runway today, I want to see you. If I don’t, then no one will buy that dress. I promise you that. Many women can wear a dress, but only a few can bring it to life. That is what I need from you. This dress will enliven the hearts and minds of women across the world. Do you understand that, Samantha?”
“Yes, that’s why I’m terrified.” I blinked a few times to hide the tears that were building in my eyes. “I’m not sure that I’m qualified to do something like that.”
“You don’t need to be qualified, you just need to be you. It’s not as if I’m asking for a miracle. You already are who you are, Samantha. You just need to figure out why you’re hiding.” He rapped his knuckles against my forehead in a light but annoying touch. “Come out to play, Samantha…please?”
“Wonderful, you’ve met Alistair.” Isabella walked up to the table just as Alistair lowered his hand.
“Yes.” I swallowed back unkind words. “Yes, he found me.”
“I did.” He turned to face Isabella. “Don’t you look stunning? Not that I should be surprised. Ah, my beautiful creation.” He stroked her cheek.
“Yes, it’s true.” Isabella laughed and kissed his cheek. “I suppose I should tell you, Samantha—Alistair took me out of horrible polyester pants suits and helped me to find my inner style. He’s a very talented man, with an amazing eye for beauty. That’s why it was no surprise to me when he wanted you for the show.”
I lowered my eyes. So Alistair was all he claimed to be, yet I disappointed him.
“Yes. I’m sure she will do well.” Alistair nodded at me. “See you soon, Samantha.”
I smiled in return.
As he walked away, Isabella looked in my direction. “Samantha, you look pale? Are you sure you’re not sick?”
“I’m not. I just can’t place it. Something is off.” I shook my head.
“Could you be…?” She pointed to my stomach.
“Hungry?” I shook my head.
“No, ah—I mean—sometimes women experience tiredness and lack of appetite in the first few weeks of pregnancy.” Her smile grew wide.
“What?” My eyes spread wide. “No, absolutely not—not a chance. I’m not pregnant.”
“Oh dear, I’m sorry. I overstepped. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just didn’t want you to feel you needed to hide it if it were true.” Her cheeks flushed. “I’m so sorry. I hope I didn’t upset you.”
“No, you just startled me.” I laughed. “I haven’t even thought about pregnancy, and the idea that I might be kind of shocked me. I can assure you, pregnancy is not the problem.”
“Then what is?” She took my hand. “I can be a good listener.”
“I’m sure you can be, but people are beginning to arrive. We should get the signing started.”
“Okay, but if you need to talk, I’m here, Samantha. I hope that you can think of me as your friend.”
“Thank you, Isabella.”
As the guests filed in and began to take their seats, I tried to push down the butterflies in my stomach. It occurred to me that I was completely disconnected from my body. I spent so much time learning to be in tune with it, and somehow all of that knowledge had disappeared. Sweat beaded on my forehead. My fingers fluttered against the sides of my pants.
I closed my eyes and willed myself to find my center. It wasn’t too long ago that I didn’t even have to look for it. Yet in front of this group of people my thoughts spun so fast that I couldn’t even think of a greeting.
Isabella stepped up beside me.
“Welcome, everyone. Thank you for understanding our sudden change of venue. It is such a wonderful opportunity for us to have Samantha Bradford here. I know that she’s looking forward to sharing her insights with all of us. So I’ll just turn things over to her. Samantha.” She smiled at me.
The audience applauded.
I smiled hard, in an attempt not to lose the muffin I’d eaten while ago. My heart jumped, then slammed hard against