“Hey, thanks for the call.”
“Ally told me all about you. I have your portfolio here. Very impressive. You’ve been involved in quite a few campaigns, and your look works for a range of styles. That’s the type of diversity we’re searching for right now.”
I screamed silently.
“But I need to know how committed you’d be. The job would require moving to Sydney,” she said, pausing briefly. “We’re looking for a model who won’t run late or bring any drama. Someone reliable and professional. Someone who wants this. Is that a good fit for you?”
“Honestly, avoiding unnecessary drama sounds ideal to me, and running on time… let’s just say I can’t stand being late.” I took a steadying breath. “I’m hardworking and professional. If you give me this opportunity, I won’t let you down. I really appreciate you considering me.”
The muscles in my jaw tensed as the seconds ticked by.
She studied me. “All right, Ivy, if you want the position, it’s yours,” she said confidently.
“Yes!” I thrust my fist into the air as I spun around. “I do.”
“Whoa!” Ginger laughed. “Enough of that or you’ll give me vertigo.”
“Thank you so much. You won’t regret it,” I said, regaining my composure.
“I’m sure I won’t. I have a sense for these things. The contract begins in three months. Ally will be in touch with the details. If you have any questions, she’s your go-to. See you in Sydney, Ivy.”
This is it. My second chance!I squealed and launched into a victory dance. Even though it meant moving to a new city, it would be worth it.
My ringtone blasted. Karson. Again.
I guess he’s back from his fabulous holiday with his billionaire friends…I pressed Decline.
Landing the new job had filled me with happiness, but sadness still tugged at me—Karson had so obviously moved on.
I steeled myself to keep moving forward.No more derailments.The Karlos effect was finally starting to wear off. I couldn’t wait to tell Jai, Sass, and the girls my news.
I scrolled to Jai’s name in my contacts. He’d only left a couple of days ago, but I missed him already.
IVY: Guess who landed a contract with ModelMe in Sydney starting in 3 months?! I’m SO EXCITED! Hope you’re doing well little bro xx
With a satisfied grin, I made myself a matcha tea and poured it into my teacup, imagining life in three months… doing what I loved again.
My phone buzzed, and I swiped to answer.
“Holy shit, sis! That’s amazing. You’re going to be AWESOME. And I miss you too.” He flipped the camera, revealing waves crashing onto the shore. “But look what you’re missing.”
He switched the camera back to himself. A surfer in a spring wetsuit ran up beside him, waving wildly at the lens and dripping water everywhere.
“Ivy, this is Ryan,” Jai said, chuckling. “Ryan, this is Ivy, myoldersister.”
I rolled my eyes as I smirked. “Hey, Ryan, how’s it going?” I said, waving at the screen.
“Hey, Ivy. Jai told me the news,” Ryan said, smiling. “Congrats!”
“Later, sis!” Jai shoved his face closer to the lens. “We’re heading back out.”
***
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
KARSON
“Karson.” Tyler frowned. “Café. We need details about your trip.” Throwing his arm around my shoulder, he steered me toward the café, where the usual crew was already gatheredoutside around a table.
