Chapter 2

"Have you had anything to eat since you got here? I know we're models and all but it's ok to pig out on some smoked marlin sometimes." He teased.

"Well, I went home to get my outfit for this party after my photoshoot today and I had stopped by my mom's house and had some pasta she made for dinner...so I'm a bit stuffed right now. I just needed this drink to get me through the night." I said.

"Nervous?" He took a sip from his glass while still maintaining eye contact with me.

"Yeah a bit....I really love the vibe and all but this is just a lot for me right now and I'm starting to reconsider this whole modelling career thing. I mean....I went through a lot to be here today and bouncing back from pregnancy is not the easiest. So it would be just a waste if I gave up at this point but I'm not feeling very motivated right now to say the least. I don't have the courage to just walk up to one of these designers and convince them to sign me. Why would they even want me? Look at me! I'm hideous!"

Johnny laughed heartily. "Nicole...," my name gently rolled off his tongue. He came a step closer into my space with his eyes penetrating mine. "You need to relax. Brad took you under his wing for a reason. He saw potential in you. You're not alone and I know you may feel that way but Brad helped every single model you see here...myself included. You won't be an exception." He reassured.

"How long have you been with this agency?" I asked.

"Well I've been living in Canada for just two years...so basically two years. I'm from Jamaica and I was signed originally with an agency there for five years. I got the exposure and training that I needed. I got signed to Gucci and Milan. I was comfortable with that but then I wanted more for myself so I'm signed to not just the agency back home but also this one. I travel a lot not just to other countries to model but I travel back and forth between Jamaica and Canada to do work for both agencies." He explained.

"Are you a dual-citizen?" I questioned.

"I'm getting there. But if you're wondering if I am legally allowed to model here, I am. I got a work permit to do this so everything is ok." He responded.

"So where do you live?" I asked.

"Oakville....I have a house there and then a condo in Brampton but I'm mostly in Oakville."

"Any kids? A wife?" Swishing the last of my drink around in my glass, I paid attention to his body language at this point.

"No I don't have kids or a wife. I have a cat by the name of Holly. The Bachelor life is the life I was meant to live." He laughed. "And yourself?" He asked.

"Well, I'm married....certainly not happily. But I have a beautiful three year old daughter who gives me purpose. She inspired me to go after my dreams of being a model after she was born." I replied, now feeling more comfortable conversing with him.

"I won't say the cliche thing that everyone is probably saying like, "why don't you leave?". You always have the option of leaving but you decide to stay for a reason right?" He said.

I looked away, batting my eyes so the tears would leave me be. "Umm...yeah."

"Don't worry about a thing, Nicole. Come with me." He pat me on my upper back softly.

I followed Johnny across the floor and he stopped to greet someone. "Mr. Wertheirmer! So good to see you!"

"Oh, Johnny! There you are! I've been looking for you all night! It's good to see you. Paris misses you!" The man exclaims.

"I miss it too. I have a catwalk there in about a months so very soon I'll be there for a little while. But it's really good to see you too." Jonny smiled.

"And who is this lovely doll by your side? Are you a new model, my darling? I've never seen your face before. And oh, excuse my bad manners. I'm Alain Wertheirmer, CEO of Chanel. Brad is a very good friend and colleague of mine."

My face lit up. "Very nice to meet you, Mr. Wertheirmer. I am Nicole Manccini. And yes, I am a new model. I was recently signed by Brad."

"Hmmm...I see. Ok, well let's see what you got. You're on the catwalk now. Strut for me." He demands.

"Wait, what? Right now?" I asked confused.

"Yes. Do it. Now."

I froze. I turned to Johnny and he nodded in agreement with Alain. On the other hand, Alain was all about business and that was evident by the look on his face.

I took a deep breath and imagined myself in one of Chanel's latest designs on the catwalk. I modelled from where we were standing back to the railings then back to them, swaying my hips and trying to exude confidence that I barely had.

Alan scrutinized me, looking me up and down after my performance. "Well...I'll discuss this further with Brad and he will let you know what my decision is. Until then, you take care and Johnny, I'm looking forward to seeing you in Paris soon. Goodnight to you both." He shook my hand before leaving our company.

"Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe I'm not cut out for modelling thing." I said gloomily.

"Nicole, you are perfect for this. Give yourself some more credit. Do you wanna try another designer?" He asked consoling me and rubbing my shoulders.

"I think I'll call it a night. I'll just wait until Brad makes a deal for me or we have another party like this."

"Are you gonna leave the party?" He inquired.

"Yeah. I miss my daughter anyways and it's getting late. I should head home." I said impatiently.

"Ok, I'll walk you to your car. It's ok Brad will understand. He knows you've got a kid. Come on let's go." He says.

3 minutes later

As I approach my vehicle, I press the remote to unlock it. Johnny goes before me to open the door for me. "Listen, Brad has catwalk training here every Saturday. I could sign you up for the next class if you're interested." He offers.

"Umm...yeah, sure that would be a good idea. Thank you, Johnny." I said, adjusting myself to the level of desired comfort in my seat.

"I forgot something," he says reaching into his pocket, and handing me a card. "That's my business card. Call me anytime, Nicole. And don't give up on this! You were made for this. Remember that!" He reassured.

I giggled while taking the card and quickly stashing it in my purse. "Goodnight, Johnny. I'll see you around."