Page 102 of Triggered By Love
The Garden referred to Madison Square Garden, the round sporting arena in midtown Manhattan. The fashion show would take place on center court, and the front-row seats at courtside, with the photographer’s pit underneath one of the basketball hoops.
“Don’t worry, we’ve put in too much publicity to waste it all,” Avery reassured her. “With Ivanna out, I need to contact all the models directly. Were there any changes to the lineup?”
“No, we got you a great bunch,” Alida said. “You mentioned your friend, Kerry Mills, appearing. I penciled her in, but make sure Matt is given prime billing. Make sure he’s the grand finale. Let him stay on stage a few seconds longer, then join him there.”
“It might not be safe, if we think someone’s targeting him.”
“It’s under control,” Alida said. “The president called, and his daughter is off the roster. Your friend, Kerry, will have her position. Ivanna knew about all of this, so I’ll forward you all the emails and contacts.”
“Then I’ll have to get the dress refitted for Kerry. She’s more athletic than the president’s daughter.”
“You’ll have to use another dress. Miss Steele claims exclusivity to the one you designed for her. I’m sure you can do up a sportier one for Miss Mills. It goes with your hero theme. Sports heroes are just as heroic as first responders,” Alida said. “It wasn’t easy getting bigger and bulkier male models.”
“I owe you,” Avery said. “By the way, could I ask you about last year’s male models?”
“They were a cheaper bunch. Why would you want any of them back?”
“I’m curious where you found them.”
“Here and there, but seriously, it’s irrelevant for the upcoming show. I got you the most athletic bunch. You’ll be pleased.”
“Could you send me the list from last year? I want to make sure we don’t have any repeats.”
“We always have last-minute substitutions, so the list may not be up to date,” Alida said. “I’ll ask my assistant to dig it up, but I doubt you’ll find anything interesting. Gotta run. Ciao!”
After she got off the phone with Alida, Avery made a schedule of the remaining days to the show. She ran her fingers through her hair and felt the rising tide of anxiety. Even with Kerry’s help, she had too much to do.
There was no way she and Jason could do the private show for Professor Leach. For one thing, she hadn’t taught Jason how to strip, knowing it would result in her falling into bed with him.
Add to that, Jason would balk if the professor requested the same kind of show she’d done with Brando.
It was unfortunate, but with everything going on, she’d have to postpone. He should be understanding. He was her mentor. With Ivanna out of action, she couldn’t spare a minute.
Picking up her phone, she called Larry.
“Hey, you heard what happened to Ivanna?” Avery spilled out as soon as he picked up.
“Ivanna? Not sure who she is,” Larry’s smarmy voice oozed over the line. “What’s going on?”
Avery was sure Larry knew Ivanna worked for her, but she didn’t have the energy to spar with him.
“She’s my model wrangler and accessorizer. She was attacked outside her apartment and hospitalized.”
“That’s awful. Crime these days is out of control,” Larry huffed. “Give her my regards.”
“I will, but the reason I’m calling is to postpone the private show. If we can do it next week, it’ll help a lot. I have to do two jobs and train a new model wrangler.”
“That’s not possible. We had a deal. My dad gets first sight.”
“I understand, but please? Can you ask him for me? He’s been such a supporter.”
“Then you know why he lives for the first look.”
“My model isn’t trained.”
“That’s okay. He loves fresh blood. I trust your judgment.”
“He’s good-looking, yes, maybe a little rough on the edges.”
