Chapter 73

There was expected resistance to letting them into the big New York fashion shows. They were a total unknown, no matter how stunning the outfits. Mae and Mr. Moore came into play, working the politics behind the show. They simply invited the major fashion editors out to lunch the week beforehand. Each time the women would wear their own fashions. Mae would introduce them to Sheila, Cindy, Theresa, and Sally, alternating with one or all of the triplets. Jean declined, concentrating on work at the salon. Several times Mae would show up at just the right restaurant with the triplets, who always managed to bring a hush over a room.

By the end of the week inquiries were pouring into the show executives as to where Second Skin would be on the program. The executives reluctantly put them way down the line. That was fine. They should hold their own no matter where they were placed.

On the day of the show, everyone was nervous. All the big names had already been up. With cheers and applause for almost every outfit. The models in the back room were quite snooty to all the girls, sitting in light robes covering their outfits. It was decided by Mae that Sally would be first, with her stunning body and hair. Followed by Sheila, Cindy, Theresa and Candice. With the models from the salon and several from Mae’s preceding the triplets, who would be last.

The big moment arrived. Second Skin clothiers was announced and Mae cued Sally. She stepped out onto the runway.

There was a gasp ... and the place fell silent.

Sally retained her composure, thinking that they hated her. She was doing her best to fight back her rising panic and tears as she proceeded down the runway, turned and then back again.

“Oh My, I’ve never seen this happen before.” Mae said.

“I’m afraid I haven’t either.” Moore said.

“Well, we might as well make a show of it before we pack up our tents and go home.” Sheila said.

She stepped out on cue, there was another gasp, but further silence. Sheila held herself proud as she paraded down, turned and then back, followed by the rest in turn.

Now there were quiet murmurings in the crowd. Photo flashes popped left and right, but nothing like the big names had witnessed. The triplets took their cues from the other women carrying themselves proudly. They each wore a portion of a picture of the New York skyline. Together they completed much of the picture.

As they stepped out there was an audible gasp, and then bedlam.

The place erupted with applause and a standing ovation that didn’t stop. Mae prodded all the girls out again and the place became a mad house of applause and photoflashes.

They were a hit, the biggest the show had ever seen.

The show executives requested that the designers step out and the girls shrugged and all of them stepped out. This brought the house down again.

So the show executives requested the Officers of the company step out. This time Sheila, Cindy, Theresa, Sally and Mae stepped out. Again there was a standing ovation.

Mae whispered in the executives ears and they announced the inventor of a new fashion manufacturing process which had produced all the outfits: Mr. John Stevens.

John was in the audience. He reluctantly stood and made his way to the stage. He wore his custom made tuxedo. Bedlam re-erupted from the audience as they gave him a standing ovation which didn’t stop.

He motioned the girls out, who now all had tears streaming down their cheeks. One last time they paraded down the runway and back. Then John lined them up next to him, kissing each quickly in turn as she returned. They all took a final bow and withdrew.

The catcalls and applause echoing in their ears.

The heads of several major fashion designers known throughout the world came back and made inquiries into purchasing the company. They were politely refused.

The executive came back and asked for one last encore. John suggested that the triplets step out in their New York outfits, with Cindy and Theresa on each end, bracketed by Sally and Sheila. They took one final bow and withdrew. Tears streaming down their faces.

That night Mae chose which parties they would attend, based upon who would most influence their business. They chose the fashion reporters’ party.

The girls put on their most elegant evening fashions. John, a different Tuxedo. Kevin wore his dress uniform, tailored by Theresa, but within code. He was introduced simply as her fiancée.

Limousines drove them to the party. Candice and Mae had a full time task chaperoning the triplets. Suitors lined up by the dozens to meet them.

John kept Cindy, Sally and Sheila close by him as he fielded questions. Sheila kissed him and relieved Mae as chaperon so she could better work the party. She made the rounds with Mr. Moore, talking to the different fashion editors.

“No, we aren’t in Paris yet. So far there is just the salon in New York and the one in San Francisco ... Yes, they would be opening many more as they came up to steam, starting with the largest cities in America first and then the international capitols. “ Mae fielded.

“Yes, they would gladly perform private fittings for diplomatic clientele at a separate, secret location. No, I can’t tell you where, then it wouldn’t be a secret.” Mr. Moore answered.

“No Miss, I don’t want to go home with you, I have enough women in my life. Yes, you are attractive, but thank you no.” both John and Kevin replied.

“The cheek of these women.” Cindy chuckled, “at least they could ask you when I’m out of earshot.”

Theresa took hold of Kevin’s arm and let it be known that he was hers! Cindy did much the same with John.

Champagne and hors d’oeuvres flowed freely. The triplets tried the caviar, but found it a bit too salty. Sheila didn’t dare tell them or Candice what it was.

The models from the New York and San Francisco salons got offers, which they were free to accept at Mae’s suggestion. The triplets got the most, but declined for now. But Mae had them collect business cards for the future.

Cindy, Sally, Sheila and even Jean declined marriage proposals. Explaining that they were already engaged. They just smiled when asked to whom.

Mae collected invitations for them for private parties for two weeks to come, saying she’d see what she could do.

About midnight, the girls started to run down. John was ready long before. They made their good-byes and exited. Again, limousines carted them away.

Cindy and Sally rode bracketing John with Sheila and Jean choosing to ride in the jump seats rather than take another one.

“Well, you’re a hit.” John said.

“I still don’t believe it.” Cindy said.

“Nobody pinch me. I don’t want to wake up.” said Sally.

“Damn, and I was so looking forward to pinching you.” John said.

“This can’t be real. I got two marriage proposals tonight!” Jean said.

“You folks best believe it, cause now it gets hot and heavy.” Sheila said.

“Not for me, I’m in semi-retirement.” John said.

“I don’t believe it for a minute.” Cindy said.

“Wait and see.” John said.

“I will.” Cindy replied, softly.

Theresa and Kevin opted for a hotel room. Likewise Candice and Mae riding herd on the triplets, they took a large suite.

When queried about whether or not he wanted lots of company that night, John had declined. He knew that there would be ample opportunity for that. He was partied out for the night. There would be ample opportunities for that as well.

So everybody celebrated in their own way. Perhaps the most active were Candice, Mae and the triplets. They didn’t get to sleep until the gray light of dawn. Sally and Jean kissed John, Cindy and Sheila good night, then entered their own abode.

John slipped off his coat, shoes and cumber bun. Sighing heavily.

“Cup of coffee?” Cindy inquired.

“A cup of tea would be nice, but sit down, I’ll make it.” he said.

“That sounds good for me as well.” Sheila added.

“I don’t think I could sit down yet. You two relax while I burn off a little energy.” Cindy said.

“Can’t burn much off making tea, but thank you.” John said.

John sat back on the sofa and leaned his head back, eyes closed. Sheila kicked off her shoes and moved around behind the sofa and began to rub his shoulders and neck.

“Mmm ... that feels good.” John said.

“Why so tight?” Sheila asked.

“Don’t know.” John said, enjoying the rub.

“I do.” said Cindy, sitting next to him.

“And Why’s that?” John asked, keeping his eyes shut.

“Because tonight you watched all your projects graduate.” Cindy said.

John lifted his head and looked at her. He nodded and closed his eyes, again leaning back.

“Ennui?” Sheila asked.

“A bit.” John replied.

“What’s ennui?” Cindy asked.

“It refers to a combined sense of both weariness and boredom.” Sheila explained.