Chapter 14 #2
Remedy Rose was holding court, speaking emphatically about something.
The moment I looked at her, all I could think about was Russ.
The siblings didn’t look alike, but they had the same eyes.
They didn’t have the same personality, but they had the same commanding confidence.
She was his married sister who lived in the area.
I would’ve never connected those dots.
I was shook.
Interrupting my thoughts, Angelica beckoned me over and showed me what I would be wearing. Even though she wasn’t friendly, she acknowledged me and seemed to be in a pleasant mood as she went over each look.
It wasn’t until I saw the clothes that I felt the ripple of excitement shoot through my limbs.
I was the first model there, but the others soon followed. It wasn’t long before we’d completed hair and makeup and were camera ready. Dressed in a denim skirt and a deep V-neck RLF sweater, I smiled at my reflection in the mirror. My legs looked good. The sweater hugged me sexily.
“You all look great,” Remedy complimented us as we positioned ourselves in front of the large white backdrop. “We’re going to do group shots and then individual ones. Let me introduce you to the photographer…”
We got acquainted and then old-school rap music came blasting from overhead speakers.
There were at least fifteen people at the shoot who were just watching, but I blocked all of them out.
The models and I had already discussed what we should do for our group shots, so we moved into position effortlessly.
“Nina, you’re up,” the photographer called out as I walked over to do my solo shots.
As I was posing, I lifted my chin and looked slightly to the left. The smoldering look I was giving faltered the moment our eyes locked.
Russ!
I was not expecting him to be there. I was not expecting him to be watching me so intently.
It’s his job, I reminded myself. So, do yours.
My heart beat a little faster knowing he was watching. But I was a professional and I wasn’t about to let him get in the way of my bag.
“Yasssssss,” Taisha cheered.
When I finished, I went over to where the models were huddled, and we waited for Matias to do his thing. When we were all done, we were directed to change into our second and then third outfits to do the process all over again.
By the time we finished, it was four o’clock in the afternoon. I was hungry and tired.
“You all did an incredible job,” Remedy remarked as she approached us.
“Thank you,” we said in unison.
“They transformed with each new look,” she continued, turning to her brother. “Isn’t that right, Russell?”
“Yes,” he answered, seeming to avoid eye contact with me at all costs. “You looked good and cohesive. I know they got some good shots.” He checked his watch. “If you’ll excuse me.”
He stole one fleeting glance at me before he turned and walked away. The look lasted two seconds, three at the most. But I felt that shit everywhere.
Swallowing hard, I shook slightly as I watched him walk away. Mm, mm, mm—
“The rest of the week will run about the same amount of time,” Remedy continued. “Different photographers have different processes, so don’t hold me to that. But at least you can estimate a plan. Tomorrow’s shoot has a seven o’clock arrival time. Check your email if you need the address.”
Tuesday’s photoshoot took place in a garden park on the outskirts of town. It was a fun, lighthearted shoot where we laughed the entire time. But it was hot and there were bugs flying around annoyingly. I hated it. The other models were the only thing that made the shoot a good time.
“These jeans feel so good, right?” Jacqueline marveled, smoothing her hand down her slim hips.
I nodded. “I’m impressed.”
“I love the way these hug my thighs,” Taisha commented.
“Yeah, my ass looks great,” Matias quipped, turning and shaking his ass.
“Don’t nobody want to see that shit,” Jonah complained.
We all laughed.
It was our denim day. We all wore RLF jeans and various RLF T-shirts.
The good time we were having was the only thing keeping me distracted from Russ’s sexy ass, standing just on the periphery of the area we were working in.
Our eyes met a couple of times over the course of the shoot.
Each time twisted my gut a little, but we didn’t hold each other’s gaze long enough to trigger anything else.
I had to admit I was slightly disappointed.
I wasn’t surprised though.
He didn’t really speak to me on Monday either, so I couldn’t say he was acting funny.
But it was clear that he was keeping his distance.
And every time I looked at him, he got under my skin.
So when Jonah would flirt with me, I’d indulge a bit.
Anything to stop the tingle down my spine I felt when Russ watched me.
When we were posed for our final looks, Russ moved right next to the photographer. They spoke in low tones and then directions were given to everyone but me.
I stared at him, but he deliberately avoided eye contact with me.
Inhaling deeply, I let out a shaky breath.
He wasn’t ignoring me per se. He didn’t talk to any of the models.
He interacted with the other executives and with the photographer.
Anything he wanted changed with our wardrobe, he directed the changes to the stylist. And he looked at us to make sure those changes were implemented.
But now he’s actively not looking at me.
He made another comment to the photographer and then he pulled out his phone and left.
I could breathe easier when he wasn’t standing right in front of me.
Fortunately, Russ wasn’t there for Wednesday’s photoshoot. But every time the door opened, I looked for him. Anytime Remedy took a call, I assumed it was him. But about halfway through the shoot, I relaxed and forced him out of my mind.
Thursday’s photoshoot took place in a studio on the southside of town. From the low buzz of conversation and the lack of music and joy, I could tell there was a different vibe from the moment I walked into the place.
It was gorgeous—maybe the most beautiful studio I’d ever visited.
The pristine space had a foliage-covered wall, with props situated to give it a jungle theme.
The photographer didn’t smile or introduce himself like the others had.
He stalked around the room with two young people on his heels, assisting him.
Everything seemed less fun, but more structured, with that photographer.
There were only five RLF employees, as opposed to the twelve upper management and execs who showed up every other day.
They stayed on the perimeter of the room, taking notes on their tablets and laptops.
Instead of three outfits, we had five different wardrobe changes.
We didn’t laugh or joke like we had at the beginning of the week.
We got in front of the camera and did what we were instructed to do.
It was always work, but for the first time, it felt like it.
When a brief break was called to change lenses and adjust the lights, we patiently waited for direction.
“I don’t mean no disrespect,” Jonah whispered as the photographer took some test shots. “But you were made for those pants.”
I glanced over my shoulder at him. “Are you flirting with me?”
“Only if you’re into it.”
The photographer interrupted the conversation by saying, “I want to try something with Jonah and Nina.”
“Okay,” I mumbled, taking my place in front of the camera.
Taisha, Jacqueline, and Matias walked to the other side of the camera.
“Line up on those dots,” he demanded. “I want you two to face each other and look like you want each other. While keeping the distance between you, convey desire. Be mindful of the camera, but stare at one another.”
With a foot of space between us, I stood on my mark and looked at Jonah.
It was funny at first. We smiled at each other, and the only reason I didn’t laugh was because the photographer didn’t seem like the type to take too kindly to that.
But as we were guided through the poses, we were told to wrap an arm around one another.
Our bodies faced the camera, and our heads were turned toward each other.
And then I was instructed to look directly at the camera while Jonah was directed to look down at me.
“Yes, Jonah,” the photographer encouraged. “You want her. I want to feel the chemistry. Yes! Yes!”
“Tilt your head up, Nina. Yes, like that!”
“Turn your body toward Nina, Jonah.”
“Nina, the chemistry and tension are there. Look at the camera. Now look beyond the camera. Now…”
I didn’t hear anything else the photographer had said, because beyond the camera stood Russell fucking Long.
My stomach flipped at the unexpected sight.
Russ’s handsome face, which I came on a week and a half ago, was hardened. His full lips, which I kissed passionately ten days ago, were pulled into a tight line. His beautiful brown eyes, which used to roam my body every time he’d see me, were narrowed.
Everything muted as our eyes locked. For several long seconds, I was transfixed.
I could pretend I didn’t miss that man in the privacy of my own home, but it was hard to deny it in his presence.
Jonah tapped on my back, and I sucked in a sharp breath. Tearing my eyes away from Russ, I tried to focus on my work. But it was too late.
“No, no, no, it’s gone,” the photographer grumbled. “You had something, but you lost it. Let’s try this with Jacqueline and Matias.”
I walked toward Taisha, Jonah on my heels.
“You two looked good,” Taisha whispered excitedly. “If I didn’t know any better…” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“We were sharing something special,” Jonah replied, draping his arm around my shoulders.
My eyebrows shot up. “Oop! Not you lying!”
“She’s just shy,” he joked to Taisha in a low tone.
Rolling my eyes, I spun out of his embrace. “Jonah, please.”
The three of us snickered quietly, hoping not to be overheard by the photographer or his team.
I glanced in the direction where Russ was, but he was gone. I didn’t want to make it obvious, so I watched Matias and Jacqueline for a few seconds before discreetly turning to look behind me.
Russ was staring directly at me.
My gut twisted violently. So much so, I whipped back around.
“That’s it,” the photographer stated with finality.
His assistants turned off the LED lights and that’s how we knew the shoot was over.
“I guess that’s it,” I murmured as we headed toward the changing areas.
“He isn’t the nicest, but he is an epic photographer,” Jacqueline whispered. “These photos are probably going to be the best of all of them.”
I smiled. “I can’t wait to see them.”
Trying to play it cool, I looked over toward the back of the room where the RLF team had spent the entirety of the shoot. Russ was in a conversation with Remedy. He wasn’t looking in my direction, but she was. Quickly averting my eyes, I filed out with the rest of the models.
My heart thumped nervously.
Even if Remedy saw me looking in that direction, there was no way for her to know that I was looking at Russ.
It’s fine, it’s fine.
I talked myself down as I changed. By the time I exited the studio, I felt more at ease. I was just about to get into my car when I saw Remedy walking my way.
“Nina,” she greeted me with a pleasant tone.
Definitely not the tone of someone suspicious of my past with her brother.
“Hi, Remedy,” I said, smiling.
“I was right about you.” She pointed at me. “You’re a natural. You’re a star.”
She put her cell phone to her ear and continued walking down the sidewalk.
I watched her for a moment and then I climbed into the car.
A star?
The feelings Russ brought out of me were to be expected—he was one of the good ones.
He and I connected in such a significant way and the sex was unmatched.
But the feeling of being validated by industry professionals who could elevate my career was huge.
I thought about all of the women who would be inspired by me, my presence, my body, my style.
The point of having a roster is that anyone can get replaced, I reminded myself. This opportunity is once in a lifetime.
I had to make peace with the fact that I wasn’t going to replace Russ.
Meeting someone fun or smart or romantic would start rebuilding my roster and that was a step in the right direction.
But I knew my heart wasn’t in it. I just had to hope that being mildly entertained by lesser men would feel a lot better than being down bad over a man I was prohibited from dating.
Just the thought of my last few dates caused me to purse my lips in displeasure.
Having to let Russ go gave me no joy. I hadn’t seen him on a personal level since the morning he’d left my place.
It killed me not to talk to him or spend time with him.
To know we didn’t have upcoming plans was a constant reminder of how much I actually missed him.
I tried to ignore the empty pit thinking about spending time with him created within me.
Dammit.