Page 75 of PR Stunt

“It’s giving heirloom elegance without feeling costume-y,” Luca says.

“Exactly,” I reply.

I glance at the jewelry beside me. “Everything else is minimal. Studs, delicate rings. The gown’s the moment.”

Luca tousles my hair into soft, Old Hollywood waves.

“For balance,” he says. “Classic. Polished. Not competing with the dress.”

From behind the camera, the producer asks, “Where did your love of fashion start?”

I smile, thinking back. “When I was a teenager, I’d tear pages out of Vogue and make vision boards. Growing up in Bellingham, fashion wasn’t a thing—but I loved the fantasy of it. The creativity.”

I smile, remembering. “I didn’t get to really experience it until l.a. Suddenly, fashion wasn’t just clothing—it was art. It was storytelling. And when I was nineteen, filming in New York, it just…clicked.”

I pause and then look directly into the camera, a grin pulling at my lips. “And now, here I am. Filming a video with Vogue. Teen Charlie is screaming.”

A soft laugh from behind the camera, and someone murmurs, “Full circle moment,” in agreement.

Luca grins, stepping back to admire his work.

“I love dressing up for nights like this,” I say, gesturing lightly to the gown. “It’s exciting. It’s theatrical… It’s a version of myself that I get to step into for a night. But at the end of the day?” I pause, grinning.

“I’m just as happy in my favorite pair of sweatpants.”

Another soft laugh from behind the camera.

Luca gives me a final once-over before nodding in approval. “All done, Char. I’ll add the body makeup once you’re in the gown.”

Off camera, someone cues me. “Alright, Charlie, time to change.”

I push up from my seat, smoothing my robe. “Be right back!” I say to the camera with a quick wink before disappearing into the hotel bathroom.

Inside, Sienna is already waiting, gown unzipped, ready to go. She holds it open as I step in carefully, the fabric cool against my skin before it molds to me almost instantly. She fastens the hidden closures, smooths the structured bodice, and adjusts the delicate straps until everything sits exactly right. I turn toward the full-length mirror, taking in the final look. Yeah. This one’s a top three for sure. The gown catches the light like poured gold. The corseted bodice is sculpted and shimmering before falling into soft draping through the hips, every detail balancing old Hollywood glamor with something sharper, more modern. Exactly what we envisioned. Reality crashes back at full force. Because tonight isn’t just about fashion. Tonight, I have to be Stank Breath’s date. I exhale sharply, already hearing Anna’s voice in my head. She had given me an earful this morning. Reminding me, again, how crucial tonight is. How much the narrative matters, how this is the kind of event that cements Hollywood’s power couples.

I shake off the thought, rolling my shoulders back and slipping on my gloves.

I turn back to Sienna. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

I open the bathroom door, stepping back into the suite. The gown flows behind me as I move.

Sienna is already there, kneeling to help me slip on my heels, adjusting the delicate straps before fastening my diamond studs. She smooths the gloves up my arms, ensuring every detail is perfectly in place. Luca steps in next, body brush in hand, and swipes a sheer, golden glow along my collarbones.

I flash a smile and give a little wave to the lens. “Bye, Vogue. See you on the carpet.”

The suite quiets slightly as the team slips out.

Hailey lifts my film camera, already framing a shot. “Okay, don’t relax just yet,” she teases, adjusting the focus. “Let’s get a few more before we head down.”

I laugh softly but oblige, shifting my weight as she guides me through the shots.

“Turn toward the window a little—perfect. Chin up slightly. Now, give me one looking over your shoulder.”

I follow her directions.

Luca watches from the vanity, arms crossed, gaze shifting between the mirror and me. “Grayson is going to melt when he sees you.”

I adjust a glove. “He’s used to seeing glammed-up women.”