The warmth hits me again, right in the chest.My ears warm, and my heartbeat kicks harder like it wants to announce itself.I raise my hands above my head like I’m writing the name in gold.“Everdream Management.”
“Yes!Perfect!”Jessy beams.
“Well, let’s move to the next step,” Laird says, handing us a stack of papers.
“Okay.What’s next?”I echo.
* * *
“Hi Greg, nice to see you.”Jessy gives Greg a quick peck on both cheeks.
I hug Greg too and give him one peck on the cheek, but our hug lasts longer.His arms stay around me, warm and steady, and suddenly his breath shakes like he’s holding back something big.
“Oh, my dear.How have you been?”Greg asks in this soft, coaxing tone.
“I’m pretty good.How about you?”I lean back and squeeze both his shoulders.
“Could’ve been better, but I’m grateful for everything.”Greg sighs, blinking fast.
“I know.I’m sorry,” I whisper, and my eyes burn a little.
“That’s not your fault.”Greg shakes his head.His hands cup my face, gentle, thumbs brushing my cheeks.“You did the right thing.I’m proud to be your friend.”He gives my shoulders a squeeze before we both smile and laugh it off.
The three of us sit together in a small café, catching up like we haven’t seen each other in years.Three paper cups of hot coffee warm our hands while the conversation rolls from old memories to whatever chaos we’re dealing with now.At one point, Jessy and I start explaining the real reason we’re here.
“So, we’re opening a new talent management office,” I say.
“For real?”Greg’s eyes fly open, full of surprise.
“Yes.We’re just starting, but this time we wanna do it right.I’m saving up some money so we can build the company properly,” I explain.
“That’s wonderful.”Greg beams.
“Yeah.We’re gonna register the company legally, open a new bank account, build all the social media channels, and launch a website,” Jessy says.
“Who’s the CEO?”Greg asks, looking between us.
“I’m the head, and Jessy is the operational director,” I admit with a wide smile, my cheeks warming.
“She’s also our model and our coach.”Jessy giggles, and I smack his shoulder.
“Yeah, that’s a no-brainer,” Greg says, nodding.
“Well,” I pause, holding my breath for a second.“We need a male model.Would you consider joining us?Please?”My fingers twist together in front of my chest.
“You want me?”Greg points at himself.
“Yes,” I say, squeezing my hands tighter.
“Well, count me in.”Greg smiles, that familiar dimple showing.
“That’s it?”I ask, eyes wide.
“Yes.What more do I need?I trust you.We’ve worked together for seven years.And after everything I heard about that case, I know you’ll stand up for me if anything ever happens to me.”
“What about your new agency?”I ask carefully.
“No contracts yet.I thought I’d go freelance for a while.But if you’re offering me a home, I don’t really need to think about it.”
