IFirst, pause under the canopy. Let the street notice you before you notice the street. Thirty seconds is plenty; a minute is generous.
IILinger at the railing. For no reason at all. One hand on the ironwork, eyes somewhere in the middle distance. The fringe will do the rest.
IIICheck the lining is showing. It is. The Black Rose is lined in deep red, and it was never meant to stay a secret. One open edge is all it takes.
IVTake the steps slowly. Nobody is rushing you. Velvet doesn’t hurry, and neither should you. One step, then the next, then the fringe.
VLet the fringe catch up. It always does. A long fringe moves a beat after you do. Wait for it; it’s worth the pause.
VIOne look back. Never two. Once is a farewell. Twice is a change of heart.
VIIAnd gone. Down the path, through the gate and into the rest of the day.
Practice makes perfect. The Black Rose Poncho, black silk velvet with a deep red fringe, and the others, all made for a good exit.