27. SECOND CHANCES
SECOND CHANCES
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA
IVY
I checked my watch. For the millionth time.
Thanks to Ally, Sass’s sister, I had a video interview for a modeling position with the agency she worked at—ModelMe—and the call was scheduled for noon.
My fingers tapped against the table. It was five past twelve. I was about to check the time again when my phone launched into its disco ringtone.
Breathe.
You got this.
“Hello?” I said, trying to calm my nerves.
“Hi, Ivy.” The voice was bright and friendly. “It’s Ginger, from ModelMe.”
“Hey, thanks for the call.”
“Ally told me all about you. I have your portfolio here. Very impressive. You’ve been involved in quite a few campaigns, and your look works for a range of styles. That’s the type of diversity we’re searching for right now.”
I screamed silently.
“But I need to know how committed you’d be. The job would require moving to Sydney,” she said, pausing briefly. “We’re looking for a model who won’t run late or bring any drama. Someone reliable and professional. Someone who wants this. Is that a good fit for you?”
“Honestly, avoiding unnecessary drama sounds ideal to me, and running on time… let’s just say I can’t stand being late.” I took a steadying breath. “I’m hardworking and professional. If you give me this opportunity, I won’t let you down. I really appreciate you considering me.”
The muscles in my jaw tensed as the seconds ticked by.
She studied me. “All right, Ivy, if you want the position, it’s yours,” she said confidently.
“Yes!” I thrust my fist into the air as I spun around. “I do.”
“Whoa!” Ginger laughed. “Enough of that or you’ll give me vertigo.”
“Thank you so much. You won’t regret it,” I said, regaining my composure.
“I’m sure I won’t. I have a sense for these things. The contract begins in three months. Ally will be in touch with the details. If you have any questions, she’s your go-to. See you in Sydney, Ivy.”
This is it. My second chance! I squealed and launched into a victory dance. Even though it meant moving to a new city, it would be worth it.
My ringtone blasted. Karson. Again.
I guess he’s back from his fabulous holiday with his billionaire friends… I pressed Decline.
Landing the new job had filled me with happiness, but sadness still tugged at me—Karson had so obviously moved on.
I steeled myself to keep moving forward. No more derailments. The Karlos effect was finally starting to wear off. I couldn’t wait to tell Jai, Sass, and the girls my news.
I scrolled to Jai’s name in my contacts. He’d only left a couple of days ago, but I missed him already.
IVY: Guess who landed a contract with ModelMe in Sydney starting in 3 months?! I’m SO EXCITED! Hope you’re doing well little bro xx
With a satisfied grin, I made myself a matcha tea and poured it into my teacup, imagining life in three months… doing what I loved again.
My phone buzzed, and I swiped to answer.
“Holy shit, sis! That’s amazing. You’re going to be AWESOME. And I miss you too.” He flipped the camera, revealing waves crashing onto the shore. “But look what you’re missing.”
He switched the camera back to himself. A surfer in a spring wetsuit ran up beside him, waving wildly at the lens and dripping water everywhere.
“Ivy, this is Ryan,” Jai said, chuckling. “Ryan, this is Ivy, my older sister.”
I rolled my eyes as I smirked. “Hey, Ryan, how’s it going?” I said, waving at the screen.
“Hey, Ivy. Jai told me the news,” Ryan said, smiling. “Congrats!”
“Later, sis!” Jai shoved his face closer to the lens. “We’re heading back out.”
***
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
KARSON
“Karson.” Tyler frowned. “Café. We need details about your trip.” Throwing his arm around my shoulder, he steered me toward the café, where the usual crew was already gathered outside around a table.
We sank into our seats before I ordered. Relief that the semester had ended buzzed through the air. Laughing, everyone talked over each other, looking like they’d just survived a marathon together.
Kelvin flipped his laptop shut. “Well, good to see you guys, but I’m gonna head out.”
“See you at the gala, Kelvin?” I asked.
“Hell yeah. Try to keep me away. See ya, guys.” He nodded as he walked off.
“So, Karson,” Tyler said with a chuckle. “How the hell did you manage to find a McLaren to drive to Abu Dhabi, go sightseeing, party like there’s no tomorrow, win a race in a Lambo, and get home in time to hand your assignment in?”
“Good question,” added Jamie.
A smile tugged at my mouth. “Sheer talent and years of practice.”
Laughter circled the table, after sharing a few stories from the UAE, I hitched my pack over my shoulder and stood.
“Whoa,” Tyler said, shaking his head, “I still can’t believe you’re friends with Archie Jenson. You lucky bastard.”
“Maybe I’ll introduce you sometime.” I laughed as his face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Don’t forget the party, guys. It’s going to be mental.”
“We’ll be there, bro,” Tyler yelled as I walked away.
I headed toward where Gus would be waiting and tried calling Ivy again. She hadn’t answered the day before.
Today’s a new day… and there’s still hope.
If I could see her in person at the gala, I might still be able to win her back. But the phone went to voicemail.
“G’day, son,” Gus said as I got into the new gray SUV he’d chosen.
The usual Range Rover he drove had been seized as part of SolStar’s assets. It had been love at first sight for Gus when he laid eyes on the new gray Jaguar.
“So, Karson, how was the last day of semester?”
“You know what, Gus?” I laughed. “It was great. I’ve made some great friends at uni.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” His eyes dropped to the brown paper bag in my hand. “Whatever’s in that bag, it smells bloody good.”
“Here.” I passed it over. “I got you a panini with extra avocado and a cranberry juice. Don’t say I never get you anything.” I grinned.
“Thanks, mate.” He ripped open the bag and bit into the panini. “I admit I got a bit peckish while I was waiting, but I’m not complaining. Waiting for you gives me a chance to catch up on my reading.”
“Oh, yeah? What are you reading?” I leaned closer.
“You inspired me with your trip.” He held up the book. “You might get time to read it… when you retire.” He chuckled, finishing his last mouthful before pulling away.
“Gus, I’ve been thinking about something for a while now. Can I run it by you?”
“Of course. You can talk to me about anything.”
“Well, you know over the years, kickboxing has helped me out of some dicey situations and helped me deal with some personal stuff, right?” I met his gaze in the mirror.
“Too right it has! I’ll never understand how you held back from using it on those pesky paparazzi. Very impressive.” He gave a hearty laugh. “But what’s on your mind, son?”
“Well, because it’s helped me so much, I’d like to help others develop those skills too.” I paused. “What do you think of me starting a martial arts studio for kids who need a solid outlet and who may not have the same opportunities I did?”
“What do I think?” Gus beamed in the rearview mirror. “I think, what are you waiting for? Who better to do it than you? You’re an excellent role model, you have the training, the desire, and the funds. You can make a real difference in those kids’ lives.”
“Thanks, Gus. I also want to offer a mentor program for kids who need someone in their corner. After all, not everyone’s lucky enough to have a Gus in their life.” I gave him a one-sided smile.
“Ahh, flattery will get you everywhere, boy.” Gus beamed. “It sounds like you’ve made your decision. You can’t run it alone, though. That’s a full-time job, you’ve already got other commitments with the startup, yeah?”
“You’re one hundred percent right there. So, for the day-to-day running, I’ll hire a manager, and I’ll be there on a casual basis. And I’ve already got my eye on a building that’s for sale not far away. It’ll be perfect.”
“Great—” Gus veered suddenly, avoiding a car drifting into our lane. “Sorry about that. All the crazy drivers are out today.”
“All good. And I’m glad you approve, because I already put in an offer on the building.” My lips pulled into a full smile. “I’m just waiting to hear back from the agent.”
“What? Good on you, mate, that’s great news.”
“This feels good, Gus. I can create a legacy that actually does some good.”
“You know, son, you’ve grown into a man of substance and purpose. Stay on this track, and everything will come together for you. I’m proud of you, Karson,” he said, eyes glistening.
“Thanks, Gus.” I reached forward and rested my hand on his shoulder. “That means a lot.”
“Do you think the kids will like opera?” Puccini’s Madama Butterfly boomed from the speakers. “Maybe I can play some for them,” Gus said excitedly.
“Ahh, yeah… maybe.” I cringed inwardly, remembering all the holidays Gus had spent playing opera in the car for me. Then one of the few nights I’d accompanied my parents to the theater drifted back to me.
I’d been nine or ten. The whole evening had felt strained, missing the warmth a family outing should’ve had. My mother had spent the whole night staring straight ahead when they’d taken me to see Madama Butterfly.
I still recalled the heartbreak of watching the opera play out. Cio-Cio-San—Butterfly—fell in love, only to be abandoned by the man she trusted most. Years later, when he returned with another wife and claimed their son so the boy could be raised in America, she was left with nothing.
Even then, the sadness of it had lodged itself somewhere deep inside me. A dull ache stirred in my chest. I’d never really had parents who loved me the way they should have. But hearing Gus talk about my future reminded me that, despite everything, I was still heading in the right direction.
Gus sang along, I smiled to myself as a tear rolled down his cheek. He cleared his throat and brushed it away with the back of his hand, checking the rearview mirror self-consciously.
I pretended to be fascinated by the view out of the window until my phone pinged with a message.
It was the seller’s agent.
“Gus?” I said lightly, cutting through his singing.
“Uh-huh?” he said, still humming along.
“They accepted my offer.” I clapped my hands together. “The building’s mine. It’s happening.”
“Woo-hoo!” Gus cried. “You’re changing the world already.”
Because I’d been confident they’d accept, I’d already drafted an email for the employment agency. I pulled it up and hit Send before turning my focus to the upcoming gala.
It was time to pack and head to the airport for my flight to Brisbane.
I had a plan. And if it worked, I’d be seeing Ivy at the gala.
The thought alone had me grinning like I'd just taken out first prize.