Anise appeared beside me, wiping pink tailor's chalk from her hands onto a black handkerchief. I showed her the message without preamble. Her reaction was immediate - a sharp inhale followed by a grin.
"Citra, this is huge! Ember is certainly eccentric and willful, but he doesn't just invite the magazine models to walk his showcases. He must have really been impressed."
"That's what I needed to know. Whether this was genuine interest or just... professional courtesy."
"Oh, it's genuine. Trust me."
She pulled me bodily toward her work table, already talking faster while searching for a pad of paper to start sketching and notating. An energetic human for her middle age. All I can think of is that my upper back is still a bit stiff.
"Along with the Winter Gala between Christmas and New Year's, this is one of the season's major events for our city. You'll be walking with experienced runway models, industry people will be there with front rows, it's-"
