Page 42 of Shout Out To My Ex

After about thirty seconds, the photographs still, each screen inhabited by just one – Leo and his sister and mother laughing together – then the stage lights hit the runway.

All the times I’ve imagined Leo’s show since he told me about it – and I would never admit this to Cass, but that’s been alot– I couldn’t have predicted what walks down the runway.

And they callmea wunderkind!

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ELLE

So, whatdoshoe models wear down the runway?

In this instance, fully realised Western-inspired outfits – mostly low-slung boot-cut jeans, fringed suede vests and jackets, and sheer-cotton bustier tops. There are several graphic T-shirts in the mix and every model is wearing a super sexy cowboy hat. Leo must have been lying when he said he didn’t collaborate. But whoever the other designer is, these models lookhot– the good kind, not the pass-out-from-heat-exhaustion kind.

They are also wearing the coolest shoes I have ever seen.

Leo has a clear point of view, leaning into the classic cowboy boot for inspiration, especially that distinctive heel, but elevating it and adapting it to produce ankle boots, knee-high boots, mules, and even pumps. I definitely want a pair of those Kelly-green heels – not that I’d tell him that, of course.

And from the changing projections on the screens – shots of barren deserts covered in cacti, vineyards, paper-pulping machinery, and even a coffee plantation – it seems that Leo has been experimenting with various vegan leathers, not just cacti. I read something about the various leathers now being made, but it’s incredible how good it all looks.

And I am so swept up in the show – the easy sexiness of each look, the impressive designs of the shoes – that before I know it, it’s the finale and here comes Leo, wearing worn-in jeans, a fringed vest that reveals his taut stomach, and cowboy boots – clearly his own design. He looks like sex on toast – the bastard – and he’s escorting supermodel, Franzia, who’s wearing those heels I want so much.

As they approach the middle of the runway, it’s hard to miss how tightly she’s gripping his arm – her knuckles are white – and a sharp pang of jealousy rips through me, taking me completely by surprise. So, a twanging heart and now pangs of jealousy?Whatis going on?

The two of them reach the end of the runway and pose for the posse of photographers, the large screens now showing a live feed of the runway. Then someone hands Leo a microphone.

‘Hi, everyone, I’m Lorenzo,’ he says in that drawl of his and I notice that, even as he addresses the crowd, Franzia keeps a firm grip on him. ‘I just wanted to say that I would not be standing here today if it weren’t for one woman in particular.’

Is he talking about me?I think, instantly realising how ridiculous (and narcissistic) that is. Especially since, until a couple of weeks ago, Leo had completely forgotten I even existed.

‘My mom,’ he continues, and there’s an audible ‘aww’ from the audience. ‘She couldn’t be here today – she’s having some health problems right now…’

The ‘aww’ turns into a hundred-person gasp – one I contribute to along with Amelia Windsor who, when I glance over, is literally clutching her pearls.

‘That’s awfully kind of you folks,’ says Leo, his drawl intensifying. ‘But even though my mom couldn’t be here today, the second most important woman in my life is’ – Franzia smiles smugly, her strong jawline tensing – ‘my sister, Brandy.’

Several things happen at once: a young woman across the way shyly raises her hand, the audience breaks into loud applause, and Franzia’s face sours so intensely, it looks like she just downed a shot of cat wee.

‘Isn’t that sweet?’ Cassie asks over the loud ovation.

‘What?’

‘Mentioning his sister like that.’

I shrug, unwilling to admit to Cassie that not only is it sweet, but it also paints Leo in a markedly different light to the bastard who left suddenly, then ghosted me.

‘Anyhoo,’ says Leo, and the audience quietens. ‘I just wanted to shout out to Brandy and my mom – get well soon, Mom – I love you!’ he says into the lens of the video camera. ‘And to thank you all for coming, especially my old friend, the extremely talented designer, Elle Bliss.’

‘What?’ I clap my hand over my mouth, mortified that came out so loud.

Leo chuckles into the mic, but I’m paralysed, barely registering Cassie’s elbow in my ribs.

‘Have a great rest of your day, folks,’ says Leo and with that, he turns and leads his models back down the runway, a sour-faced Franzia by his side. When he passes me, we lock eyes and he winks.

Yesterday, he brings me flowers and now he mentions me at the end of his show?

Utter, utter bastard. How dare he be so… so…lovely– especially after our encounter in London.

And what am I supposed to do with that?

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