Ciao (13 page)

In the morning we get to attend a very cool
photo shoot that is actually on the roof of Milan Cathedral. Naturally, we remain along the sidelines, but our camera guys get some amazing footage and Paige and I nab some quick behind-the-scenes interviews with some top Italian models.

“Duomo di Milano is one of the world’s largest churches,” Paige says into our cameras. “And as you can see, it’s quite spectacular up here.” She waves to the rows of spires that line two sides of the roof.

“Actually, this cathedral is second in size only to Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome,” I tell the camera. “But unlike Saint Peter’s, this cathedral, which was started in the late fourteenth century, has been under construction ever since.”

“Talk about job security,” Paige jokes. “Think of all the generations of builders who spent their entire lives working on this.”

“It’s definitely beautiful,” I say.

“Speaking of beautiful” —Paige nods to a model who’s waiting for some camera time — “I want to introduce our
viewers to the stunning Bianca Balti.” She does a quick interview with this long-legged dark beauty and then waves another one over. “This is Elisabetta Canalis,” she says. “Some might remember her appearance in
Deuce Bigalow.
Haven’t you been in some other films as well, Elisabetta?”

Elisabetta lists some other projects she’s been involved in, and then it’s her turn to pose for some still shots on the photogenic rooftop. Finally it’s time for us to wrap it up here and head over to the first fashion show of the day. I feel a little nervous because I know this is the Versace show—and that Taylor Mitchell will be modeling in it today. However, as far as I can tell, Paige hasn’t heard any of the Taylor and Dylan rumors … yet.

“You girls didn’t say much about last night’s after-parties,” Leah says as we’re riding over to the Versace show.

“They were great,” Paige tells her. “But Erin and I must’ve gotten our wires crossed. She went to the Ricci one first and Dylan and I went to the Louis Vuitton one.”

“So we were like ships in the night,” I say lightly. The truth is, I’m not even sure if Paige and Dylan attended the parties. At least Paige made it back to our suite last night … or early this morning. So far I haven’t had a private conversation with her, which is kind of a relief since I have no idea what I’d say — or if I’d even say anything about what Taylor told me. And I can tell, based on her cheerful demeanor, that she hasn’t had a conversation with Eliza yet. Hopefully she won’t.

“This is an evening-gown show,” Paige says as we’re getting out. “I heard Taylor Mitchell will be in it. I want to see if I can get her for a behind-the-scenes chat.”

“I’m sure JJ will like that,” I say as we wave to our guys, who are just getting out of the van ahead of us.

We show our passes and head back into the staging area, where Paige quickly spots Taylor and waves her over to us. I see Taylor toss me a curious glance, but the girl’s as cool as a cucumber as she walks over to Paige, wearing a stunning red gown with cutouts on the sides.

“Versace is known for its beautiful models,” Paige is saying into the camera as Taylor joins us, “but Taylor Mitchell is one of the hottest new commodities in the fashion world.” She grins at Taylor. “I know for a fact that she’s so hot, Versace snatched her away from my fiancé, Dylan Marceau.” She makes a pouty face to Taylor. “Surely you’ll come back and do some more modeling for the Marceau line someday?”

Taylor smiles. “You never know. And I always say, don’t burn your bridges.”

“Smart girl.” Paige gestures to her dress. “And that is absolutely stunning, Taylor. Can you turn around?”

Taylor does a graceful turn. “I just love Versace,” she says into the hand mic. “I didn’t grow up like some of the models here, dreaming of becoming a supermodel. But I know enough about fashion to appreciate Versace. I couldn’t believe it when I was invited to Milan.”

“Well, Versace is lucky to get you, Taylor.” Paige smiles in a way that assures me, and probably Taylor too, that she truly is oblivious to any new rumors. “And we won’t take any more of your time. Have a good show!”

Paige moves on to another model. She’s a stunning blonde who seems eager to get in a few words. Then we hear the music increasing in tempo and we know it’s time to go find our seats.

“This should be a gorgeous show,” Paige says as we sit down.

“Yes.” I nod as if I’m really into it, but mostly I’m just thankful that so far the day has been business as usual. I hope the pattern continues. The show, as expected, is one of the best — all is perfection and the models are incredibly beautiful. I mean beautiful in a healthy sort of way. Their skin glows and they are not skeletons. I decide that I like Versace.

Our next event is Emporio Armani menswear, but we don’t make it in time to do any behind-the-scenes interviews before the show. And this show is actually a refreshing change from the women’s shows. It starts with a shirtless guy on a bright-blue unicycle, doing tricks up and down the runway. The music is surprisingly low key, almost quiet, and then a parade of gorgeous men strut out dressed in everything from shorts to suits. One guy is wearing what looks like a prison outfit. The spirit is fun and light … and the men are hot. Then it ends with a bunch of shirtless guys on brightly colored unicycles, which creates a circus atmosphere that I find very entertaining.

After the show, Paige has a good time interviewing the male models. The guys are in good spirits, I think the celebratory champagne has already started to flow, and they all seem more than willing to cooperate with her questions. Finally I remind her that we still have the Hermès show to attend, so we tell the guys ciao and head on our way.

“You seem very eager to get to the Hermès show on time,” she says in a teasing tone. “Does it have anything to do with a certain French guy?”

I haven’t really had a chance to talk to Paige much, so I’m surprised she knows about Gabin.

“I filled her in.” Mom makes a knowing smile as we walk toward the car.

“So how is old Gabin these days?” Paige continues.

“He seems well.” As we walk, I’m thinking about Gabin’s careful advice to me last night in regard to Paige — not that I plan to let on. “He asked how you were doing.”

“He’s such a gentleman.”

“He certainly is,” Mom agrees. “I was impressed.”

“And that reminds me, you girls got an official invite to the Hermès after-party tonight,” Leah says. “I’m sure Gabin must’ve set that up.”

“There’s also the Versace party,” Paige says. “I told Dylan I’d go to that one with him.”

“Maybe you girls can get your plans coordinated tonight,” Mom suggests.

I’m about to protest this, thinking I wouldn’t mind having some space between Paige and me again tonight. Or maybe it’s Dylan I want to avoid. But Paige acts like this is a great idea.

“That sounds like fun,” she tells me. “Let’s try to leave together from the hotel tonight and stick together for both parties. I’m sure Dylan would enjoy spending some time with Gabin again. Those two really seemed to hit it off in France. Remember?”

“Yeah.” I nod, but I’m getting that heavy feeling again. I know Gabin’s fine European upbringing will help him to act the perfect gentleman, but what if I can’t act civilly toward Dylan?

We’ve barely entered the room where the Hermès show is scheduled when Gabin comes over, warmly greeting us. Thankfully, he doesn’t do or say a thing to hint to Paige what he knows. Not that I expected him to, but I’m still relieved.

“We’re going to double date with you tonight,” she chirps at him.

“Double date?” He looks confused and I suddenly realize how embarrassing this could turn. Gabin hasn’t even asked me out and here we are conspiring.

“Wait,” I say to Paige. “It’s likely that Gabin has other plans. This is a busy time for him and it’s—”

“What do you mean?” Gabin looks at me. “Are you inviting me to be your date again tonight?”

“I’m
inviting you,” Paige says coaxingly.

“To escort
you?”
he asks with bewilderment, “or Erin?”

She laughs. “Erin, of course.”

He smiles at me. “I would be honored.”

“And a double date means all four of us will go out together,” she explains. “You and Erin, and Dylan and me. Maybe you and Dylan can arrange to meet at the hotel.”

His brows arch slightly. “Oh.
That
is a double date. I see.”

I exchange a glance with him, and I could be wrong, but I think he understands this is not going to be easy for me.

“We will make it a memorable night,” he tells us.

“And now we’d like to get some interviews behind the scenes,” she tells him. “If you don’t mind.”

“No, we are expecting you.”

The camera guys are ready, so we head back to the staging area where Paige starts to interview a French supermodel that Gabin already selected for us. I pull Alistair over to where I’m standing and do an impromptu interview with Gabin, asking him questions about Hermès, what direction they’re going, and so on.

“Not everyone knows that Hermès has a clothing line,” I say to him. “Some of our viewers might assume you’re only about scarves and bags.”

“It is true, we are well-known for our leather and accessories,” he says, “but Hermès is more than just that.”

“Can you tell us a bit about your spring line?”

And so he explains what to expect for spring, talking about colors and styles with the expertise of a designer who respects women and truly loves fashion.

As I’m winding it down, Gabin grins at me. “You have become an excellent interviewer, Erin.”

“Better than in Paris?” I tease.

He nods. “Perhaps you have grown in many ways.”

I feel another warm rush to my cheeks. I turn to Alistair, telling him I think that’s enough for now, and suggest he might collect some candid footage before the show starts.

“And now we must get ready for the big event,” Gabin says in a businesslike way.
“Au revoir, mon cheri.”

“Au revoir,”
I say back to him. As I walk away I wonder, what girl doesn’t get a rush from hearing a real Frenchman speaking French?

I wait for Paige to wrap up her interview with a Yugoslavian model who looks like she could use a good meal, and we make our way to our seats. I still get a little thrill when I see our names printed on the placards marking our chairs, usually in the front row. It really is an honor; I think perhaps the more I learn about this industry, the more I appreciate it.

Hermès is not disappointing. The drama, the fashions, the models, the music, the setting, the lights … all are
très chic, très France.
I am reminded of all the things I love about Parisian fashion. It seems that femininity is making a comeback with many of the couture collections this season, and I must admit it’s refreshing to see. Not that I’ve ever been into ruffles and frills, but there is something reassuring about these classic
styles. Call me old-fashioned, but I like it when a dress looks like a dress and not something someone should be wearing as they journey into space.

“Well, that was a good day’s work,” Paige says as we’re trooping back to where the car should be picking us up.

“And you girls were great today,” Leah tells us.

“They seem to know what they’re doing,” Mom observes.

Paige laughs. “Well, let’s hope so. By now you’d think we should’ve learned a thing or two.”

“Tomorrow afternoon is Dylan’s show,” Mom says as we get into the car. “But first we have some shops to visit. We’re scheduled to visit Gucci, Armani, Valentino, Fendi, and Prada.” She shakes her head. “I can barely imagine.”

Paige claps her hands.
“Fantastico! Non vedo l’ora!”

“What’s that mean?” I ask her.

“I cannot wait.”

“Can you say shop until you drop in Italian?” Leah asks.

“Hmm … shop is
negozio,”
she says. “Like negotiate.”

Mom pulls out her little English-to-Italian handbook and as we ride to the hotel, we try to figure out how to say some goofy phrases.

“Mangeremo pasta,”
Mom finally says as our car pulls up to the hotel.

“Let’s eat pasta?” Paige guesses.

“Yes. Since Leah and I don’t get invited to your fancy afterparties, how about if we all go to dinner together first?”

“Great idea,” I say. “The food always looks yummy at the parties, but it’s usually difficult to actually eat.”

“I’ll see if the concierge can make a reservation for us,” Leah offers.

Once we’re in our suite, while Paige is getting a shower, I
check my phone messages. One from Mollie sounds like she’s perked up a bit since yesterday. To my disappointment there’s nothing from Blake, and so I send him nothing. But I can’t help but wonder, what is he doing? Is he with Grace? Am I losing him? And then I get irritated with myself for even thinking like this. What is coming over me? Would I really want a relationship that was motivated by jealousy? Of course not.

Dinner is amazing—so many kinds of pasta! Naturally, we all eat too much. Well, except for Paige. She, as usual, seems to be watching her waistline. It’s ironic since she is by far the thinnest of the four of us. To make up for pigging out we decide to walk back to the hotel, which turns out to be about a mile.

“No one told me we were going on a hike tonight,” Paige complains. “I would’ve worn different shoes.”

“Do you want me to wave down a taxi?” Leah offers.

“No,” Mom tells her. “I can see the hotel from here.”

And so we trudge on. Mom and Leah take the lead and I hang back with Paige. “Are you getting blisters?” I ask.

“I hope not. But, really, this was nuts. I was tempted to call Dylan to come get us and just head to the parties, except I want to change my clothes first.”

To distract her, and get the topic away from Dylan, I talk about tomorrow’s shopping expedition. I ask her which shop she’s most into. But as we’re discussing Prada’s new line of fall boots, I’m really thinking about Dylan Marceau … and how I know he’s going to break my sister’s heart. I wonder how she can be so oblivious.