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“Oui, Hayden. C’est magnifique. Merci beaucoup.”
His lips twitched. “Keep practicing French.”
But had he noticed he did most of his speaking today in English? Hayden was kind, but I doubted I’d wear the dress. But could I go on stage?
My heart rate increased at the possibility of bringing public attention my way. Things were going well in Paris so far, but just like in New York City, people didn’t notice you until the press shined the spotlight on you.
The assistants marked any changes to the fit as Hayden went over the dress again. Once he approved, I left and put my clothes back on. Josephine came around with a small smile. “You can refuse.”
“Would you?” I asked her.
“No.” Her lips spread into a broad grin. “I’ve done it before. There will be hundreds of guests from all over the world there. The best fashion editors, stylists, famous people. I would think you might be intimidated, but you dated Paul Crane.”
A pang cut in my chest at the mere mention of Paul’s name. He would’ve been the first person I shared about working on Hayden’s fashion show, but I didn’t know if I could still call him. And how it hurt that Josephine used past tense about dating Paul.
“I hear Paul’s touring in Europe. My brother saw him in Italy—oh, sorry. I forgot I wasn’t supposed to discuss Mr. Crane with you.” Her eyes widened, and she covered her mouth.
I put on a smile. “It’s fine.” The show must go on. Paul wouldn’t want to disappoint his fans who waited years to see him. “I should go…oh, Josephine?
She stopped. “Oui?”
“Do you know why Hayden takes Polaroid pictures all the time?”
“I’m surprised Hayden hasn’t told you yet. He is obsessed with Helmut Newton’s photography style. He used Polaroids, so Hayden must use it, too.”
“I’ll take a look.” Hayden had me looking up Satre and Cubism art. Why not add in photography? It was then that I noticed how much of an influence he’d become. Tomas had me out in Paris every day, and Wyatt showed me where to find rare things. Nothing seems impossible here.
“I’d recommend Helmut. You’ll see a lot of Hayden’s style in it,” Josephine said, cutting into my thoughts. I was surprised to find her still there. She was always hurrying away to do something. “You know, Hayden…has a fondness for interns.”
I shrugged. “I’d say Wyatt is his favorite.”
Hayden accepted more accessories and changes that Wyatt suggested to him than anyone else.
“You think so? Hmm.” Josephine turned her head away. “Wyatt doesn’t have a dress to wear at his show or has been given a pair of shoes.” She checked her watch. “I have to go. The fashion show setup on Friday is an early start, 8h. We’d want you there by then. I’ll also be there, of course, to help as always.”
“Merci, Josephine.”
I walked out of the studio and found Tomas outside the door. He greeted me with kisses on both my cheeks. “I miss you.”
“You see me every day, Tomas.”
“I know, but you are always working or away. How was the fitting?”
“Great. Your clothes are amazing, but you know that.”
“I do.”
“It was great to see how it came all together. Oh, and Hayden let me try on a dress.”
Tomas linked arms with me and we headed outside. “Which one?”
“The gold halter gown.”
“Hmm. Did he?” Tomas murmured.
“Yes. Odd, really. He even said he may let me wear it at the close of the show.”
Tomas scoffed. “Hayden’s not serious. Renee will be here.”
