The Red String

Chapter 2. Unexpected Help

[PLAY: One Step At a Time by Jordin Sparks]

"Good things happen when you least expect it." — Unknown

"Awful."

"Hideous."

"What the hell is this?"

"Disgusting."

"Cheap fabric."

"Disappointing."

Negative comments kept flowing out of Lauren's mouth like pouring rain. Next to her, Ally offered a nervous smile and Normani raised an eyebrow as they watched Lauren holding a glass of wine, pulling every single design presented to pieces. And while Lauren's harsh criticisms left people with tired and worn expressions, she sat there like a queen, seemingly unbothered by the discomfort she was causing.

Her friend, Narciso Rodriguez, had organized a small showcase featuring the creations of both rising fashion stars and renowned fashion designers, all of this so Lauren could choose the finest designs for the upcoming March In White collection, set to be showcased in Japan. But so far, every single one had been criticized and met with disapproval.

"This will be the last design from this designer," Narciso stated.

"I don't want to see it," Lauren said dismissively, taking a sip of her wine. "Honestly, what the fuck were you thinking when you decided to show me all this trash?"

"Lauren..." Ally tried to warn her, but her friend completely ignored her.

"All these creations are awful, unimpressive, and plain boring. I just want them out of my sight," Lauren remarked, averting her gaze. She noticed Narciso shaking his head, an amused smile playing on his lips. "You're enjoying this, huh?" she added sarcastically, addressing the man. "Did you even design anything, or did you just let your college students do the dirty work for you?"

"Patience is a virtue, Jauregui," Narciso pointed out with a smirk. "Not even the models ease your bad mood?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively, making Lauren roll her eyes. "You know, I'm still casting models for the fashion show, maybe you could help me. Who knows, it might lift your spirits..."

"These models are not my type," she cut in suddenly. "And just because I'm gay that doesn't mean I'm going to sleep with every woman who shows up strutting in front of me half-naked. Especially when their clothes don't meet my expectations."

Narciso raised his hands in surrender when he saw Lauren giving him a deadly stare.

"I don't think she's in the mood for jokes," Normani commented under her breath, earning a playful wink from the man.

"She hardly ever is," Narciso observed, and Normani couldn't help but chuckle.

"Can we get back to it, or am I free to go?" Lauren snapped coldly. "Having to look at all this mediocrity in one place is seriously getting on my nerves. We're here to work, okay? Work. So focus on your task and show me something worth my time before I decide to get up and leave."

"Lauren!" Ally scolded her.

"Lauren, Lauren, Lauren..." The green-eyed woman rolled her eyes. "What do you expect me to do, Ally? Pretend everything is fine while I'm wasting my time sitting here, holding this glass of cheap wine and putting up with all this shit?"

"It's always a pleasure having you around, Lauren," Narciso remarked in a sarcastic tone. "Your presence is a real blessing."

"Then bless my eyes and get rid of these awful dresses," she sneered as the man stared at her. "Just show me your designs. I'm not interested in anything done by amateurs."