Unrequited

Old and New - April 1999

Arianna came into the house after going to her studio to see how things were doing there. It was a fine running machine, and all was good without her, so she had grabbed the mail and retreated to the house. The kids were at school, and John was working at B5 so that she would get a little peace and quiet to herself. She made herself a little snack and then retreated into her office with the stack of mail from the studio.

She first sorted out all the junk mail, shredded it, and then started going through the regular mail. She laid aside the few bills, and that was when one letter caught her eye. It was from ELLE magazine, which made her curious because they had not contacted her in a while. In the past, when they had reached out to her, it had been to ask her permission to use some of her designs in a layout. She always agreed because, after all, they had not only jump-started her career but had also jump-started her affair with John. Without that year with him, they probably would not have gotten as close as they had, and they might not have come back together. It was funny how little details could affect your very existence like that.

She slid her finger under the flap and ripped the corner open, wiggled her finger into the opening, and then slid it down the side of the envelope. The envelope opened, she reached in and pulled out the letter, unfolding it. As she started to read it, she became even more intrigued.

Dear Ms. Fields,
In the past, I have come to you many times to feature some of your designs in our magazine, and you have always been most accommodating. So, now I come to you with a new request, and I hope you will be just as helpful.

I have a client that will have a featured article in an upcoming issue. During a pre-interview, I learned that this person is a huge fan of your work and would love to model some of your latest designs for the article.

Please give our New York office a call. I would love to discuss the possibilities with you. I would, as always, enjoy having your designs in our magazine, and this client is most excited about possibly wearing your clothing. Please call me at the number listed below.

I look forward to hearing from you and working with you once again.

Sincerely,
Marie O'Riordan
Editor-In-Chief, ELLE Magazine

Arianna was stunned, curious, and delighted all at once. That ELLE wanted her to work with a featured client did not surprise her, but who was this client? And they were a big fan? Did she know them? Well, it pretty much had to be a woman unless it was some famous transgender woman. Tula? she thought with a smirk, remembering John's run-in with - and infamous seduction of - a famous transsexual during the shooting of the Some Like It Hot video. Bet he was surprised when he found a little more than he was used to on that particular woman's form!

She giggled as she picked up the phone and dialed the New York number on the letter. When the switchboard answered, she introduced herself and asked for Marie. She was put through immediately, something that shocked her. What was with the royal treatment?

"Arianna?" she heard the familiar voice say and smiled.

"Hi, Marie," she said kindly and heard Marie lightly laugh.

"So good to hear from you, lady. I take it that you got my letter?" Marie asked. Arianna had always liked her laid-back manner, and it showed through in her editing style.

"Yes, I did, and I have to say that I'm intrigued," Arianna told her, and Marie laughed again.

"Well, we are very excited about this. Would you design some originals for us again? And this client will probably want to buy them when it is all said and done," Marie explained.