London was at its most beautiful in the autumn. Four years may have passed since she'd set up residence there, but Jenny Humphrey could still see the city that had offered her sanctuary through the eyes of a tourist. She took her time strolling through St James' Park, knowing full well that once she'd arrived at work, time would be working against her.
"J? You have to go and pick up the wood for the set at three. But try and be back by four because we have to pick a girl to replace Bri-"
"What happened to Bri?"
"Bulimia and a breakdown."
"Why do I always pick the crazy ones?" Jenny asked no one in particular. Eric ignored her.
"Also you need to finish the dress."
"Oh, I know." She also had to attend fittings, pick nail varnish colours, shoes and finalise the song list.
"Are you scared?" Alex was one of the more sentimental models she'd hired, a Russian beauty with an international education.
"Terrified. It's not even my first show, so I don't think I deserve to be."
"Was your first show scary?" Jenny smiled at the memory.
"It was everything I ever wished for."
When he was first pointed in her direction, he didn't recognise her. The young woman kneeling by the model wore a sheer sepia blouse tucked into an ivory skirt. Her hair barely hit her shoulders and was more platinum than peroxide. But she was still skinny as hell, still blessed with ridiculously long limbs, was still at one with the clothes she was working on. She felt eyes on her and turned her head. He noted the encrusted dolphin pendant at her throat and the scuffed Doc Martens on her feet. Still Jenny.
She stood frozen in place, wondering if she had dreamed him into reality.
"Nate?" They embraced awkwardly. He smelled lavender; she, expensive cologne. His eyes looked past her.
"Is that the dress?" It was fabulous. Bronze silk, loosely draped, with a strip of chiffon cinching the waist. She smiled at him.
"Alex get out of here. You don't want to go near this one."
"Hey, for your information I have been practically celibate these past couple of years."
"Oh I know, Dan keeps me updated." His smile slipped.
"I'm sorry it came to that. I'm sorry I didn't call."
"Oh Nate," she laughed. "It was hardly your fault."