After, her staff surprised her with champagne. It was nonstop media and interviews and her mother and Evelyn came backstage, too.
“Oh, Carolina. You took my breath away,” Evelyn said.
“It was more than even I hoped for you,” her mother said, pulling her in for a tight hug. “Your designs are stunning. I’m so very proud of what you’ve accomplished.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She did a few interviews and talked to some fashion editors, who gave her very favorable reviews. One, a very prominent editor with one of her favorite magazines, said she’d love to do an interview and article about her. She had to keep from squealing, so she did it on the inside.
“So . . . you did good.”
She turned to her brother and Evelyn. “Thank you for doing this. You looked amazing today.”
Evelyn laid her hand on Gray’s chest. “He did, didn’t he? You know I’m going to want a suit like that for him.”
“And I’ll be happy to make one for him. On the house, of course.”
“Now how are you going to make money for Carolina Designs when you do it gratis.”
“Only for my fantastic brother.”
“I’m really proud of you, Carolina. I think you’re fantastic.”
That was high praise coming from Gray.
“Thank you.”
“I have to agree with Gray. You are a top-notch designer.”
Drew came to stand beside her.
“Thanks,” Carolina said. “And thank you for running three blocks to get here in time. You didn’t have to do that.”
He shrugged. “I’m sorry I was late.”
Gray frowned. “What happened?”
“Taxi rammed the car in front of us and then I got stuck in traffic, couldn’t find another taxi. It’s ridiculous out there. Who knew clothes were so popular?”
Evelyn laughed as she looked over at Carolina. “Men. They know nothing.”
“Nothing about Fashion Week, anyway. But I do appreciate it. Were you hurt?”
“Nah. I’m fine. Just pissed off at the taxi driver, who was mad at me for wanting to leave. And he wanted me to pay him the fare.”
“Seriously?” Evelyn asked, her eyes wide.
“Yeah. I cussed him out and told him he could chase after me if he wanted to, but I was already late and if he hadn’t been zigzagging in and out of traffic, he wouldn’t have clipped the car in front of him. Asshole.”
“Man, you need a drink,” Gray said.
Drew laughed. “In the worst way.”
“Come on. Let’s go get one. Carolina, can you get out of here yet?”
She looked around. The place was still filled with media, her assistants, and models. “I’m sorry. I can’t. But you go on.”
“Okay. We’ll catch up later. Maybe for dinner?”
“Definitely. I’ll text you when I’m free.”
They left, with her mother and Drew and the Secret Service, which gave her a little breathing room. She and her crew wrapped up the clothing and took care of clearing everything out. Tierra and Edward were going to follow the truck back to the studio with the clothes.