He walked down and across the hall and took me into an office that was tiny compared to the boardroom. There was another collection of framed photos. I wondered if they were the models Darius represented.
There was a desk, but there were also armchairs by the window, overlooking some fabulous building graffiti. Darius sat in one of the armchairs and gestured to the other. My portfolio was on the coffee table between them. He picked it up and slowly looked through it as I sat opposite him.
“You’re from Leeds?”
“Yes, sir.”
He chuckled. “Please, call me Darius.”
That seemed too informal, but I smiled anyway.
“What do you think of London?”
“It’s big.” I winced. “And a little intimidating. I’m getting the hang of the underground now.”
“You’ve been here for a few days?”
My throat became tight. “Three weeks,” I admitted.
“To go to other castings?”
I nodded. Heat rose to my cheeks. Should I have admitted that?
“I love Shoreditch,” Darius said. “It’s a quirky design inside an otherwise impersonal garment. Do you know what I mean?”
“Like a pocket liner in crazy fabric, in a plain grey suit.”
He smiled. “Yes, exactly. Have you seen much of Shoreditch?”
“Only the high street as I walked here. The graffiti is amazing.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
I wasn’t sure what any of this had to do with modelling.
“These are stunning photos,” he said, turning the page. “Did you have fun taking them?”
“Yes.” Damn. That was a one-word answer. Seth had told me not to give one-word answers. I was wasting my chance to get signed by McKay’s.
“Do you have any paid modelling experience?”
“No, s—”
His mouth quirked into a lopsided smile. “Relax, Jae.”
“I’m sorry. I’m nervous.”
“I can see that.”
“I really want to get signed by McKay’s.” I was making a fool of myself.
“Could you tell me why?”
“I’m a gay guy who loves wearing lace, high heels, and make-up. McKay’s has a reputation for being the most inclusive modelling agency in the world. I think I’d fit in here, and I’d work hard. Really hard.”
Darius’ smile widened. “I believe you, Jae. I know there’s not much space, but could you show me your walk?”
I nodded and strutted my stuff for all I was worth. I made the small space work, pausing to pose before turning. I was aware of him watching me closely, no doubt appraising my walk and my look.
