models were to meet in the captain’s dayroom for cocktails before dinner. The judges would be there also, and Maida and several officers. A few special guests had also been invited. Lauren hoped one would be Mike. Then, after cocktails, the party would proceed to the Queen’s Grill for dinner. Following that, they would adjourn to the theater, where an audience of interested fashion-lovers would be waiting for the awards ceremonies.
These were to include a showing of each designer’s choice of two best costumes while the designer commented, if he or she wished, from one side of the stage. The judges’ decision would then be announced, and prizes awarded. It seemed there were to be more prizes than one. As a special feature, the awards ceremony would be broadcast to all lounges and even into those cabins that had television as part of the regular furnishing. The hopeful gesture was to avoid crowding in the theater.
“Some hope,” was Dani’s show-wise comment.
It didn’t take Lauren long to find the big man with the wide shoulders. He stood out for many reasons. She and her models were greeted by junior officers and led at once to where the captain was chatting with Lady Winston-Bell and Maida Hass. The captain welcomed the three women with pleasantly correct compliments on their appearance and a glinting aside that of course he mustn’t show favoritism. Her Ladyship was gracious and friendly as ever. The three were passed deftly to Maida, who took them to the buffet and asked their preferences in drinks.
Her eyebrow lifted a fraction as all three chose Perrier. “Keeping a clear head? Perhaps that’s wise,” she murmured, gesturing toward the center of the dayroom, where Carlos was holding forth with a whiskey in one fist.
“Don’t look so frightened, Nella,” Dani teased. “He can’t eat you in front of all these people. You’re not on the menu.”
“I guess we aren’t on the prize list, either,” Nella mourned. They all glanced around. The room was jammed with gorgeously dressed women. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and lesser gems shimmered on every surface, Lauren thought wryly. They’d hang them from their noses if it didn’t hurt. The men were equally festive, with some pretty wild jackets on display for this fashion-conscious group. It’s as though they wanted to rival the models, Lauren confided to Dani.
“Most of them’d have to lose about thirty pounds before they’d be competition,” snipped the model.
And then he was beside her. She sensed more than felt his broad shoulders and his silver-gray eyes. Lauren didn’t care how revealing her expression was. She was so happy to see him.
His rather anxious expression softened into a wicked grin. He bent close to her and said in her ear, “Not here, darling. You’re going to have to wait until we get to my cabin.”
Lauren felt the warm blood rising in her cheeks. Ye gods, she mocked herself, I’m an adult and this guy can make me blush. But she didn’t care, because the show was safely over, and Mike was here beside her. What could go wrong?
Mike was saying, “I heard over the grapevine that your show was allowed, in spite of the theatrical format.”
Lauren nodded, smiling. “I didn’t let anyone down.”
Mike frowned. “I also hear that for some reason, probably her loyalty to Maartens, Claire Cornelius is claiming that you mustn’t be considered a serious contender because you didn’t show enough costumes.”
“I’m sorry she feels that way. But, then, she’s right, isn’t she?” Lauren knew she would feel deeply hurt later, but right now just being with concerned and attentive Mike was pleasure enough.
“Are you being a good sport or are you just punch-drunk after the session in Maida’s office?” Mike asked in a louder voice.
Dani spoke up unexpectedly. “I think she’s in love,” the model teased. “Better watch out she doesn’t miss her footing and fall overboard.”
They all laughed except Nella, who hadn’t got the point and looked at Lauren with a worried frown.
Several couples and some unescorted women moved in on Mike, who was evidently well-known and liked. He introduced Lauren and the models, even draping one arm lightly over Lauren’s shoulders. The socialites tended to ignore her. Some of them quizzed the models. Dani made them laugh with her spirited plain-speaking. The men tended to stare at Nella, who always looked serenely lovely and rather mysterious when she was on display, as she was now.
Ben Nowak strolled over and Preppy Telford joined him. The male designers were definitely patronizing to Lauren; both mentioned