9. Sorry For Calling You An Asshole
Central park was empty like my mom promised, but it didn't mean I didn't notice the black paparazzi vans parked some meters away. I wasn't too bothered, that was typical. I just wanted the day to be over so I could go home.
"How exciting is this?" Shannon gushed. I was glad she was here.
"I'm bursting with joy," I chuckled.
"Oh lighten up Morgan," she said. "Think of this as your opportunity. Who knows, you might make a career out of this."
I shot her a questioning look. "You really think I can be a model?"
She shrugged with a smile. "You're a pretty girl, why is that strange to you? Besides, you've done a few shoots before and you killed those."
I shook my head. "I don't know. I'm no Kendall Jenner."
"I know that," she said. "You're Morgan Hall, and that's enough."
I love her.
"Maybe I could be a doctor, or go to law school," I said. "This life doesn't have to be my future."
"You can be anything you want."
I looked over and saw Jean walking towards us.
"Sorry, I couldn't help overhearing," she chuckled. "You can do anything you want Morgan, but Shannon's right. You're here, now, with an opportunity. So go be beautiful."
"Thank you Jean," Shan smirked.
I sighed. "Fine. Thank you for that confidence boost."
"You're welco-"
"Morgan!"
"You gotta go," Jean laughed.
I made my way over to my mother and he team. Davide led me to a bench under a tree, where Josh was already seated.
"Morgan," he smirked.
"Hi," I simply said.
"Look flirty, like you're in love!" Davide yelled as the crew fixed the lighting.
Gag me.
"You heard the man Morgan," Josh said.
I rolled my eyes and then smiled at the camera. "Just shut up and look pretty Joshua."
"YES GIRL WORK IT!" I heard Shan yell.
I tried to hold back my laughter but I couldn't.
"Yes! That's it," Davide said.
I eased into it, letting my back fall onto Josh's chest.
"You look hot by the way," he whispered in my ear.
I ignored him and heard him chuckle.
"Okay, one down," Davide said. "Someone get them to wardrobe, we still have a lot of looks to go."
I got up and went into the trailer to get changed. Yup, it was going to be a long afternoon.
~~~~~~~~
"That was great," Jean told me after the whole shoot was over. "I've got to get to the studio now, so I'll see you at home."
"Bye," I said.
Shan came running. "Kendall who? You were such a natural Morgan."
I laughed. "Thanks. It was fun, I will admit. I'm kinda glad I did it now that it's over."
"See?" she said.
"Morgan."
Shannon's eyes widened. "Josh Martin is coming over here right now."
I turned.
"I don't think we've met," he said to Shannon.
She extended her arm for a handshake. "I'm Shannon, Morgan's beautiful and wise best friend."
"I don't question that," Josh chuckled as he shook her hand.
He turned to me. "So um..."
Shan took the hint. "I'll be over there."
I chuckled as she walked away.
"I wanted to say good job today. Working with you is surprisingly easy," Josh told me.
"Surprisingly?" I questioned.
"Hey, you didn't exactly give me the idea that you were into it at first," he defended.
I shrugged. "Fair enough."
"So about that date," he continued.
I nodded. "Right."
"Chez Royale? I'll pick you up at eight," he said.
"That sounds fine," I told him. "But don't worry, I'll just meet you there."
He smirked. "Fair enough. I'll see you tonight Morgan."
"Hey!" I called after him as he began to walk away.
He turned.
"Sorry for calling you an asshole," I said.
He looked confused. "You never called me an asshole."
I shrugged. "I definitely thought it."
He chuckled. "All is forgiven then Morgan."
He left and I went into the trailer to find Shannon.
"What happened?" she asked me.
"I'm going on a date with Josh Martin tonight," I said.
"Good thing or bad thing?" she asked me. "Because I think it's phenomenal."
I sighed. "I guess we'll find out won't we?"
~~~~~~~~~
I drove myself to the restaurant that evening, wearing a red strapless yet simple dress.
"Thank you," I said as the valet took my key.
I made my way to the restaurant. "Table for two under Martin?"
"Right this way Miss Hall," the attendant said before leading me to the table.
"Thank you," I said as he left.
"You look hot," Josh said.
"You're gong to need to find more adjectives than hot Josh," I said.
"Damn, just take the compliment," he chuckled.
"Well thank you," I said anyway. "You don't look too bad yourself."
He was wearing a dark gray button up shirt.
"Thank you," he said slowly. "That's how take a compliment."
"Whatever," I said.
He chuckled. "Can I pour you a drink?"
I looked at the bottle sitting on the table. "You're not twenty-one. How did you get the staff to serve you wine?"
He shrugged. "Being Josh Martin has its perks."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes.
"Well thanks, but no thanks," I declined. "I'm driving myself home."
"Well I've got my chauffeur for the night," he chuckled as he poured himself a glass.
I just ordered water to drink with my lobster.
"So why do you want to get to know me so badly?" I asked him.
"You're interesting," he simply replied.
"Interesting?"
He nodded. "You play hard to get, I like that."
It's not called playing hard to get if I wasn't genuinely interested at first.
"I see," I said.
"What about me?" he asked. "Why did you agree?"
I shrugged. "Because admittedly I was wrong to misjudge you. Everyone deserves a chance to show who they really are."
"And so far who do you think I am?" he asked.
I sighed. "I think you're full of yourself, but when you want to you can be a nice guy."
He laughed. "Fair observation I guess."
I chuckled and dived back into my meal.
When we were done he escorted me out. When we got to the entrance of the hotel all I saw were flashing lights on the outside of the front door.
"How are there so many of them?" I asked.
"Who cares, just give them what they want," Josh said, smiling for them.
"Do you think someone tipped them off?" I asked him.
"Of course they did," he chuckled. "It's what I asked them to do."
"What?"
"Oh come on Morgan," he said, kissing me on the cheek so they went crazy. "A heartthrob like me plus the daughter of a fashion royal and mega mogul? We'll blow up."
I pushed him away. "Are you fucking kidding me? This was all a publicity stunt to you?"
"Morgan-"
"Fuck off Martin," I said and stepped outside.
As expected I was immediately surrounded by the photographers.
"Morgan, is it true you're the face of your mother's brand?"
"Are you and Josh Martin an item?"
"How long have you been dating?"
"Are you considering a career in fashion?"
"When do you think Jean is dropping that album?"
"Are you in love with Josh?"
I ignored all the questions and quickened my pace, being careful not to trip in the heels I was wearing. I waited for the valet to bring my car around, still ignoring the paps. I got in without hesitation and drove straight home. I was fuming. How could he? That's why I hated this life sometimes. It was just full of fake people who liked to do anything and everything for attention. And here I thought he might actually be sincere.
I kicked off my heels when I got into my room and sat on my bed, tears f anger, frustration and utter humiliation flowing down my cheeks.
I sighed, wiping my face with my palms and falling back onto my bed, realizing I couldn't talk to the first person that popped into my mind.
"I'd really appreciate another conversation Aaron," I said, staring at the ceiling.
I guess I was right after all.
Josh Martin, asshole.
A/N
Did you guys think Josh was a good guy? Do you think he'd eventually end up being one? I miss Aaron though ;).
Sorry I took long to update, I've been crazy busy lately. Nevertheless, here you are :)! Please leave honest comments, I'd appreciate that.
- amani