New York Debut (16 page)

“I sort of know.” Now Taylor got her old impish grin. “But let’s not get carried away, sweetie. Conner might get jealous.”

He laughed, and then they all said good-night.

“Hey, thanks for letting me play a part in this little drama,” said Conner as he helped DJ back into the pickup.

“Thank you.”

“Taylor seems different, doesn’t she?” He drove the short distance down the street to Carter House, then parked in front.

“You noticed it too?”

“Sure.” Conner helped her out of the truck now.

“I just hope she hasn’t changed completely.” DJ felt his hand grasp hers as he walked her up to the front porch. “I mean, some changes are good — like I really hope she never drinks again.”

“I think you’ve been a good influence on Taylor.”

DJ laughed quietly. “I don’t know about that.”

“Well, I do.” Conner smiled and leaned down to kiss her, but then he simply kissed her forehead, which was rather nice. “And you’re a good influence on me too!”

DJ wondered about that as she slipped into the quiet house. She’d like to think that she’d been a good influence on someone or something, but mostly she wasn’t too sure. It was hard enough trying to figure out her own life, without trying to figure out how to influence others. But at least she could pray. So she tiptoed to the library and sat down and prayed, one by one, for everyone in the house. And then she prayed for Taylor, asking God to help Taylor and give her what it would take to stick to her recovery program.

13

“WHAT ON EARTH HAPPENED TO YOU?”
demanded Grandmother when Casey showed up at the breakfast table looking slightly blue around the edges. Rhiannon had helped Casey with a special ointment and some exfoliating cream that they’d begged from Eliza, and although the blueness had faded considerably, it was still obvious that something was wrong.

“Someone sabotaged me,” declared Casey in an angry tone.

“That’s right,” said DJ quickly. “Someone put blue dye in my hair conditioner, and both Casey and Daisy used it.”

Grandmother peered at DJ now. “But you didn’t?”

DJ just shook her head.

“We think we know who did it and we — ”

“Never mind about that,” said Grandmother sharply. “How do you think you’ll look by next Thursday when we go to New York?”

“I already made a hair appointment for both Casey and Daisy,” said Eliza. “Rena assured me that she can fix their hair color.”

“And their skin?” Grandmother directed this to Eliza as if she was expected to have all the answers.

“It’s supposed to be normal in about three days,” DJ told her.

“It already looks much better than it did last night,” added Rhiannon.

“And we can always use extra makeup,” pointed out Eliza.

Grandmother sighed in exasperation. “Well, I had planned to make an important announcement regarding Fashion Week.

Now I’m not so sure.”

“Oh, Mrs. Carter,” Eliza gushed sweetly. “Now, don’t you go and let Casey’s little incident get you down. Everything is going to be just peachy. I’m sure both Casey and Daisy will look perfectly gorgeous by Thursday.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.” Grandmother seemed somewhat placated. Looking around the table, she actually smiled.

“I wanted all of my Carter House girls to hear it first.”

DJ couldn’t help but glance over to where Taylor used to sit — the place where she’d be sitting again before the day was over. It took all of DJ’s self-control not to grin with happiness over this secret. Instead, she turned her full attention to her grandmother. As had been the case the previous Saturdays, Grandmother was dressed elegantly this morning.

Today she wore a pale green silk pantsuit with an ivory blouse and pearl accessories. Not over the top, simply tasteful. Like Grandmother.

“I had planned to save my announcement until our fashion training session this morning, but then I thought you girls deserve to hear it first.” She cleared her throat and sat up straighter. “I have made my final decision about which three girls will be accompanying us to New York next week.”

The table got very quiet now.

“Naturally, you girls are all going. Even our blue girl, who will hopefully look more normal by then.” Grandmother frowned slightly. “I only wish that Taylor had made it back in time.”

DJ pressed her lips together and waited.

“My first choice is Ariel Buford.” Grandmother smiled. “I’m a bit surprised myself, but Ariel really seems to want this, and she’s got the walk down beautifully. And with all her improvements in hair and makeup, well, I’m just very pleased to let her know that she’ll be joining us.”

DJ wanted to add that those “improvements” were probably mostly thanks to Eliza and Rhiannon since they’d helped her with hair and makeup.

“My next choice is our newest student, Daisy Kempton. Goodness, with her height and those legs, Dylan should be very happy.”

“But I thought you said he wanted real-looking young women,” DJ reminded her, mostly for Kriti’s sake.

Grandmother nodded. “Oh, yes, dear. He does. But this is a fashion show. We must have some long-legged beauties in our midst.”

DJ tried not to roll her eyes.

“My third choice is Madison Dormont,” continued Grandmother.

Casey dropped her fork, and Kriti let out a little gasp.

Grandmother looked around at their surprised faces. “Is something wrong, girls?”

Eliza spoke up. “It’s just that we’re rather shocked, Mrs. Carter.”

“Shocked? I don’t see why. Madison has worked very hard, and I think she deserves to go.”

Eliza nodded slowly. “Maybe so . . . but I’m not sure that you know that much about Madison. Not like we do.”

“What are you saying?”

“For one thing, we’re almost certain that Madison was responsible for this,” said Casey as she held up her blue hands.

“That’s right,” said DJ.

“Do you have proof?” asked Grandmother.

“No, but — ”

“Certainly you girls must know that people are innocent until proven guilty in this country.”

Casey let out a low groan. “Yeah, right.”

“That’s not all, Mrs. Carter . . .” Eliza smoothly intervened.

“Haven’t you been trying to teach us about being ladies, using good etiquette and deportment and such?”

“Well, certainly. That’s been my goal.”

“And I hate to say it, but Madison Dormont hasn’t been the most wholesome influence, especially when it comes to . . .morals.”

DJ tried not to laugh. Who was Eliza to talk about morals? Not that she didn’t know what Eliza was up to. But since it was Madison they were discussing, well, DJ wasn’t going to jump to her defense.

Grandmother shook her head. “I had no idea it would be this difficult.”

“I have a suggestion,” offered Eliza. “Why don’t we vote on the third girl?”

Grandmother’s lips puckered as she considered this, but then she nodded. “Perhaps Eliza is right.”

“I nominate Haley Callahan,” said DJ quickly. “She’s worked hard, and she’s pretty and coordinated, and I think it would mean a lot to her to go with us.” And just like that all the hands shot up.

“Goodness . . . it seems to be unanimous.” Grandmother looked slightly worried. “But she is rather short, don’t you think?”

“You mean petite,” said Kriti.

“You said that Dylan wants real-looking models,” said DJ.

Now Grandmother looked even more uncomfortable.

“And maybe it will be more balanced having two petite girls in our group,” suggested Eliza.

Everyone clapped. Even DJ, although she suddenly realized that Haley, being the third choice, probably wouldn’t be going anyway. Not with Taylor back in the game. Poor Haley. This was something DJ hadn’t fully considered before.

Grandmother slowly nodded. “Yes, Eliza, I think you make a good point. All right, you girls will have your way. Haley it is.”

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” said Grandmother. “I have some things to prepare for class.”

“Whew,” said Rhiannon as Grandmother was gone. “That was close.”

“We did it!” Casey made a hand-pump motion.

“Just say no to Madison,” said Eliza triumphantly.

“New York, here we come,” said Rhiannon.

“I can’t believe we get to miss school for this,” added Casey.

DJ didn’t say anything. Mostly she just felt bad for Haley. Then again, it’s not like Haley had been expecting to be picked. And if she didn’t know she’d been a finalist, well, what difference would it make? More importantly, they had escaped any possibility of having Madison along.

The girls gathered as usual on the third floor. Naturally they asked Casey about her purplish blue hair, as well as Daisy, now sporting a jaunty little plaid hat to cover hers — Eliza’s suggestion. Madison and Tina managed to appear as surprised as anyone, which DJ assumed was simply a well-rehearsed act. The session began, and Grandmother showed them a sneak preview DVD to Dylan’s fall collection. But the whole time, DJ kept glancing nervously toward the door, hoping that Taylor would soon make her appearance.

“And today we will be taking measurements,” Grandmother said after the DVD ended. “So that the appropriate clothing can be selected for the models who have been chosen to go to New York. I promised to get this information to Dylan today.” There was a quiet murmuring in the crowd, and it was clear that everyone was eager to know who was going to Fashion Week.

Grandmother put her hands together and smiled. “And that means it’s time to announce which lucky models will make their big New York debut next week. And I have a little surprise for you . . . everyone who is chosen will have their way paid — that includes train fare, hotel, food, and other expenses.”

The girls all let out an excited cheer, and then the room got quiet. DJ tried not to be obvious as she glanced back at the door again. Still no sign of Taylor. What if something had gone wrong? What if Taylor had already fallen off the wagon and gotten wasted last night? It could happen.

“As I’m sure you all know, the Carter House girls are my first choices. After all, they are the ones that Dylan originally invited. So to start with, I would like for the Carter House girls to come forward and line up, please.”

DJ and the others went forward, lining up on the catwalk and waiting.

“As for the other three girls . . .” Grandmother made a dramatic pause, and DJ stared at the door, actually praying now that Taylor would suddenly march in and make her big entrance. But no one was there.

“I need a drum roll.” Grandmother chuckled as one of the girls imitated a drum roll. “Ariel Buford, please, come forward.” Ariel looked shocked and pleased as she stood and joined them. “Daisy Kempton, please, you too have been selected.” Daisy let out a happy yelp. “And Eliza has assured me that your hair and skin will be perfectly normal in a few days.” Daisy giggled as she clumped onto the catwalk and stood beside Eliza. Just then DJ noticed dark frowns appearing on both Tina and Madison’s faces. “And finally, we will be joined by Haley Callahan.”

Haley jumped to her feet. “Me? Did you say me?” Her eyes were bright with hopeful happiness, and suddenly DJ felt really concerned. What would happen when Taylor showed up? Or would Taylor even show up? Either scenario seemed packed full of potential problems.

Grandmother smiled and nodded at Haley. “Yes, dear, I said your name.” Haley came quickly forward, stood next to DJ, and even grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. DJ looked out on the girls remaining in their seats. There were only seven girls left, and every face looked genuinely disappointed. Not for the first time, DJ felt irked at this whole business. Why did Grandmother allow these girls to be set up like this, only to be let down later? Oh, she was sure that Grandmother would say, “That’s the way it is in real life. Why should this be any different?” But did Grandmother really understand that issues like self-esteem and confidence were at stake here? Did she even care?

“And I do have a bit of good news for you girls who aren’t going on this trip with us . . .” Grandmother held her hands out wide. “You have all been invited to model in a spring fashion show at the country club in May. It will be a marvelous local event, and I hope you will all participate.”

The girls sort of nodded and smiled, but DJ could tell this was small consolation compared to Fashion Week in New York City.

“Not only that,” continued Grandmother. “But if Fashion Week becomes a tradition for Carter House, you will all have a chance of being chosen for the next Fashion Week as well. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Their enthusiasm grew ever so slightly. But Grandmother seemed oblivious to the possibility of hurt feelings as she got them busy taking each other’s measurements and filling out forms that would be sent to Dylan’s design studio. But as they were doing this, all DJ could think about was
where was Taylor?

And the more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that something had gone wrong. Maybe Taylor had been lonely and called Seth last night. Maybe they’d gone out partying . . . and maybe Taylor was right back where she’d been just a month ago. Finally, DJ couldn’t stand another minute of not knowing. As soon as Rhiannon finished measuring her, DJ hurried to a quiet corner and pulled out her cell phone. She was just pressing the numbers when she heard Casey shrieking.