“Why hasn't Jimmy called?”I glare at Sir Wilfred.Even the children at school were perturbed by my sombre mood today, toning down their usual boisterous chatter in the classroom.They were happy when I let them off an hour earlier.The worry worms were eating away at my concentration.
I went home, but the solitude gnawed at my mind.Jimmy’s friends were at work, so I walked to the park with my roti wrap and a banana.The WhatsApp group chat created by Brian is silent.No new messages since Jimmy last texted.A simple message ‘reached agency office’ followed by pics.
Kiron and Kenny were in awe of the photos Jimmy shared.I check my mobile once again for missed calls or messages.Damn, well past noon, the meeting should have been over by now.Unless Jimmy had agreed, and Priya is busy debriefing him.Or Priya let slip my name, and Jimmy is upset.A shiver runs through my spine.
I should not expect any information from Priya.She is giving me the silent treatment.Why blame her?You vented out your frustration at her.I rang her up when I returned from the dinner with Jimmy’s friends.Why did she do this to me?I only suggested approaching him as a last resort if we did not find anyone.I had promised her I would find someone in the interim.Yet she went ahead and emailed Jimmy, tying my hands.
“Please.”I want to throw myself at the black stone bust on a brick pedestal.“Please, Sir Wilfred, don't make Jimmy angry.”
My phone buzzes, saving me from making a fool of myself.
“What happened?Is Jimmy upset?Why did you not call before?”The questions fly off my lips, not giving Priya time to even say hello.
“Calm down, Aditya.”She chides me.“I had back-to-back meetings.I rang as soon as time permitted.”
“Sorry, your complete silence sent me into a worried frenzy.How did the meeting go?”I tone down the panic in my voice.
“Not sure what to make of Jimmy’s body language.He did not jump at the offer, which is expected.We can't blame him for his apprehensions about the unconventional nature of the work.But Aditya, the guy, is young.He is more a model than an author type.”
“Yeah, but a handsome face who can write can be a deadly PR combo.I can assure you my Jimmy is young but much more mature in years.”
The silence at the other end makes me realise my error.Priya clears her throat, and I brace to face a barrage of questions from her, but she surprises me.
“Hmm.I see your angle, but Jimmy is not ready to tell a lie.He revolted at the mere mention of the fake author concept.He wants a modelling assignment.”
“Priya, you represent models.Help him out.”
“No, Aditya, we don't work with models.Our cover designs are stock photos, or we ask modelling agencies.”
“But you do have connections.Can you get Jimmy's portfolio into a few modelling agencies?Sweeten the deal by getting him assignments.Even a few minor print ones should be good for a start.”
“You are asking for too much.”Priya digs in on her stand.“Jimmy is a newbie.”
“Everyone is a newbie to begin with.You took a chance on me.And Jimmy has the face, body, and charisma to shine in the media world.What about ramp walks?Or a book cover pic.”I soften my voice in hopes of breaching the walls Priya is starting to put together.
“Well, the boy does exude charm and confidence.He will need a portfolio.”
Ah, the break I needed.“I will pay.Get Jimmy a professional shoot.”
“Addy, what’s your angle in this?Is there something I should be aware of?”
Her use of my pet name makes me squirm.Since we started working together, we have become confidantes and friends, but she has used my nickname only once or twice in these two years.My relationship with Jimmy is too fragile to share with anyone besides Jatin.Priya does not need to be privy to my attraction.Not yet.
“Ah.Umm.”I fumble at her calling me out.“Ahem,” I clear my throat and buy a few seconds to consider my response.
“Jimmy is a good friend.He works in the gym where I go.He is a genuine person who is struggling in his life.He needs a break.I want to help him.”
Make his dreams come true.
