Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Ava
My boss and I weren’t on the best terms lately. I had one foot out the door while he was under the impression that this was the end-all, be-all for me. I’d just finished my degree in creative writing and had plans that didn’t include working a fifty-hour-a-week receptionist job that I didn’t enjoy.
My passion was writing, and Mr. Hernandez thought it should be waiting for the phone to ring while keeping myself busy.
I wasn’t sure with what, though. Just because he was busy as hell didn’t mean I was.
If he delegated his work, then maybe he wouldn’t be fucking drowning.
Either way, it wasn’t my damn problem because I had goals and dreams that didn’t involve waiting for the phone to ring.
It wasn’t like the damn phone rang anyway.
I wondered if this job was a front for something.
Mr. Hernandez always wore a three-piece suit to this less-than-professional building.
I didn’t say anything, but the man didn’t scream tow-truck-driver owner.
No, the man screamed mob boss. Still, I didn’t ask questions because I got paid and I filed paperwork that had been delivered to me.
All that mattered was what I did when I got home, and that was writing.
My first novel was a full-length romantasy, something I’d only dreamed about publishing, but I knew the market was oversaturated and some of the bests were dominating the arena.
So, I waited until I had the funds for the whole process.
It wasn’t cheap to do a massive marketing campaign with specialty branding and binding.
The editing alone was more than I made in a month.
It took me by surprise, but the thing was a work of art, and I loved it.
The cover was still in the works because I was a bit of a picky bitch, and again, I kept thinking about everything out there. Did I go with the trends, or attempt something different? The choices could make or break me, and that scared the living shit out of me.
“Ava, you’re daydreaming again,” my boss roared from his office door. He was most definitely one of the antagonists in my story, both literally and fictionally.
“Did you need something?” I asked politely, the sweet fakeness dripping from my words.
He read me effortlessly. “No, but you need to look busy.”
“Okay.” I nodded and smiled when I really wanted to tell him to go fuck himself.
All my tasks were done for the day and then some.
It wasn’t rocket science, and I was a warm body to greet the clients who came in and sign for the packages that arrived.
I dropped my head and busted out my pretty pink notepad and wrote down ideas, plot points, names, etc.
I was about to continue when my cell phone rang.
My neighbor, Elizabeth, was calling, which was a surprise and a little concerning.
I hoped it had nothing to do with our apartment building.
I shot her a message to call my work number. It rang a moment later.
“Duke’s Operations Services. This is Ava speaking; how may I help you?”
“Hey, it’s me,” she answered in a conspiratorial whisper as if she needed to keep her voice low. It made me even more concerned.
“Hey, Elizabeth. This is an unexpected call. What’s up? Is there a problem at the apartment?” I asked, each word coming out more strained.
“Um, no, sorry for panicking you. So, I know this is going to be extremely odd, but I need to ask you for a huge favor.”
“Okay, lay it on me, but it’s got to be quick. My douche of a boss is in a mood,” I grumbled. He’d been in a mood for a while.
She giggled lightly, but then sighed and said, “So I need you to do a photo shoot for me.”
My mouth fell open at my desk, and then I had to quickly turn away from my boss’s view just in case he looked this way. “A photo shoot? I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Like I need you to model for me tomorrow morning.”
My brain tried to puzzle out what she meant, but it wasn’t computing. “I’m sorry—you said model?”
“Yes, I did.”
“What kind of modeling are you talking about?” I knew she made a lot of money and dressed in expensive clothes, but I didn’t know that she dealt with models all the time.
“It’s for a perfume ad, and we’re looking for someone in a rush, so it would pay a lot for just a few hours of work. I promise you’ll be clothed, so if you could, it would be so helpful. You’re absolutely beautiful, and I couldn’t think of anybody else that I would want to do this.”
Damn. I loved the compliment, even if it wasn’t deserved. This sounded like it was just what I needed. The extra money would be great to help me with my goals, but I was no model. “I don’t know anything about modeling,” I informed her.
“It’s okay. The photographer is an expert, and he can make it happen. Please say yes; it’s so important.” I thought about my dreams and how this would push them forward so much faster.
“Okay, where is this at?” I asked while discreetly checking my boss’s office, and thankfully he was on the phone.
“It’s downtown at a studio, but I’ll be driving you there so don’t worry about how you’ll get there.
I’ll figure out the time and send you everything you need to know, including the contract, which you can sign, and I’ll have it printed with everything including the amount you’ll be paid. I can’t thank you enough for this.”
“I hope I don’t live to regret this.”
“I’m sure you won’t. My boss will be happy, and so will I. Thank you. I’ll talk to you later on tonight with all the details and the contract.” The heavy footsteps alerted me that the brute was approaching.
“Okay, I need to get back to work, though.”
I ended the call just as he reached my desk. “You know when I said look busy, I didn’t mean take private calls on your work time.” I wanted to roll my eyes.
“That…”
“Don’t lie. You’re terrible at it. You can clock out now and go home.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re not getting paid for the rest of the day.”
“Yeah, kind of figured that out.” I didn’t mean to come off extra rude, but he just knew how to push my buttons.
“Excuse me?”
“I’m just saying that you told me to clock out, so that goes on my timesheet.
” I’d already worked overtime this week, so it wasn’t like I hadn’t made up for the extra hour I was losing.
I signed out of my computer and walked to the lunchroom where the time clock was and signed out before I headed back to my desk.
I gathered my winter coat, hat, and scarf, putting them on as I thought about tomorrow.
Snatching up my bag after stuffing my notepad inside, I walked out of the office and hit the stairs, avoiding the elevator so I could skip my boss’s judgmental eyes.
Normally he wasn’t an ass, but lately something changed and he was being a dick. He needed to get over himself.
Overall, I was an anxious person—not so bad that I required meds or anything—but I definitely needed to lay off the caffeine. Now, I’m running on pure adrenaline.
I hit the outdoor air with my crossbody book bag and walked to the train station.
The Friday crush forced me to focus on getting home and ignoring the masses ready to fight for a spot on the train.
As I got on, my cell went off, and I thought it was Elizabeth with my details, but it was my mom. “Dear, how is the job going?”
“It’s great,” I answered in a jovial whisper without drawing too much attention to me. I don’t want to be that annoying asshole on the train that makes way too much noise with their conversation, interrupting everyone else’s crowded ride home.
“Really? That’s good. Your father and I wondered if you changed your mind about coming back home and maybe returning to college for a different degree.
” This never ended. They didn’t approve of my career path or my degree choice.
Being a doctor or nurse was the only acceptable decision if I wasn’t going to marry well-off.
Maybe that was why I went as far away from it as I did.
They were lucky I never truly rebelled with sex and drugs like most kids do with pushy-ass parents.
I loved them, but they didn’t see a future for me in my current situation.
Hell, this morning I didn’t either, but maybe tomorrow will be the start of something better.
I wasn’t in the mood to argue with her about this, especially with an audience. “Sorry…. I’m losing you…on…train…”
“Ava Jane, don’t you dare.”
“Mom, are you there? Mom, Mom. I can’t hear you.
” I ended the call and tucked my phone away.
The woman across from me smirked, so I shrugged and took out my notepad and made notes until the stop before mine.
Sometimes I found the train ride home the most peaceful and I got a lot of work done, assuming I got a seat on the train.
Today was a good day because some people popped off right after the first stop.
When I got home, I climbed the steps to my apartment and unraveled my winter mummy layers, allowing me to breathe again. “I need some water,” I gasped out. I poured myself a glass from my purified water pitcher and then took a seat at my mini kitchen table to read over my notes.
My apartment was worth the money I spent on it every month, even if my landlord was another piece of work.
I had a boss that thought I was a pebble in his shoe, and I had a landlord who wanted to get in my pants.
Ugh. I wanted to say I hated all men, but I knew that wasn’t true.
My father was great, a loving, respectable man who wanted the best for me.
He tried to rein my mother in, but he was obsessed with her, and he worked so hard that it wasn’t always easy to do.
I jumped out of my chair from a rapid knock on the door, wondering who would be there, but then I remembered about the shoot tomorrow. I checked the peephole, and it was Elizabeth. “Hey, come on in,” I said as I opened the door.
“Sorry. I know you just got in, but it’s insanely urgent that I get everything to my boss quickly so he can get the clothes ready for tomorrow.” She waved a body measuring tape in hand.
I nodded. “You came prepared.”
“Actually, it was in my sewing kit.” We both giggled.
“Okay. Let’s get this over so we can both relax for the evening. I’m sure neither of us wants to work on a Saturday.” We agreed, and an hour later she was gone and I was taking a long shower and prepping my body with lotions and a last-minute shave.
****
I paced back and forth in my apartment at four in the morning.
“What the heck am I doing? Have I lost my mind?” I considered backing out, but I’d already signed the contract, and I read the clause about breaking it.
I didn’t have that kind of money. There was no going back, so it was put up or pay out.
I took a deep breath and then went to brush my teeth again just in case. When I came out, it was time to go. I slipped on my coat and sent up a silent prayer that I pulled this off.
A virgin. That was my level of expertise in showing a man my body, and here I was, going to a photo shoot to show the world my body.
How sexy was this ad going to be? I didn’t even know what I was doing, and I definitely wasn’t a model.
Yes, I took good care of my body with Pilates, running, and strength training, and I was blessed with amazing features including huge boobs and banging butt. Still, I was not prepared for this.
I exited my apartment, and Elizabeth was waiting by her car. “Hi, Elizabeth.”
“Good morning. How are you feeling?” she asked, leaning over the roof while staring at me.
My lips pressed shut. “I have to admit, I’m a little anxious.”
“I don’t doubt it, and I really appreciate you doing this. This is a last-minute job, and we really need you. I know this is all new to you, but you’re perfect for the job, and I’m sure you look great on camera.”
“I hope so. I’ve never done anything like this, even any of those boudoir photos.”
I bit down on my bottom lip as my heart thumped violently, tension growing faster and faster. “Shake out those nerves, girl. Let’s go.”
We got in her car, and she drove us to the studio while my blood pressure pounded through my veins. “What is it that I’m posing for? I know you said that I’d be clothed, but you weren’t sure how clothed.”
“He said it was a perfume ad, so it can range from lingerie to a full evening gown. The hair stylist and makeup artist will be there along with a new wardrobe. The boss man will be as well to oversee it all.”
That additional information didn’t help with my nerves. Nope. I wasn’t feeling more secure. I wrung my fingers together, and she pressed her hands on mine. “Calm down. You’re going to be just fine, and you’re going to do well. This should be over quickly.”
She pulled into the lot next to the building, and we were greeted by a security guard before we were let up to the second floor where there was a large open area.
Somehow, I highly doubted that. A well-built man entered the room with authority and anger jumping off his sexy body. Damn, he should be selling this stuff.
“Let’s get this over with. We can’t waste time.” He stopped in front of me, and my heart walloped my chest. I didn’t know how I was supposed to get through this day at all. My body vibrated with so much adrenaline that I was certain every image of me would be blurry.