Page 77 of Tell Me Something

“Catherine’s planning to interview a couple of candidates.” I didn’t want to reveal I had offered up Will until my hot Aussie friend had met her and she’d decided whether to use him or not.

“So I guess now is as good a time as any to ask about your plans for the holidays. Are you traveling?” Josh asked.

“I’m not sure yet. The Hastings, you know, my father’s former partner, invited me out to California. Nigel invited me to have dinner with him and David, and I have other friends I can spend it with, too. A lot of options, but I’m not sure what I’m up for at this point.”

That appeared to ease his mind a little. “I don’t want you spending Christmas alone. I’ll be home in Virginia, but I could come back if you needed me to.”

I fought the lump in my throat and the slight disappointment that he wasn’t inviting me with him.

“Thank you. I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

T he next few weeks went by quickly as, in complete awe, I experienced the holidays New York style. I spent an entire Saturday simply marveling at all of the window displays and Rockefeller Center’s tree. It truly was magical and was almost enough to take my mind off of the first Christmas I’d spend without any family.

I mailed off a package to my aunt and uncle and was pleased when the gift I’d bought for Josh arrived in the mail. What did you get a guy who had everything? Something silly, I figured, not even knowing if he’d reciprocate or when I’d even have the opportunity to give it to him. I’d hardly seen him over the last few days. He’d been booked with an engagement pertaining to the holidays each evening. Although I didn’t ask, I was pretty sure he knew it had been that time of month for me. It was unsettling that he’d know that, but then I realized this was the first mature relationship I’d ever had. That sort of knowledge was probably par for the course.

I woke up early the morning of the shoot on the twenty third and headed out to the location of the studio. There I was greeted by Bart, who was busy setting up his equipment in the small intimate setting. The space was made up of one room with a smaller dressing room off to the side. This setup would mean that Bart would be close—and so would everyone watching. Seeing Gina put me instantly at ease. She’d been wonderful with hair and makeup in the Bahamas.

Will showed up and appeared astounded to see me. “Haylee?”

I smiled big. “Catherine didn’t tell you I was your partner, I take it.”

He shook his head and hugged me tightly. “No, but she said that someone recommended me. How are you?”

We caught up, and I was delighted to hear he was leaving in the morning to go home to Australia for the holidays to spend them with his family. Gina came over, assessing my face and nails, obviously ready to get to work. When Will asked about my plans, I hesitated slightly but then explained that I was traveling out to California to visit with a friend.

A short while later, I watched Brian and Josh come in with Sasha. All of them had the same expression on their faces once they took a look at Will. Yeah, he was hot. Even though I didn’t seek to make Josh jealous, I could tell by his narrowed eyes that he wasn’t pleased with my male counterpart.

Will chatted on with me until Bart came over to show us the photos from the Bahamas shoot.

I had mentioned the post-Thanksgiving modeling opportunity to Josh, but I hadn’t shared a lot of details, namely Will. Judging by the expression on Josh’s face, he was none too happy to see the two of us in the Bahamas.

Suddenly I realized I was being rude by not introducing Will to everyone. “Sorry, Will. This is Sasha Brooks, Brian Carpenter, and Josh Singer. They’re all with Gamble Advertising and represent Delayne Diamonds.”

Will shook each of their hands. I felt a growing unease at the way Josh was studying him. Will didn’t help matters when he put his arm around me.

“So you two know one another?” Brian looked amused.

Will jumped in before I could form an answer. “Yeah, we met on the Atlantis shoot last month. We had a lot of fun that day. Luckily, we get to work together again. Right, Haylee girl?”

Nodding, I mentally cringed at his term of endearment for me and stole a look at Josh. His lips were now in a firm line. Fortunately, I was saved from any more awkwardness when Gina took my hand and led me to my chair to get started on my hair and makeup.

First up was the purple trapeze dress. For this I’d wear my hair half up and half down and black platform shoes.

Sasha approached, introducing Lucy, the rep from Delayne Diamonds. With Lucy was a man who looked like he was a bodybuilder, evidently hired to ensure the safety of the jewelry.

After I had donned the dress and was ready for the shot, Lucy draped me in the first set of diamonds. I was to be the girl standing against the wall at a party with a drink in my hand.

“Great, Haylee. Give me a touch of lonely and insecurity as you scan the room,” Bart instructed.

I scanned and swallowed hard when I saw Josh’s eyes on me. They didn’t give anything away.

A few more pictures and poses with Will coming in to meet me, and then I was swooped off to get ready for the next shot.

The date scene was a simple one with my cute floral print YSL dress. Will and I pretended to be at a small intimate coffee shop table and leaned into one another, emulating the body language of a successful date. He made me laugh with his disaster story of a first date, and before I knew it, Bart called a wrap. Turned out just chatting with Will made it feel natural instead of like work.

Next up was the black Givenchy gown. The scene was a romantic dinner for two at a fancy restaurant. My hair was mostly up, and I was positioned so that the slit in the dress exposed my left leg, where I wore a diamond anklet and black stilettos.