I follow Jasmine, Hunter, and Missy to the judges’ table and wait for them to take the lead.

“We are so pleased to see such a diverse collection today,” Hunter begins. “Your individuality really came through in the challenge.”

I nod but then remember that eliminations always start off positive. Then, a judge brings the mood down.

“Unfortunately,” Jasmine says, fulfilling my prophecy, “some of you got buried in your unique vision and lost sight of what’s fashionable. More is not always better, people.”

I see several faces fall and want to say something encouraging, but it’s not my turn. Instead, I stay quiet as the judges go from one contestant to the other, giving feedback that’s often biting. I do my best to add something supportive.

“Matthew, tell us about your piece, please,” Hunter says, calling forward a boy whose design I didn’t get a chance to inspect. Seeing it now is a shock. Multiple colors and psychedelic images take over the design. He also added fringe, beading, and stones.

“Sure!” says Matthew. “I wanted a bold design and added several styles and patterns to achieve that. The minidress is modeled after Jackie O’s trademark dresses —”

“Sorry, no,” Jasmine interrupts. “Mrs. Onassis would have never worn that.”

I cringe. Was Jasmine always this mean?

To his credit, Matthew remains unflustered. “Perhaps that’s only because such an item wasn’t available.” He winks, and Jasmine snorts. “Anyway, I wanted to combine Mrs. O’s style with the hippie movement.”

Missy shifts uncomfortably in her chair. “I’ll defer to Chloe on this one.”

I swallow. “Hi, Matthew. Well, um, I think you’re very brave. You had an idea in your head, and you definitely went with it. Kudos for sticking to your guns,” I say diplomatically. I’m not going to crush his dreams.

Matthew falls back into line, and Hunter grins. “Nice work, Chloe,” he whispers.

“Thanks,” I say, hoping the next contestant is easier.

“Dani, come on down!” Hunter says. As she gets closer, he adds, “The great thing about Dani is that she never fails to surprise us.”

Dani smiles. “I do my best.”

I look at her finished product, complete with sheer black-and-white sleeves.

“I worried the sleeves might be overkill,” Dani says, “but I like how they came out.”

“Overkill is definitely not a word that comes to mind here,” Missy says. “As usual, you’ve managed to combine a variety of ideas to create something different. I’m glad you took the risk.”

“I agree,” I chime in. “The pattern is hypnotizing.”

“Well done, Dani,” says Hunter. “June, you’re up next.”

I sit up straighter. When I left June, she still had two patterns to complete.

“I’ve always loved the flowing skirts of the sixties,” June begins. “But I wanted to take it a step further, so I added fringe to the hem. I think it really complements the paisley bodice.”

“Hmm,” says Jasmine. “I like the color and the pattern, but the fringe doesn’t work for me.”

“I agree,” says Hunter. “You have something really good here, but the fringe takes away from the design.”

June’s eyes beg me to say something different, but the truth is, I hate the fringe too. “This design is so promising,” I start. “Your color choices work really well, and I love the beading.”

“Thank you,” June says.

The judges continue with the other contestants. Kyle’s design survived his fall, but it’s still a mess. His bell-bottom pants have bells at the hems, and the shirt is a combination of polka dots and wavy lines. Pulling it all together is a tie-dyed macramé vest.

When it’s my turn, I stick to keeping things positive. “It’s a little busy for me, but I admire your ambition,” I say.

Jasmine snorts. “Last but not least, we have Jared.”

“Like some of my previous designs, I wanted to include my Native American background,” Jared says, stepping forward. “My grandfather, who recently passed, was always such a force in my life. He was so proud of our heritage.”

Jared chokes up, and a lump forms in my throat too. Just like me, he has a connection to his grandfather. And just like me, he’s used it for inspiration.

“Your inspiration clearly shines through,” Jasmine says, her voice surprisingly kind. “You’ve merged two elements of sixties style very successfully.”

“I like the addition of the turquoise stones around the collar. The stones and belt really pull the pieces together,” I add.

“Thank you,” says Jared, his voice sounding stronger now.

“Thank you for all your hard work and creativity,” Hunter says. “Now it’s time for the judges to deliberate. We’ll call you back in when we have a decision.”

The contestants leave the room, and Hunter, Missy, Jasmine, and I begin debating the positives and negatives of each design. I glance at the clock. Jake and I are supposed to meet in an hour.

“Wasn’t Jared’s design the best?” I ask.

“His was fantastic, but there are positives in many of the contestants’ designs,” Missy tells me. “Besides, we have to let two go, and there were too many problematic designs to make that decision easy.”

“I liked Dani’s design too,” I offer.

“Agreed,” Hunter says.

We continue to deliberate and have no trouble placing Dani and Jared into the favorites category. Choosing the bottom designers is tougher.

Without the contestants present, I can speak more freely. “June’s fringe was overkill,” I say. “But it was just one extra addition. Carrie’s and Matthew’s designs had more issues. They should have stuck to two styles each.”

Jasmine nods appreciatively. “I would have liked to have seen more of this Chloe with the contestants,” she says.

I shake my head. “You guys are great, but they expect negative feedback from you. I’d rather be positive. They all tried their best.”

Hunter winks at me. “I’m with Chloe. No need to make her into the big, bad meanie.”

“What about Kyle?” Missy asks.

“His design had too much happening. But at least it seemed more cohesive than Carrie’s and Matthew’s,” I say.

“I agree,” Missy says. “It was better — but barely.”

“So we’re set?” I say. I look at the clock, feeling anxious. I don’t want to flake out on Jake.

“I think so,” Hunter says, “but let’s recap.”

I try to stay focused as they review the positives and negatives of each design. After a half hour, I look at the clock again. I’m supposed to meet Jake in twenty minutes. There’s no way I’ll make it. I tap my toes.

“You have somewhere to be, Chloe?” asks Jasmine. Her voice is cool. “If you need to leave, go. We’ll explain it to the producers — somehow.”

“No, it’s okay,” I say quickly. “I just need to tell someone I’ll be late.”

I take out my phone to text Jake, but the battery has died. Could this get any worse? Jasmine is still staring at me. I sigh and put on my best happy face. “I’m all yours.”