“No, of course not.These are straight-up appreciation gifts from your clients,” he insists, too smoothly.
I snort.“Seven years modeling and not one client ever handed me anything they designed.Either you forced them, or you bought this yourself.”
“That’s because you weren’t the face.Now you’re Gene’s top model.Naturally they want to send you things.”His explanation tumbles out fast, rehearsed.
I shake my head.“Doesn’t matter, Alan.No pile of gifts is gonna stop me from walking away from Gene.”
“No problem.I’m just the delivery guy.”He slides the bracelet into Jessy’s bag as if that settles everything.
“Alan!Knock it off.”
He ignores me.Once he sees every bag in our arms, he waves and walks across the street.A delivery truck honks, I jump back, and by the time I look up, his car is already pulling away with John at the wheel.
I spin on Jessy.“Can you believe that?”
“I think it’s fine, hon.Plus Mallory asked you to wear the bracelet and tee for the campaign next week.”
“Do I have to?”
“Yep.You’re in, and the ad runs then.”Jessy stuffs the bags into the car.
“Hey, what are you doing?I don’t want these.”I hold the back door.
“What am I supposed to do, leave five grand of stuff in the street?Even if you don’t want them you can pass ’em on later.Let’s just lock them in for now.”He shoves the bags to the back and circles to the driver’s seat.
“Ugh, I hate that man,” I mutter, slamming the passenger door.
“But you were tempted earlier, weren’t you?”Jessy smirks.
“Me?Hell no,” I snap, annoyed.
“Sorry, must’ve been my eyes playing tricks,” he giggles, starting the engine.
“Whatever fantasy you’re spinning about me and Alan, it’s wrong.You know damn well I’ve got issues with him, and he’s probably related to my high-school bully,” I say, folding my arms.
“We don’t know that for sure though, do we?”Jessy shrugs.
“Oh, so now that this cursed project’s wrapping and your job’s safe you’re on his side?”
“That’s not what I’m saying, Fenella.Maybe cut the guy some slack,” he replies.
“Fuck that.He lies about us, lies about being gay, like it’s no big deal.He’s a disaster, Jessy.Period.”
“Well, everybody’s got flaws,” he murmurs.
“Oh, shut it.I don’t want to hear another word about him.Take me to the nearest Chinese place before I spray that Muses perfume on your head.”
“Are you insane?You never eat that food.”He frowns.
“I’m bringing it to Laird,” I say.
7
Social Proof
Fenella
At exactly five p.m., Jessy drops me off in front of Laird’s office building.One hand carries a large bag of Chinese food.Honestly, I have no idea what he likes, so I order the things I’ve seen him order before and a few extra dishes that look tempting on the menu.
