Chapter 15 Ezra

" Is everyone ready? Ezra, you're up next."

I nod over at Lawson and Noah. They are helping the contestants backstage and making sure we get our models out on time.

My heart thunders in my chest as I hear the crowd cheer and applaud for Flora. To my shock, her designs were some of my favorites and I know I have some stiff competition. But I also believe in what I created.

Flora walks backstage with a happy alert look on her face. She rushes over to me. "Oh my gosh, Ezra. That was a rush. The world is seeing my work, and the models did such a great job."

She throws her arms around me and I stiffen.

What the hell is happening.

She squeals happily. "Good luck out there." Flora rushes off and I'm left there gaping at her retreating form.

Did she just realize she didn't insult me?

Noah appears by my side. "Okay, ready to sit on your throne?"

I bark out a laugh. "Oh god, this is part of the show I'm really nervous about. Why can't I be backstage making sure the outfits are properly in place? And why can't I announce my own designs?"

Noah laughs. "Trust me, we have this handled. Don't you want to see your designs walk the stage and observe other people's reactions? Didn't you see Flora just now? Trust me, you'll want to see your clothes being presented to the world."

"Okay, yes. When you put it that way, you're right." I follow Noah to the seat that does indeed look like a throne. The designers are supposed to sit here when it's their turn.

As soon as I sit down, the crowd breaks into applause, and I smile and wave at everyone.

Ella Gray walks back up to the stage. Instead of her usual high ponytail and tight pencil skirt, Ella is wearing her hair down, elegant waves framing her face and tumbling down her back. Her dress is black and red, and her lipstick matches. I realize her outfit is a nod to the queen of hearts. "Let's welcome our last contestant. Ezra Strum is a talented local designer with a unique story. Every other year we hold our competition on opposite coasts. Last year we were on the East Coast. But two years ago, when we had our fashion show in San Francisco, Ezra applied and got accepted. Only, he didn't show up to the competition."

Ella pauses and I feel my cheeks heat. I squirm in my chair as I hear people whisper around me.

"It turns out, Ezra never got his acceptance package. It was lost in the mail. He assumed he didn't get in. This year he applied again. Now, as some of you know, I have a lot of respect for people who try and try again. It's hard following your dreams, but Ezra here didn't give up. But here is the crazy thing. His acceptance package didn't make it to him, again. I had my assistant look into it. Why would such a talented designer apply twice, only to not show up?"

I smile at Ella, once again thankful she took the time to find out what happened. I can't imagine many other big companies doing the same thing.

"Once we got everything sorted, I invited him to compete in the Dee Rama Fall Fashion show over the phone. But by the time I called him, all of the other contestants already had a month to design and prepare."

More murmurs go up around the room. Fuck. She's making it seem like I'm some grand finale. I really hope she likes what I created.

"So without further ado, let's welcome Ezra's first model to the stage." Ella glances back my way. "I look forward to seeing what you designed." She hands the mic back to the announcer who waves at the DJ. Once the music is going, and Ella is back at her seat, the announcer calls out Rebecca's name and talks about her outfit being inspired by the Hatter.

Rebecca looks absolutely beautiful. Her brown hair was dyed red for this occasion and it's styled in a faux wild look with loose wavy curls. Her makeup is dark and dramatic, but her outfit is sexy and fun with a lavender top hat with a floral print and a matching miniskirt. She's wearing a light blue tailcoat jacket that pulls the whole outfit together. She looks like a cross between a sexy fae and a steampunk Hatter.

Clicking cameras go off and people cheer, impressed with the outfit.

As soon as she walks off the stage, Olly is there. My breath catches. Fuck he's gorgeous. Constantly looking at him up close during all our fittings didn't prepare me for how he looks from a distance away.

"Let's welcome Olly Black, modeling Ezra Strum's vision of Alice."

Cheers erupt. At first, I just assume it's for the rockstar rocking the corest, until I hear the murmurs around me. People are impressed with my vision. With my design.

Olly is wearing a light blue corset with silver floral detailing. Under his corset is a skintight white dress shirt. The outfit is paired with silver skintight pants. Olly looks absolutely stunning. The clothing makes him look handsome yet pretty, badass yet sexy. The whole outfit together is breathtaking. It's clear that if Rebecca was they would match, but Olly was meant to be the star of the show.

I can't take my eyes off of the man I love. As he walks the stage I realize that he is surrounded by people, hundreds of people cheering him on as he saunters on stage. Everyone is transfixed by him and the design I created.

At this moment I realize it doesn't matter if I win the fashion show or not. My life has taken a wonderful turn and as I watch my boyfriend smile and work up the crowd without an ounce of fear on his face, I know I want to spend the rest of my life with this man.