After two weeks of sightseeing with Harry, exploring American cuisine, and then exercising my butt off to work off the calories, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was here. The music thumped loudly, its bass pounding in my ears as the crew rushed about and got everything ready. All of the Angels, including myself, were already dressed and standing in lines behind the curtain. I wore a green bra and underwear set that somewhat resembled leaves. On my back, there was a pair of massive and heavy angel wings. My stomach flipped as thoughts and scenarios played out in my head.
What if I trip?
What if my wings fall off?
What if there are fans of Harry’s who boo me?
My thoughts were ended when I heard a voice direct me onstage and, before I had time to worry anymore, I was under the pink stage lights. My feet took the familiar runway I had been practicing on for days on end and I strutted down, my hips swaying and my heels clicking. Looking straight ahead, I could see Justin singing “Beauty & A Beat” while twirling some models around. I soon reached him and he took my hand, dancing casually as rehearsed until he let go and I continued down the runway.
It wasn’t until three outfits later that it finally sunk in. I was a Victoria’s Secret Angel. All of my life, I had seen the beautiful Angels gracing the runway, dreaming that one day, I could be pretty and successful like them. Now, I finally was.
We ended the show to immense applause, some even standing up to cheer. Among the proud spectators, I saw Harry’s figure in between two fashion designers. His eyes were fixed on me and his mouth formed a wide smile, silently congratulating me. My lips curled up in response to this and the curtain dropped, blocking my view of him. I hurried to get ready to leave, as Harry and I planned to have a quiet night in at the hotel.
“Lauren, darling, you were wonderful!” Sharen Jester Turney exclaimed, enveloping me in a hug once I was done changing. I was taken aback. This woman hugging me was the CEO of Victoria’s Secret, a legend in the fashion industry. I had only met her at the final casting of the Angels, so how did she, a renowned businesswoman, remember me? Her arms released me and I stepped back to look in her pale blue eyes. She adjusted her blond hair as I thanked her, then she continued speaking.
“Are you coming to the party?” she asked. I had heard about the celebratory gathering at a local club and hadn’t planned on going. But since the CEO of Victoria’s Secret was inviting me, how could I refuse?
“Of course! What club is it at again?” I wondered, playing as if I had planned to go the whole time. She gave me the club name and hurried off to talk to other people while I left to find Harry.
“Nice job, love.” Harry said once I found him in the crowd. He scooped me into a hug and pecked my lips.
“Thanks. I think we’ll have to take a rain check on that quiet night in.” I told him, twirling a strand of hair between my fingers nervously. His brows knit together confusedly. I hastily explained the situation with Sharen and he readily agreed, taking my hand to lead me to a waiting SUV. We rode back to the hotel and the ride was filled with talk about the show. The tall hotel building came into view and we got out, heading up to the hotel room to prepare for the party.
“Ready?” Harry called an hour later. I glanced in the mirror and smoothed down my short black dress. The red heels and lipstick contrasted nicely with the dark material of my clothing while the long curls cascading down my back kept the look fun.
