Dream Date (20 page)

“I can imagine it would be hectic to fly around the country all the time.”

“Yeah. That’s why I focus on New York,” he said, fixing his hair. Without thinking about it, Marissa mirrored the action.

“If you don’t mind, I have to go now. There’s one last client I have to work with for the day.”

“Okay. It was great talking to you, Jonathan.”

“Same here, Marissa. Have a good day,” he said, and then walked to the entrance. He looked at Marissa briefly before leaving, and then closed the door.

A few minutes later, Amanda walked into the living room. Marissa stood up from the sofa.

“Good morning, Marissa. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” Amanda said, walking up to Marissa and shaking her hand.

“It’s okay. Jonathan kept me entertained.”

Amanda raised her eyebrow.

“Oh, so you’ve met him?”

“Yeah. We exchanged a few words.”

“What’s your impression of him?”

“Jonathan’s so…hot. Like, wow.”

Amanda laughed.

“He’s a looker, right?”

“Absolutely. I’m so tempted to hire him now.”

“Feel free to do so if you wish. He’s not my exclusive trainer.”

Marissa nodded, seriously considering it.

“What would you like to drink?”

“Coffee’s good.”

“Okay. How do you prepare it?”

“Just regular coffee, not too strong. I like it with a good amount of creamer and a teaspoon of sugar.”

“Okay. Make yourself at home,” Amanda said as she left for the kitchen. Marissa admired the interior of the room. It was higher up than her apartment and had a great view towards the Empire State Building. Marissa felt a little envious about it, although there was no way she could afford such a suite.

Amanda returned shortly after, carrying a cup of coffee in each hand. She handed one to Marissa.

“Thank you,” said the latter.

“You’re welcome.”

“This place’s got a fantastic view.”

“I know. My friend Brad owns it. He lets me stay here whenever I’m in the city.”

“Shame. I was about to say that it would be nice to keep the room for yourself.”

“You should see The Epic,” Amanda replied proudly. “It’s an apartment building nearby. I saw it online, and it caught my eye. When I move back into the city, I’m so going to live there.”

“You plan to live in New York?”

“Definitely. I love this city. It’s awesome.”

“It is.”

Amanda drank her coffee. Marissa watched her inconspicuously. Although she was still swooning over Jonathan, Amanda’s beauty did affect her. The latter noticed her scrutiny, and smiled.

“What do you use for your skin?” Marissa asked the first thing that came to mind.

“Moisturizing cream. And I
always
put on sunscreen even if there’s no sun,” Amanda replied, continuing with a few more tips.

“Everyone says you’re so gorgeous, but seeing you in the flesh just doesn’t compare.”

“I get that all the time, even from women.”

“Just know that I go for guys.”

“Okay,” said Amanda, laughing with Marissa. “I won’t judge you if you’re bi-curious.”

“Ha!” Marissa laughed nervously.

“Just joking. I can tell you fancied Jonathan.”

Marissa nodded without thinking.

“Let’s move on to what I wanted to talk to you about.”

The two women sat down on the sofa. Marissa looked at Amanda, ready to listen.

“I’ve been looking forward to see your dress designs. Clark mentioned you actually brought a few from concept to the real thing.”

“I did. I gave one of them to a friend.”

“That’s nice of you.”

Marissa smiled.

“Clark also told me that you might hold your own fashion show after graduation to let people see the talent you’ve got.”

“I hope I can pull it off. I have a photographer friend, and she organized an event to showcase her work. But after attending the New York Fashion Week, I can see that organizing such an event is harder.”

“I can help you with that. I wanted to tell you that you can let me know when you do host a fashion show. I’d be more than flattered to wear your designs.”

Marissa looked awed.

“That would be fantastic! You’re a great model. It would be a dream come true to design a dress for you.”

Amanda raised her eyebrows.

“You want to design me a dress?”

“I’d love to. I mean, your body’s perfect. I can create a dress that’ll bring out the best in you.”

“Thanks.”

Marissa nodded, her expression suggesting her brain was already churning ideas. Amanda could practically hear the gears whirring.

Just then, Amanda remembered something. It made her let out a soft laugh.

“What is it?” Marissa asked.

“I’m just remembering the fashion show. How I met Nathan.”

“Oh?”

“Has he spoken to you about me?”

Marissa looked a little surprised by the sudden change of subject.

“Yes. He’s completely smitten.”

“I could tell.”

“Nathan asked me about you on the phone. He really likes you.”

Amanda was silent, thinking about it.

“Do you like him?”

“He seems like a real nice guy, but I don’t think I could handle a relationship right now.”

“Why not? You’re gorgeous. I’m sure guys would love to date you.”

“I know. I’m just too busy right now. I want to get my degree first.”

Marissa fidgeted with her half-empty cup.

“It wouldn’t hurt to have some fun, though. If I’m still single, it’s because I haven’t found the right guy yet.”

“Ooh. And is this guy all buff and handsome with killer washboard abs?”

Marissa blushed, trying not to laugh.

“I don’t know. But answer my question. Do you like Nathan or not?”

“It doesn’t matter. He has a girlfriend. I don’t steal other women’s guys.”

Marissa nodded, liking the answer.

“You’re single, right?”

Amanda nodded.

“I am.”

“It’s surprising that such a beautiful gal like you is single. But you’re still young. I admire the way you’re focused on your studies.”

“That’s a flattering compliment.”

Amanda set down her empty cup on the coffee table and sighed.

“Let’s move to other stuff. I’ll give you some of my contacts,” she said. Marissa and Amanda started talking about the latter’s contacts in the fashion world. Her modeling resume was impressive.

“You’re so young, and you already have a portfolio to envy.”

“Thanks,” Amanda said.

A few moments later, Marissa was accompanied to the front door by Amanda.

“It was a pleasure talking to you,” said the latter.

“Ditto. I like you. Let’s keep in touch, shall we?”

“Yeah. You have a good day.”

“See you,” Marissa said, closing the door behind her as she left.

After his work shift ended, Nathan returned to his dorm. As it was the weekend, there was cleaning to do. He went to his bedroom to tidy up.

Nathan picked up a pair of worn socks and threw them into a basket he was carrying. After collecting other items from the floor, Nathan walked out of his bedroom. As he reached the living room area, there were knocks on the door. Nathan put the basket behind the sofa and went to answer.

“Hi,” Kayla said.

“Kayla! Come in.”

“You’re alone here right now, aren’t you?” she asked as she walked in and Nathan closed the door.

“Yeah. Why?”

“I’m just curious,” Kayla said, throwing her arms around Nathan and pulling him close. “Guess what?”

Nathan looked at Kayla, shaking his head.

“I’ve finished making revisions to my novel!” she said, jumping twice in excitement.

“That’s awesome!”

“Yeah. I’m going to get ready to self-publish soon.”

“You’re not signing a deal with a publisher?”

“That doesn’t interest me right now. I like having total control over my work. I like to decide on the cover art, the release date, and other stuff.”

“Have you got cover art yet?” Nathan asked as he and Kayla sat on the sofa.

“I have some talented people working on it. They should contact me real soon.”

“Fantastic. And your book trailer?”

“I’ve already contacted the guy that’s helping me with it. Casting calls are starting as we speak.”

“Can I be your hero?”

Kayla smiled, giving Nathan a short kiss.

“You already are.”

Nathan chuckled.

“I meant to ask if I can portray the role of your book’s protagonist.”

“Um…Colton’s a blonde.”

“You’re into blondes now?” he teased.
Am
I
not into blondes myself? And I’m dating a ravenhead.

“I don’t care much about looks. But yeah, my hero’s blonde and I don’t think you can pull off the look.”

“Enlist Ashton, then. He’s blonde.”

Kayla laughed.

“You’re all too busy at school to be able to keep flying to and from New York.”

“I know.”

“You can beta-read the novel if you want to help.”

Nathan nodded. This would be the second time he’d be beta-reading one of Kayla’s books.

“It’ll be an honor. Just remind me what it’s about.”

“Okay,” said Kayla, giving Nathan a plot summary of her novel. She said it would be book one in the first trilogy she’d write. Kayla had only published two books so far.

“Your novel sounds interesting. Load it up on my Kindle and I’ll read it,” said Nathan, referring to the e-reader that Kayla had bought him during the summer. He only read occasionally, a habit he was looking forward to doing more often.