Just A Little While

Chapter 22: Forthright

Ann pursed her lips and chewed the insides of her cheek. She was reluctant.

"What is with the reluctance?" he questioned.

"I don't know. I don't think it is right for me, a mere struggling model, would suddenly appear on the cover of DENO," she softly admitted.

"Then what's the problem with that? You have the potential. You are good. And I am not even jesting."

"But to get up there because of connections...I don't know if that's the right thing," she shrugged.

"I am using my connections right, Ann. I only give chances to people who deserve it. And I think you're good and you have the potential to be a top model. Unlike those other famous models that made their way to the top because of connections, but still could not fix their walk and are still virgins when it comes to posing in front of the camera."

Ann felt at ease at that. She smiled slightly at him.

"You are good. And don't think about going up there because of connections because that is reality. That's what's happening in the industry these days. I know. It's sad. And I am letting you use my connections because I know you will deliver. You deserve it," he smirked at the end of his sentence.

"Thank you," Ann smiled.

"You are welcome," he replied.

"But despite you helping me, I won't let you off if you hurt Reagan! In any way! Do you get me?" her nose was fuming with anger.

Dylan furrowed his brows and stared at her. "What the fuck?" he muttered. "I promise not to hurt Reagan – if that will make your soul at peace."

Ann smiled. "I will count on that. Or else I will chop your balls even if you're the mighty Dylan Edris."

"What the flying fuck did Scott see in you?" he eyed her strangely.

She ignored his remarks. "I'll go ahead. Thanks again, Dylan," she waved her hand and left.

Dylan shook his head in defeat. Then it occurred to him – Reagan and Ava. Ann's warnings appeared to be empty but he was well aware that she was pretty serious on not hurting Reagan. Of course, Dylan would not want to hurt her as well. But there's Ava. And that thing with Ava has not been settled yet. He needed to find the right time to talk to Ava and break the news to her.

*****

Reagan furrowed her brows, questioning her vision, as she saw Ann walking away from the mansion. Her cab was in the middle of the driveway when she spotted the blond.

"Can you pull over here please?" Reagan asked the driver.

The driver pulled over in the middle.

"Please wait here," she said before getting out of the cab. She waved her hand at the approaching Ann.

Ann quickly ran to Reagan and gave her a hug.

"What are you doing here?" Reagan asked as she pulled away.

"I just talked to Dylan about a job offer," Ann replied.

"Job offer?"

"He wanted me to do the cover of DENO magazine," Ann excitedly shared, her eyes teary.

Reagan gasped. "Oh my God! Ann!" She pulled the blond in a tight hug. "I am so happy for you!" She pulled away as tears started rolling. "This is your dream!"

"I know," Ann cried. "I'm just...oh my gosh!" She chuckled, "I'm just happy and excited, you know?"

"I am so proud of you. You deserve it."