“Oh, that’s wonderful,” I said with a slightly sick smile. “What can I get you to drink?”
“Actually,” she said, her smile turning embarrassed, “um… I was wondering if I could ask youa favor.”
Oh god, here it comes.
“What?” I said nervously.
“I… well… you’re absolutely beautiful, and I was wondering if I could pay you to model some of my dresses for a photoshoot?” She winced as she smiled. “…please?”
I stared at her.
She was stunning –
She had her own dress shop and was obviously very talented –
And she was askingmeto model for her?
And not in some imperious, snobby way – but asking likeIwould be doinghera favor!
Plus, she was super-friendly. Nicer than 99% of my customers, that was for sure.
There was only one who was kinder.
Wait a second…
I sighed. “Did Giorgio put you up to this?”
The woman looked surprised.
“No – why, has he been bothering you?” Her expression suddenly became stern. “If he is, just let me know and I’ll have a word with him.”
“No – oh, God no,” I said hurriedly. “He’s always super nice. I just thought…”
I trailed off, not knowing what else to say.
Now the woman looked puzzled. “Do you know him?”
“He… used to stop in every day,” I confessed.
She leaned closer and whispered like we were old friends gossiping. “Do you know what’s going on with him? Yesterday, out of the blue, he asked to be reassigned somewhere else. Is there something going on?”
He asked to be sent away?!
Strangely, my heart sank even more.
He really HAD kept his promise.
“I… I don’t know,” I lied.
“Huh…” she said, then returned to her normal speaking voice. “Well, would you consider modeling for me? My sisters-in-law are going to do it, too – but obviously I would pay YOU.”
If Giorgio wasn’t going to be there…
…maybe?
“How about a hundred euros an hour?” she asked meekly, like she was afraid she was lowballing me.
HOLY SHIT.
