“Thanks, girls. I can’t believe it’s happening!” I laughed, clapping my hands together.
Suki’s face turned serious. “And while you’re on the shoot, if you run into that super-hot model from Byron Bay, you HAVE to slip him my number.” She giggled but sounded half-serious.
“I know, right? I’m low-key obsessed with him on Instagram.” Lila grinned sheepishly.
“I hate to burst your bubble, girls, but there are no male models in this campaign.”
“I guess you’re off the hook then,” Suki chuckled.
“Anyway, you’re the best for spoiling me this morning. And I promise I’ll cook dinner this week. Sorry I’ve been so slack lately.”
“No, no.” Sass faced her palm toward me. “That’s fine, Ivy.Notnecessary, seriously. Given last time you cooked, we had to stage an intervention. The time before that, you set the fire alarm off, and we ended up ordering takeout anyway! You just stay out of the kitchen, girl, for all our sakes!” Sass grinned.
Everyone laughed, and I grimaced at the memory. “I followed the recipe! I literally don’t know what went wrong… so very,very wrong.”
“Hey, guys, come and get it!” Lila said before we sprang into action, carrying plates, cutlery, maple syrup, and a large bowl of fresh blueberries to the table.
We wasted no time finishing. I needed to get going, and the girls had a group shoot for a luxury car advertising campaign.
“Good luck, Ivy. You’re going to kill it, right, Suki?” Olivia asked, flashing her a smile.
“One hundred percent!” said Suki. “Just don’t forget us when you’re at the top.”
“Exactly, or no more pancakes for you,” Lila added, wiggling her finger at me.
“It’s going to be fabulous,” Sass said, her brown eyes shining with excitement. “Have fun.”
“Thanks, Sass, I will,” I replied, a thrill rippling up my spine. “And good luck with your shoot today, girls.” I glanced out the window to see my ride pull up.
I slung my bag over my shoulder, did a quick check that I had everything I needed, and was headed for the door when Sass intercepted me with a flying hug.
“Tell meeverythingtonight!” she exclaimed, releasing me.
“Try to stop me!” I grinned.
***
I hurried outside and into the back of the Uber.
“Good morning. Park Tower?” the driver asked.
“Yeah, if you can drop me out front, that’d be great.” I leaned back, staring out of the window, letting myself dream about the future now that I had this career-changing contract. Those last magical hours with Karson flashed through my mind, until the phone he’d given me pinged, pulling me back into the moment.
KARSON: Morning, beautiful. You’re going to be amazing today! Have fun and go get ’em!
I held my chin high and smiled. There’d been a lot to think about after everything he told me on his surprise visit. Finding out he wasn’t a player or a liar was a game changer.
When he said he loved me, I knew he meant it… I just wished his father wasn’t so crazy!
Focus, Ivy,I told myself sternly as the car slowed to a stop. I sucked in a deep breath as I stared up at the towering building.
Relax, you’ve got this, girl!This is it.Adore Designs. The pinnacle of modeling success. And I was a part of it. This was my new beginning.
With an excited smile, I made my way into the busy foyer, where a tall blonde woman dressed in an expensive-looking pale-blue suit stood waiting. She gave me a quick once-over before striding toward me.
“Ivy Lawrence, yes?” she said frostily, without waiting for a reply. “I’m Veronica, Adore Designs Agency Director.”
“Hi, that’s right, I’m Ivy. It’s good to meet you. I’m excited to get started!”
