Read Always You (A Magnolia Falls Novel) for Free Online

their destination. The driver opened the door, and there was a red carpet at their feet. Ropes held back the photographers and reporters. Cameras flashed. Jessica moved closer to Diana and tightened her grip on her hand as they walked up the carpet. It was the longest carpet Diana had ever walked down. She didn’t know how Liz could stand the cameras flashing at her all the time.
    Once inside, an usher took their tickets and led them up to the second row on the right side of the runway. Excellent seats. Liz had outdone herself. Diana felt as wide-eyed as Jessica as they took in the glamorous people. The women in Versace ® and Louis Vuitton ® , their jewelry flashing. The men were all in tuxedos.
    The stage and runway were set up to look like a Paris street, complete with a replica of the Eiffel Tower in the background. When the lights went on, it looked like Paris at night, with the city lights shining brightly. The music started, and the show began. Each outfit was more outrageous than the last. Jessica and Diana couldn’t help laughing quietly at some of them.
    When it was Liz’s turn they watched in awe. She stopped at the end of the runway to make her quick pose, looked in their direction, and winked.
    “That’s my sister,” Jessica said, softly.
    The man sitting next to her must have heard because he looked at her and asked, “Liz Mathison is your sister?”
    Jessica nodded without taking her eyes off Liz walking back down the runway.
    Once Liz had gone backstage Diana looked over at the man who had spoken to Jessica. He looked handsome and powerful. Fiftyish, with dark hair graying at the temples. He was the type of man Diana’s firm represented, so he did not intimidate her. “Yes, she is our sister.” Diana confirmed.
    His gray eyes darted from her to Jessica. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to stare. I’m trying to see the resemblance.”
    Diana had to try hard not to roll her eyes at his rudeness. “I get that a lot.” She turned and continued watching the show. That was one huge reason she hated anyone knowing she was the sister of the beautiful Liz Mathison. People couldn’t help comparing them, and she always came up lacking.
    When the show was over, an usher came to escort Diana and Jessica backstage. The handsome stranger tried speaking to them again. “When are you going to start modeling, little beauty?” He asked Jessica.
    Jessica shrugged and looked at Diana. “She won’t be. If you will excuse us, our sister is waiting.”
    “Of course.” He stepped aside to let them pass.
    Diana did not like the look of that man. Yet another person in Liz’s sphere that gave her a bad feeling. Hopefully, their paths would never cross again, whoever he was.
    Backstage was chaos. There were people everywhere, in different stages of dress, drinking, laughing, and celebrating. Some were crying because their masterpiece was torn or missing a stone or feather. Diana held tightly to Jessica’s hand as they were led to Liz. She was at the far end of the room. A man was kissing her cheeks. “You were magnifique, Cherie .” Diana heard him say.
    “How couldn’t I be, wearing your design?”
    “You must do zee Paris show. No one can wear my dress as you do.”
    Liz looked up to see Diana and Jessica. She held out her hands to them. “Jean Carlo, I’d like you to meet my sisters, Diana and Jessica Mathison.”
    He took both their hands, lifted them to his lips, and kissed them. “Me, a mere man, I am humbled to be surrounded by such beauty.”
    Jessica giggled. Diana resisted the urge to wipe the back of her hand on his jacket. She did not want to ruin her dress.
    “I’m going to have to skip Paris this year, Jean Carlo. We have some family business to take care of.”
    “Nonsense. Bring your family. They would love Paris, no?” He directed the last to Diana.
    “I do love Paris,” she said, non-commitally.
    “So it’s settled. The dress will be waiting for you in Paris.” He pulled Liz close for