“Thank you,” she said drily. “This means so much.” She swung her trophy by her side and stepped back.
For real? Well, this might not mean much to her, but winning would be my way out—
“Now for our runner-up. And boy, did she turn heads today.” His gaze traveled along the line. “Local girl, Ivy Lawrence!”
One of the other models, Sienna, grabbed my arm. “Ivy, it’s you!” Laughing, she shoved me forward. “Go!” The crowd burst into applause as I stumbled forward, my mouth falling open in shock.
“Ivy, congratulations,” he said, holding the trophy high. “You’ve won a modeling shoot with Baybe Swimwear and a thousand-dollar cash prize!”
I looked out at the crowd. My friend Kobi stood near the front, fist-pumping and cheering like I’d just won Olympic gold. She’d drifted into my life the day she arrived in Byron Bay, stayed with me until recently, and had somehow become like family.
“Wow, I did not expect this!” I smiled back at her. “Thank you so much, everyone.” I handed the mic back as I took my place beside Katarina.
This is the best day ever.
Later, with my trophy in hand, I headed to Sienna’s place with some of the other girls for pizza and pool, without a single regret.
A year earlier, I would’ve laughed if someone had told me where I’d be…
When Celeste, a scout, first stopped me on the street, said she liked my look, offered to put together a portfolio for me, and mentioned a lump-sum payment, I shut her down pretty much instantly.
Modeling hadn’t been part of my life plan. I wanted to surf professionally. But that same morning, I saw my dream surfboard in the shop window… and I couldn’t afford it.
“One job,” she’d said when I called her. “No pressure.”
So I did it. And from that day forward, I was hooked. And that was only the beginning. For the first time since losing my parents, I had something to work toward—a future I could build for myself.
I never again wanted to feel adrift… like I belonged nowhere.
I was going to make it. No matter what it took. I didn’t know exactly how yet, but now it felt possible.
When I opened my eyes and stood up from the chair, all the girls around me were dressed in stunning designer swimwear, each one desperate for the Adore Designs contract up for grabs.
But it wouldn’t be easy, and the night hadn’t been drama-free. Two of the other contestants, Katarina and Ingrid, had been at it nonstop, hurling insults at each other.
As we stood poised ready to take the stage, Ingrid had burst into tears… staring in horror at her swimwear lying in pieces on the floor.
Crushed, she withdrew from the contest, still crying as she left the club.
“Sayonara, Ingrid.” Katarina gave a little wave as her face spread into a fake smile. “Better luck next time, girl!”
“That’s brutal!” Olivia whispered, shooting me a knowing look.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side.”
It was almost my turn.Enough drama.My heart thundered in my chest.C’mon, girl. You’ve got this.
First up was the bikini round with the signature T-walk, and after that, I had to perform a special talent alongside a partner. I’d chosen to sing a duet with Ethan—my roommate’s boyfriend. We’d practiced endlessly, but so far, he was a no-show!
I’d called and messaged him. Nothing. If he didn’t arrive soon, I’d be disqualified. And I had no backup plan.
“Fingers crossed Ethan shows up, girls, or I’m done,” I said flatly.
“No! What will you do if he doesn’t show?” Olivia asked with a worried look.
“Ladies, quiet!” said the stage manager. “You’re up next, Ivy, so be sure you’re ready.”
As the curtain slid back, I moved into position moments before the lights landed on me.
