The men were going first, and they looked spectacular from casual slacks and button-up shirts to Drew taking the runway in a weekend outfit of drawstring pants and a fitted Henley. He grinned at the end of the runway, turned, and oh, God, the way he walked. Confident arrogance. No one could have done that outfit justice better than Drew. And Gray in a suit was something to behold.
The guys dashed back and changed, then went out again, everyone moving with precision. So far, so good. Gray came out next in a weekend casual piece, still very elegant, but oh, he looked so good. And Drew in jeans and a button-down shirt made her salivate. Every piece of her men’s line had turned out perfectly. She could tell the audience was captivated. She hoped it was the same when it came time for the women, who were up next.
First down the runway was her camel leather jacket and beaded mini. She felt such a sense of pride seeing something she’d created walk the runway at Lincoln Center. Then came the flirty dark print skirt and body-hugging sweater, followed by the low-slung pants and matching knee-length coat.
Outfit after outfit walked, and with each one Carolina wrapped her arms around herself, her eyes shimmering with tears. She hoped—oh, she hoped so much they were well received.
And when Esme walked out in her gown, she heard the collective gasps, and knew she had the audience by the throat. The applause as Esme disappeared was loud, and as the men came back out, followed by the women, people were on their feet, the applause deafening.
She’d done it. It was over. And it had been damn good, so she no longer cared what anyone thought.
“This is your moment,” Edward said, squeezing her arms. “Go take it.”
She nodded, turned to her assistants who had been right there by her side since the beginning. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Go,” Tierra said, laughing.
She walked out behind Esme. All the models clapped for Carolina. When she reached the end of the runway, she took a bow, then clasped Esme’s hand and mouthed “thank you” to her. Esme grinned and they walked hand in hand down the runway toward the curtain.
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.
“I’ll finish up here and then I’ll meet you back at the studio,” she told them.