Chapter 35 #2
“Even now, everyone should be doing go-sees,” Jessy sighs. “All contracts had to be canceled. Everyone’s scrambling to find agencies willing to take them last minute so they can sign new deals. Just to keep their careers going,” he says gloomily.
“Oh, please. Models survive on salads and fruit. No one cares about their careers.” I roll my eyes.
“Smart mouth. You forget they still need apartments. What about yours?”
“Er… I’m staying at Laird’s place now. He’s still recovering in Boston, so I thought I should clean his apartment before he gets back.” I give a guilty laugh.
“Lucky you,” he murmurs.
“Yes, you’re right. Sorry.” He’s right. How can I be comfortable staying in my boyfriend’s apartment while others aren’t as lucky? And it’s all because of the case we cracked.
“Nah, it’s okay. It’s not your fault,” he waves a hand. “It’s all based on skill and connections anyway. Like Kiara—she’s still wandering around, looking for agencies that’ll take her,” he mumbles before taking a sip.
“Senior models must have an easier time getting jobs now, right?” I ask, sipping my coffee.
“Quite the opposite. Most of them quit entirely. They said this case was their last push to leave it all behind—too old to walk on a runway in ridiculously high heels.” He glances between his cup and my face.
He’s careful not to hurt my feelings, but I almost don’t care anymore. Before, getting older terrified me. Now, I’m oddly relaxed. That doesn’t mean I don’t love working, especially as a model or chasing the supermodel title. It’s just not my top priority anymore.
“What about Greg?”
“Still looking,” he answers quickly.
“Oh,” I murmur. “And the other agents?”
“Some found new agencies. Others are freelancing.”
“Oh…” I sigh.
“Some designers and agencies are being objective, but some still judge based on the reputation of their previous agency.” He sighs.
“They must be blaming me.” I grimace, regret tightening my chest. My head bows as I squeeze my cup. “If only I hadn’t helped Golden catch Alan, maybe they’d all still be working.”
“Hush. Don’t blame yourself. You did the right thing,” Jessy presses, squeezing my hand. “The scandal hit the fashion and entertainment world hard. Some accuse designers or celebrities of money laundering, some praise your courage. You don’t have to feel sorry about it.”
“Thanks, Jessy. I just hope this case settles soon and things can return to normal.” I shrug with a small smile.
“Hey, you know what? I don’t think we’re ever going back to the old normal. People are leaning toward niche micro-scale designers now. With the economic strain from corruption and war, small businesses are popping up everywhere.”
“Do you think so?” I sip my coffee again.
“Yes. Whether it’s established designers or newcomers, they still need models to sell their products. So, yeah, our friends are still in demand if that’s what you’re worried about.” He rests his cheek on his hand, leaning on the table.
“What about me? Do you think any agency would still want to take me?”
“Oh, of course. I can still look for you and make sure your contract continues through a new agency.” His voice weakens. I recognize that tone immediately. He has something in mind.
“But?”
He shakes his head and straightens in his seat. “There’s no but.”
“Yes, there is. Just say what you’re thinking, Jessy.” I squeeze his hand.
He squeezes back tightly. He keeps taking deep breaths and letting them out. His other hand scratches one eyebrow, then he shifts in his chair like he’s trying to get comfortable with the thought.
“I’ve been thinking. Matthew’s and Laird’s words keep replaying in my head. Why don’t you open your own modeling agency? We can build it together.”
“Are you for real?” My mouth hangs open.
“Sweetheart, their idea makes sense. You have money, and it can keep the company running, at least until the court asks for it.”
“I don’t know. I mean, I’m scared to start something alone.” I frown at his suggestion; my voice unsteady as I shrug. “Yeah, it sounds promising, but I don’t know if I can handle people’s livelihoods. Being a business owner must be a heavy responsibility.”
“Well, you’re not alone. You got me. We can start small like everybody else.” His eyes widen with excitement.
“But Jessy, you’ve already been accepted into another agency as big as Gene’s.” I furrow my brow, jaw dropping as I wait for him to explain.
His shoulders slump, his lips puckering. “Oh, I don’t know. I’m too scared to manage other models besides you.”
“Really? I thought you wanted a new agency because you wanted the freedom to recruit Mike.” I smirk at him.
“Ew. No. Absolutely not.” Jessy scrunches his nose and scoots away from me.
I burst out laughing. He’s truly traumatized by dating his own talents, especially after learning Mike was Alan’s accomplice, hired to distract Jessy and keep him away from me. Not a cousin, not anything real. Just one more lie from Alan.
“Even if I were still dating Mike, I wouldn’t manage him as an agent. I need professionalism at work. Lesson learned,” he says, lifting his chin with an annoyed huff.
“You know, sometimes love can’t be controlled. When you want it, you’ll do anything for it.” I keep teasing him.
“Well, if that’s the case, I should probably see a psychiatrist and fix my obsession before I end up like Alan,” he says bluntly.
“Huh.” I tap my finger on the polished table. “Do you think I’m obsessed with Laird too? Alan said he and I are the same, that our obsessions were alike.”
“Oh, darling, answer me this. Would you say yes if Laird proposed to you right now?”
My eyes dart left and right before I mutter, “Uh, probably.”
“Congratulations. You’re obsessed with him.” Jessy grins.
“No. We’re obsessed with each other.” I furrow my brow to hide the blush creeping across my warm cheeks.
“Yeah, lucky you. Alan though, that was pure delusion. He thought he could own you, but it was just his obsession,” he shrugs.
Jessy pulls out a small glass jar with a golden lid and a red ribbon tied around it. He opens it and takes out a chocolate chip cookie. “Want some?”
“No, hold on. I’ve seen that jar before.” I squint at it suspiciously.
“It’s your mom’s. I smuggled a whole box of these into my luggage.” He giggles.