Chapter 841 - Backstage passes

~ Chicago ~

September 28, 11:03 AM

Aiden and Sarah are with Ellie in her villa in prestigious Forest Glenn neighborhood.

The villa is grand, and features nine bedrooms, fully equipped gym, spa and an indoor swimming pool as well as other luxurious amenities.

"These three bedrooms are available, feel free to pick any.", Ellie offered after giving them a tour of the place.

Sarah looked at Aiden and he took the task of checking out the bedrooms and deciding in which one to keep their suitcase.

"Sorry about the commotion.", Ellie pointed toward the end of the hallway from where the noise is coming. "It's a bit hectic when it's close to showtime."

Ellie already explained that her designers are finalizing garments which are going to the fashion show. She has two designers from Los Angeles, and three from Seattle staying in the villa with her. It's more convenient since they usually get to bring their work with them after office hours, and they also get to spend more time together. Local designers sometimes join in the evening, but they don't stay overnight.

"It's very lively.", Sarah commented. She didn't want to say that it's too noisy. If it's like this, they probably won't get any sleep.

Ellie understood. "Don't worry. During the day we are usually in the design studio, downtown. And even if we bring the work home, by nine in the evening the noise dies down."

"Oh, don't worry about us.", Sarah was a bit embarrassed that Ellie caught on the noise comment. "We are staying here only one night."

"You are welcome to stay as long as you want. Usually it's more crowded when models are with us also, but Tom and Brian will join in four days, and other three girls which I allow to stay at my place have other gigs."

"Thank you. If all goes well, by evening we will finish what we came here for and then we will be on our way tomorrow.", Sarah vaguely explained.

"Your passes to go backstage as my models are ready."

These rehearsals are very hectic with strict timelines. Unless someone is a designer or a model involved in the show, other than event staff, people don't get access. That is why Ellie came up with the idea for Sarah and Aiden to be her pretend-models for the rehearsal… well, they look like it. No one will suspect a thing.

Ellie gave Sarah a doubtful look. "Can you promise that you will not get yourself in trouble?"

"I promise. Absolutely. We just want to talk to one model who is difficult to catch otherwise. And it will not take more than few minutes. It will be nothing more than a talk." Sarah smiled to reassure Ellie. "I would never cause you any trouble."

"The more you are convincing me, the less I believe you...", Ellie sighed and decided to change the topic. "After everyone settles down, in about half an hour, we will go to the design studio and then from there straight to the venue for a rehearsal. Somewhere in-between we will squeeze lunch. Do you want to join? The entry passes are in the studio downtown, so you either join to pick them up, or when you come to the venue directly someone will wait for you at the entry."

"I would love to join, it will be fun to watch you work. But I will check with Aiden before committing to it. Just in case if he has anything else planned."

Ellie nodded in understanding and reached for the phone which is buzzing in her back pocket.

"Jasper again?", Sarah asked when she noticed silly smile on Ellie's face.

Ellie flashed a shocked look. "What do you mean, AGAIN? Are you implying something?"

Sarah pretended to hold an invisible phone and responded with a big grin: "During the plane ride you were on the phone, chatting with him… a lot. I thought he has a job, but I guess I was wrong. Since he has so much time for chatting, he must be unemployed."

Ellie pushed Sarah's shoulder playfully. "Stop teasing me."

"I'm not teasing… I'm happy for you. Are you going to meet him today?"

"Yes." Ellie's smile widened. "He will pick me up after the rehearsal today, and he made some dinner plans."

"I'm glad to see you smiling like that."

Ellie looked at Sarah and few seconds later her smile faded.

"What? Are you overthinking something?", Sarah guessed.

"I'm just worried that he wants things to happen faster, and I'm not ready for it."

"Overthinking." Sarah confirmed. "If he wants faster, he will let you know. And if you move faster than what you are comfortable with, you will probably regret it… and if he truly cares about you, then he will not mind waiting for you to be ready."

1:44 PM

Sarah and Aiden are with Ellie and few other designers in the executive van, heading toward the Hilton Hotel where fashion show rehearsals are held.

"Our slot for the dressing room is from two to four. PKY brand is from three to five.", Ellie explained that there are several dressing rooms, and one stage. For rehearsal, each designer gets a dressing room for two hours, and a stage for half an hour.

Sarah and Aiden exchanged glances. Aaron will work as a model for PKY brand for this fashion show, and that means they have from three to four to talk to him. One hour is more than enough.

"That is excellent." Sarah confirmed.

~ Hilton Hotel ~

1:53 PM

Dressing room backstage reserved for EY brand is buzzing with designers busying themselves with garments around fifteen models who are missing tops or bottoms. Underwear is on, so no privates are exposed, but still… there is a lot of skin visible.

Sarah wanted to tell Aiden not to look that way, but he was already looking at her and it made her happy. There was number of male models as well. She did her best not to allow her gaze to linger and looked down.

Ellie noticed that two of them are awkward and laughed. "Get used to it. It's always like this behind the glitz and glam of a catwalk. These are fittings and we don't have the luxury of privacy for everyone. Think of this like you are on a beach and you will be fine."

"Let's get you dressed up." Ellie told Sarah and Aiden while checking clothes hanging on the rack.

"Huh?" Confusion on Sarah's face was obvious.

"You came as my models." Ellie pointed at the pass which is hanging around Sarah's neck. It says 'model' and 'EY' on it. "I will not let you walk around dressed like that."

"What's wrong with this?" Sarah glanced at her simple cream top and skinny black jeans. In her opinion, she looks presentable, especially because her sandals have a two inch high heels. Few inches of a heel makes everything look fancy (in Sarah's opinion).

Ellie rolled her eyes. "When you see my clothes, you will understand."

Sarah looked at Aiden helplessly.

Aiden shrugged. "We have more than an hour. We can play dress up."

Sarah sighed. She forgot that Aiden is (almost) always eager to try new things when he is in a good mood. And he is in a good mood.

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