Chapter 3:
Andrea was extremely nervous. She paced the floor back and forth in her office trying desperately to calm her nerves tonight was the big night. The grand opening of A. DeMarzio Fashion Studio and Boutique in New York, her biggest move to date and the first one she would do without her husband by her side. Taking a deep breath she opened the office door and walked down to the foyer where Isabella and the girls were waiting for her. Try as she might she could not conjure up a smile. Tonight was make or break night and although the previous night's run through was a success she couldn't shake the uneasiness that settled within the pit of her stomach.
"Andrea, love you have to relax. It's going to be fine, your designs are already wanted all across Europe and Asia, Sergei believed this was the next step, has he ever steered you wrong? Have I ever let you down before? You are extremely talented and no one can take that away from you. The press is only a small issue to deal with. You dealt with the Italian press beautifully and the girls already know what to expect. Aiden has taken care of all the lighting and the sound effects. The music has been selected and the models are all ready to go. You only need to show up and make sure you like the way your work is displayed. When that's finished just sit back and watch the show." Isabella said softly fixing a few stray strands of Andrea's hair.
Lexxi and Rory both wrapped their little arms around their mother and nodded, "Mommy, it's going to be wonderful! You are so great and there is no one that can tell you differently. When everyone sees all your pretty clothes they are going to want your business." Rory said smiling. Lexxi nodded and smiled in agreement before slipping into her jacket as Irene held it open.
Andrea nodded and smiled at her daughters and Isabella before picking up Rory and dashing through the new crowd of photographers to the waiting car, Isabella following swiftly behind her with a giggling Lexxi in her arms. Once inside the car the girls buckled themselves in and sat whispering quietly amongst themselves. Andrea sighed and rubbed her temples before looking at her family, "Alright, we're going to get through this and afterwards we're going to go out and celebrate. Whether they love it or hate it. We're here, we took the next step and we're a family loving life and each other. Besides the girls have yet to see New York and this past month has brought back a few memories of my time here. I want to share some of that with you three. What do you say?"
Lexxi bounced in her seat smiling brightly, Rory giggled and nodded while clapping. Isabella chuckled softly as she took out her cell to check her messages as the car moved along the streets steadily.
*****
When the car stopped in front of the studio, the four people in the car gaped at the amount of photographers and people standing out front or walking along the red carpet that Lexxi insisted was included. Isabella exited the car first followed by the girls who stood slightly behind her waiting on their mother. When Andrea left the car flashbulbs went off in rapid succession Lexxi whimpered when a photographer set one off in her eyes, moving back into her mother. Frowning slightly Andrea picked up her young daughter and hugged her to her kissing her cheek, "It's alright sweetie, Mommy and Nana are right here. Do you want me to carry you in?" she whispered lovingly. Feeling the slight nod of her little head, she smiled took a hold of Rory's hand and confidently with Isabella to her other side she began the walk down through the crowd and into the building that was now the A. DeMarzio's Fashion Studio and Boutique to prepare for her first ever American Fashion show.
*****
The show was a great success, the models were beautiful and displayed the different evening gowns, casual, and business attire beautifully. The lighting complimented the different seasonal attires and made the designs look better than Andrea imagined they could. Smiling to Isabella who stood next to her backstage she pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek softly before two of her models pulled her away and led her to out onto the runway. The house lights were still low when she reached the front, the lights overhead moved to focus on her and the audience still in the theatre sent up a very heartwarming cheer bringing tears to Andrea's eyes. She smiled as one of the models handed her a bouquet of roses and air kissed both sides of her face before exiting. Her daughters ran out from the back and down the runway to her side. She smiled down at them then split her bouquet in three and gave two of them to her daughters. Looking over her shoulder she motioned for Isabella to join them as well. When the older woman who was like a mother to her in so many ways reached them she handed the last of the roses to her and hugged her tightly.
Isabella kissed Andrea's cheek and wiped the tears from her eyes before turning back to the crowd and smiling as well. The lights came on and Renee, their new publicist stepped forward speaking into the microphone, "Ms. DeMarzio will now take a few questions before we retire to the upstairs dining hall for refreshments. After which all information and orders will be taken by Ms. DeMarzio's secretary, Aubrey Grant, who will be seated at the front desk. Again we would like to thank you all for attending this evening and ask that you enjoy the rest of the night here with us at A. DeMarzio's."