I run my hand over the fabric. "Of course, it still needs to be adjusted to fit the model. And the outfit includes golden strappy stilettos." I've embroidered them with the same pearls that adorn the one-shoulder strap and the waist on the side.
Aurora nods admiringly, still holding the kettle in her hand. "It's incredible that such talent lies within you," she says thoughtfully. "Unbelievable that it's only coming to light now."
That's not entirely true. Even as a child, I used to sew outfits for my dolls. And in fashion school, design was by far my favorite subject.
"My father never found it sufficient." How many times had he admonished me to stop drawing and focus on the important tasks?
He wanted to make a younger version of himself out of me. And I wanted to be her, just to please him. At least he should love me after my mother didn't even notice me.
It's strange how clearly I can see this truth, which I couldn't recognize for so long, now in front of me.
"Is everything okay?" Aurora asks in the midst of my thoughts.
"Soon," I say wistfully. Soon, everything will be okay. "I'll take off the dress, then we can discuss the next steps, okay?"
"But of course," Aurora replies. "I'm ready for anything."
Incredible. Just four months ago, Aurora was more like an acquaintance to me, but I never really let her in. Thanks to the truth I shared with her, we've become true friends. And I wonder why my fear of my father's reaction kept me from confiding in her much earlier.
I quickly change, and when I return to the open kitchen, the tea is ready. We sit at the table by the glass front, where the Swedish winter is showing its most beautiful side today.
"So how can I help you?" Aurora asks, cradling her cup in both hands.
I look at her meaningfully. "The press needs to catch wind of the show."
The presentation is an open event. The applicants and Chloe Morrigan's management will be there, maybe even Chloe herself. She probably has her own press people and might have invited more, after all, this competition is also pure publicity for her. Still, I need to make sure.
"Somebody"—I nod unequivocally to Aurora—
"should tip them off that something spectacular is happening tomorrow at four o’clock at the Waterfront Congress Centre."
"Got it," she says, shifting in her chair. "But I can't speak Swedish."
"That's exactly the point. With your Italian-accented English, you'll sound like an insider from Chloe's team."
If a Swede were to call, they might think he's a nutcase. But someone who sounds as international as Aurora? Never. "I've made a list." I quickly get up and fetch the multipage printout from my improvised sewing room. At the top of the first page areSanningens ÖgonblickandRyktesspegeln. I point at the names with my index finger. "These are particularly important," I say with a grin.
Aurora nods knowingly. "Understood."
Making the dress was the first step, getting selected for the finals was the second. Informing the press isn't just the third item on my plan. It's also the point of no return.
"I'll call my mother myself to invite her too," I continue quickly to keep my rising panic in check.
"She must be thrilled." Aurora's voice takes on a soft tone.
Absentmindedly, I gaze out at the snowy landscape. My conversation with my mother comes to mind. "She somehow always knew."
"Knew what?"
"That I'm not cut out to be a businesswoman," I reply, a warm feeling rising within me. Even though she went through a tough time, she always sensed me and my desires—even better than I did myself. "Her idea that I could become a model wasn't entirely right either, but she saw much more in me than I ever thought."
Aurora reaches across the table to take my hand. "I'm glad you and your mother had a chance to talk," she says, and I hear the longing in her voice. It's been five years since her mother passed away, and I'm sure it hasn't been easy for her.
"Do you know what I believe?" I offer her a wistful smile. "I believe that we often live with false convictions."
"No one knows that better than I do," she replies, likely thinking of how she almost lost the love of her life because of it. "What were you mistaken about?"
In the past few days, surrounded by the quiet solitude of the island, I've had a lot of time to reevaluate my life. I haven't talked to anyone about it yet, but now I'm ready to put into words the final truth I've realized.
