Chapter ONE ~ New Beginnings
I’ve landed the jobof a lifetime. Left in shock and couldn’t believe it’s happening to me. I’m just a small-town girl who followed her dreams to the big city to see if I could make it big. An opportunity that I knew could change my life forever, and I’m sure glad I did. The day I’m called into Mr. Bennett’s office was one I wouldn’t ever forget.
***
MY HANDS WERE CLAMMYwith nerves, my knees shaking, sitting down in the big and smooth leather seat. The chair fit perfectly in front of the desk and I waited. Anxiously awaiting the news I’ve been waiting for. Crossing my legs in front of me and peering outside to see the beautiful view from Mr. Bennett’s office. The sky was blue with small puffs of white clouds scattered throughout and the sun’s rays beamed through. His office was massive, with wooden accents at every turn. An enormous cherry wood colored desk with very elegant taste. Enormous portraits of past modelling shoots taken in lavish spots with a very gorgeous man in each one. His body was lean and toned. His skin shining a bright and glistening tan. Dirty blonde hair that’s combed perfectly in place or tousled to create a ruggedly handsome look. Abs that appeared chiseled and to die for. My mouth watered at the sight of him, and Mr. Grant Bennett was an exquisite-looking man.
Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door that broke me from my thoughts. Rising and straightening my cute short dress, cutting off at the knees. I chose purple to appear bright and cheerful. Watching as my gaze followed the opening door and wouldn’t wait for my response. Mr. Bennett’s manager stepped into the office with his expensive suit and an expression full of business.
“Becca, we meet again.” Mr. Bennett’s manager said, and he extended his hand to shake mine. Keeping my handshake firm and closing my hand around his.
“Yes, so nice to see you again, sir.” I smiled brightly with my handshake firm and closed my hand around his.
“Call me, Merlin.” He announced and flashed me a briefly small smile.
We broke the handshake, and he gestured for me to take a seat. Sitting and trying not to fidget with my hands. A nervous habit I’ve picked up over the years. Watching Merlin adjust his tie and take a seat behind the desk. It’s silent for a moment while he gathers some paperwork in front of him that's neatly laid out. Fumbling through pages with the papers rustling and anxiously awaiting him to speak. He peered at me over top of his thin glasses and his features appeared serious.
“So, I called you here because you’re everything we’re looking for.” Merlin announced as he took off his glasses and stuffed them inside his jacket pocket. “When can you start?”
“Really?” I asked, smiling and trying to hide my excitement, keeping my composure professional. “I got the job?”
“Yes, you got the job.” Merlin replied as he stood and walked towards the office door. “Now, I asked you a question. We don’t have time for slack around here and don’t keep me waiting. Time is money and money is time.”
“Oh, yes, sir, I completely understand.” I said quickly and my smile beamed through. “I can start whenever you need me.”
“Remember, my name’s Merlin.” He said sternly and shook his head. “Now, I don’t want to keep repeating myself.”
“Yes, Merlin, I apologize, I’m just surprised.” I said as I nodded my head and stood. “Thank you so much for this opportunity and I promise you won’t regret it.”
“I would currently hope not.” Merlin said and opened the door. “I will see you bright and early tomorrow morning then.”
I’m left feeling unsure if that’s a question, but don’t care. I smiled at the thought that I’m going to start tomorrow. Getting to photograph and shoot the famous Mr. Grant Bennett. “Yes, I will be here.”
Merlin nodded in acknowledgement and left as I stared bewildered after him. The door clicked slightly as it shut and jumped up. Raising my hand in the air and waving it about with joy. Feeling happy for following my intuition and landing the biggest opportunity yet, but feeling uneasy at the same time. Merlin’s quite the odd man, and I’m noticing I shouldn’t get on his nasty side.
If I did, I sense there would be trouble.
Shrugging the nagging feeling off and leaving the office in quite a hurry. Gazing around at everything, feeling excitement setting back in and all the anxiety I’m feeling wash away. Feeling proud for not giving up and following my dream. I wandered through the bustling city streets towards home. I could walk everywhere because I lived close to the city core. In case something like this were to happen and it finally has. Smiling to myself, looking around at the hustle and bustle of the city streets. People walking, riding bikes and traffic jams backing up the streets. I have a car, but walking’s preferred around the likes of here. I reached my tall apartment building as it loomed overhead and took the elevator up towards my floor. Living on the tenth and the view is my favorite part. The elevator dinged and each step I took with a bounce of celebration. Digging into my purse and finding my keys as I opened the big door to my apartment. Placing my purse and keys on the side table. Walking towards the kitchen to make myself a fresh pot of coffee, opening my cabinet and pulling out a vodka bottle.
“I deserve a bit of celebration if I say so myself.” I said proudly and poured just enough into my hot coffee. Blowing at the cup and seeing the steam rise over top of the rim. “Mm...”
I took the first sip and proceeded towards my balcony that overlooked the street. Leaning against the rail as I relaxed and peered out at the sight before me. It’s such a beautiful view of the city. It’s something new for me because I grew up in the small town of Walton. Living in a small town was nice, but the city was just what I needed. My absolute dream was to own an enormous country house. Some place that’s quiet and private, but to call my own. One day I would have it, and this career was everything I needed to make that happen. It’s everything I’ve been working towards. I needed to do everything possible to make this work because my future depended on it. I’m single, independent and would succeed. No matter what I had to do to get there. The sky’s the limit and I’m going to reach for it. I’m making my dreams come true, and Mr. Grant Bennett would help me reach it.
Even if he doesn’t know it.