Taking a deep breath, Renee rose to her feet and wiped her damp palms on her skirt. She'd just finished repining the train to one of the gowns for her show that had somehow torn during the shipping: she just hoped it wasn't a sign of what was to come for this show. After all, her reputation depended on it, and she refused to do anything other than her best.
"Okay everybody, this is it!" She clapped her hands and raised her voice to get everyone's attention, surprised when they all looked in her direction.
"It's the moment we've all been working for, and our reputation rides on how well tonight goes, so let's do our best." She wasn't much for giving speeches, especially with her nerves as frayed as they were. Hopefully the crew wouldn't mind.
"Anyway, the show starts in five, so let's get moving," she concluded.
'Please, please let this go well...' She pulled the curtain aside a bit, still seeing no sign of Ana Cruz and her connections. There was still time, and she had a feeling that maybe the girl believed in being fashionably late. It was too late to worry over it now - the show must go on.
So far, so good. The models had done well, walking with their usual grace and giving a bit of attitude to it, as well. Renee kept her fingers crossed the entire time, unconsciously holding her breath as one after the other entered the catwalk. She couldn't believe her luck...heck, she didn't even believe in luck! But if that's what got her through this, then so be it.
Finally, it was time for the staff to take their credit. With another deep breath, Renee joined them, smiling and nodding or waving at members of the crowd.
"And that, ladies and gentlemen, concludes our
Indulge line," the Emcee proclaimed. "Be sure to indulge in your desires to own some of these lovely pieces, and remember to enter the raffle for a free shopping spree worth $1,000 of our merchandise. Tickets are available now at the front desk - winner announced in ten minutes, so hurry and sign up while you still can!"
It was over: Renee felt like fainting from all her jitters, and nearly jumped out of her skin when a cool, delicate hand rested on her shoulder. She turned around to see one of the models giving her an ecstatic grin.
"That was great, wasn't it?" the model chirped. "I want that skirt/pant combo I got to show off. You should have a drink with us girls now that the show's over, whaddya say?"
Well, maybe things were looking up for Renee in more ways that one.
