music blares & the show begins.

Two hours into the showcase, Kristina gets dressed in a cream pant suit with gold tassels on the shoulder, gold stiletto heels, a double chain Medusa charm Versace necklace & gold Versace Virtus hoops with a V in the middle. Tony comes backstage & sees Kristina walking out of the makeshift dressing room.