“I do, actually. Would you like to come in?” I asked.
“That would be great.” I stepped aside and opened the door all the way to let him inside. Once he came in, I peeked out front, but it was dark and cold so I shut the door before I caught a chill. Locking it, I led him into the living room.
“Please have a seat.” I pointed to my small sofa that just fit in my tiny space. Since I lived alone, I didn’t need a large apartment, so I spent more on quality rather than square footage.
“Where is James, by the way?”
“He’s busy right now. Probably chasing some other model around; it’s kind of his thing,” he answered with an apologetic shrug.
My heart sank in my chest, but I tried not to react. “Yeah, kind of figured he’d lie about that.”
He frowned, giving me a sincerely apologetic sigh. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry. Did you guys have something going on?” he asked.
I smiled, shaking my head. “No, we didn’t. It was only the photo shoot that we worked on together. May I see the photos now?”
“Absolutely.” He opened his tablet and then quickly pulled up files. They were shared from Claude Rene. “Here you go. Claude indicated that these have been touched up and are the ones he recommends for the ads.” Each of the images on his tablet are stunning.
“These are, wow—amazing.”
“Well, you’re a natural beauty, and Claude is fantastic. These are going to be a hit when they launch tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? That’s fast,” I gasped. The news nearly knocked the wind out of me.
“Well, we did say they had to be out quickly. I’m sure he told you that it was quite urgent.”
“Yes, he did.” That was why Elizabeth begged me.
“How long will they run for?” These were all beautiful, and I couldn’t even fathom that these were me. A new panicwashed over me. My father didn’t pay attention to things like this, but he did watch the news and read articles while looking for medical bullshit once in a while, and if he was looking for a gift for my mother? He might see these. My gut turned at his reaction. My sister would love to show him so he could be disappointed in me.
“It depends on the ad and how well they do. Usually, the campaign can run anywhere from a month to a year. Sometimes you can extend the contract with the same model in different poses with different outfits should the brand still feel that you fit.” He reached out and pressed his hand on mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. “But that would be discussed later with you.” I pulled it back, uncomfortable with the unnecessary touch. A revulsion came over me. He wasn’t charming or kind—this man was hitting on me. There was no need to touch me.
“These are great. So, is that everything?” I asked, standing up in an attempt to get him out of my home. His eyes moved directly to my body, and I’m so underdressed. My leggings are torn and I’m not wearing a bra, so my nipples are visible. It was a mistake to invite him in, even if he was the owner of the company. If he watched the video, he might think I was easy. Now, I was really thinking about the video. I wanted to know if he saw it, but I didn’t have the nerve to ask.
A rapid pounding on the door stopped the question from leaving my mouth.
“Excuse me.” I walked past him to the door. As I reached for the handle, I felt him behind me like he wanted to make a statement for whoever was there. Frankly, I needed to create space from him. I opened the door to see James, hands on the frame, glaring at his brother.
“What the fuck are you doing here, Henry?” he roared.
“Just getting to know Ava, Jimmy.”
“I’m going to fucking kill you.” He pushed into my apartment, but I got in the way.
“Whoa, calm down. What are you doing here?” I pressed on his chest, but it was like trying to move a wall. He looked down at my hands with a mix of anger and pain as if my tiny fingers burned through his wool coat, marking his chest.
“What are you two doing together?” His eyes wandered down, and he realized my top was open. It had to have happened when I pushed past his brother.
“I was unwinding for the evening when… wait—what am I explaining this to you for? How about both of you get the fuck out of my apartment—now!” My teeth were clenched as I stared at the man who made me feel so damn alive but destroyed me so damn easily.
I turned my attention to Henry, and his shirt was unbuttoned. My mouth opened in shock and then twisted to pure anger. “What happened to your shirt, you piece of shit? Are you playing at something?” James looked devastated. There was clearly something more going on that I missed. Now, I was more confused and hurt. “Do you think I’m that easy?”
“Like you said, it’s time for me to fucking go.” He glared over my head at his brother and said, “Henry, continue destroying your own life, but stay the fuck out of mine forever. We are no longer brothers.”
“Jimmy, wait.” He didn’t. They barely got a foot out of my door when James punched Henry in the face, sending him to the ground. He straightened himself and then walked away without looking back at either of us. I closed my door and locked it because I wanted nothing to do with Henry Keaton. He could crawl to his vehicle and bleed there.
I strolled back to the living room and pulled out the check from the envelope. My eyes opened wide at the number. They promised me a large sum, but seeing it in print was a whole different animal. First thing in the morning, I’d have to deposit it.
I sat the check on the table and spotted Henry’s tablet sitting there on my coffee table. It was unlocked with the footage from the photo shoot still open, including what he didn’t show me.
