Fashion, Rose & Foul Play - Gemma Halliday Page 0,1

turned his attention from his model, a bright smile taking over his round features as he spotted Ava. "Of course, my dahlings. Ava, these earrings are to die for. Très magnifique!"

"Thank you," Ava said humbly. "I'm just glad I could find a piece to accent your jumpsuit."

"Well, that you did! She looks stunning, doesn't she?" he asked, standing back and admiring Jada as if she were a work of art.

Jada smiled softly, expertly turning her head to just the right angle to show off the earrings.

"She does," I had to admit. Though, I had a feeling the model would look stunning in a paper bag. I shot off a couple of up-close pictures of the earrings. "Do you mind if I grab one with you and Ava as well?"

He waved his hands in dramatic fashion. "Yes, yes, of course. Quickly, though, babies. I've got to track down Gia."

"Track her down?" Ava asked, moving to pose next to Jada. "Is she missing?" Her blonde eyebrow drew down in concern.

Concern I understood, as Gia Monroe was the show's closer, slated to wear the highlight of Ava's jewelry collection—a heavy, hand forged silver chain ending in a teardrop pendant holding a large, princess cut emerald. It was one of the most extravagant and expensive pieces Ava had ever made, having created it just for the occasion. Usually her designs ran more toward boho chic than gem encrusted, but knowing the type of crowd that would be in attendance that day and the type of exposure her designs would get, she'd gone all out. A hundred thousand dollars all out, to be exact, just to purchase the green gem itself. An investment she was hoping to make back and then some with the sale of the necklace, as well as the demand for more that she hoped the show would generate.

"No, no," Costello said, waving off her concern as he stepped to the other side of Jada and draped an arm around her middle. "I'm sure she's probably just holed up in her dressing room."

"Sipping champagne," Jada added, speaking up for the first time.

Costello laughed. "Yes, well, that's Gia. Champagne and caviar all the way, right? Smile, dahlings!" He showed off a row of sparkling white veneers, and I quickly snapped off a few shots of the trio.

As soon as I was finished, Costello turned back to Jada. "Quick, kisses for luck, babies, and I'm off." He dropped air kisses on either side of the ladies' cheeks before giving me a little wave and going off in search of his champagne sipping starlet.

Jada watched after him for a moment before giving us a nod and smile and fading into the sea of humanity bustling backstage.

"Do you think I should check on Gia too?" Ava asked, biting her bottom lip.

"I'm sure she's fine," I said. "But if it would make you feel better, it wouldn't hurt to get a picture or two of you with the necklace before the show."

Only, before we had a chance to follow in Costello's footsteps, a woman hailed Ava from across the room. "Yoo-hoo! Silver Girl!"

The voice belonged to the other designer being featured that day, Daisy Dot. She was tall, almost as slim as her models, and sported wild frizzy hair that was colored in alternating pink and blue stripes, reminding me of cotton candy. Her outfit was a clash of bright, bold prints sewn in a seemingly random pattern that somehow all worked together—much like the outfits her models were wearing. Where Costello's esthetic was sleek and classic, Daisy Dot's was loud and exuberant in such a way that you couldn't help but smile when you looked at it.

While Daisy was old enough that a swath of white hair mingled with the pink and blue, she was new to the fashion scene, having emerged as a breakout star on the hit reality TV competition show, On the Runway. I knew because I'd watched every episode of her season and, like the rest of the viewing public, had fallen in love with her big personality and quirky designs. I tried not to be star struck as she made her way through the increasingly chaotic backstage area toward us.

"You—you're the jewelry woman, right? Silver Girl?" she asked, reaching Ava's side.

My best friend nodded. "Yes, Ava Barnett. It's a pleasure to work with you, Ms. Dot."

Daisy threw her head back and laughed. "Daisy, please. And the pleasure is all mine. I love discovering emerging artists." She turned her attention to me.