runway love [a.i.//au]

t w o

"Goddamn it Lyn! Put down that book and talk to me!" Joey whined.

"Okay, okay, just let me finish this page..." my sentence trailed off as I continued reading the book.

After I finished reading that page, I put down the book and started talking to Joey.

Okay that was a lie. I continued reading the book until the end of the bus journey despite Joey's incessant complaining.

The bus jerked to a halt and Ms Lou, the teacher in charge, hurried us off the bus.

I tugged uncomfortably at the sparkly gold dress Joey made me put on. It ended about 3 inches above my knees and it made me feel so... bare. My legs wobbled unsteadily, relying on the small surface area of a pair of black heels that matched the lace at the collar of my dress.

My hair was pinned back loosely in two sections with a bobby pin and I could already feel the pin falling off. I gave up hope after attempting to push the pin back for the billionth time and just took the pin off.

Joey and I were lagging behind the group and I struggled to keep pace. After watching me hopelessly struggle in those heels, Joey swapped her red flats with me.

-

The audience burst into applause as the opening model strutted confidently onto the stage. I noticed the boy sitting to my right was busy sketching, occasionally looking up to get another glimpse of the model's outfit.

Curious, I tapped him lightly on the shoulder. He looked at me, a little annoyance flickered behind his very blue eyes that were framed in spectacles not too different from mine. His blonde hair was styled into a very high quiff.

"Why aren't you watching?" I asked.

"Because 'watching' is very superficial. I'm observing. By drawing down what I see, I see more, I see greater detail, I understand the masterpieces." he explained, smiling.

That was deep.

"Oh I see. I'm Sarahlyn by the way. Most people just call me Lyn though. What about you?"

"I'm Luke. Pleasure to meet you." he smiled, popping a dimple.

Just then, I felt a light pressure on my bladder.

"Do you know where the toilet is?" I asked.

"Toilets are only open during the intermission." he replied.

Oh fuck.

He winked,"But luckily, I have the staff pass."

My jaw dropped. Woah. Staff?

He grabbed my wrist and led me out of the hall. I caught Joey's eyes on my way out and she quirked an eyebrow upon seeing Luke holding my hands. I rolled my eyes.

Once we were out, I asked,"So you're a staff huh?"

"Yep. I'm a spotter. I work for Phyllis Vonde. Heard of her?" he asked.

"Heard of her? Who hasn't! She's the boss of one of the world's largest modelling company! But what does a spotter do?" I inquired.

"Well, I take notes during shows like this and I also keep my eyes open for potential models. Like you."

"Like me?" I chortled.

"Of course! Spotters are taught not to waste time on non-model materials. If you didn't have any potential, I would've shooed you away from the start." he said.

"Then I must introduce you to my friend Joey. The one sitting on my left just now." I said.

He shrugged,"OK but first, are you interested to do any modelling for Phyllis?"

"What? Me?"

"Yes. You."