The Ten-Day Baby Takeover(39)
Sarah looked up at him, their lips only inches apart. With every crazy thing going on in this room, hundreds of endlessly wealthy and fabulous people milling about, she could only think about planting her mouth on his. Earlier, she’d wanted him just for being his sexy self. Now she wanted to kiss him for countless reasons. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”
He smiled. “Of course.”
The music faded and there was a rush for people to take their seats. The song changed to a delicate instrumental and a hush fell over the crowd. Sarah’s heart threatened to explode. This was really happening. Out strode a grinning Sylvia Hodge, lithe and graceful in a silvery-gray gown with a slit up one leg. Her black hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, her wrist weighed down with a stunning collection of diamond bangles. She carried herself as a woman who had the world at her feet. And she did, so it worked.
She raised a microphone to her ruby-red lips. “I want to thank everyone for joining us for this year’s Forward Style. It’s much more than a fashion event—it’s a community coming together to support a worthy cause. This year, all proceeds benefit art programs in our public schools. That makes me incredibly proud. We must nurture creativity whenever possible. Speaking of which, I know you’re all ready to see what our brilliant designers have in store for us this evening. Without further ado, on with the show.” Sylvia worked it on her way backstage, hips swaying, hemline flapping around her ankles.
The music changed to another driving dance beat, and before Sarah could put a single thought into Sylvia, the show started. An endless line of models filed down the runway as the secret Forward Style collections were revealed. Sarah focused on design details, following along in the program until she noticed that none of the other VIPs were doing the same. She set aside her guide. An up-and-coming designer wouldn’t be obsessing over who made what, she’d be enjoying the creativity of her peers. She sat straighter, watching the show, keenly aware of two people—Aiden right next to her and Sylvia, now seated in the front row on the opposite side of the catwalk. One person to be her rock, the other her greatest challenge.
After an unbelievable display of fashion, the show drew to a close with the designers’ curtain call. The crowd gave a standing ovation, furiously clapping. Sarah kept her eyes trained on Sylvia. Once the final bows had been taken, it was time to act. Goodbye comfort zone.
“I’m going in,” she blurted to Aiden.
Surprise crossed his face. “Yeah. Go.”
Sarah pushed her way through the throng of people, easier said than done when you’re height challenged, but she was not about to be thwarted. Just fake it. When she reached Sylvia, she didn’t think. She acted. She touched her arm and started talking. “Ms. Hodge. I’m Sarah Daltrey and I need to tell you about my company, Kama. I know you’re shopping for new brands and you need to see my designs. My company makes women’s sleepwear and lingerie. There’s a gap in your company’s portfolio when it comes to that category.”
Sylvia looked both astonished and amused. “Not many people have the nerve to be so direct with me. Can you show me your work?”
“I’m wearing one of my own designs tonight.”
Sylvia quickly eyed the dress. “Okay. Show me more.”
Not a ringing endorsement, but Sarah still couldn’t get out her phone fast enough. She pulled up the gallery and handed it over to Sylvia, then began explaining each image. That was the easy part. And now that she’d gotten over her initial nervousness, every word out of her mouth became more natural.
Sylvia flicked back through the pictures a second time, nodding, as Sarah tried to interpret what each facial tic might mean. She returned Sarah’s phone then gave her a business card. “Call my office tomorrow morning and ask for Katie. She’ll walk you through what else we’ll need from you before we can talk any further. I trust you have your financials in order? A website? Designs for next season?”
Sarah’s mind whirred into gear. This was happening. “Yes. Of course. Katie. I’ll call her.”
“She gets in very early. I’d call before her day gets too busy. You have talent, but it won’t do you any good if you don’t find the right partner.”
Sylvia Hodge, who Sarah now regarded as a powerful and intimidating fairy godmother, disappeared into the crowd.
“Well, that was intense,” Aiden quipped. “You just did it. You didn’t need my help at all.”
Sarah grasped his elbow with one hand and his lapel with the other. She wasn’t sure she should be so forward, but taking what she wanted and faking it when necessary had actually worked. “But I did need your help. Now let’s get out of here. This music is making me crazy.”