Getting ready

Just then, the fashion show coordinator came bustling through the room, clipboard in hand, her expression focused but hurried. She spotted you and quickly approached. “Alexis, your turn is coming up in about three minutes. Get ready and head to your position for the walk, okay?”

You nodded, feeling your nerves start to bubble up again, but you pushed them down. You had already done this once; you could do it again. “Got it.”

Before you could move, Clara reached over and gave you a quick but firm hug. “You’re going to be fantastic,” she whispered, holding you for a second longer before pulling back. She then leaned in and planted a soft peck on your cheek, her encouragement feeling like a warm, steadying force.

“Go out there and have fun!” she said with a wink.

With that, you took a deep breath and joined the queue of models that are waiting to get on the stage.