Viva Vermont! Read Online Free Page A

their expressions that Mrs. Wilton was not the least bit pleased with her daughter. In fact, DJ suspected that the mother had observed Eliza’s little stunt as well.
    â€œDon’t look now,” DJ whispered, “but I think Eliza’s mom is on her case for tripping me out there.”
    Naturally Taylor turned and stared, but fortunately not for too long. “Wonder of wonders …” she said with some satisfaction. “I think you’re right.”
    â€œTaylor Mitchell on deck,” called one of the helpers from the front now.
    â€œCome with me,” demanded Taylor. Then she grabbed DJ by the arm and actually tugged her along.
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause you still have to do the runway.”
    â€œBut I—”
    Taylor gave DJ no chance to argue. Before DJ knew what hit her, Taylor had tossed her cane aside, linked arms with her, and they were walking the runway together . There was no way DJ could get away without hurting her leg. Fortunately, Taylor paced herself so that DJ could keep up. Taylor held her head up with a smile that simply oozed confidence. And DJ, despite all her insecurities, tried to imitate her.
    Grandmother looked surprised, but recovered quickly. “Well, isn’t this sweet,” she said. “Our lovely Taylor Mitchell is helping my own granddaughter, Desiree Lane. Such a thoughtful girl! Some of you may know that DJ recently broke her leg while rescuing a little boy … perhaps you read about it in the paper?”
    The audience broke into applause now, and Grandmother looked extremely pleased with herself as she began to describe DJ’s outfit in detail.
    â€œIt seems only fitting,” said Grandmother as DJ and Taylor reached the center of the runway and paused, “that Crescent Cove’s royalty should participate in today’s fashion show. Some of you may have missed it, but Desiree Lane was crowned homecoming queen last night.” More applause. And to DJ’s relief, Taylor slowly maneuvered the turn, which actually turned out to be somewhat graceful.
    Finally, after they finished their paces, Taylor escorted DJ back to the holding area. But DJ felt bad that there hadn’t been time for Grandmother to describe Taylor’s outfit.
    â€œThere ya go!” Taylor handed DJ her cane, then grinned and waved as she headed back out and did her own walk. DJ stood on the sidelines to watch. This walk was much faster, bigger strides, one foot in front of the other, and with such amazing confidence, she could’ve easily passed as a professional model. Even more pleased, Grandmother now gushed about Taylor. “And here’s a little something you may not know,” she added. “Taylor’s mother is the famous jazz musician Eva Perez.” The crowd seemed appropriately impressed. Then Grandmother continued to describe the outfit with enthusiasm as Taylor strutted back and forth. Naturally, this was followed by even more applause—in fact it seemed to be a thunderous applause—like maybe Taylor would be crowned queen of the fashion show. Not that she didn’t deserve it. She probably did.
    â€œWay to go,” said DJ, giving Taylor a high five as she returned to the holding area. “You were awesome out there.”
    â€œThanks. I better go change.”
    It seemed everyone in the room was moving at fast speed now. Girls were in various stages of dress, all hurrying to be ready for their next runway walk. And, despite all her complaints, DJ felt a little left out as she moved to the sidelines. Eliza’s mother had disappeared, and a sulky Eliza was changing into her next outfit. She obviously had no intention of abandoning the fashion show. Or maybe her mother wouldn’t allow it. Still, DJ wondered how Grandmother would react to her next run. Then again, knowing Grandmother, she wouldn’t bat an eyelash. After all, Eliza was a beauty. Wasn’t that all that mattered,