Jae’s smile faded. “Then everyone else gets turned away. It’s why I need to be at each one bright and early. I aim to be at the front of each queue.”
“That makes sense. You’d be happy being hired by any of them?”
Jae used a small spoon to scoop some of the onion chutney onto a piece of poppadom. “Yes…”
“You don’t sound sure.”
“Not all modelling agencies are equal, but any of them would be a good start.” His eyes lit up. “I want McKay’s Models to hire me, though.”
“Why?” I’d never heard of them, but I knew naff all about modelling.
“It’s a truly LGBTQ+ friendly agency. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. They have great representation. But it’s hard to get into. Really hard. I doubt they’d want someone as fresh-faced as me. I’ve never had a modelling gig.”
“Is McKay’s one of the agencies holding open calls?”
“Yes. It’s the second to last one.”
“So if one of the first three offered you a contract, would you take it or wait?”
“I’d take it,” Jae said immediately.
“Even though you want to work for McKay’s?”
“There would be no guarantee of them giving me a contract. If I were offered one before their open call, I’d be mad not to take it. I’m here to get signed, not take a risk that probably wouldn’t pay off.” He sucked in a breath. “That’s assuming any of them want me.”
“Why wouldn’t they?”
We paused our conversation as our food was brought over. Mine looked like a veritable feast, while Jae’s single dish looked lovely but lonely.
“There will be dozens of guys at each open call. Dozens of gorgeous guys. Why would they pick me?”
I gave him a stern stare. “If you go to them with that defeatist attitude, they won’t.”
Jae laughed. “Oh? And how should I go?”
“Knowing that you’re the best-looking guy there.” Shit. Had I said that aloud?
Jae’s blush illuminated his cheeks and nose. “I’ll try.”
“Don’t try. Do.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Isn’t that fromStar Warsor something?”
“The sentiment is.”
“I remember Dillon had all thoseStar Warstoys. He used to love playing with them.”
“They were mine first.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
Jae rested his chin on his hand. “And yet you never offered to play with us when Dillon got them out.” He sighed. “I guess you were too cool forStar Warsby that point.”
“Or too cool to want to play with my kid brother and his friend. No offence.”
“None taken. Being an only child, I have no idea how annoying a younger sibling tagging along is.”
