Chapter 107 Flirt
Uncle Dario is openly flirting with Simon, who looks so much better today than he did yesterday. I should've answered my damn phone, but regret won't change things. He's here now, and that's all that matters. His husband, Enzo, keeps on giving him the side eye, but everyone knows he's a big flirt and means no harm.
They may be overbearing, but one thing about my family that I love, is that they are embracing Simon like our own. They always just see him at the theater or studio, now they're getting to know him, and he keeps on blushing.
"Don't you model?" Uncle Dario asks. "I know all the top agencies personally, I could put in a good word."
Simon downright blushes. "It would take too much time from ballet."
"Modelling would pay more, though." Uncle Dario takes a sip of his wine, and Enzo hits him in the side with his elbow. "What? I'm just saying it does. How much do you get paid dancing, anyway?"
"Not enough." I chirp in. "But if we're soloists, we can negotiate new salaries this year."
"Speaking of modelling." Uncle Dario turns his attention to me. "We're doing fittings this week for your shoot. We were thinking of speeding things up and do the campaign shoot on Friday. That good with you?"
I have to go to the company and discuss things there, but I did say I was going to do the campaign for them.
"Okay."
I did promise, so I can't back out now.
Simon loved spending time with my crazy family, and he does sleep over at my house, but both of us are so tipsy that we never watched any movies.
We both go to the company on Monday morning, but we're told to make an appointment to have one on one meetings with the Board of Directors.
"That modelling gig sounds really good right now." Simon says drily when we leave.
"At least they still have to pay us until our contract is up."
"But what then?" Simon shakes his head. "Fuck, I'm probably going to need to start sending emails to other companies and see where I can maybe get a spot."
"You'd leave New York?" I frown. "But you love it here."
"I really do." He sighs. "But if the company is still not running after three weeks, what does that say to you?"
"Have you heard anything from Gregory?" I ask curiously.
It was quite a bold statement that he's going to start his own company.
"Not since I was discharged from the hospital." Simon kisses my cheek and hugs me. "Let me know when you can hang out again, okay? I had a great time."
I watch as he walks down the busy street before getting into the car waiting for me.
T.J. takes me to Mom's and Dario's studio to do fittings for the shoot. It feels like I haven't been here in forever, and it's always so good to see the two in their element and how good they work together.
"So the whole look is very seductive, right." Uncle Dario pulls a red dress from the rack. "When we do the commercial, you will be walking in the streets of New York City, turning every head, until you bump into this man that is totally enchanted by you, but you run away because you are elusive!"
Uncle Dario sounds completely passionate, making me laugh.
"What is the perfume's name?" I want to know.
"Scarlet Lady." Mom winks at me.
"Not the Scarlet Lady!" I laugh.
"What? We're making it personal." Mom stands behind me and brushes her fingers through my hair. "I'm thinking soft curls with a bold red lip."
"You're talking my language woman!" Uncle Dario shouts out. "Oh, look who's here!"
I turn around to a handsome, tall guy entering the room.
"Armando!" Mom exclaims. "Just in time to meet Madison!"
Maybe I should've invited Simon along for the eye candy.
Armando is clearly a model with dark hair and eyes, and a smirk that should be illegal.
"Hi everyone!" He has a slight accent, making him even more attractive. He smiles down at me and sticks his hand out. "Armando."
I smile politely and shake his hand. "Madison."
The two of us get dressed, and have to stand next to each other so the photographer can take some test shots.
"You look great together!" Mom shouts out, and I refrain from rolling my eyes at her.
Isn't she supposed to be professional?
"With which agency are you?" Armando asks when we turn to face each other.
"Oh, I'm not with anyone."
"You're a free agent?" He sounds surprised. "It must be difficult to book jobs."
"I'm not a model." I laugh awkwardly and chance a look at him.
His dark eyes are smiling down at me. "Could've fooled me."
Is Armando flirting with me?
I'm flattered, he's really very good looking, but there is no electricity when I look into his eyes, no anticipation.
"Okay, that's the outfit for Thursday." Uncle Dario walks up to us. "Thank you so much for coming in, Armando."
"No problem."
"Are you free for lunch?" Uncle Dario asks coyly. "We were just heading out, Madison will join us."
I open my mouth to protest, but then smile instead, knowing I'm not going to win this one.
Plus, lunch with my family wouldn't hurt, right?