Chapter 841 - Backstage passes (1/2)

~ Chicago ~

September 28, 11:03 AM

Aiden and Sarah are with Ellie in her villa in prestigious Forest Glenn neighborhood.

The villa is grand, and features nine bedrooms, fully equipped gym, spa and an indoor swimming pool as well as other luxurious amenities.

”These three bedrooms are available, feel free to pick any.”, Ellie offered after giving them a tour of the place.

Sarah looked at Aiden and he took the task of checking out the bedrooms and deciding in which one to keep their suitcase.

”Sorry about the commotion.”, Ellie pointed toward the end of the hallway from where the noise is coming. ”It's a bit hectic when it's close to showtime.”

Ellie already explained that her designers are finalizing garments which are going to the fashion show. She has two designers from Los Angeles, and three from Seattle staying in the villa with her. It's more convenient since they usually get to bring their work with them after office hours, and they also get to spend more time together. Local designers sometimes join in the evening, but they don't stay overnight.

”It's very lively.”, Sarah commented. She didn't want to say that it's too noisy. If it's like this, they probably won't get any sleep.

Ellie understood. ”Don't worry. During the day we are usually in the design studio, downtown. And even if we bring the work home, by nine in the evening the noise dies down.”

”Oh, don't worry about us.”, Sarah was a bit embarrassed that Ellie caught on the noise comment. ”We are staying here only one night.”

”You are welcome to stay as long as you want. Usually it's more crowded when models are with us also, but Tom and Brian will join in four days, and other three girls which I allow to stay at my place have other gigs.”

”Thank you. If all goes well, by evening we will finish what we came here for and then we will be on our way tomorrow.”, Sarah vaguely explained.

”Your passes to go backstage as my models are ready.”

These rehearsals are very hectic with strict timelines. Unless someone is a designer or a model involved in the show, other than event staff, people don't get access. That is why Ellie came up with the idea for Sarah and Aiden to be her pretend-models for the rehearsal… well, they look like it. No one will suspect a thing.

Ellie gave Sarah a doubtful look. ”Can you promise that you will not get yourself in trouble?”

”I promise. Absolutely. We just want to talk to one model who is difficult to catch otherwise. And it will not take more than few minutes. It will be nothing more than a talk.” Sarah smiled to reassure Ellie. ”I would never cause you any trouble.”

”The more you are convincing me, the less I believe you...”, Ellie sighed and decided to change the topic. ”After everyone settles down, in about half an hour, we will go to the design studio and then from there straight to the venue for a rehearsal. Somewhere in-between we will squeeze lunch. Do you want to join? The entry passes are in the studio downtown, so you either join to pick them up, or when you come to the venue directly someone will wait for you at the entry.”

”I would love to join, it will be fun to watch you work. But I will check with Aiden before committing to it. Just in case if he has anything else planned.”

Ellie nodded in understanding and reached for the phone which is buzzing in her back pocket.

”Jasper again?”, Sarah asked when she noticed silly smile on Ellie's face.

Ellie flashed a shocked look. ”What do you mean, AGAIN? Are you implying something?”

Sarah pretended to hold an invisible phone and responded with a big grin: ”During the plane ride you were on the phone, chatting with him… a lot. I thought he has a job, but I guess I was wrong. Since he has so much time for chatting, he must be unemployed.”

Ellie pushed Sarah's shoulder playfully. ”Stop teasing me.”

”I'm not teasing… I'm happy for you. Are you going to meet him today?”

”Yes.” Ellie's smile widened. ”He will pick me up after the rehearsal today, and he made some dinner plans.”