Her Regret, His Resolve; Bouncing Back, Book 2

14

“We’re here at Heritage House in the bustling center of Vancouver City, British Columbia. This evening will feature glamorously stunning designs, and appearances of representatives from various high-end fashion houses of Canada. Models from all over our glorious country have come to show off their talents as they rule the catwalk,” the reporter claimed as she stood in front of the main doors.

The long list of guests, reporters, crew, and security personnel was accented with the steady arrival of limos and personal cars delivering A-lister guests to the venue. Everything looked perfect from the lighting to the red carpet lining the path from the edge of the sidewalk to the door. Photographers snapped pictures, the camera flashes momentarily blinding onlookers while fans continued their squeals of excitement as they caught sight of their favourite models, actors, and athletes who had been invited.

As the dark, sleek-looking Audi Q5 Prestige slowly stopped at the curb, the four people inside could feel the eyes of the crowd burning proverbial holes in the luxury car. Opening the door, Russell got out, holding his hand out to assist the women inside while Robert got out on the other side to scan the traffic.

Turning on their earpieces, the men got right into their tasks without bothering to talk about any kind of plans. They knew the drill was to follow the lead of the one who hired them to begin with.

Stepping out, Skylar smiled as she kept her movements professional while her eyes sought out potential threats to Giana’s safety. Camera flashes were a part of her work, so she stood there, bathing in the onslaught as the reporter met them on the carpet.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Heritage House of Fashion has been blessed to receive last-minute guests from our very own GTA! Here representing the up-and-coming Desert Rose agency, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Vince Samms, is Ms. Skylar Marks! Ms. Marks, I heard you only recently walked onto the modelling scene, can you tell us a bit about that?”

Still smiling, she hooked her hand into the crook of Russell’s arm. “It was always a dream of mine to work with the industry, so, when I got the call from Desert Rose right out of high school, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I’ve been working with them for just over a month now, and the only way to go is up.”

“I love this dress you have on! Would you be able to fill us in on who you’re wearing to tonight’s opening event?”

“I’m actually wearing the very latest in the Forever Summer collection by my dear friend, Latoya Victors. This one is called Mountain Sunset, capturing the colours and tones of the sun setting behind the Rockies. You’ll notice that each layer of the sheer fabric used to make it catches the light differently, giving the optical illusion the dress is named for.”

“Well said, indeed. I do see that the pattern is very complex yet simplistically gorgeous. And who is this handsome young gentleman with you tonight?”

Curling into Russell’s arms, Sky’s smile brightened. “This is my long-time boyfriend, Russell Reyes. He’s been an absolute pillar of patience and praise for me in such a cutthroat business.”

“Before I let you slip away into the night,” the reporter said, earning a few laughs. “I’d like to know if there’s anyone in particular you’d like to thank for getting to this point.”

“Hands down, that person would have to be three. First, my father, who single-handedly raised two children. Secondly, my little brother, who has always been pushing and cheering me on from the sidelines. Lastly, my boyfriend, for always being there when I needed him no matter what.” She told the woman.

Turning to the camera, the blonde happily stated, “There you have it, everyone. Humble words from a young upstart in the industry. I’m sure we’re all rooting and watching to see just how far her career will take her. Coming up, we have the gorgeous Ms. Giana Victors-Stanton, daughter of the infamous Latoya Victors and Rafael Stanton.”

As they got to the door, Skylar turned as the crowd went crazy. The mere mention of Giana’s name sent the media into a frenzy as she expertly fielded the questions.

Gushing over the young woman, the reporter began her questioning. “Ms. Victors-Stanton, how are you? I understand that this is only your second fashion show, and your first without your parents present. Did you have anything to impart to your adoring fans?”

Smiling, the woman elegantly posed for the cameras and flashing lights. “This is my first without them, and that’s only due to my growing responsibilities within my family. Tonight, as a representative of my family business, I’m accompanied by Ms. Skylar Marks, who recently modelled our Beach Bride line through the Desert Rose Agency.”

“So, you personally know Ms. Marks?”

Giana giggled, “Oh, yes! She and I attended school together, and often helped my mother in the store we own back home with presentations. I’m actually wearing one of my mother’s Lovers Lane collection called Passion.”

Indicating the red taffeta dress, she waited while the onlookers gushed over the strapless, sweetheart-style gown. The tight bodice threaded with rosebuds around the bust met with airy, flowing skirts that had gold and silver accents.

“That’s amazing! As your family representative, I’m sure you have plenty of insider experience of choosing the right people to model your designs. Is there anything specific your company looks for?” The reporter asked.

“Honestly, not all women are between size zero and two. That said, the industry standard often fails to look at average-sized women, making girls like Skylar and I feel like we’re less when we’re not. This is the uncommon, often-overlooked promise of my family’s business: to ensure we cater to all body types from all walks of life. Recently, we signed a guaranteed work contract with Desert Rose Studios to use their models to promote and be the face of the Victors family legacy. Our top pick was, of course, the beautiful Ms. Skylar Marks,” Giana proudly stated.

The woman laughed, “Now that’s giving the fashion industry a good shake! Who is it that you’ve brought with you tonight?”

“This is my bodyguard, Robert Drake. He’s a long-time family friend who works with the well-known, world-renowned security company, Everett Holdings.”

Robert gently touched Giana’s arm, “It’s time to head inside, Ma’am. I’ve just received word your mother is waiting to hear from you.”

“Oh, thanks so much. Well, while I would love to answer a few more questions, duty calls,” Giana declared before letting Robert guide her into the building.

Once they were finally out of the spotlight and mingling with the other big-wigs, Skylar and Giana breathed a little easier. The men, though not enjoying the task, didn’t seem bothered by the crowd of rich and nouveau riche people milling about.

Accepting a bottle of water from Robert, Giana sighed as she called her mother. Glancing at Skylar, she wasn’t surprised to see the young woman attentively looking around for any kind of threat. That was the entire reason she gleefully accepted the request from Ambrosia when she called her. They were trained to adjust and adapt within any given situation.

Getting to her feet, Skylar moved to Russell’s side as he was approached by another woman. She remembered Jaxon’s words about watching his body movements, and smiled. He was leaning away, focusing on everything except the woman in front of him. His ignoring her seemed to be making the woman frustrated as she stomped her foot and looked around. Glaring at Skylar, she stomped over to meet her halfway.

“What does he even see in someone like you? You know, you could make use of a diet to slim down if you want to be a real model.” The other woman sneered.

“Apologies, but I have numerous people back home that look up to and aspire to be like me when they grow up. Impressionable children shouldn’t be subjected to being told they need to be toothpick thin to be beautiful,” Skylar replied smoothly.

Grousing, the woman mocked her.

“Darling, please, behaving like a child isn’t going to get you anywhere. I don’t need to lose weight or sleep with anyone to get to where I’m going. I have natural talent and a real woman’s body without the use of fillers, plastics, and dyes.” She countered calmly as Russell wrapped his arms around her.

Giana’s laugh from behind them grabbed their attention. “Are you making friends without me, Sky?”

“I don’t even know what someone like you is doing here. You’re not that big of a name, so you must be looking for a sugar daddy.” The other girls with the woman laughed haughtily.

Snapping her fingers, Giana signalled to the man in charge of the event. He rushed over, the overly obvious traits of someone eager to bend over backwards surrounded him as he said, “Ms. Victors-Stanton, it’s a true honour to have you grace us with your presence. What can I do for you, Madam? Snacks? Refreshments? Anything at all, and I’ll get it for you right away.”

“This… girl, apparently doesn’t know her place in the entertainment industry. Make sure she doesn’t touch any of my company’s designs. Otherwise, I will pull my mother’s new clothing line from your show.”

Her eyes wide with horror, the woman watched as the curator rushed to fill in the backstage workers of the changes. “You…you’re… Oh, my God!”

“I don’t have time in my schedule for fake people with hidden agendas. Get out of my sight before I change me mind and make it so that you never work in this country ever again. Do you understand me?” Giana said darkly before she motioned for her entourage to follow her into the main room.