Chloe followed as Heather was rushed into the backstage area where the other models were already hurrying to get ready, makeup artists and hair stylists frantically adding final touches.
"The good news is you'll only have to go out three times," Shania said, shoving Heather into a changing area where assistants were waiting to pull her out of her clothes at top speed and help her into a waiting dress. "Some of the girls will be doing a dozen changes tonight. You're our statement girl. You're wearing the biggest, boldest dresses at the end of each segment."
"Isn't that a bad idea?" Heather squeaked, her voice muffled as the dress was pulled over her head.
"You'll be fine!" Shania assured her. "No one will be looking at you. They're looking at the dress! Just don't fall down and you'll do great!"
"And what if I do fall down?" Heather asked, holding her breath as the assistants tucked her into the dress and struggled to drag up the zipper.
"Just get up and keep going," Shania replied. "Even the professionals fall sometimes. It's not the end of the world.”
"Oh my God." Heather held onto one of the assistants for support as another forced her feet into a pair of stilettos. "These shoes are ridiculous! They must be eight-inch heels!"
"They're fantastic, right?" Shania gushed. "They're exclusives from a really influential international brand. The designer is in the audience tonight, so, I know I just said it's okay if you fall, but you should probably really try not to fall."
"I couldn't walk to the bathroom in these," Heather cried, still hanging on to the assistant as she tried to get her balance, "let alone down a stage in front of hundreds of people!"
"It's just a few yards!" Shania pushed through the curtain to take Heather's hand, dragging her out. Chloe clapped her hands in delight.
The dress was beautiful; even Heather had to admit that. The tailored bodice was dark red velvet. Strapless, the sweetheart neckline was revealing but tasteful. The A-line waist burst into a chiffon princess skirt, an ocean of scarlet ruffles down to a raised hem, beneath which she was wearing the ridiculous heels. They were amazing to look at, honestly. They were a play on ruby slippers, elegant and sparkling, with heels that had her nearly en pointe like a ballerina. All the better to click her heels together and wish she was anywhere but here.
"Spectacular!" Shania said with relief. "I knew it would fit. Now quick, get her to hair and makeup. The other girls are already about to hit the stage. We don't have much time!"
The assistants hurried her off, Chloe tagging along in awe as Heather was pushed into a salon chair and a host of hair and makeup professionals swooped down to pluck, buff, and fluff every inch of her head. Her dark blond hair was swept up and pinned into a curling, effortless updo around a silver headband shimmering with crystal droplets that fell over her brow like a tiara. More delicate crystals fell over her wrists, and there was one on her right ankle, drawing the eye farther down to the incredible shoes. Dark red lipstick and soft eyeshadow finished the look. By the time the fluttering flock of stylists cleared, Heather barely recognized herself in the mirror.
"Mommy," Chloe said, voice hushed with wonder, "you look like a princess!"
"She looks like a queen," Shania corrected, glowing with delight. "You're ready. Let me see your walk."
Heather, somewhat unsure, stood slowly and took a few unsteady steps forward as she figured out the balance of the shoes and how she needed to stand to keep from falling over.
"Gorgeous," Shania told her. "Shoulders back. More confidence! Imagine Renee just burned your scallops and you're storming across the kitchen to redo it in time for service!"
Heather took another step, wobbling and nearly falling before one of the assistants caught her.
"I can't do this, Shania," Heather said, wide-eyed with anxiety.
"It's too late to find anyone else," Shania said, shaking her head. "You have to do it."
"You're going to look amazing, Mom!" Chloe was jumping up and down in excitement. "You can do it!"
"It's time!" an assistant shouted from the back. "They're already walking!"
"Go!" Shania frantically pushed Heather toward the stage entrance. "Go, go, go!"