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“Let’s not get into hasty details. Anyway, since then, we’ve been inseparable. Right?”
“We’ve been texting,” he corrected, his addition more for me than for Camilla. “The only thing I’m inseparable from is the case at the moment.” Camilla pouted. Honestly, I just wanted to parachute off the building, land on a hot dog cart, and call it a night.
“What do you do, Gem-ma?” She over-emphasized my name.
“It’s Gemma.” Parker corrected, giving her an authoritative expression that lawyers tended to have. Camilla pulled her lips together, sensing his annoyed tone.
“I’m a fashion designer.” I confessed, but the way I said it was as if I didn't believe it myself. It was flat, embarrassing even. I didn’t want her to think any less of me, even if I hesitated. “I’ll be working with Alex Rivers very soon.” I blurted out, sounding almost excited with something that wasn't even true.
Camilla stopped what she was doing and leaned in across the small table. “Alex Rivers? You don’t say. How do you know him?” Camilla clenched her jaw tightly. I wasn’t sure she realized her initial expression because she softened it with the bat of her eyes.
“I don’t know him well. He kind of came to my rescue recently and offered me a job. He’s here in New York filming.”
“Amongst other things…” Parker chimed in, his eyes set on me and the excitement I displayed. “Mila knows he has legal business here, not sure how long he’ll stay.”
“He’s a hard man to get ahold of,” Camilla confessed, “and after talking to Parker, I don't blame him. I wouldn’t want to answer the tough questions either.” She traced the lip of her wine glass with the tip of her finger. “Well, you better be careful with him… it’s not a smart move to work with that guy.”
I leaned back in my chair, eyeing her. “And why is that?”
“He’s an actor and a bad boy. An arrogant rich man, who only wants one thing from women. Does that make it clear for you?” She scoffed, as if validated, “If you can’t handle oysters, how do you expect to handle a temperament like Alex Rivers?”
“Enough.” Parker snipped, but I retorted.
“I’m not surprised you can handle oysters, you look like you’re used to swallowing on the first date.” I snipped as Parker massaged his temple, most definitely regretting his decision for our meeting.
“Jesus Christ, Gemma.” Parker sighed, as Camilla yanked her hand from his thigh. I felt bad, but I also felt defenseless, so my words came out like an angry child. I didn’t want to be here; I didn't want to witness whatever the hell this was. “Can you both just relax?” Parker asked, but his eyes shot to my phone as it buzzed loudly along the table. I looked down at the apparent lifeline, a random number glowing across the screen and onto my face. Parker knitted his brows, as if knowing what it was.
“Stop…” I warned, holding my finger up before he could begin.
“It can wait.” He persisted, not wanting me to pick it up.
“No, it can’t actually. I’ve got a business to revive.” I dismissed him with my hand, turning my body to the side as I answered the call. “Hello?” I greeted, doing my best to avoid Camilla’s scoff.
“Is Miss Gemma Harrison available?” A woman on the other line asked, clicking away on a keyboard.
“This is she.”
“Gemma, this is Ivanna. Alex Rivers’ personal assistant. I’m sorry to call so late, but we’d like to request your services for upcoming events. I’m calling to check your availability.”
The urgency to confirm the only job I could get was almost paralyzing. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, right here, like a gift to escape.
“Perfect, any dates in particular?” I asked, not needing to check my calendar, which was as empty as Camilla’s head.
“He’s wanting you for a shoot coming up, and future events are contingent on that. Would you be available for this upcoming weekend?” I looked over at Parker, his leery expression was far more rattling than the call itself. He knew what this was about, he knew what I was doing, but this was my chance.
“I’m available,” I said definitively, not once breaking my stare with Parker. “I’ll have my schedule cleared for that day.”
“Great. I’ll email you the complete details of where you’ll be and what you’ll need.” I recited my email address, confirming it twice before ending the call.
“What’s happening?” Parker asked quickly, causing a look from Camilla. I turned back to the table, my face almost righteous.
“Alex Rivers wants me.” I confessed, almost a little too proud, allowing the words to float across the table.Wantsme, as in I was being chosen now. Yes, it was a job, but for Parker it was a display of my independence. “I’m sorry, lovebirds, but I have to go. It’s a work emergency.”
Parker shook his head, standing from the table as I scooted back. “You can’t stay?”
I leaned up to give him a hug. “Raincheck?” I asked. “This is really important to me. Sometimes we need to do new things, even if they’re uncomfortable. It’s how we grow.” I repeated the advice he gave me before my night was ruined. I turned to Camilla, flashing my sincerest smile as I stepped away.
Parker made the choice to put me at ease, to show me in the most profound way he could live a normal life. I couldn’t help but blame myself, feeling partly guilty for pushing this idea upon him. But it was true, maybe change was needed in order to live a normal life. I was stuck on Parker, that much was apparent, and starting a new job could begin the journey for something special, or so I hoped.
