Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. I am currently recovering after surgery. So even I am surprised I got this chapter up on time. I'm starting to slowly proofread things again. Hopefully, I'll be up to working on new chapters soon, but I did bank a lot of stuff before surgery.

The timestamps on the emails in this chapter are London time. I thought we could spend a little time checking in with the London crew before we dive headfirst into New York fashion week.

Chapter 70: London Friday night catch up

From: Fashionista_Marc

To: Betty at home

Subject: The Justin fairytale scans.

Time sent: 9/10/2010 14:30:26

I'm sorry it took me a few days to email these to you. I have been preoccupied with pre-fashion week chaos. We lost a designer for our show and had to choose a new person to take the spot last minute. Thank God Monique had backups. Now we just have to get new models, and Megan's taking care of it.

Also, most of the set decorations were accidentally delivered to Hoboken. Thankfully we had things delivered early, so there's time to retrieve them.

It's been so chaotic that I asked Tamika to do the scanning. Although now she wants you to make a story for Jamie. Apparently, there are not a lot of books out there for intersexual children. Jamie could use their own fairytale. That I agree with.

If you want to get back into it, Cliff has some friends who are illustrators from art school. Your writing is excellent, but your drawing skills are abysmal.

Xxxx

From: Betty at home

To: Fashionista_Marc

Subject: Re: The Justin fairytale scans.

Time sent: 9/10/2010 16:23:56

It's OK that sending the scans took you a few days. I've been in meetings all week myself. I have another one in 10 minutes. Although maybe something will get done since my boss is in New York. Please avoid him while he's attending fashion week.

Also, I know how chaotic fashion week is. Daniel is just starting to get into the zone. He's had two meetings today with the Mode Paris Team for their co-show. I know no details, but I am sure it will be amazing. Amanda is sulking about not being able to go. However, Christina's coming for the London fashion week because she has a show. We are both looking forward to that. I'm so happy to be at her first London fashion week show. I'll send you lots of pictures. I hope so, anyway.

Thank you for sending the books. I forgot I wrote so many. Justin hated ordinary stories where the girl always ended up with the prince. But he loved all the dresses. That should've been a sign.

I'll think about writing a book for Jamie. They do deserve something fun and adorable. And if things keep going the way they are with Lindsey, I will have a lot of free time due to my resignation. I requested to take time off to see Christina's show, but I wonder if I'll actually get it. I'm already going to miss Paris fashion week with Daniel, and I hate that. Not missing the shows but being able to support Daniel and DJ when they have to deal with the evil grandparents again alone. Amanda was supposed to be the buffer but can't be right now.

Xxx

From: Fashionista_Marc

To: Betty at home

Subject: Re: The Justin fairytale scans.

Time sent: 9/10/2010 19:30:26

Honestly, Amanda is more upset about not being able to be DJ's buffer than not being able to go to fashion week. She really hates DJ's grandparents. Although just because you and Amanda are unavailable doesn't mean Daniel will be dealing with it alone. Is anybody else going from his team with him to Paris, like his number two or Candy? Also, I know Becks now works for Daniel again. He's text message friends with Cliff. They send each other baby pictures. Honestly, I've seen more of Amanda's new nursery from him than from Amanda. Delegation is essential, and you can ask somebody else to take this. Or you can quit and tell Lindsay to go fuck himself.

So yesterday, Lindsay called to apologize for Victoria's inappropriate behavior and offered me the Creative Director position at Isabella. I told him no. He still wants to have drinks. I handed him over to Tamika. Hopefully, she will schedule that meeting in about six years. I wonder if my emphatic no is why Victoria got her promotion today. Ask your boyfriend for details. We just did a marathon call about that situation. I'm not putting that in writing.

Oh God, I got to go. Your boss just showed up. Why didn't security tackle him? Oh great, he is my lunch meeting. I deeply regret that Jade is with Cliff. Therefore I don't have the built-in baby excuse to get out of here.

xxxxxxx

"I am so sorry I am late for dinner again," Daniel said as he ran into the kitchen to find Betty working on her laptop. He's happy she's home, even if she's probably working right now.

"It's OK. It gave me time to read some emails and figure out how to tactfully reply to several without resorting to curse words." Daniel chuckled at that.

"I understand it is fashion week season, and you have to deal with it in three different countries. I heard from Marc that you were running late. Is everything OK?"

"Now it is. New York Fashion Week is the one I'm least concerned about outside of having to deal with Victoria Hartley. Justin, Marc, and Megan have it covered."

"She is always a problem. I'm a little worried about Austin and Justin going to fashion events alone with her there."

"He isn't. In addition to a security officer, Skye or Tamika will be with Justin at every event. Except for the ones where Marc is also there. Then Justin is his plus one. And there will still be a security person with them or Megan when that occurs. We discussed that in the super long call with New York. Sorry. I didn't think it was going to run that late." Daniel explained to his fiancée.

"It's OK. I understand because I had several late days this week with the last-minute changes to the October issue. Is Justin OK with having actual babysitters with him? Why are they with him?" Betty asked.

"Yes, possibly because they might be playing the role of arm candy. As well as keeping him from starving to death. Justin suggested it since Austin won't be coming with him."

"Austin is not coming with him now? Is it Victoria related? Marc mentioned something vaguely in his email about needing to talk to you."

"Probably because she could be monitoring all our phones and emails. There was an incident recently. It's why we're using the burn phones only to talk about Amanda and the twins."

"What happened?" Betty sighed as she reached for her mug of tea.

"Austin was going to be Justin's assistant for the event. That plan changed when word came down through Monique's sources at Isabella that Victoria had just fired the current EIC and is taking over the job herself. That means she'll be at every show and party, including tonight's preshow. The black and white ball is one thing…" Daniel trailed off just as Betty finished the thought for him.

"But every show would be another. Although Victoria can't be everywhere. Marc isn't going to be at all the shows, just the big ones like you used to do. Justin wouldn't be going to the same shows as her."

"We can't get her schedule. Monique doesn't have that many contacts left at Isabella. The one who told us about the firing was also let go as part of Victoria's scorched-earth policies."

"I am not surprised."

"It's fine. We have a plan, and Austin is only slightly mad at us."

"It's fine if he's only slightly mad. Although only if the plan actually works. Will it work?"

"I have no idea," Daniel said as he sat next to Betty and kissed her. "I don't want to think about it for a couple of hours. I would ask you what you're working on, but I am afraid to."

"That's probably best. Although, right now, I'm just going over some scans of things Marc found when he was packing up the old house." Betty said as she turned her computer screen to him.

"That's nice of him to scan them for you," Daniel said as he went through the PDFs.

"Tamika did the scanning, but I appreciate the gesture," Betty explained.

"That looks a lot like a children's book, with Justin as his own Princess. You were so creative when you were little."

"That's because they are. I wrote them in junior high for Justin. He was very finicky when it came to bedtime stories. I forgot I made these until Marc found them while helping pack up. For some reason, he decided to keep them."

"This is cute," Daniel commented after reading the first story. It involved a princess who loves shopping. "You are so much better at this than I was at your age."

"I'm thinking of maybe redoing some of them for the twins," Betty explained.

"Amanda would definitely love a story about a shopping Princess. Although maybe have DJ help you with the artwork. He can actually draw. Not that your stick figures weren't brilliant."

"I know art is not my strong suit. DJ used to draw pictures of Lindsay being seriously injured during staff meetings. Also, it's been suggested I work on something for Jamie. It could be a fun project for the two of us to work on. I miss spending time with DJ now that he's always with."

"I'm sure he would love the project," Daniel said as an email popped up on the screen. "Apparently, Tamika wrote you and asked if you could write a story for Jade about her two daddies getting together."

"I'm sure I'll find some time to do that when I am not redoing the November issue. Especially if DJ is helping. Where is DJ right now?" Betty asked.

"What did Lindsey do this time? I thought he was in New York this week?" Daniel asked.

"He sends me way too many notes from the plane." Betty sighed. "It's OK. I just want to spend some time with you right now."

"You will get your wish because DJ is spending the night at Sumreen's House."

"He is? Why didn't you mention this earlier?"

"It was during lunch. Candy ran DJ back here to get his bag. Rayan's Classmates were stupid, so my Co EIC decided her son deserved a sleepover. I agreed because we could use a night together before the twins arrived. Although I'm sorry for not checking with you first."

"I always like getting to spend more time with you. Although is it really just the two of us, or will Amanda be stopping by?" Daniel is well aware Amanda is there a lot. Which, of course, makes sense because she's almost near the end of her pregnancy.

"Home babysitting baby Becks," Daniel said just as the doorbell rang.

"Oh god, that's probably her and baby Becks," Betty sighed.

"No, she has a key. And I gave her things from the closet to not come by today." Betty rolled her eyes at that. "That would be dinner. I ordered on the way here. I went with Indian."

"Perfect," Betty said as she kissed Daniel before he left to get dinner.

Xxxx

Mandy cakes: Why did I agree to babysit baby Becks? She is in her "no" phase. She also likes to throw things.

Mandy cakes: Like my favorite pair of shoes, I can't wear them anymore because everything hurts. I've gone up two shoe sizes.

Marc: Because Becks will get you more shoes.

Mark: I'm sure baby Becks is better than Jade right now. She's a little cranky about transitioning from 100% breastmilk to formula and pear purée. I am trying to get both out of my shirt before my next meeting.

Mandy cakes: Actually, it was a new purse. I'm not buying any more clothing until the babies get here. Not even shoes unless they're ridiculously comfy. No one should wear designer shoes nine months pregnant.

Mandy cakes: I think they came from Daniel because he wanted Betty alone for the night before fashion week and the babies get here. Per Candy, the co-EIC got quite a bribe to host a last-minute sleepover.

Marc: As a parent, I can respect that. I would rather watch movies alone with Cliff than play head games with Isabella's staff.

Mandy cakes: You have the pre-fashion week party tonight, right? Is Victoria going to be there? I've never seen her at a Fashion Week before, but she just bought Isabella.

Marc: Yes, unfortunately. Rumor has it this will be the soft debut of Victoria Hartley as the new EIC of Isabella. After getting sick at the yacht party, I have a two-drink max at this one, and I need more alcohol to deal with her.

Mandy cakes: Completely understandable. Why is she even there? Does she have any experience whatsoever running a magazine? Actually, has she had any job before?

Marc: Per Matt, other than the foundation, no. She was trying to bring me in as Creative Director to do the heavy lifting. At least, that's the impression I got when Lindsay stopped by to play good cop an hour ago. The email wasn't enough. I'm still shocked he got past security. Thankfully someone told Cliff what was going on, and he brought the baby up to get me out of it. Hence why my shirt is now covered in food.

Mandy cakes: I'm glad your chunky knight was able to rescue you. Also, they could've at least named you EIC.

Marc: They could make me a queen, and I wouldn't want to be there. I learned a lot from my work relationship with Wilhelmina. The first is that I don't want to have a working relationship like that again, and Victoria would be much worse.

Marc: Plus, I would also have to deal with Lindsay, and per Betty, he's an absolute dick.

Mandy cakes: He's a micromanaging dick. I'm sad I'm going on maternity leave and can't be there to protect Betty. It's going to get so much worse without me there.

Marc: All the more reason for me not to go to Isabella.

Mandy cakes: So, you're talking to Matt now voluntarily?

Marc: Yes. It was a work and an Austin thing. We needed intel on Victoria to decide if we had to pull Austin from fashion week escort duties.

Mandy cakes: Which I assume you did?

Marc: Unfortunately. Also, Skye or Tamika will be with Justin at all times.

Mandy cakes: Why them? Why not my cousin Carmen who's also Monique's incoming assistant. I know she's ex-NYPD.

Marc: They're both under Vivian's protection. Victoria won't touch them. Carmen will be with me, though. Although that might change because even I don't want to keep Antonella with Megan 100% of the time.

Mandy cakes: That's good. I hope you're right. I will have to figure out how to get the blueberries off the floor, and I can't bend down anymore.

Mandy cakes: [image one attached]

Marc: Note to self never let Jade have blueberry purée. Let the happy couple clean after their own kid when they return from date night.

Mandy cakes: She stained my dress. And her dress. Also, there may be blueberry in my hair right now.

Marc: The next issue will contain an article about the best shampoo for blonde hair. Including ones that can get out blueberry stains. I'll send it to you.

Mandy cakes: Thank you. I'm too pregnant to deal with this.

Mandy cakes: How am I going to do this. I can barely take care of one baby alone, and she's just barely walking. I am so over my head, and the twins will be here soon.

Marc: The barely walking might be the problem. They start off slow and then build their stamina. You're coming in the middle, which means there's a steeper learning curve. I am just now catching up with Cliff in time for the introduction of solid foods.

Mandy cakes: I don't know how I will do this alone. I don't have to work for a while because of the money from mommy Faye and the free rent courtesy of Monique's aunt. And who knows, she might kick me out when she arrives next week. Even with all that, it still feels like too much.

Marc: OK, first, the aunt will not kick you out. Monique won't let her. Also, you won't be by yourself. You're moving into Betty and Daniel's house for the first three months, right?

Mandy cakes: Yes, although eventually, we're going to split weeks. I feel like I will end up sleeping in the guestroom a lot. I don't want to be away from the babies.

Marc: At least that's an option for you. I was always miserable during Jody's weekends. I am grateful they're suspended for the next five years.

Mandy cakes: Except for the monthly visits.

Marc: Cliff is doing that, and we have two more weeks before the first one. I'm trying not to think about it.

Mandy cakes: Of course.

Marc: You are capable of more than you think. You're going to do fine.

Mandy cakes: I hope you're right.

Marc: You'll see. I believe in you. Besides, if I can raise a baby, you can do it too.

Mandy cakes: You have Cliff. I heard Hilda was your new parenthood coach. Also, there's only one Jade.

Marc: You have Betty and Daniel plus Candy and Becks.

Marc: I will also be a text message away. You have this.

Xxxx

Cousin DJ: I am glad I survived this first week of classes.

Justin: So am I. Although we're rejiggering my schedule because I'm going to have to have a completely different English curriculum. But that will make me more available for London-time meetings.

Cousin DJ: Why do you have a different curriculum?

Justin: Because I want to do something different. I'm doing less literature and more writing for journalism. Although there will be some musicals and Broadway plays to make up for not having the traditional literature component.

DJ: I'm sure you love that.

Justin: Of course. I also like that classes are going to be more practical. We get to help plan our curriculum for the Paris/London trip. It's not going to be all work for us. We will visit a lot of museums. I didn't get to do that much sightseeing this summer, so I'm looking forward to more of that, even if it's for schoolwork.

Cousin DJ: This is true. I'm going to try to join you. If I'm going to live in England long term, I should know more about the country. I also want to hang out with your boyfriend in person.

Justin: That would be fun. You should definitely be with us. You're part of Mode Academy too. Austin really likes you.

Cousin DJ: I like him too. I also want to get to know Antonella better. I barely talked to her at the wedding.

Justin: Yeah, she was going through a lot with the pregnancy scare that weekend. She definitely wants to hang out.

Cousin DJ: We should do that. I need more friends. I'm working on it.

Justin: Good to know. Why are you text messaging me at nearly midnight your time?

Cousin DJ: Sleepover at Rayan's house. I don't know what Daniel promised Sumreen to host a sleepover, but she went all in.

Justin: We are currently partaking in the staying up late and watching movies portion of the evening.

Cousin DJ: [6 images attached]

Justin: OK, that is a ton of junk food. Also, I am glad that the little sister has not been left out of the festivities.

Cousin DJ: Sleepover tradition, or so I've been told. My grandparents never let me have sleepovers.

Justin: I wouldn't know. I didn't have that many either because most of my friends were girls before most stopped talking to me after coming out and moving to Manhattan. I don't think the sleepovers I now have with Austin count.

Cousin DJ: The ones with Antonella do. I feel like Monique would be OK with it.

Justin: Well, then Austin will get to experience that tonight. Mercedes' girls might pop by to join in the fun, which means an all-you-can-eat Sunday bar. I regret we missed that Monday for the horrible hors d'oeuvres and demented hostess.

Cousin DJ: What happened? I thought he was going with you to the pre–Fashion Week party. Who is hosting this one? I don't remember.

Justin: I don't either. Honestly, it's all blurred together at this point. I know this one is at the same hotel where Antonella lives. She says that they've been setting up for the last three days.

Cousin DJ: I am not surprised. Mostly because I've been sitting on the event meetings with mode Paris. It will take the other team a week to set up the venue for the Mode Paris show.

Justin: I deeply regret we can't come for Paris Fashion Week. Almost as much as I regret that Austin can't go with me tonight anymore. He's staying up in Monique's suite with the babies and Antonella.

Cousin DJ:?

Justin: It's not public knowledge yet, but Victoria Hartley is now EIC of Isabella. All sources point to tonight being her public coming-out party.

Cousin DJ: That's unfortunate.

Justin: And considering that she is trying to use Marc's daughter against him, we decided it would be best not to serve Austin to her on a platter. No matter how much I actually want my boyfriend with me.

Cousin DJ: Smart.

Justin: I had such plans, but it's fine. It's more important for Austin to be safe. I don't trust that woman at all.

Cousin DJ: You shouldn't.

Justin: Time for a change of subject. I don't want to think about Victoria Hartley until I am forced to spend time with her again. How is everything going for you?

Cousin DJ: Classes are good or as good as they can be. I do like my teacher. Uncle Daniel and aunt Betty are having a date night without me.

Justin: As they should.

Cousin DJ: Unfortunately, so are Becks and Candy. Amanda is babysitting, which is another reason for the sleepover.

Justin: You really have to get over your crush.

Cousin DJ: But not tonight. I got an email from my grandmother a couple of hours ago. That's enough complex emotions for the day.

Justin: Agreed. What do the monsters want?

Cousin DJ: They want me to meet with my old agent when we're in Paris for Fashion Week. They were not happy when I said no. I will definitely not tell them I will be there longer for the field trip. I don't want to see them and wish the courts would get rid of the forced visitation.

Justin: I'm sure the grandparents were angry when you said no. I bet Daniel was not happy that they contacted you directly.

Cousin DJ: Technically, they're allowed to, but they never do unless they want something. I haven't told Daniel yet.

Justin: Why?

DJ: Because Aunt Betty deserves a good weekend, I don't want to ruin that by bringing up the grandparents. I'll do it when I get home Sunday. Besides, this is an in-person conversation.

Justin: Fine. Just make sure you do tell Uncle Daniel. He needs to know what they're doing. If he can prove how awful they are, he can get the custody agreement changed. I know you would love for these forced visits to end.

Cousin DJ: I really would. I promise I will tell him Sunday. I'll even write a note to our lawyer.

Justin: Very good. You may even want to send her the messages. That's what we're supposed to do if Victoria contacts any of us. I feel like it would apply to the situation.

Cousin DJ: I will. It is close to midnight, so it's time for us to get ready for bed, even by sleepover standards.

Justin: That's OK. I have to meet Cassandra in the closet in 10 minutes for my party outfit. I have a wardrobe for all of next week.

Justin: Does that mean you want me to hold all party text messages till morning? I will have some angry Victoria Hartley thoughts that I cannot share with my boyfriend.

Cousin DJ: I'll put the phone in sleep mode. Although, do expect responses at like 3 AM your time.

Justin: I expect nothing less.

To be continued…