Chapter 113: Living Situation
Josh
"Well..." I lean forward, elbows on my knees. "Since it’s happening, we might as well have fun together."
Hailey’s eyes turn wide in disbelief. "Wait...are you seriously considering staying here and taking the modeling job?"
I run a hand through my hair, weighing my options. "I mean, why not? I can work my other job remotely. I have vacation time saved up, and the whole modeling thing sounds fun.
Hailey does not look amused.
"Josh, this is my career we’re talking about. My big break. Not some romantic comedy where we fall into each other’s arms after a series of wacky misunderstandings," she says, shaking her head.
"I know that," I say, more seriously. "And I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize this opportunity for you. If you want me gone, I’m gone. One word from you, and I’ll tell Marcus I had a family emergency."
She studies my face, searching for something. The silence stretches between us, heavy with possibility.
Hailey sighs, leaning back in her chair. "The thing is... the photos are good. Really good. And Marcus liked them, which is apparently rarer than a unicorn sighting."
I can’t help but smile. "So what are you saying?"
"I’m saying..." She pauses, shaking her head like she can’t believe what she’s about to say. "Stay. Model. But this is professional, okay? No more... whatever this is." She waves vaguely between us.