“I dunno, ask Naomi Campbell or Heidi Klum. They may disagree.” Her irritation at his dismissal of modelling clearly amused Jim who let out a short laugh from beside her.
“I didn’t say you couldn’t be successful or make money, but like singing and acting it’s not a real career,” he said in such a way she knew this was his final comment on the topic.
“Maybe you could introduce me to some people.” Lizzie’s words were hopeful and also provided a distraction from Lenny’s.
“Maybe.” Tasha smiled across at her, happy to introduce her to people at the appropriate time, if modelling really was what she wanted to do. Although, she reasoned her position in Jim’s life might afford her far more valuable contacts than she could. The bite of Jim’s fingers in her thigh, suggested her offer might not be so welcome.
“What about Broadway?” asked Parker, the timing of his interjection unfortunate for Tasha’s thigh as Jim’s grip tightened again. “You told me on the plane Broadway was in the pipeline.”
“Time will tell on that one. So, Philip,” she said about to change the subject when Lizzie interrupted.
“You didn’t tell us what you model.”
“No, you didn’t,” agreed Jim, or possibly James now.
“Anything I’m asked to really. My friend is a junior designer in a big fashion house and she put on a show where I modelled her stuff and then because I was in a soap opera I was asked to model for a High Street store the fashion house work with. So, whatever they want me to.”
“What will you model next week?” asked Lizzie, still with genuine interest, but Tasha wished she’d lost interest before this point.
“Lingerie, it’s an exclusive lingerie shoot next week.”
“Wow,” squealed Lizzie. “I wish I could come with you and see you work because you have an amazing body.”
“Hmmm,” whispered Parker from beside her.
“Maybe one day, Lizzie.”
She hoped that might be the end of it. Lizzie had other ideas as she spoke again.
“Send me some pictures. I would love to see them.”
“We’ll see.” With a tight smile she risked a sideways glance at Jim who was now talking to Sara, but she knew he’d missed nothing of her conversation.
“Are you busy tomorrow night?” asked Philip.
Tasha looked back at Jim who shook his head.
“Cool. Come out with me and Juan, to a club. I can guarantee a good night.” He grinned broadly.
Tasha smiled as she realised he had his father’s smile. She looked at his father for a signal. He shrugged.
“Oh God! No, not you too, Dad,” cried a horrified looking Philip. “It won’t be your thing at all, just Tasha.”
“Charming.” Jim muttered, but he didn’t seem unduly surprised or bothered by his son’s reaction.
“Did Amanda sort your schedule?” asked Marc, changing topic again.
Jim nodded. “She moved my meeting to Thursday so I won’t be in the office properly until Friday afternoon.
“Can I go to the club?” asked Lizzie to a chorus ofnofrom her parents and brother.
“That’s not fair. I bet your parents would let you go, wouldn’t they, Tasha?”
Tasha shook her head, mainly because she didn’t want to get drawn into this. “Not at your age they wouldn’t. My dad was very strict.”
Jim stroked her leg gently beneath the table to comfort her, having some knowledge of how strict he’d been.
“What do you mean, you won’t be in the office until Friday?” Sara’s question was filled with curiosity but did move conversation away from Tasha’s upbringing.
