Makin’ the Cut

by Rennie Rivera

  “Ha ha. Very funny. But you’re right, I love to be the center of attention. But today is about you and your talents. Let’s get this show on the road and knock the judges’ socks off.” She laughs.

  “Here goes nothing,” I announce.

  Sofia takes her mark as she waits to be introduced. I decide to peek this time and watch everyone’s, including Rhen’s, reaction when she takes the stage.

  Lukah reads from his cards. “Next up is Sofia. Sofia is debuting her wedding gown, designed and created by Savannah Johnson. Made of silk and satin, this flowing strapless white gown has precise accent detail of black roses at the hip and down the train. This gorgeous gown features a sequined bodice with an “A” line skirt. Our bride-to-be is ready for the perfect Cinderella ball or romantic wedding. Ladies and gentlemen, again I give you Sofia. Thank you, Sofia.”

  She receives a standing ovation. I stand in awe of the reaction when Rhen sees her in her gown. Good thing they aren’t traditional, because this would be bad luck otherwise. He’s completely entranced by her. She takes another bow before exiting the stage and dragging me back out on stage with her.

  “Let’s meet the designer of this gorgeous creation, Miss Savannah Johnson,” Lukah announces as we stand at the mouth of the stage.

  In complete awe, I take a bow to the thunderous applause I receive. I wink at Lukah and Rhen before exiting back to the dressing rooms.

  Walking in behind me, Fia’s beaming. “Holy shit, did you see the reaction to my gown? Savy, they absolutely loved it.”

  I turn and hug her. “I know. That was a dream come true. But tell me you saw Rhen’s reaction too. He was so entranced when you walked. Girl, with that reaction, I can’t wait to see how he likes the reception dress I designed.”

  Fia hugs me back. “We did good.”

  “Now we wait. This is the part I hate.”

  “I’m going to change and put this in the garment bag before I spill something on it. Cause we know my luck.” She laughs.

  “Yeah, that’s a good idea. Let’s get you out of that.” I laugh because she’s the worst in white.

  We work together to get her out of the dress and get it into the garment bag. Killing time until they call us out to make the announcements, we pack up all my sewing stuff then sit to continue waiting.

  An hour, a freaking hour is how long we’ve been waiting. The last three designers have already presented, and the judges are deliberating. The longest sixty minutes of my life. I’m pacing the floor anxiously. Suddenly I see Izzy coming back though the curtains.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, the judges have reached their decision. We ask that all the models go join the rest of the audience and designers take a mark on stage.”

  With that she turns and walks off. I watch to see some sign of her knowing the decision but nothing. I got nothing. Shit, um, well okay. Time to face the music. No matter what they decide, I gave my all and that’s something to be proud of.

  Walking out, the nine of us take a mark as directed and await the results. Lukah takes his place at the podium with what looks to be sealed envelopes. His face doesn’t reveal anything. I’m willing to bet those envelopes contain the results and only the judges know who won.

  “First, let me just start out by saying this has been a very intense yet exciting competition as a whole. You’ve showed up and finished in the top nine. Let’s give yourselves a round of applause,” Lukah announces.

  We look around at each other, clapping for our accomplishments. We’ve all come so far. It’s truly a great accomplishment and honor to be a part of the competition.

  “Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The results are in. You’re all aware of the prizes, as well as the debut show that will be housed here next week along with a banquet in honor of our winners. Tomorrow we’ll open the site up to the press. So, believe me, you’re only getting started.”

  I completely forgot about the press. This week’s getting ready to get busier. Lukah taps the envelopes as though to get our attention.

  “Okay, now for the actual results. The judges said this round was extremely difficult. The most difficult of all. You all did an amazing job. Third place goes to Justin Matthews. Congratulations, Justin.”

  We all clap and hug him. He has tears falling, which I can only assume are of joy. He walks up, accepting his flowers and check, stepping into his winner’s mark.

  “Second place goes to Olivia Stewart. Congratulations, Olivia.”

  Olivia walks over and gives her hugs as we clap, stopping at me. “Girl, whatever happens next, just know I think you’re going to go far in this industry. I’m really glad you came back and competed.” With that she hugs me extra tight.

  I whisper in her ear, “Thank you and Congratulations.”

  “Now, for the one we’re so anxiously awaiting, first place. First place goes to Savannah Johnson. Congratulations, Savy, you Made the Cut.” He beams.

  I stand speechless, silent tears falling down my face.

  “Savy, that’s you, girl.”

  I turn towards everyone, still in shock, and start to give out hugs. I slowly make my way to the podium, asking, “Did you say me? Did you really say my name?”

  “Yes, yes we did. Congratulations, baby doll.” Lukah hugs me.

  Holy fuck, I just won the grand prize. Tears continue to flow and reality sets in.

  I. Just. Won.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations! We invite everyone to enjoy the rest of your stay here and join us for the debut show and banquet next Saturday night. Winning designers, we’ll hold the photo shoot for your magazine spread on Tuesday. Tomorrow we’ll hold a press conference at eleven a.m. With that, I wish you all a great night. Enjoy the champagne and finger foods coming around.” Lukah concludes the show.

  After shaking hands with all the judges and thanking them, I make my way over to Momma and Fia.

  Momma stands there waiting with open arms. “I’m so proud of you. I knew you could do it.”

  “Thank you, Momma. Thank you all for believing in me. You guys give me the confidence and strength I need to achieve my dreams. You pushed me even when I didn’t think I could do it. Thank you so much.” I embrace her.

  Fia smiles. “We always knew you were destined for big things. Of course, we push you. We love you. Congratulations, Savy.”

  Giving them both more hugs, I wipe away the tears that are falling. I notice Lukah heading my way, but instead of waiting, I run into his arms.

  He lifts me up in the best bear hug. “I knew you could do it. I am so proud of you. Congratulations, baby doll.”

  “Thank you, baby. Thank you for taking a chance on me and thank you for not giving up on me,” I gush.

  He kisses me like no one’s watching.

  “Hey dude, that’s my little sister you have there.” Rhen scolds as he walks up.

  Lukah laughs and sets me down. I walk over to Rhen.

  “Bubba, you’ve been the best these last couple weeks. Hell, you’ve been the best these last few years! Thank you for everything! I love you!” I give him a huge hug and kiss him on the cheek.

  “I love you too, sissy. Now go back to your man, he looks lonely,” Rhen jokes.

  I walk back to Lukah’s side and he slides his hand into mine. This has been quite a journey for sure. Today has seriously been a dream come true. And it doesn’t stop here. Tomorrow the craziness begins. So, tonight I’ll celebrate with my family, friends, and fellow designers.

  We hang out and drink champagne with everyone, chatting about the future and my plans for a boutique. I ask Erica and Joshua to model for me in the debut show, which they gladly accept. Lukah has been amazing all night. Not too clingy, but right there when I need him. This all feels like a dream. I yawn and he notices.

  “I think it’s time we call it a night. You look exhausted.” He says to me quietly.

  “Yeah, you’re right, I am. Let’s say our goodnights and head to bed. Would you be terribly mad if we just cuddled
tonight?”

  He smiled. “Girl, I’m more than happy to hold you tonight. You’ve had a big day. You’re probably going to crash from the adrenaline rush anyways. So, I’m thinking cuddling is the best choice. Besides, I prefer you alert and awake when I make love to you.”

  I reach up and kiss his cheek. We make our way around the room saying our goodbyes and goodnights before heading up to bed. Lukah is right about the adrenaline rush. I can feel my body crashing.

  Walking into our bedroom, I strip down to panties and a tank top before I crawl right into bed. I still can’t believe I made the cut. I feel like I’m going to wake up anytime to the reality that it was all a dream. But before I wake up, I’ll enjoy this victory.

  24

  Savannah

  Rolling over, I kiss Lukah’s shoulder. “Wake up sleepy head.”

  He smiles. “Baby doll, I’ve been awake, was just watching you sleep peacefully.”

  “Is it all real? Did I really win last night?” I lay my head on his shoulder.

  “Yes, it’s all real. You really did win it all last night. I knew you could do it.” He wraps his arm around me.

  “I meant what I said, thank you for not giving up on me. You have no idea what that means to me.” I look up at him.

  “I think I do. I’m never giving up on you or us. I’m in this for the long haul. When you push me away I’ll push back,” he promises.

  Tears fall down my cheek as I whisper, “Thank you.”

  He kisses my tears away and pulls me into his beautifully sculpted arms. He begins to kiss me tenderly before passionately picking up the pace. I climb on top of him. Sitting up and removing my tank top, I slide my hands up his chest, leaning down for another kiss.

  Before I know it, he’s gripped my hips and flipped us over to where he’s on top. Sliding my underwear down, he slowly slides his swollen, throbbing cock into my slick opening.

  “Fuck, you feel so good wrapped around my cock.” He growls.

  “Harder,” I beg.

  Slow thrusts become hard, skin slapping, pounding. I love the way he brings me to the edge then pulls back a little to draw out my orgasm and his.

  “Cum for me, my little minx.”

  Within no time I’m falling over the edge of ecstasy. Soon, I’m building up for another. He continues to fuck me into oblivion, when soon he too is falling with me. We lay panting, covered in sweat.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.” He kisses my neck.

  “God I hope not, because I’ll never get enough of you. Now come on, let’s shower and get ready for the press conference. Plus, I need to start planning for the debut show. So much to do.” I go to get out of bed.

  He stops me from crawling out. “Hey, before we shower, I want to run something by you. Just an idea I had.”

  Sitting up, pulling my legs under me, I wrap the sheet around me. I nod for him to continue.

  “So, what would you think of us partnering up? Like business partners? You do the designing, creating, and work with clientele, and I do all the business stuff like books, appointments, suppliers, things of that nature. Baby, I believe in you so much. I want to invest in you and your vision. I can be the man behind the curtain so that you can focus on what you love, your designs.” He looks like he’s holding his breath.

  “Seriously, you want to invest in me? You don’t think this’ll be too much for us as a new couple? And what about your grandfather’s company? How will you juggle both?” I ask seriously.

  “No, I think this gives me an excuse to spend more time with you. Not to mention I can help take all the boring stuff off your shoulders so that you have room to be creative and not worry. As for pops’ company, I think I’m going to stay on the board but step down as CEO. I never wanted it to be completely honest. Besides, I think Izzy’s a better woman for the job and I’ll still be around to help her when or if she needs it.”

  “Wait, so we’re really doing this? If you’re sure this won’t come between us or push us apart, then I’m game. Let’s do it.” I let myself start to get excited.

  “I’m positive, baby doll. We can go this weekend and look at locations and talk to fabric vendors and get the ball rolling.” He grins.

  “And what about your grandfathers stipulation in his will? Does that become voided with you voluntarily stepping down?”

  “No, it’s still a stipulation for me to get my inheritance. But we’re just starting out. The will said I have twelve months, so who’s to say that we won’t get married? No one knows the future. All I care about is that we’re together. If we get married, great, if not that’s great too. I’m not going to let that stipulation dictate our relationship. We move to the beat of our own drum.”

  “You’re right, I just don’t want to stand in the way of your legacy or inheritance. Holy shit, I’m getting my own boutique. This is by far the best week of my life,” I say full of excitement.

  He kisses me. “It’s only going to get better.”

  We shower and get dressed before grabbing some coffee on our way to the press conference. There I, along with the other two winners, are introduced to the public. Lukah gave the details of the debut show and told them to keep watch for our magazine spread to be out next month.

  After the press conference, we head up to the room and I start preparing the lineup for the debut show. I decide to use the pieces that won me the show, along with adding a lady’s pants suit for me to the show. My pants suit is a nice pair of black skinny jeans with floral patches on the pockets, a cute floral halter-top, with a cute solid black blazer that has floral lapels.

  The night of the debut show is a hit. We all showed off our work and mingled with investors. I got to rub elbows with some of the wealthiest people in the city. It’s like a fairytale ending when Lukah carries me to bed after a long night of dancing and talking.

  We decide that when we return home from the show, we’ll spend equal time at my place and his. I quit the strip club and we start hunting boutique locations while I also finish the wedding party attire.

  I finally have my dream man and dream job. Who can ask for more?

  Epilogue

  SAVANNAH

  Two months later...

  Today’s the big day. My best friends are getting married. I knew when they met, this day would come. Honestly didn’t think it would take them this long. The last three months seemed to have flown by though.

  We have found the perfect location for the boutique and put in a bid. It’s this great sized studio that we can alter to add fitting rooms, and a sewing table for me near the counter. We’ll have a contractor come in to build it to our specifications.

  Lukah has given me free reign over the whole project. His motto is, Whatever Savy wants, she gets. But I still value his opinion on all the big decisions.

  We’ve moved in together at his penthouse. I keep my apartment for working out of until the boutique is ready. Lukah says it may be about six to nine months and that’s also about the time I have left on my lease, so it definitely works.

  Things couldn’t be working out any better. We’ve already come so far in the last two and a half months.

  “Sissy, does my veil look okay? Or should I leave it off?” Fia stands twirling in front of me, interrupting my thoughts.

  “It looks beautiful, Fia. You look absolutely gorgeous. Here, just let me adjust it.”

  There’s a knock on the door letting us know we’re moments away from her cue.

  “Okay, perfect. Let’s get this show on the road. Time to get you married.” I hug her.

  Following her out, making sure she doesn’t step on her train, we watch as Izzy makes her way down the aisle. I finish getting her ready before taking my place to walk down before her. As I make my way down the aisle, I catch Lukah’s eye. Without breaking eye contact with him, I take my place on the bride’s side in front of Izzy.

  Everyone stands to watch Fia make her way to the altar. I still keep my eyes on Lukah. I’m so fucking l
ucky to have him. Accepting his invite out to lunch was the best decision I ever made, or Momma and Sofia ever made for me. We’ve been inseparable ever since. I mean, we do our thing too. He and Rhen hang out all the time now too, which leaves me, Fia, and Izzy to have girls’ night.

  Fia and Rhen exchange their vows then kiss to seal them. Momma announces them to the attendees as husband and wife. We all applaud as they make their way down the aisle together. We meet up with the photographer for the photos before heading to the tent for the reception.

  Today has been so beautiful. We dance and laugh, celebrating their amazing love.

  “Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?” Lukah taps his wine glass before continuing. “Savy, can you join me up here please?”

  Must be time for speeches. Rhen asked Lukah to be his best man just after the debut show. So, it’s only natural he goes first. Besides, I’m not much for speaking to crowds so I’d rather go last.

  “Three months ago, I ran, literally, into a gorgeous young woman at a restaurant, and let me just say it was the best accident. Because not long after she agreed to go on a date with me, she introduced me to these amazing people. I’m so happy for them and wish them the best future, filled with happiness.” He raises his glass in salute to them.

  I’m standing patiently waiting for him to hand over the mic so I can give my speech.

  Lukah then surprises me, dropping down to one knee. “And I want that same future. I want to wake up every day for the rest of my life with my best friend, my soulmate, my everything. Savannah, will you marry me?”

  Standing utterly shocked, I look down at him with tears streaming down my face like a waterfall. I merely nod my head yes. If I open my mouth, I’ll sound like a blubbering idiot.

  He stands, pulling me into his arms as everyone cheers and claps for us. Sofia and Rhen are the first to approach us.