Depths of a River

Chapter 8 - The Fashion Show

I came to the conclusion that I would probably never see him again; he could be from anywhere if he was booked into a hotel.

I put down my sketchpad on the bedside table and switched off the lamp before I fell asleep.

We had yet another short work day because of the fashion show. I went over to Galilani's to get my dress and shoes. At home, I put everything out, so I would just be able to put everything on, after I get back from my hair appointment.

I quickly ate an apple, and went upstairs to get ready. My hair was in a messy up-do, with a green and golden hairpiece. I went to the bathroom to do my make-up. After my make-up was done, I went back to my room. 

I carefully put on my dress and pulled up the zipper at the back. It felt so light against my skin. I put on the golden heels and jewelry and walked over to the mirror. I looked at myself, I liked what I saw and felt like royalty in this outfit.

After walking down the stairs, I sat down on the sofa, waiting for Duke to pick me up. He sent me a text not long after saying that he was outside. I grab my clutch from the kitchen table and went out the door. Duke was leaning against his white car and stood upright when he noticed me. He opened the door and I got in then walked around to get into the driver seat.

"You look, just wow!" He said while looking at me with a big grin on his face.

"Thank you." I said shyly and looked down at my hands that rested in my lap while I fiddled with the ring on my middle finger.

The drive was silent. When we arrived at the fashion show and he got out and fixed his sleeves before opening the door for me. We walked inside together.

Everybody was taking photos. I felt like I was having my prom all over again, hopefully with a better date than I had in high school. He left me alone to go the biker's bar before the prom has ended. I sat alone for half of the evening with my parents. I tried to forget about the horrible memory when we got inside the building.

There was champagne and shrimp bites at the front where everybody gathered before the event started. We weren't there long before Galilani and Clayton came in. She looked like a dream. She was slightly taller than Clayton because of the height of her shoes. Her hair was in a real high up-do. She had long golden earrings and a golden bracelet. They walked over to Duke and I when they eventually saw us. She kissed me on the cheek and hugged me, telling me that I looked amazing.

The event was starting in a few minutes, so we went to get our seats. We sat in the front row. The lights went off, and Mr. Evans and his wife gave a speech together, just before he welcomed the models to the stage.

"This is our top designs this season. Designed by Miss Adelynn Brooks!" Mr. Evans said over the microphone just before the models walked the catwalk with all my designs, bringing my sketches to life for the first time.

I enjoyed watching the fashion shows because it was more of a surprise to me than anybody else, because we never get to see our designs before the show. All we have is the sketches of our designs. Galilani's designs were third after mine. All her designs had shorts and blouses.

After the show everybody gathered around where we did before the show started. Galilani came to excuse herself and Clayton to leave early.

"He is taking me out for dinner and drinks." Galilani said with a big exciting smile.

"You must have fun; and call me if you need me." I said to her.

"Everything will be fine! You will be fine with Duke? He is taking you home, right?" She asked and bumped me with her shoulder.

"Taking me home and leaving right after, yes." I said rolling my eyes at her.

She hugged me then took Clayton's hand and walked out the front door. Duke took another glass of champagne from the table. I noticed it was his fifth one. I was on my second glass when Jason walked over to me. We had a little fling when we first met but soon realized that we should only be friends. We've been friends ever since for over four years now. He also worked with Galilani and I. He designed our sketches on the computer before sending them to the factory to be made. He kissed me on the cheek and nose.

"Congratulations on the hottest styles for this season! Who would've thought that you would get the spring season one?" He asked me after hugging me, his blue eyes were excited. If you don't know Jason you would think he is gay when first meeting him.

"I've missed you. We don't see each other enough, which is ironic because we work together." I said to him.

"In different departments!" he replied me.

I introduced Duke to Jason. He didn't look very pleased with me when I did. Jason said goodbye and disappeared into the room where the show was hosted.

"I'm going outside to get fresh air." Duke said, looking the other way.

"I'll come with you!" I said and followed him out the door.

He came to a stop in the front room of the building. It was small and nobody was there. He turned around and faced me.

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