Page 51 of Harrison's Wedding

“And you’re far more distracting than I expected you’d be,” Ally quips.

“Just be glad Sebastian isn’t here”—I smirk at Heather—“can you imagine?”

“I’d rather not!” Heather groans. “Trust us, Ally, it would be a nightmare.”

“Oh, I can certainly imagine how Mr. Sex-On-Legs would love it here”—Ally looks at Heather and continues in a serious tone—“do you promise to never bring him backstage to one of your shows if I’m directing it?”

“You say that as if I’m ever going to do another show! How about I promise never to do another show, instead?” She wrinkles her nose, and both Ally and I laugh.

“Okay, obviously, you’re suffering from some nerves right now. If you still feel that way after the show is done, though, I’ll personally help you to set fire to all your designs”—she laughs again as Heather gives her a horrified look at the mention of setting her designs on fire—“and that look is why I know that you’ll be booking my services again before you know it. Now, if your delicious but troublesome fiancé could try to cause less of a commotion from now on, we still have plenty to get done. Look a littlelesspretty, would you?”

She directs this comment to me, and I laugh before saluting her. “Yes, ma’am!”

I pull my phone out of my pocket and unlock it before opening up my news app. I’m reading an article about the stock market when a text from Gabriel comes through.

I sent Heather a good luck text. How’s everything going?

I smile at the screen as I type out my reply.

All good so far. The models are sad you’re not here.

I can practically hear him laughing when I read his response.

I’m sure they are. It’s hard being me.

Sebastian will be happy to cheer them up.

I smirk when his reply to my text shows up.

I’m sure Seb will be doing a lot of cheering after the show…

I spend the next hour or so reading news and emails on my phone, while watching Heather occasionally as she goes from model to model. She talks to each of them while they have their hair and makeup done.

They all seem to give her a lot of respect, and once again, I’m so proud of her and what she’s doing. I love seeing her like this, completely in her element, despite her obvious nerves. She doesn’t give any of that away in these conversations; she looks cool, calm, and collected. I see her spinning her engagement ring around on her finger every now and then, though, and she repeatedly smooths down her outfit as she moves between models.

Just before ten o’clock, Ally comes over to me with Heather in her wake. “I see you’ve managed to keep out of trouble.”

“I’ve been trying my hardest.”

“Ready for the dress rehearsal?” she asks.

I nod my head and stand, linking my hand with Heather’s as I do.

“I don’t thinkI’mready,” Heather moans.

Ally laughs, “Yes, you are. Come on, let’s go.”

We follow her out into the main room and take seats in the front row as we wait for the show to begin. When it does, I sit and watch, but occasionally I turn to look at Heather’s response. She’s so beautiful, completely entranced by the show, and absolutely glowing with pride. It’s hard to resist staring at her instead of watching the models walking down the runway.

She’s had the models’ makeup done in soft, muted colors, and their hair is all loose and flowing freely. It suits the clothes, which are stunning, colorful, flowing designs. Heather has done an amazing job with them. I hope she gets good reviews for the show, because I know she’ll be devastated if she doesn’t.

When the models have finished, they stand at the sides of the catwalk and Heather joins them to walk down the center to practice the end of the show. Ally and I stand to cheer and clap for her, pretending to be the audience while Heather poses for fake photographs before she turns to look at us and laughs.

As we walk backstage, Ally says, “That was really good.”

“I wish I’d been able to see it with Carrie and Liia, though,” Heather sighs.

“I’ve gotten confirmation from both agencies that the girls will definitely be able to make it.” Ally throws her arm around Heather’s shoulders. “It will be fine. Trust me. You just relax now. I’ll come and get you when it’s time for you to go into hair and makeup.”

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