Layers(60)

“Instead we’ll be on a modeling shoot on location in the Maldives with one of these guys,” he gestures at his desk.

Holy hell. Really? “That’s nice,” I say, trying not to appear too enthusiastic.

“You can smile now, Hayley, I’m also thrilled about it.” He grins a full blown Colgate smile. I try to mirror him. Try. Well, no one can really get to his level.

“Check these two out: one will be on the cover of this summer’s special edition. Which one do you like best?” He turns the portfolios my way. Observing the two full-page photos I am completely shocked to find Ian’s familiar beautiful face staring at me from the one on the left.

“What’s wrong, why did you freeze?”

“It is just that this one,” I point at Ian’s photo, “is one of my best friends, so I don’t think I would be objective enough to help decide who’s a better candidate.”

Josh smiles. There is some unclear glee in his eyes that could be interpreted as mischievous.




“Fair enough. I personally tend to go with him, but we’ll run it by a focus group first before making the final decision.”

I nod in consent. I believe that would be the right way to handle this, but if some almighty is listening, please let it be Ian.

“I’ll let you know the exact dates when we finalize them.”

“Perfect.” I grin at him. “Anything else?”

“Yes, how are we with the ‘all pink’ piece I requested a background theme for?”

“Almost done. I’ll send you the draft within the hour.”

He nods, pleased. “Great. Just keep in mind the balance between text and images, as we discussed during that Hawaiian job.” Abruptly his stare wanders to the folders again.

“That will be all,” he murmurs, his mind already elsewhere.

Can I mention this to Ian? No, he would just get too excited, and if Josh ends up choosing the second-runner-up Ian will be disappointed for nothing. I’ll keep it to myself for now. Wow, I could end up in the Maldives with Ian and get paid for it. My grin widens at the thought.

I shake my head at the incoming message hollering from my phone.

Daniel: Sleeping with me tonight!

Hello to you too. There should be a question mark at the end of that phrase, not a freaking exclamation point! I smile as I consider the too appealing idea but unfortunately will have to dismiss it. I need to pack for tomorrow and could use some relaxed, homey Tasha time.

Tempting offer, sorry need to pack. Flying with my boyfriend to MEX 2MOR ;)

I grin at the phone and press send.

Daniel: One lucky bastard of a boyfriend you’ve got. My already wide smirk stretches even broader across my face. I am going for a weekend in Baja with Daniel. My heart almost ends up in the ceiling at the thought.

I fire up the InDesign software, reviewing the potential images I intend to use on the “all pink” piece. I drag four out of the twenty images to the indents and spacing section and set the alignment to best harmonize with the wording. I play with the small images in different ways till I reach an overall look that satisfies me. Saving the completed job, I send it to Josh.

His reply comes quicker than I thought it would.

Good job, perhaps just darken up behind the wording; I could see the text getting a little lost there. Have a great weekend.

Josh.





Chapter 23: TLC


“Honey! I’m home, hide the milkboss,” I call, waiting for Tasha’s so expected laugh and left disappointed to find an empty apartment.

“Hey Missy,” Tasha answers at the first ring.

“Hey back, where are you?” I ask, hoping she’s on her way home.

“I am still at the office,” she says, giggling.

“But of course you are,” I scold, emphasizing the sarcasm dripping from my voice.

“Hales, don’t sulk. It’s unbecoming and you could get wrinkles from excessive frowning.”

I roll my eyes. “When are you planning to come home?”

“Not anytime soon,” she giggles again, annoyingly. I can too easily guess who’s with her.

“Well, have a good time, and if I don’t see you enjoy the weekend.”

“You too. Have the best time, and remember, Missy, the happier you make him the happier we all are.”

I titter. “Adios,” I say before ending the call.

I try Ian next but the call goes directly to his messaging system. As soon as I hang up, though, my phone beeps, alerting a text.

Ian: Busy … ;) SUP gorgeous?

Does everybody have a life these days?

Enjoy my dear, nothing special, in need of some TLC.

Ian: Sorry gorgeous, he is quite hot. Will be done late … Hopefully.

Nighty night, gorgeous you.

Ian: Gorgeous, TLC = Mr. Stark, try that ;)

You’re most right, Ian, as always. Where is Mr. Stark anyway?

I mellow, soaking in a steamy bath for a while just before packing my suitcase for the weekend. Since all my chores are done, I decide to turn in early. Snuggling in bed I am elated to find a weak Daniel smell on my comforter and pillow, and I call him.

“Just a sec,” Daniel answers. “That will be all, Anne. You can go home now.” I hear him say in the background.