Designer Drama Read Online Free Page A

“Like this, perhaps?”
    Mickey studied the painting. “The colors are so bright and powerful,” she said.
    â€œ Oui. Gauguin was thought to be very avant-garde in his time.”
    Mickey nodded. “So people didn’t get him?”
    â€œGet him?” Tony looked confused. “Ah, ou i ! They didn’t understand or appreciate his art—not for quite some time. While everyone was doing soft, muted colors, he chose to paint in brights. His paintings had great symbolism and inspired many painters who followed.”
    Mickey studied the painting. “I like him. He’s inspiring me.” She waved at Mr. Kaye who was across the floor. “Where are the fluorescent fabrics?”
    Mr. Kaye’s eyes grew wide. She wasn’t sure what she had said to upset him, but he came charging toward her with steam coming out of his ears. Then she realized he wasn’t heading for her at all. He was about to grab Tony!
    â€œGaston Roget!” he shouted.
    â€œChester Kaye,” Tony replied.
    Mickey stared. What was he talking about? Tony had been so nice—and helpful! Then she remembered the name JC had found on the FIFI website—the name of the Apparel Arts teacher and Mr. Kaye’s big competitor. She looked at Tony and realized that without the eye patch, beard, and graying hair, her museum buddy did look slightly familiar.
    â€œWhy are you bothering one of my students?” Mr. Kaye continued yelling at him.
    â€œI was merely helping,” Tony replied.
    â€œHelping? Helping her to lose the International Student Runway competition is more likely,” Mr. Kaye fired back.
    He turned to Mickey. “Mackenzie. Leave us—at once!”
    Mickey gulped. She had never seen Mr. Kaye this angry. She backed off and ducked behind a few bolts of fabric where she could hear everything and see the two of them face each other, nose to nose.
    â€œSuch a lovely treat seeing you again, mon am i !” Tony smiled slyly.
    â€œDon’t you ‘ mon am i ’ me,” Mr. Kaye replied. “You’re no friend.”
    â€œAh, but you forget. We were the best of friends once. A long, long time ago.”
    â€œAncient history!” Mr. Kaye snapped. “You are nothing but a slimy, underhanded, conniving…”
    â€œTsk-tsk.” Tony waved his pointer finger in Mr. Kaye’s face. “It’s not polite to call people names.”
    â€œAnd it’s not polite to steal people’s jobs,” Mr. Kaye said. “You knew I wanted the position at FIFI.”
    â€œAnd you found yourself a job here instead—in Brooklyn.”
    Mr. Kaye’s face was now bright red. “Because you stole my job.”
    â€œStole? That is a very harsh word. I would say I just pointed out to the administration that I was the better candidate.”
    â€œBetter? You will never be a better teacher than me!” Mr. Kaye insisted.
    Mickey didn’t know what to do or say—but she had to defend Mr. Kaye somehow.
    â€œHe is!” she said, jumping out of her hiding spot. “He’s the best teacher. He knows everything about fashion design, and he’s helped me find my voice as a designer.”
    Tony smiled. “Good for you. You see, Chester, you are just where you should be. Who needs Paris?”
    Mr. Kaye gritted his teeth. “My students will win the runway competition this year, and you will eat your words,” he vowed.
    Tony smiled. “Then I wish you well. May the best teacher win.” With that, he turned and left Plush.
    â€œMr. Kaye…are you okay?” Mickey asked gently.
    â€œWhy were you fraternizing with the enemy?” he bellowed.
    â€œThe enemy? Tony didn’t seem like the enemy. He seemed like a nice guy.”
    â€œHe’s a liar and a thief,” Mr. Kaye answered. “A wolf in sheep’s clothing!”
    Once again, she had no idea what her teacher was going on and on