novelraw Chapter 111: New Model
Chapter 111: New Model
Chapter 111: New ModelJosh
I am sitting on my hotel bed, my laptop open. I quickly click the Zoom link to connect to Rebecca.
Rebecca’s face appears within seconds.
"Well, well. If it isn’t the knight in leather armor." She grins.
I smile sheepishly. "Don’t start," I warn her. Rebecca’s been my friend since college, and she never misses a chance to give me shit. "Did you find out anything from Sarah yet? About where Hailey might be working?"
"I did," Rebecca says, her face filling the screen. "And Sarah is suspicious as hell. Kept asking why I wanted to know about Hailey’s whereabouts. I had to make up some story about sending her a congratulatory gift basket."
I run a hand through my hair. "And?"
"And..." Rebecca drags out the word, clearly enjoying watching me squirm. "Luxe Magazine’s studio. Some converted warehouse on Kent Avenue. Sarah doesn’t know where she is staying yet."
My heart rate picks up. "You’re a lifesaver, Bec."
"I know." She leans closer to the camera, her expression turning serious. "Now tell me what your plan is, Josh? Show up at her work? Conveniently bump into her on the subway?"
I pause, my mouth half-open, because honestly? I hadn’t gotten that far.
"I don’t know," I admit.
Rebecca sighs, folding her arms. "You do realize you are borderline stalking, right?"
I wince. "I’m not trying to ambush her. I just."
"I am just yanking your chains, Joshy. I think it’s romantic," Rebecca sighs. "I wish someone would chase me."
I laugh, the tension in my shoulders easing a little. "You’d deck anyone who tried, Bec."
"Fair," she says with a smirk. "But still. It’s sweet. Messy, questionable timing? Absolutely. But sweet."
I snort. "Thanks, Bec."
"Anytime, leather armor." She logs off with a wink, and I’m left staring at my phone.
Tomorrow, I need to figure out a way to run into her without scaring her.
I spend the rest of the day walking around New York, trying to convince myself I’m not a complete lunatic for flying across the country on impulse. The streets are packed with people who all seem to know exactly where they’re going, while I wander aimlessly,
"Hi, Hailey," I say, trying to sound casual despite standing half-naked in the middle of a high-fashion photoshoot.
"What are you—how did you—" She blinks rapidly, as if trying to make sure I’m real. "You’re in New York?"
Before I can answer, Marcus’s voice cuts through the silence. "Is there a problem, Ms. Jameson?"
Hailey’s eyes dart to the glass office, then back to me, panic written across her features. "No! No problem.