Last Minute

Lila spoke suddenly and I was surprised for a bit as I've forgotten that I've been talking to her because I've been so absorbed with Mr. Lee's problem.

"I thought you were on break?" I replied and Mr. Lee got confused instead as it was a random response to his ranting.

Lila told us a while ago that she wanted to rest and planned on skipping the whole season at the moment. It surprised me that she volunteered but it would be really good if she could replace the model and help out Regal. She doesn't lose out in any way compared to Ashley.

Her cool voice commented, "It's a one time thing anyway. I'll attend if it's alright with him."

I looked at Mr. Lee's growing frown and explained to him, "Thing is, I'm actually on a call with Lila before you arrived and I forgot to hang up. She overheard the whole thing. She told me that she can attend instead if that's alright with you since she's free right now."

With disbelieving eyes, Mr. Lee enunciated clearly, "Lila? You mean Lila Martinez?"

I nodded immediately in confirmation.

"Really? Of course! She's more than perfect," Mr. Lee clapped his hands eagerly. His frown melted away in a flash.

"Okay. What time should I be there?" Lila spoke again in my ear.

"How much time does she have before the show starts?" I asked Mr. Lee.

"Show will start in two hours so I hope she arrives in an hour so we can walk her through the program."

"That's more than enough time. I'll be there." A sound clicked that signaled the ending of the call.

"She confirmed her arrival," I informed Mr. Lee who was waiting with bated breath and finally exhaled in relief with my words.

He went out in a hurry, presumably, to inform his staff about the changes.

In just half an hour, Ethan and I became witnesses to how efficient the employees of Regal. We watched workers replace the banners outside the building with Lila's name while Mr. Lee was personally directing them.

"Their efficiency is scary," I muttered in amazement.

Worried about Lila, I looked at my watch and checked how much time was left before the event started.

Just then, a motorcycle stopped near us which made me turn my head at the noise. The rider was female, judging by the slimness of her body, got down and removed her helmet. Freed from their confinement, her long hair cascaded down her back and revealed her face in the process.

My jaw dropped at the sight.

It was Lila.

Dressed in black from head to toe in Leather jacket and skin-tight jeans, Lila approached us briskly.

I would never have connected Lila with a motorcycle in my head. Her demeanor was the type to be very feminine. Not to mention, the elegant clothes she wore whenever I saw her. In my head, she was like a fragile glass doll that would shatter with a touch. I would never have imagined her in this outfit. It could happen in magazines but seeing it in person as her casual clothes was shocking.

Lila was already drop dead gorgeous but adding this gritty attire made her even more attractive. Unconsciously, I glanced at Ethan but he didn't seem to have much of a reaction.

Before Lila reached us, I heard Mr. Lee's exclamation from behind us as he rushed off to go to her, "Lila! You're an angel for saving us right now. We're pressed for time so let's talk while on the way."

She was already being dragged so we couldn't even talk and she only managed to look at me and mouthed that she would talk to me later. With that done, Lila passed her keys to a passing valet who caught it deftly.

Not long after, Tina found us and led us to our seats at the front since the show was due to start soon. I'm no longer concerned for the show as I trusted Lila's professionalism combined with how driven Mr. Lee was, the show can only be successful.

Inside the dim hall, a raised T-shaped stage was illuminated with light. Although this city wasn't a fashion capital, I could see the determination of Regal to enter the market in this region. Their love for simplistic elegance was all over the decoration. Pastel colors in just the right shade representing their spring collection made the stage lively but also subdued at the same time. However, it still looked like it was missing something. I presumed the cherry on top would be the clothes that the models were being prepped for.

People slowly filled out the designated seats around the stage then suddenly the lights went out one by one at the stage. At the same time, bubbly music slowly arose from the surroundings like water gurgling in the river. The audience hushed as they absorbed the atmosphere.

One lone spotlight lit up in the middle where Lila stood with her eyes closed peacefully. Her eyelids fluttered open languidly as if coming from a deep sleep. An innocent smile appeared on her lips as she took her first step towards the runway. The airy dress bounced as she walked along with the loose curls of her hair. The lights blinked open with her every step as if they were like the blooming flowers on her dress. She was like the fairy that signaled the beginning of spring accompanied by her vibrant smile.

It was uncanny to see Lila with that much animation on her usual poker face. Nonetheless, she brought life to the runway and convinced me enough to want the dress that she was wearing even though it wasn't my style. She continued her catwalk along the stage with timely posing intervals but when she passed by our spot, I couldn't resist and whispered out.

"Beautiful," I excitedly glanced to my side where Ethan was in search for his agreement but to my surprise, his gaze was already in my direction

He echoed my words as his eyes focused on me, "Yes, beautiful."

My surroundings melted away in a flash as his warm gaze managed to pin me. Something inside me felt terrified as if I could hear ice cracking under my feet.

Everything went back to normal between us after that day. I was glad but at the same time I felt dissatisfied with it. However, it only took something like this to reset us back to the starting point. It was driving me crazy but somehow it also felt right.

I felt somebody hit my arm on my other side which shattered the moment in a flash. I broke the stare to take a look and the lady beside me apologized with a hand. I just nodded in return since it was an accident if only she knew that I wanted to thank her instead.

It was over but with the dim lighting, it left me hyper aware of Ethan's presence so I sat rigidly against my seat. I didn't dare look in his direction again.

The models came out one by one accompanied by the audience's gasps and awes but I couldn't share the feeling. I couldn't wait to get out of here so the moment the clapping ensued as Lila walked the closing run, I eagerly stood up along with the rest.

The event ended successfully and Mr. Lee was grinning triumphantly the last time I saw him. I left Ethan in the lobby and asked Tina about Lila. She left me in front of a room before running out somewhere again like a mini hurricane.

I knocked twice before calling out Lila's name. I opened the door when I heard her beckoning me from inside.

She was zipping her boots in front of the mirror while she said after a look, "Where's the man beside you earlier?"

"Ethan? He's in the lobby waiting," I answered, wondering why she's looking for him.

She faced me, finally done with her shoes, "He's your new boyfriend?"

This again?!