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“But can I please ask why? Why me?” I tried again.
He shrugged. “Humor me.”
Humor me. I was possibly in shock. Hayden Madsen wanted me to be made up for his fashion show even though I was there to support the designers. It was surreal. After meeting the stylist who’d be working on me, I sat down and she went to work, styling my hair into retro pin curl waves that looked odd with my black scoop neck shirt and slacks.
Hayden came over. “That won’t do.” He spoke rapidly in French, and an assistant brought out a dress, a gorgeous black sleeveless sequin embroidered floor-length dress with a side slit. “I want the world to see you in one of my dresses.”
“But…but I’m here to work—”
“And this is working,” Hayden interrupted. “What is the problem?”
I chewed on my lip. The dress was mostly spandex, and that allowed room for last-minute changes because it was form-fitting. However, as a designer, I knew he’d used my measurements to make this dress fit. He made it for me to wear.
Working on the fashion show was fine, but it was another thing being brought to attention. I’d already had my experience with bad press, and the lawsuits in progress made me feel like I should try for a lower profile. “I don’t want to seem unappreciative, Hayden, but I wonder if there might be another intern more suited.”
“Un moment,” Hayden spoke to his assistants. “Nadia.” He smiled and motioned for me to follow him. Josephine gave me a sympathetic look, alerting me something was wrong.
Hayden stood close to me and spoke just above a whisper. “I wasn’t sure about working with you, Nadia. I know you’re spoiled.”
I frowned. “I don’t think that’s true—”
“Oh, you are. In fact, it seems I’m trying to spoil you at my own show—”
“But I don’t see it like that. Please don’t take this the wrong way. There are just circumstances—”
“Nadia, this is an incredible opportunity for you. Perhaps you don’t see this, no? You see, I had to work for everything; I never could say no. I am self-made. Everything here, I sweated, cried, slept on floors, worked many an odd job, some for free.” He gestured around him. “All because I never had the luxury of saying no. You have the belief that opportunities will come again while I never counted on it.”
My brows knitted in confusion. “Please understand, Hayden. This is your and Givenchy’s big day. I’m shocked and I honestly don’t count on anything. I try to work for it—”
“And this is work, and we’re in the business of selling clothes. You’re here to sell. A beautiful woman in my dress makes the celebrities beg for it, and the buyers believe they must have it.”
Hayden was using me to advertise instead of dressing me like his personal doll—it was mentioned as a possibility in the internship agreement—though I didn’t appreciate his presumptions about me. “Okay. Fine. I’ll do as you request. Merci…but I’m not spoiled.”
“You are. And even I am incapable of stopping myself.”
Hayden left me staring after him as he stormed off to instruct someone else. He was impulsive. Maddening. He also called me beautiful. I touched my throat and a tingle went through my body. I may have enjoyed the compliment, but I wasn’t a complete fool. Kind words and charm were part of being social here. And Hayden was the master. He’s using flattery to get what he wants. I straightened my spine and left to change in private, putting on silk stockings and a pair of platform heels. Josephine came back with another female assistant to help with the fit of the dress. However, it didn’t need alterations.
“Stunning. It’s as if it’s made for you,” Josephine trilled.
It was, as I suspected. Hayden altered this dress for me to wear today.
I glanced into the mirror, and I looked different, sophisticated, sexy. And hollow.
Still, I plastered on a smile and went with them back to the stylist to finish my hair and makeup.
Tomas and Hayden came over, both grinning.
“It works on you,” Tomas complimented me. “It’s good. Come.”
I froze. “Where?”
“To sit with us in front.” Tomas took my hand; my palm was clammy.
“I know you’re nervous, but the public doesn’t dictate your life. You are showing our work, and this will intrigue the fashion community.” He paused to scrutinize again and nodded approvingly. “I wasn’t sure at first, but Hayden has convinced me. Seeing you in that dress is a triumph. Ready?”
I can’t disappoint him. I’m strong. I can do this. “… we’re in the business of selling clothes. You’re here to sell. A beautiful woman in my dress makes the celebrities beg for it, and the buyers believe they must have it.”
I licked my lips and nodded. Hayden and Tomas had faith in me. Maybe it was time I had more faith in myself. “I’m ready.”
