Free Sammy in Italy (Single Wide Female Travels #2) by Lillianna Blake

job and that job doesn’t have to be difficult unless we make it so.”  
    “Very good point.” I leaned against the wall and looked at all of the gorgeous dresses lined up.
    I could recall a time when I’d refused to even walk inside stores because I guessed that all of their beautiful dresses would not be in my size. Alistair could change that. He was changing that. He wanted to create glamorous dresses in all shapes and sizes. That was certainly something to be passionate about.
    Not only was I enamored by the idea of Alistair’s creations, I was impressed by the advice given to me by the two models I’d gotten to know. It was easy to look at a beautiful woman and assume she had no insecurities, but that wasn’t the truth—not at all.
    Alia and Priscilla both had their own beliefs about their bodies, as did the rest of the women I’d overheard in the dressing room. Some had ankles that were too thick in their opinion; others had elbows that jutted out too harshly.
    If women who were held up as the ideals of beauty couldn’t find a way to embrace their bodies, then what chance was there for the average woman?
    That’s where I came in. My opportunity to represent the average woman was more powerful than I’d even first realized.
    I eased my way into my dress, smoothed it down and accepted the attention of the stylist.
    When we lined up for the final walk my heart fluttered. This was it. Was I going to fall again? Was I going to end up in some other poor sap’s lap?

Chapter 19

    I reminded myself that Max was there. Somewhere in the sea of faces his smile waited to greet me.
    With slow even breaths I watched each of the girls before me walk out onto the runway. As each one returned without any stumbles or nosedives I reminded myself that it could be done. Then it was my turn.
    I blanketed myself in the passion I had for the dress I wore and the cause it supported. Even if I couldn’t be confident, I could be proud.
    With long even strides I made my way down to the end of the runway. At the end, I placed one hand on my hip, swirled my body around, and began to walk back. As I did, another model approached me. It struck me that earlier in the day I’d moved to the edge of the runway, not because there wasn’t enough room, but out of habit. I often gave plenty of room to people around me, as if I were a mountain rather than a woman.
    I forced myself to stay on the same path. We didn’t come close to touching.
    When I made it behind the curtain I nearly collapsed with relief. Applause from the audience let me know that the show had come to an end.
    It was over. I’d done it. My heart still pounded as if it might burst, but I’d done it. A thin sheen of sweat covered my skin.  
    “Samantha.”  
    Alistair’s voice drew my attention. Was he pleased? Was he upset?
    I looked into his eyes as he walked up to me.  
    “Thank you. Thank you for being present on the runway tonight. I’ve already received several amazing responses to the dress. As a gift, I’d like for you to keep it. I couldn’t imagine it being on anyone else.” He looked over the dress and then back up at me. “You gave it life.”  
    “Thank you, Alistair. At first I was a little upset about doing this, but now I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”  
    “I’m glad.” He gave my hand a firm shake. “Any time you are back in Venice let me know. I’d love to get you on the runway again.”
    I smiled as he walked away, yet the very thought still filled me with horror.
    “Hey, beautiful!” Max’s arms wrapped around me from behind. “You were breathtaking. Just like I knew you would be.”
    “Thanks, Max.” I turned in his arms to look into his eyes.  
    “Were you able to get centered? You sure seemed to be.”
    “No.” I sighed. “Not really. I was able to cover it up, but I was still terrified. I really need to figure out what has me so frazzled.”  
    “Should we take a walk along the water and talk about it?”