March 4th 2016

Chapter picture is the Andrew Gn dress Sophie mentions. I'm sure there are some Britishisms in here, but I think most are self explanatory. There's also some French, but the translations are kinda explained within the conversation.

Fun fact- when I first thought up this whole thing (before deciding to pursue it) Daniel was originally called Isaac. So, which do you prefer?

Daniel or Isaac?

Sarah xx

~*~*~

"Paris Fashion Week has somewhat redeemed itself for me! Finally."

"Did it?"

"Yep. And all it took was for the Dior show to roll into town! Man, I was so damned excited for it I couldn't have died."

"It was that good?"

"I didn't say it was good. But, it's a major improvement on everything else I've seen this week. Tomorrow is the big day for me though. Elie Saab is showing!"

"You sound far too excited for this Elie Saab woman."

"Elie Saab is a man."

"With a name like Elie?"

"Even with a name like Elie, he's still a bloke."

"Are his clothes good?"

"Good?! Daniel, you can't call his 'clothes' good! They are fucking amazing! Like, seriously, show stopping. If he doesn't live up to my expectations, I will cry in a corner until September."

"Why September?"

"Because that's when his next collection will show."

"Ah, yes. September is your favourite time of year because of the Spring/Summer shows."

"You remember me saying that?"

"Of course. Are you equally excited for the Doré show as you are for Elie Saab?"

"Not really. I mean, I basically know already what will be in the presentation. Mum has a certain style for the label and she very rarely strays from that aesthetic."

"You're not being very supportive, Sophie Evangeline Delaney."

"I am! I'm going to the show, aren't I? ... Daniel."

"Ha! You couldn't remember my full name, could you?"

"There are so many! How do you expect me to remember them all?!"

"I'll let you off with it just this once. I only remember your middle name because it's pretty."

"You think it's pretty?"

"Rolls off the tongue nicely, at least."

"Never really thought about it, to be honest. So, did you ask Tamsin out for a date-date after your pre-date?"

"Actually, I did. We're going out after work on Wednesday for some drinks and then on Friday, I'm taking her out for dinner."

"MEATmarket?"

"No, something a little classier than that."

"You took me to MEATmarket."

"I know."

"Is that your way of telling me I'm not classy?"

"What? No! I just meant that this thing with Tamsin is a date and the restaurant needs to be posh... not that you shouldn't be taken to a posh restaurant, or anything... I'm going to stop talking now."

"Haha, good plan."

"Oh, thank God you're not mad at me."

"I'm tempted to be, but I haven't the energy to do it properly."

"Fashion shows- my saving grace. Did you invite Dr. Woodhouse out for those drinks yet?"

"Not yet. I was stalling until after Paris, but I'll get on the case on Thursday."

"Don't leave it too long. Someone else might snap him up."

"Let them. I wasn't inviting him for drinks as a pre-date. It's simply a 'thank you' gesture, that's all."

"Ok. Back to Paris, then. Did you see anything you liked?"

"Naturally. There's this label called Joie and I'm practically going to buy their entire show and wear it throughout Autumn/Winter because the designs were gorgeous. I'm sending you my favourite."

"Not more photos!"

"Suck it up, Daniel. Right, here it comes."

"Everything about the outfit is on point. The skirt with the belt, the shirt, the boots... the hat!"

"Very nice. Would that sort of style work in London, though?"

"I'm going to make it work."

"Any other skirts, shirts or hats that took your fancy then?"

"There was this dress by Andrew Gn that I need in my life. And then need an excuse to throw a party so that I can wear it."

"More dresses?"

"BUt you need to see this one! Shall I send you a picture?"

"No, it's ok. Keep it for tomorrow and you can show me when I see you."

"... Fine. Did Emma call you yet about the plans for tomorrow?"

"Yes, she rang this morning. We're on the 8:31 train out of London. Arriving at something like 11:50, or there about. My car will leave first to avoid the suspicion and then Emma and Charlotte will follow on. Someone called Marcel is going to meet me at your flat-"

"I think you mean Michel, not Marcel."

"Ok, Michel is meeting me at the flat to show me in and then when your sisters arrive we're having lunch before the ladies go off to get ready. I'm planning on having an afternoon nap while they're doing all that girly stuff. Then, when I'm told to, I'll get dressed in whatever outfit you've chosen for me. The rest of the details are a little sketchy, depending on what you're doing."

"I'm coming back to the flat to get ready. A separate car is going to take you to the show ahead of my sisters and I. Michel will go with you so you can get in. Do not meet my mother until I arrive, for God's sake!"

"Why not?"

"Because she'll embarrass the hell out of you. And me. Steer clear until you have either Emma or I at your side."

"Ok. What happens once you arrive?"

"I'll take you to meet my mum. She's been frantically excited about meeting you, by the way. I've told her that you're not that special-"

"Hey!"

"-but she's not listening to me at all. After the introductions have been made, we'll mingle a little, drink champagne, watch the presentation, tell my mother how amazing everything was, drink a little more, meet Hugo, try to persuade Hugo and Charlotte not to go out clubbing in Paris, tag along with the nutters regardless and then stumble home at an ungodly hour of the morning."

"This isn't your first rodeo, is it?"

"I'man old pro at this stuff. Hell, I was the trailblazer. Five years ago, it was people trying to tell me how much of a bad idea it was to go clubbing in Paris."

"Don't you need to have a clear head fr Sunday's shows?"

"Ah, that's what the sunglasses are for, see? I'll put some make up on so that my skin has a touch of colour to it and then hide my bloodshot eyes behind shades. When is your train back to London?"

"Emma said that she had booked two tickets for Sunday for either Charlotte or I, and she has another for Monday. So, it's up to Charlotte and I to fight it out to see who leaves first."

"Take the Monday ticket."

"Monday? Why?"

"I can finish early on Sunday. The three pm Roland Mouret show is the last one on my schedule, so I was thinking you and I could hang out. I could show you the sights."

"I thought we weren't supposed to be seen together."

"I can go incognito. I'll wear a blonde wig and no one will know that it's me."

"Seriously?"

"No! I'd make a terrible blonde. But really, we can hang out. No one will bother us because all the hoopla will be before Mum's show. And one Clément sister isn't all that exciting compared to having all three of us together at the same time. The photographers will have had their fill of us on Saturday, which means we can chill on Sunday and I can show you around my city."

"Your city is London."

"My city is wherever I am. Currently, I'm in Paris, therefore Paris is my city."

"What's there to see in Paris?"

"Loads!"

"What, all the tourist stuff?"

"Ew, no. I'm going to show you the real Paris. My Paris."

"Well, I can't wait to see your Paris."

"I'll be the best guide ever, too."

"You better be now that you've said that. Do I get a refund if you turn out to be a rather crap guide?"

"No, but I will pay for lunch at one of the best restaurants in the world."

"In the world?"

"Yes, and as it happens, my family own it."

"The Delaney's?"

"The Cléments."

"Is this a biased review or is it actually one of the best restaurants in the world?"

"You'll find out on Sunday, won't you."

"I will. Right, I'm going to double check that I have everything packed for the trip tomorrow. Apparently, I need to pack an extra pair of jeans and a shirt seeing as I'm staying until Monday."

"It'll be worth it, I promise."

"I know. I can't wait, if I'm being honest."

"You're actually looking forward to it?"

"Yes. Unbelievable, I know, but I am. Plus, I get to see you and hang out with you. What's better than that?"

"Charm will get you everywhere, Mr Whitaker. Especially with your accent. Argh, all these Parisiennes are going to love you."

"Wait until you hear my French."

"You're going to give it a try, then?"

"What was the point in learning the language if I wasn't going to use it?"

"How's the accent, though?"

"Pas mal."

"Haha, that wasn't so bad."

"Isn't that what I just said?"

"You said 'not bad' but I was saying that the accent isn't that bad."

"My accent is impeccable."

"Impeccable, huh?"

"Oui."

"It is adorable."

"I know, I worked hard on it too. All those hours on YouTube."

"It certainly paid off."

"I know. Wait, I even know that in French-Je sais. See?"

"An A-grade student. Would you like a gold star?"

"No, but I'll accept a high five tomorrow."

"Deal, you weirdo. Now, go make sure you have everything."

"Ok, ok. I'll call you when I'm either in the car on the way to the flat, or after I arrive there. Is that ok?"

"Yeah, of course. I'm going to be free from around midday until 2pm, anyway. Oh, also- make sure you set your phone clock and watch to French time. We're an hour ahead."

"Right. I'll do it on the train tomorrow."

"I'll get Emma to remind you."

"Yes, mother."

"Whatever. Ok, so I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Absolutely."

"Cool. Well, uh... night?"

"Good night, Sophie."

"Night, Daniel."

"Hey, Soph? I really am looking forward to this weekend, you know."

"I know. Me too."

"Ok. See you tomorrow."

"Bye."