Chapter 494: Banríon
Wednesday, February 15th, Afternoon
(Song Lyrics in italics)
The venue was packed as she looked out from behind the curtain. Taking a moment, she adjusted her ginger red hair and walked back to wear the models were. Even after all these years, she admired the crew getting the models ready; it always reminded her of NASCAR pit crews.
A short and commanding brunette walked over to her. The short brunette looked up at the ginger-haired woman and smiled a dimpled smile.
"Relax, Bobbi, this is your time," Brooke Davis said.
"So, many moving parts, and it's all about me today," Bobbi-Lee Burke said, but today she went by her work name Roberta Leigh Burke. Brooke had once suggested that Bobbi drop the Burke and use her middle name as her work surname, Darcey, but Bobbi-Lee refused, not wanting to disrespect her family.
"You'll be fine, and this is just smoke and mirrors. Enjoy, and I'll be watching from my seat supporting you," Brooke said and walked away.
Bobbi-Lee walked by the models and nodded at several of them. Finally, she came to one of the models, a tall dirty blonde, who looked at Bobbi-Lee.
"Thanks for doing this, Ellie," Bobbi-Lee said.
"You're welcome," Ellie said.
"You look great," Bobbi-Lee said.
"It's all because of your design," Ellie said.
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Bobbi-Lee said.
"Works for me," Ellie said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded and walked over towards the stage. At the stage, Trin talked with one of the stage managers. Trin turned to look at Bobbi-Lee.
"Bobbi, we're almost ready," Trin said.
"Thanks; where are you going to be?" Bobbi-Lee asked.
"At the boards," Trin said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded and watched Trin walk away. Taking in the sights and sounds, she watched the machine that Brooke created, all for her designs. Taking a deep breath, Bobbi-Lee stepped up to the curtain and looked out. The seats weren't all filled yet; Bobbi-Lee could see Brooke was already in her seat. Next to Brooke, Bobbi-Lee could see Fallon.
After watching for a few minutes, Bobbi-Lee stepped away from the curtain. She stopped at the bottom of the steps and looked to the stage manager. The production people started to lead the models over to the stage entrance. Bobbi-Lee looked at the first model, adjusted a few things, and then looked to the stage manager.
The music clicked on, and the lights started to flash, then settled into the pattern they needed. The stage manager nodded and sent the first model out. Bobbi-Lee took up a place to watch the model walkout.
If all of the kings had their queens on the throne
We would pop champagne and raise a toast
To all of the queens who are fighting alone
Baby, you're not dancing on your own
Bobbi-Lee studied everything and thought of her journey to this point. From her wild days in high school and slow-maturing at Wake Forest. The long nights fiddling with her limited budget, and someone suggested for her to submit her designs. As a whim, she did one last hurrah before boring corporate life. She got noticed and ended up in New York working for Brooke, to her surprise. That led to a crazy weekend and eventually led to her return to North Carolina.
Can't live without me, you wanna, but you can't, nah-nah-nah
Think it's funny, but honey, can't run this show on your own
I can feel my body shake, there's only so much I can take
I'll show you how a real queen behaves (Oh)
The model reached the end of the runway, posed, and turned around to return. The second model was already halfway down the runway when the first one turned around. Bobbi-Lee smiled as there seemed to be a positive response to her designs.
No damsel in distress, don't need to save me
Once I start breathing fire, you can't tame me
And you might think I'm weak without a sword
But if I had one, it'd be bigger than yours
Bobbi-Lee looked over to where Brooke and Fallon were sitting. Bobbi-Lee could see another red-head over Brooke's shoulder. The business head of the company, Sabrina Cohen, sat and watched. Bobbi-Lee knew she was taking mental notes.
If all of the kings had their queens on the throne
We would pop champagne and raise a toast
To all of the queens who are fighting alone
Baby, you're not dancing on your own
Ellie was on the runway now. Bobbi-Lee watched the woman that she had known since Ellie was little. Ellie would be brought with her twin sister and older brother to where Bobbi-Lee worked. Bobbi-Lee had worked for Ellie's mom. Ellie grew up to be a beautiful young woman. Bobbi-Lee noted that Ellie just owned the runway.
Disobey me, then baby, it's off with your head
Gonna change it and make it a world you won't forget (Oh)
Ellie's place was about halfway through the lineup. Bobbi-Lee turned to see the last of the line-up and nodded. Bobbi-Lee felt her nerves calm down for the first time today. Her heart rate was slowly settling down. It reminded her of her first rock climb.
No damsel in distress, don't need to save me
Once I start breathing fire, you can't tame me
And you might think I'm weak without a sword
But I'm stronger than I ever was before
Bobbi-Lee opened and closed her hands; then, she counted on her fingers. Nodding, she's done well dealing with the stress. Once this week is over, Bobbi-Lee planned to take a trip to the southwest to do some free climbing and de-stress.
If all of the kings had their queens on the throne
We would pop champagne and raise a toast
To all of the queens who are fighting alone
Baby, you're not dancing on your own
Looking up and over the line of models, Bobbi-Lee stepped down. Looking over the last of the models and outfits, Bobbi-Lee nodded with approval. Slowly, the line paid down; Bobbi-Lee looked in the mirror and made some adjustments. Standing by the stage manager, she watched the last of the models make their walk, and Bobbi-Lee sighed. It's gone well.
In chess, a king can move one space at a time
But queens are free to go wherever they like
You get too close, you'll get a royalty high
So breathe it in to feel alive
"They're ready for you," the stage manager said.
If all of the kings had their queens on the throne
We would pop champagne and raise a toast
To all of the queens who are fighting alone
Baby, you're not dancing on your own
Bobbi-Lee nodded and stepped out onto the stage. Two models came over to her, and she joined them arm in arm. One of them turned out to be Ellie. Bobbi-Lee walked to the end of the runway, took a moment, and waved. She stepped back and returned backstage.
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Bobbi-Lee looked over to Ellie. "Thanks for doing this?" she asked.
"You're welcome," Ellie said.
"I didn't expect you to be at the end," Bobbi-Lee said.
"That was all Brooke," Ellie said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded and smiled.
"Well, I have to get out of this," Ellie said.
Bobbi-Lee sighed and walked over to one spot where nothing was happening. She watched as everything was being scaled down and packed up, the less glamorous side of these things.
Looking over to see Brooke walking over to her with Sabrina following her. Bobbi-Lee smiled as Brooke came over to her, and they hugged.
"The crowd responded well," Brooke said.
"That's good, I guess," Bobbi-Lee said.
"That's great, Bobbi; I knew you had it in you," Brooke said.
"Thanks," Bobbi-Lee said.
"No problem," Brooke said, "Before we head back, I have an interesting opportunity we need to discuss."
"We?" Bobbi-Lee asked.
"Me, you, and Sabrina," Brooke said.
"What is the opportunity?" Bobbi-Lee asked.
"That can wait, for now," Brooke said.
"But Brooke," Bobbi-Lee said.
"No, but Brooke, here or now," Brooke said.
"Brooke," Bobbi-Lee said.
"Go, enjoy your success; you deserve it," Brooke said.
Bobbi-Lee nodded and walked away. Brooke looked to Sabrina. The redhead of business looked at Brooke.
"Are you sure she's ready?" Sabrina asked.
"She is, or has to be," Brooke said.
"It's a big risk," Sabrina said.
"Audaces Fortuna iuvat," Brooke said.
"Let's roll the dice then," Sabrina said.
"Let's, and let's celebrate with Bobbi," Brooke said and led Sabrina away.
