Authors: Melody Carlson
Premiere (15 page)
He just nods like that’s not exactly what he wanted to hear.
“And if it makes you feel any better, I’ve been considering upping you to more than just a friend.”
“Oh yeah?” His eyes light up.
“I’m thinking about it.”
When I get to the condo, there’s a note from Mom reminding us that she’s at Jon’s house for a Golden Globe party, but that she recorded the show so that we can watch it from the beginning. I turn on the TV and sit there, watching blankly, then realize it’s not much fun watching it by myself so I turn it off. As I sit there, I start thinking about Paige again. As much as I want to let this thing go, it’s hard. I’m worried that she’s just opened herself up to more heartache. Seriously, who knows what that boy will pull next week? He’s flakier than a croissant.
“Hey, Erin,” Paige calls as she comes into the house. “What’s up?”
“I’m surprised you’re back this soon,” I tell her.
“Why?”
I shrug, then turn the TV back on.
“Are you mad at me?”
I shrug again. “Want to watch the Golden Globes?”
“Not until we talk.” She takes the remote and turns off the TV. “What’s wrong, Erin?”
“I just feel kind of confused.”
“About Benjamin and me?”
I nod. “He’s kind of bouncing back and forth, don’t you think? I guess I’m afraid he’s going to jerk you around again.”
She sits down with a thoughtful look. “I think he’s been jerked around some too…by Mia and his producers. But I also think that I’ve learned a thing or two in the last week.”
“Such as?”
“Such as I’m very lucky to have you as my little sister.”
“Really?” I blink in surprise.
“And I’ve learned that I need to make room in my life for things like God and praying.”
“Really…” I try not to look overly stunned, but this is news to me.
“Yes. I’m not saying that I’m going to start going to church all the time like you seem to enjoy doing. But I’m open to some things. That night I was out walking in the rain and feeling a little hopeless…well, it was kind of like an awakening. Sort of a rude awakening. I probably needed something like that to get my attention.”
“That’s cool, Paige.”
“And this thing with Benjamin…well, I have no idea where it will go, or if I even want to give it a try. I told him I still needed time, but that I’ll think about it. That’s about all I could offer.”
“Sounds reasonable. So did he go back to the Golden Globes?” I ask.
“He said he was going home.”
“Wow…that’s pretty amazing. I mean, that he gave that up for you.”
She nods as she turns on the TV, rewinding the awards show back to the beginning. “You ready for this?”
“Sure. I’ll make popcorn.” I hop up and head for the kitchen. And before long, we’re just regular sisters again, sitting around in our sweats and eating junk food and watching the Golden Globes together. Paige starts commenting on gowns that she hadn’t seen earlier and she’s picking out the worst and the best, and we’re laughing and joking. It’s hard to believe that just a couple of hours ago, we were standing on the red carpet and filming our own TV show.
Finally the last award has been presented and Paige stands up and stretches. “What a night,” she says.
“And in case I forgot to mention it,” I tell her, “you were great on the red carpet. It’s amazing how easy all that comes to you. I would’ve been tongue-tied from the get-go.”
Paige hugs me. “Maybe so, little sister. But don’t kid yourself. I couldn’t do it without you. And, please, don’t even think about quitting the show.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not.” I point my finger in the air. “On to the Oscars!”
“And to Fashion Week in New York!”
I grin. “And who knows, maybe next year it will be Paige Forrester actually attending the Golden Globes, maybe even as a nominee.”
“Paige and Erin Forrester,” she adds.
I laugh. “Yes, I can just see you in a glamorous gown, and I’ll have on my photographer’s outfit of cargo pants and—”
“No, you’ll have on Versace.”
“And my safari vest with—”
“No, Valentino!”
We laugh and head for bed, but before I go to sleep, I remember to thank God for whatever it is he’s doing in my sister…and in me.
- Paige and Erin, though sisters, are very different from each other. Which character do you relate more to? Why?
- Paige, like many young women, adores fashion. Why do you think that is? What is your attitude toward fashion?
- How would you describe your fashion image? (Haute couture? Classic cool? Trendy chic? Practical sporty? Earth friendly? Frump frau? Clueless? Or something completely different?)
- Erin signs on to participate in
On the Runway
with some reluctance. If you were her friend, what might you say to her? How would you advise her about her decision? - Why do you think reality TV is so popular these days? Do you think it has a positive or negative influence on viewers? Why do you feel this way?
- Early in the story, Erin seems to still be suffering from a broken heart. Why do you think she took the breakup with Blake so hard? Can you relate to her?
- Paige and Erin’s mom (Brynn) is widowed. How do you think this has impacted their family? What do you think of Brynn’s parenting skills?
- What was your initial reaction when Blake came back into Erin’s life? Do you agree or disagree with Erin’s response to Blake? Explain.
- Describe your first impression of Benjamin. After you finished the book, did your opinion change at all? Explain why you felt the way you did.
- What would you say to Paige regarding Benjamin? (And do you think she would listen?)
- Why do you think Paige and Erin’s relationship is strained at times? Is there anything that you’d like to tell these sisters?
- If there’s such a thing as “fifteen minutes of fame,” describe what you would like yours to be like.
A NOVEL
On the Runway
Metody Carlson
Bestselling Author
“Now, this is what I’m talking about!”
I point to the building as Paige and I get out of her car. The entire front of this three-story boxlike structure is covered in a massive collage (made with recycled soda cans) depicting what I think must be a rhinoceros, standing beneath some palm trees and a colorful rainbow. “Seriously.” I squint up at the shiny image. “How cool is that?”
“Right…and if that’s considered art, I can only imagine what the inside will look like.” Paige shakes her head as we approach the old building. “I cannot believe Helen put this one on the list.”
Unlike my sister, I know exactly why this design studio’s on the list. And I’m glad for it. I’ve had it up to my eyeballs with all the slick uptown studios, those overly serious designers and their stick-thin models. I cannot wait to meet this particular designer. Because Granada Ruez is a
real
person—and she designs for
real
women. I’ve been a fan of her environmentally conscious clothing for several years now.
Last week, when Granada won an international design
award for humanitarian efforts in Third World countries, I brought it to our producer’s attention. Paige may not know it, but I’m the reason we’re here today. I’m the one who convinced Helen Hudson that
On the Runway
needed to feature Granada Greenwear on our local designers episode.
“This feels like a mistake,” Paige says as she opens the door.
“Granada Greenwear may not be considered high fashion,” I tell my sister as we enter the showroom, “but we need to give her a chance.” I’m trying to contain my enthusiasm because I know it will only aggravate Paige. She’s already dragging her heels.
As if to emphasize the fact that she’s not into recycled clothing, Paige dressed to the nines this morning—and she’s wearing a designer who recently made fashion headlines for his blatant disregard of certain environmental issues. “But his style is superb and his clothes are perfectly timeless,” Paige told me after I pointed out her faux pas. She is so out of touch.
“We’re here to see Granada Ruez,” I tell the salesgirl inside. “I’m Erin Forrester and—”
“I’m Paige Forrester from
On the Runway.
” Paige holds out her business card, taking over as if being here was all her idea in the first place.
“Oh, right.” The girl peers curiously at us. “Hey, didn’t I see you two on
Malibu Beach
—the breakup episode?”
“Yes, but that’s not our show.” Paige points to the card. “We’re
On the Runway.
Have you seen it?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, maybe you’ll want to tune in…in case we decide to include today’s interview.” Paige’s smile fades from bright to tolerant now. And I give her a look that says
just be nice!
“In that case, I’ll be sure to watch it,” the girl says.
“Our director and production crew should be here shortly,” Paige informs her. “In the meantime, do you mind if we look around your shop and put together some kind of attack plan?”
I frown at my sister, worried that she means that literally. Hopefully she doesn’t plan to attack Granada Ruez.
“Sure. I’ll tell Granada you’re here. By the way, I’m Lucinda.” She then points to me. “And you’re wearing a Granada Green jacket. One of the earlier designs.”
“I got it a couple of years ago and I still love it. It’s so comfortable.”
“Cool.” Lucinda smiles as she heads for a door in back.
“Right…
cool.
” Paige rolls her eyes at me. “You know how much I hate that jacket, Erin.”
“Be quiet,” I warn.
“It’s frumpy and not the least bit flattering.”
“Are you going to keep this up?” I glance to the back of the showroom to be sure no one is listening.
She shrugs. “Hey, don’t forget this is my show and it’s supposed to be about fashion and style.” She pulls a recycled denim dress from a rack, holding it out at arm’s length as if she’s afraid it might bite her. “And this does not even come close to being fashionable or stylish. Good grief, no one—not even Kate Moss—could make this rag look good.”
“Paige!” I hiss at her.
“Sorry, but you know how this gets to me, Erin.”
“Just try to be polite,
please.
”
“Fine, I’ll be politely honest.” She puts the dress back and sighs. “But I can’t promise you that Granada Greenwear will get a spot on the show. Unless I use it in my
fashion don’ts
segment.”
“Why can’t you think positively?” I ask. “What about protecting the environment or fair treatment of overseas workers? Both are issues that Granada respects and fights for. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“Of course.” Paige nods. “You know I’m totally for that. But it’s too bad Granada’s focusing her efforts in the
fashion
industry.” Paige pulls out a baggy-looking pair of drawstring pants and frowns. “She might be better off making home décor products. Like this fabric would be nice for, say, a couch slipcover.” She chuckles. “And these pants are almost big enough.”
“Those pants look comfortable to me.” I take them from her and feel the fabric. “See how soft this is.” I read the label. “Bamboo fibers,” I tell her. “A renewable resource with very little negative impact on the planet.”
“The negative impact comes when someone walks down the street wearing those hippo pants.” She laughs. “Hey, I think I’ll use that line on the show.”
“Maybe we should just forget the whole thing.” I put the pants back on the rack. “If you’re going to make fun of Granada Ruez, I refuse to be involved.”
“So you want to leave then? Just make some excuse and get out of here?”
I just shrug, feeling totally deflated.
Now Paige almost looks contrite. “Hey, I’m sorry, Erin,” she says quietly. “I got carried away. I didn’t mean to rain on your parade.”
“Yeah…well…not everyone is into your brand of
haute couture
style. Some of us are quite happy to be comfortable and environmentally aware. Why can’t
On the Runway
cater to those types too? I just read that there’s going to be an earth-friendly
design show during Fashion Week in New York. They seem to get the importance of it, and I, for one, plan to be there for it.”
“I’ve got it!” Paige exclaims.
“What?”
“You can do the Granada Greenwear interview yourself. And you can be our
On the Runway
conservation expert. That way I won’t sound like a complete hypocrite by giving my thumbs-up to bad style.”
“But I’m supposed to be
behind
the camera, remember?”
“It’s your choice, Erin. If you want to pursue this idea of green fashion, you’ll have to do it in
front
of the camera.” She holds up a patchwork shirt and just shakes her head. “Because I simply cannot force myself to pretend that I like this granola wear.”
We hear laughter from behind us and I turn to see Granada and Lucinda standing nearby. “Did you just hear all that?” I ask lamely.
Granada nods. “And don’t worry, it’s not the first time I’ve experienced that reaction. I’m fully aware that Granada Greenwear is not for everyone. We don’t even want to be.” Granada is Demi Moore meets Whoopi Goldberg—or maybe I’m thinking of the old film
Ghost.
But she has delicate features, expressive eyes, and these wild-looking brown dreadlocks that reach halfway down her back. And, although she’s a lot more bohemian than I could ever be, she’s very stylish.
“I
love
your clothes,” I say in all earnestness.
“But your sister does not.” Granada frowns as she takes in Paige’s outfit. “And unfortunately you appear to love designers who
don’t
love our planet. Why is that?” She comes closer and looks into Paige’s eyes. “Do you like the idea of small
children working ten hours or more a day, seven days a week, in disgusting conditions, just so you can wear those fancy clothes? Or perhaps you don’t mind that toxic fabric dyes and chemicals—the ones used to make your pretty little outfit—contribute to the harmful runoff that pollutes waterways and wildlife? Some of the very water sources that the poor need just to survive? Is that the price you think should be paid just so someone like you can look
chic
?”