Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos on the last chapter. I absolutely appreciate it.
Welcome to September Fashion Week 2010. I did a lot of research to understand what September Fashion Week 2010 was like. Unfortunately, a lot of the photo galleries are dead. The Internet is forever, but sometimes it becomes incompatible with the present. Also, pre-2010, finding the exact dates of NYC fashion week was more challenging.
I decided to use what I could find as a basis to let my imagination take over. There are going to be a lot of labels and designers that I've created. This will frequently happen because Fashion Week is a multi-continent event. Poor Daniel is dealing with this in two countries this year.
It's a marathon, not a fashion show.
We got New York Fashion Week first. Followed by London Fashion Week and ending with Paris Fashion Week. I hope I got it in the correct order. Technically there are Fashion Weeks in a few other countries, but three is enough. Also, Ugly Betty never did the other Fashion Weeks outside of the last season. Honestly, I think that was a convenient mechanism to help wrap up the plot.
Long-time readers may remember that I wrote the original story live with season four. I wrote the story as if season four was the last. The actual show writers did not. This is funny since my story is essentially season five, starting with summer instead of fall. It makes sense that September fashion week is going to be the primary fashion week for us.
Additional note about the text messages in the next several chapters: due to the nature of the conversations, sometimes there could be long gaps between messages. These are ongoing conversations between the characters that might be lasting hours. That's the case with Mark and Amanda in this chapter. I wish I could do timestamps. Unfortunately, I want to keep the format for these chapters screen reader software friendly.
Chapter 72: NYC FW 2010: A Promising Start
Monday, September 13, 2010
"You look great," Austin said as Justin stepped out of the Mode closet in his carefully put-together outfit. Austin is sure Cassandra was involved in addition to his aunt. He is starting to recognize Brianna's work. Justin prefers his aunt's label since she's branched out in menswear.
"I'm glad. This outfit is going to have to last the entire day. I will not have time to come back here and switch." Justin explained to his boyfriend.
"I bet you're sad about that."
"So much. Although it's okay. Today and tomorrow are behind-the-scenes days where I just go to shows, send tweets, and take shots for various articles. I might end up on Fashion TV's blog, but I doubt it. They only see me as someone to take work from at this point." Justin was very bitter about them using his work this weekend.
"Do you have a photographer coming with you?"Austin questioned.
"Not today. I am doing some of the lower-level shows. The ones that aren't at the Lincoln Center." Justin said as Tamika popped out in her very carefully put-together outfit. It looked great but was obviously designed for a highly active day.
"We're going to be running around the garment district all day. But don't worry, Gio has packed a lunch, and I think it might survive security at the first show." Tamika pointed to her shoulder bag, which looked like a lunch box.
"Thank God."
"I'm glad you won't have a repeat of DC while I'm sitting in class without you." Austin places a kiss on his boyfriend's cheek.
"Despite not being there, I must submit my draft articles to Stephanie before I turn them over to the editing team. I am also doing a research project on the history of Fashion Week in New York." Justin sighed.
"That seems more interesting than anything I did in high school," Tamika commented.
"That's true. It's better than reading and writing a 10-page paper on the Scarlet Letter." Austin agreed with that.
"I hated reading that. Also, if you find some interesting stuff, you can turn it into an article. Mo loves history and would love to do more articles about fashion history. It would be perfect for the February issue. I know we'll start working on that as soon as we tear down the stage for this show."
"You are so right. We tend to prioritize February Fashion Week over September Fashion Week here. At least since Faye died, from what I've been told. This one is more important than normal since it's the first fashion week with the new management. Others on the team are already working on their February issue pitches. I'll keep notes of what I find to see if I have something to pitch for the February issue."
"I'm sure you'll come up with something brilliant. You will text me today?" Austin asked.
"I will when I can, but I know you won't always be available."
"Monique talked to Stephanie about letting us keep our phones this week. However, I will be with Cassandra for most of my out-of-class time, prepping outfits for the show on Wednesday." Austin explained.
"That's going to be chaos."
"So much chaos. There are model fittings today."
"Good luck," Austin said, leaning in to kiss his boyfriend. They both knew that Justin would need to leave soon.
"Okay, stop kissing the boyfriend. We need to be down at the car in five minutes." Tamika sighed. The two reluctantly pulled apart.
"I'll see you tonight."
"You will. We're doing dinner together at the hotel to decompress. Monique's orders."
"This is why I adore your foster sister," Justin said just as he left, leaving Austin to have quality time in the closet with Cassandra between classes.
Xxxx
A few hours later.
Mandy cakes: I just saw you on Fashion TV UK. Oh, my Gucci, they put you next to Anna W. You are in the big leagues now.
Fashionista Marc: Probably because they need to keep me the hell away from Victoria.
Fashionista Marc: And to keep Anna away from Victoria. She was on the other side of the runway. We both think she's a talentless hag who bought her way in.
Mandy cakes: Thank God she was far away, so you could talk about her. She deserves it.
Fashionista Marc: So much.
Mandy cakes: How was your first show with the big girls?
Fashionista Marc: Wonderful. It helps that the clothes weren't hideous. Although, I kept expecting Wilhelmina to ask me to retrieve her purse.
Mandy cakes: Understandable. This is new for you, but you deserve it.
Mandy cakes: Who is on purse duty for you anyway? My cousin?
Fashionista Marc: Skye because Tamika was with Justin, and Cliff was shooting backstage shots for the 10 designers to watch spread in the closet with Cassandra and Austin. I don't trust any other photographer with early access. Your cousin is with Megan because Antonella has class time today. However, Cliff will arrive later to accompany me to the Versace show.
Mandy cakes: Just in time for arm candy duty.
Fashionista Marc: Very lovely arm candy. Breanna's assistant dropped off an entire week's worth of clothes at our apartment yesterday with instructions on what to wear to each show he is scheduled to be at.
Mandy cakes: LOL
Fashionista Marc: Cliff is convinced that Breanna has been dying to dress him up like this for years, and now she has the perfect excuse.
Mandy cakes: Especially because you love seeing your boy toy dressed up. So, do you have another show before Versace?
Fashionista Marc: Unfortunately, yes. Monique gets invited to shows that Wilhelmina would never get invited to.
Mandy cakes: Of course, she gets better invites. She's Vivian Wyndham West's daughter. She gets to go to the real rich people's shows.
Fashionista Marc: You're right about that. The last one had mimosas made with the good stuff. I'm going to be exhausted before Wednesday.
Mandy cakes: And probably hung over. The Mode show is Wednesday.
Fashionista Marc. Yes. Unfortunately, we're already running into problems. I'm currently having a conversation simultaneously with Cassandra. They sent the wrong models to us. Apparently, they didn't believe us when we said, plus-size models. At least for the female models.
Mandy cakes: That's stupid. It's a plus-size show. Although weren't the models supposed to be in place last week?
Fashionista Marc: We needed a new group due to losing one of the designers.
Fashionista Marc: Okay, we fired one of the designers, and since he brought his own models, we lost those. Hence the new models that are now the wrong size. Everything should be resolved before I arrive at the next show.
Fashionista Marc: I hope.
Mandy cakes: Shouldn't Tamika be the one trying to fix this? Or is that Skye's duty since she's with you at the shows?
Fashionista Marc: This is a situation that requires my direct intervention. Besides, Skye is technically the nanny. Your cousin, Ms. Sanchez, is Monique's new assistant. However, she is with Megan this morning. Skye is available because Monique has baby duty right now. She volunteered for childcare because she wanted as much baby time as possible before her maternity leave ends next week.
Mandy cakes: She's doing the show Wednesday, though, isn't she?
Fashionista Marc: She is going to be there, but I am still the host. Which is why I am the one who has to make sure everything is perfect.
Mandy cakes: Why are you still hosting?
Fashionista Marc: Because rehearsals would require Mo to leave the baby at home. At least Jade is at an age where I can strap her to my chest during rehearsals and walk-throughs.
Fashionista Marc: [Image one attached]
Fashionista Marc: That's from yesterday's inspection of the outfits. The walk-through is late tonight, model permitting. Although there's a 50-50 chance, it will be super early tomorrow morning.
Mandy cakes: That is adorable. Did they make a baby carrier for twins?
Fashionista Marc: I'll send you the hyperlink for the site I've ordered stuff from. I don't know if they ship to the UK, but it will give you an idea of what to look for.
Mandy cakes: Yes. I am very confused about everything here. Why the hell do they call diapers nappies? And don't even get me started on the name for strollers. It is just weird.
Fashionista Marc: You are the one who decided to raise the twins in London.
Mandy cakes: And I don't regret that decision after finding out what Vicki did to Austin's mom the first time around.
Fashionista Marc: She is completely unhinged. She made the new assistant cry twice in front of everybody this morning. Victoria blamed her for the bad seats.
Mandy cakes: Not that everybody hates her. Do you think Victoria will attack Matt Thursday when the article comes out? I doubt she will be happy with Matt coming out publicly as bisexual.
Fashionista Marc: You know?
Mandy cakes: Daniel let me read a preview copy today. He didn't want me to be blindsided by it. Especially if the paparazzi corner me Thursday. It was an excellent article. Matt. even publicly apologized to me.
Fashionista Marc: It's the least he could do.
Fashionista Marc: I just realized that the press will probably ask you if you turn him gay.
Mandy cakes: Yes, because bisexual erosion is a thing.
Fashionista Marc: Maybe you cannot leave the house for a few days.
Mandy cakes: That does sound nice. I am so pregnant now that I don't want to go out.
Fashionista Marc: So, don't.
Fashionista Marc: I wish I could go home and play with Jade. Unfortunately, I have another show to do.
Mandy cakes: I hope you don't have to interact with Victoria.
Fashionista Marc: Thankfully, no. She's attending a lunch this afternoon. Megan is doing that with your cousin and Antonella. It's some charity thing hosted by Vivian's foundation. Antonella is actually there as Vivian's family representative. This counts as the community service component of her school curriculum, which is why Stephanie is letting her go.
Fashionista Marc: I'm sad I can't go because at least the food would be edible because Ross is catering.
Mandy cakes: But you don't have to see Victoria, and I'm sure the limo had food.
Fashionista Marc: Yes. Sandwiches from the deli. It was delicious. I also got one of Gio's triple chocolate chip cookies and a fruit salad.
Mandy cakes: I miss Gio's food. Someone better bring me some of his cookies.
Fashionista Marc: I promise to bring you a whole box of cookies when we visit next month.
Mandy cakes: Thank you. I need to convince Monique and Gio to bring the deli to London after the Australia expansion.
Fashionista Marc: You should.
Fashionista Marc: Victoria is not here, but Lindsay is. And I'm sitting right next to him.
Mandy cakes: That is unfortunate.
Fashionista Marc: Very.
Mandy cakes: He tries to act friendly, but he's a narcissistic jerk.
Fashionista Marc: I agree with that assessment after sitting next to him for the last hour. I am mentally exhausted.
Fashionista Marc: And not just because all the clothes look like they were designed by a three-year-old using a Weedwhacker and put together by Betty before Daniel.
Mandy cakes: Oh, it was one of those shows. Daniel and Candy are trying to devise a way to avoid those that don't throw his co-EIC under the bus.
Fashionista Marc: Yes, it was one of those shows. I really thought I gave most of those to Megan.
Fashionista Marc: Skye informed me that Megan was supposed to go to this show, but we swapped so I could avoid Victoria. Not that this was much better, although at least he didn't threaten my daughter.
Mandy cakes: Did he offer you a job again?
Fashionista Marc: Yes.
Fashionista Marc: The good news is that they have no idea how much Monique pays me. The salary offer was a joke.
Mandy cakes: Didn't they lowball Wilhelmina?
Fashionista Marc: Yes, which is why she told them to fuck off. She's doing so much better with the restaurant. I texted her your idea about a London expansion. She says she'll bring it up with Vivian at the next business meeting.
Mandy cakes: Thank you. What did you say to Lindsay about the job?
Fashionista Marc: Nothing. Although Skye laughed and pointed out that I get free childcare at Mode.
Mandy cakes: Smart. He's also not letting Betty take maternity leave when the twins are born. Their other mom should be there to bond.
Fashionista Marc: That's another strike against them. There's a whole book full of strikes.
Xxx
Morning September 14, 2010
Boyfriend Justin: It was so sweet for you to have breakfast delivered to the house. I love the bagels from Gio's bakery, even though I usually don't do bread.
Austin: I wish I could've been the one to deliver it. But unfortunately, Skye wouldn't bring me with her.
Austin: I'm so mad Tamika is with Marc today because I know she would've brought me to you.
Boyfriend Justin: Probably. Like I told you at dinner, we made quite the team yesterday, and she adores me. However, I appreciate the bagels all the same. I might be able to swing by for your welcome-back dinner with Vivian. Is she coming back today? I overheard Monique say something about it yesterday.
Austin: Yes. She even cut her trip a day short because she wanted to be here tomorrow for the Mode show.
Boyfriend Justin: It's good that she's coming back for that. I know Monique would be happy to have her mom there.
Austin: Vivian has always been a really involved parent. Sometimes Monique and Mercedes hate that, but as they get older, they're starting to appreciate it. I'm starting to like it too.
Boyfriend Justin: I'm glad you're getting this now, at least.
Austin: It makes me a little sad, though. I'm trying not to think about the fact that I've gotten more phone calls and emails from my foster mom than my actual mom.
Boyfriend Justin: Do you find it weird that she's not contacting you outside the random postcards?
Austin: Maybe a little. Tiffany never really liked postcards before. I just assume she's too busy with George to do anything else.
Boyfriend Justin: She doesn't like postcards?
Austin: No, she has always preferred letters or cards. She likes to be able to give long messages, which is why I'm even more annoyed with the short cards.
Boyfriend Justin: If she doesn't send you lots of messages, I will. Expect a repeat of yesterday.
Austin: So, at least 600 messages?
Boyfriend Justin: I am doing an extra show today, so probably more than that.
Austin: I look forward to reading every message.
XXXX
"You need to send that to the keep Austin safe group along with the private investigation team," Justin said as he showed his mother a few of the text messages from his boyfriend. She was in the car with them at the moment. They planned to drop her off at the Mode offices on the way to the first show. The first show he had to go to was so early that he decided to get ready at home this morning. Unfortunately, Justin wouldn't have time to go upstairs and kiss Austin goodbye. Considering the conversation they just had, it might be for the best.
"Wait, there's an actual conspiracy group to keep Justin's boyfriend safe?" Skye asked from the driver's seat of the car. When they got to Mode, they would park and hop in one of the town cars.
"Yes, and Mercedes is a member. You should've realized this after helping us at the yacht party last week with Operation Keep Austin Away from Cal and Victoria Hartley." Justin sighed. He wished Tamika was here. However, since Marc had to troubleshoot his own crisis yesterday, it was decided that Skye would be with him today. Monique's new assistant would be with Megan when she wasn't overseeing the setup of tomorrow's Mode show.
"I didn't think there was an actual conspiracy group involved. I just thought Mercedes's mom was being super protective. She's always been like that as long as I have known her. The Hartleys are assholes outside of Brianna and Matt. I thought Austin just wanted to keep far away from his unfortunate relatives who don't know who he is."
"Cal doesn't know about Austin because he thought Tiffany miscarried after Vivian hired someone to trigger said miscarriage." His mother explained. "Thankfully, Tiffany had the good sense to fake it and get the hell out of there after the first attempt at killing her didn't work."
"Okay, Ms. Wyndham West was not being paranoid."
"It's not paranoid if they're actually able to get you," Justin mumbled under his breath.
"And considering the circumstances, it does seem strange that Tiffany is barely contacting Austin."
"It seems strange, which is why I showed you the messages."
"Just screenshot them, and I'll take care of everything else. Concentrate on the show today." His mother replied just as Skye pulled into the mold parking lot.
"I'll try my best."
"That's all I ask."
Xxxx
London Betty: You and Cliff look so good together right now. After my own experiences with Daniel, I do not believe the just a friend thing. But unlike the others, I realize how scary it is to move out of the friend zone. So you won't get pressure from me. Go at your own pace.
Marc: Did we make fashion TV UK again?
London Betty: No, but I follow the Mode US Twitter feed.
London Betty: And I never unfollowed US fashion TV. You're there too. Actually, it might be the same picture.
Marc: It probably is the same picture. They kept stealing stuff from Cliff and Justin. The lawyers are unhappy. I'll add Tamika's photos to the list. She's the one on Twitter duty right now.
London Betty: I'm sure the lawyers would be.
London Betty: How many shows do you have today? I know Justin has four. Somehow, I got tagged into his messages to DJ.
Marc: The same amount. One of those he's joining me for. I also have a party tonight. Two down, two more to go. Thankfully Cliff will be with me for the rest of the day and the party.
London Betty: Vogue?
Marc: Vanity Fair. Vogue is tomorrow after our show.
London Betty: Are you nervous?
Marc: No. Mostly because Cliff called in some friends and got us the correct models.
London Betty: That's good.
London Betty: Although you know you could've done what we did before and got regular people.
Marc: We could do something like that for the February show but not this time.
Marc: It's part of Monique's initiative to get the agencies to higher non-size 10 people for plus-size modeling.
London Betty: I thought plus-size modeling started at size 12.
Marc: I'm so glad you remember the industry standard. Unfortunately, the agency that Megan used did not get that. It's fine. The clothes are ready, and the rehearsal this morning went well.
Marc: Your sister is currently meeting with her stylist team to go over the plan of attack for tomorrow.
London Betty: Did you actually have time for a rehearsal?
Marc: Barely. We had to go with the backup time today. I'm still trying to figure out how my assistant pulled that one off.
London Betty: Because all assistants are miracle workers. My new assistant is one of the few things making work almost tolerable.
Marc: I'm glad you like the new guy, but you should still be working on your exit strategy. Have you given any more thought to my suggestion last week?
London Betty: I am already working on stories for the twins and baby Jamie when I'm not busy with other stuff. Like placating a boss still micromanaging even though he's out of the country. Which mostly means lunchtime.
Marc: Well, at least you're doing something.
London Betty: I might have Jamie's book done by the end of the week.
Marc: You're not doing the artwork yourself?
London Betty: No, DJ is doing it. He is terrific, and it gave us a fun bonding activity. It's also how I found out about the grandparents contacting him directly to get him to do modeling gigs again. We had to change his phone number.
Marc: I'm glad you get to bond with your stepson. Especially since it's helping you find out more about the evil grandparents. Sorry, your boss is still horrible. I had to spend an hour with him yesterday. It was miserable.
London Betty: I am sorry you've been dealing with him. I've been enjoying this week without him. It's easier to ignore him in email form.
Marc: At least he's more tolerable than Victoria. Although I still hope I don't end up sitting by him at the next show.
London Betty: Good luck
Marc: My luck was not that good. We are sitting by Victoria and Lindsay for this show. Thankfully Justin is not with me for this one.
London Betty: I am sorry.
Marc: It's okay. Tamika is sitting next to Victoria for me.
Marc: And Cliff just switched seats with me, so I'm even farther away from her.
London Betty: Victoria is afraid of Tamika?
Marc: She's afraid of Vivian and knows Tamika is her niece for all intents and purposes. So, she knows not to say anything stupid.
Marc: Cliff keeps glaring at her.
London Betty: How much longer?
Marc: 27 excruciating more minutes.
London Betty: I am so sorry.
Xxxx
A little while later.
Hilda: [4 images attached]
Hilda: I'm sorry I didn't send you this earlier, but as soon as I arrived, I had to help the team prep for tomorrow's show. I am on break now, so I thought you needed to see this. We should've been more concerned about the lack of contact from Tiffany. Has anybody else heard from her?
Matt burn phone six: I haven't. And I did send her pictures last week from the yacht party. I assumed she didn't respond because she did not recognize the number. I used one of my many burn phones. I have several right now because Victoria is unbalanced. So I could see her making Tiffany disappear.
Monique: I have sent Tiffany pictures as well, and nothing. I should've realized that was weird.
Brianna: I haven't heard from her either. Before she left for Chicago, she promised to contact me about setting up the trust for Austin, but she has yet to do so. We were letting ourselves be blinded by the fact that Tiffany agreed to let Vivian take custody. She loved Austin enough to run away before. We should've seen her sacrifice the same way this time, not her running away to be with her husband.
Hilda: That's true. If I wasn't so angry about her taking her husband's side before, maybe I would've realized things were off earlier. Instead, it was Justin who pointed it out to me.
Breanna: Has Vivian heard from Tiffany at all? Even from her lawyers? Justin was right to flag this.
Mercedes: I don't think so, but I'll check with Ryan. He would know. If he doesn't, I'll talk to mom tonight. Her plane should be landing within the next two hours.
Hilda: Tiffany would most likely contact your mom out of any of us. If she hasn't, this could be a problem.
Mercedes: I just texted Ryan. Mom should be here in about 90 minutes, and I can talk to her directly. However, Ryan is unaware of any contact unless something happened while she was in Japan. The lawyers have also yet to receive communication from Tiffany.
Breanna: That is definitely not good. I'm calling the investigator to see if they can do a welfare check in Chicago. I would head to Chicago myself if I wasn't on my way to New York.
Hilda: When will you get here?
Breanna: We board the plane in like an hour, so we will be there tonight sometime. I successfully convinced Jordan to come with us and she's going to be in the show. Thankfully, this is a unisex show.
Mercedes: Are you planning to see your brother while you're here?
Breanna: Alexis Junior is going to have brunch with her uncle Thursday morning, but I'm going to try to get out of it. Alexis Senior can't deal with the stress. Big brother would be happy to have quality time alone with his favorite little niece.
Mercedes: You might want to go but leave Alexis behind. Jordan can be your plus one. Ryan told me that Cal has been trying to get on mom's schedule since the disastrous yacht party. Apparently, he wants to apologize in person.
Matt burn phone six: Yeah, that doesn't seem like something my father would do. I don't even think "I'm sorry" is in his vocabulary.
Breanna: It's possible, mainly because I yelled at him last week and making him pay for Marc's custody lawyers. But he could have an ulterior motives.
Matt burn phone six: What?
Breanna: Hey, if he didn't marry that woman, we would have never been in this situation. It's only fair that he pays in money if nothing else.
Matt burn phone six: Point.
Monique: Although by yelling at him, do you think he might be suspicious?
Breanna: Possibly because I yelled at my phone, and then Baby Alexis hit the send button before I could delete it. So he might have some questions.
Mercedes: This might be why he wants to meet with mom. And me, according to my assistant. She's been blocking Corbin's scheduling attempts for the last week. However, he's getting more insistent.
Breanna: I think you need to take a meeting. We need to know what he knows, and it's probably better you than your mom. I know you'll get more out of him than I will. Especially with his baby niece there with us the entire time.
Mercedes: Probably. I'll see if I can get on his schedule for tomorrow then you can follow up Thursday at brunch. At least this way, I can tell him in person that we will not be working with him on the Singapore deal.
Monique: You're planning a new property in Singapore?
Mercedes: It's a consideration, but mom is starting to have some concerns. This is a great way to get out of that part of the conversation.
Hilda: Can we get back to the part about Tiffany? It has been weeks since anyone heard from her outside of postcards that may not even be from her. It's great that you're sending someone to Chicago, but should we be doing more? Like proving that the bitch is responsible for her disappearance.
Breanna: We need to get our hands on those cards and get the handwriting analyzed. They may not actually be from Tiffany. I doubt Victoria is writing them herself, but maybe we can find a money trail connecting the individuals.
Hilda: How are we going to do that?
Matt burn phone six: Vivian gave me a key for emergencies. I know where Austin put the postcard. I can go take pictures.
Monique: Or we could just tell Austin about our concerns.
Hilda: No, I don't want us to worry him just yet. This could be nothing. We may be super paranoid. If the investigator in Chicago finds something, then I will tell him.
Breanna: I hope we don't find anything, but I'm afraid we will.
Hilda: I am too.
Monique: In the meantime, I'm going to increase security around Matt and Austin. I'm also going to hire someone to keep an eye on Cory. I don't think your mom would attack a Malick, but I didn't think she would do anything else to Tiffany after getting her to move to Chicago.
Matt burn phone six: I understand getting Austin more protection, and I'm all for that. But why do Cory and I need protection?
Hilda: The fact that you are using a burn phone right now should be a giant indication that you need protection.
Monique: You're officially coming out in two days. You know that's going to be a circus under normal circumstances. However, your mom might be a grenade ready to go off.
Matt burn phone six: You have a valid point.
Monique: Talk to Hilary first. She may have already arranged for protection for Cory. The entire country club circuit knows not to trust your mom.
Matt burn phone six: With reason. Security in London needs to be increased as well.
Monique: I'm already on it.
To be continued