Model Attraction (12 page)

Chapter 13

“M
ama, I don't know what to do,” Janna said to Mama Adel. Whenever she didn't want to get advice from her sisters, she could always call her mother. They could talk about anything without her passing judgment. “Last night, I lost it when I saw her, and then when she blurted out that she was my mother I snapped.”

Mama Adel was quiet for a long moment before speaking. “Janna, there's something I need to tell you. Though I promised Phoenix I'd never share this, I think there's something you should know about her.”

Janna stopped pacing and dropped down in the nearest chair. Somehow she knew her mother was going to say something she didn't want to hear.

“Phoenix and I have been keeping in touch since you were five years old. When you were my foster child, the system didn't allow it, but I knew she was sincere about making sure you were well taken care of. Once I adopted you, we talked more often. That was also when she started getting bigger movie roles. She would send me money for you. For clothes, your schooling, anything you needed, she was right there to support.”

Janna had always wondered how Mama Adel was able to afford her private school. And this information explained why they'd been able to move into a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house in one of the nicer neighborhoods in Edison.

Janna's chest tightened. She had always thought that Iris and Macy had been sending money to help with the household expenses. Now the more she thought about it, the more other things started to make sense.

“Baby, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you, but Phoenix asked me not to. So please understand, just because she wasn't there for you in the flesh every day, you were never far from her thoughts.”

“I don't know what to say.” All these years she thought that Phoenix had given her away and hadn't looked back.

Nausea swept through her body as everything she'd said to Phoenix the night before came flooding back.

“Oh, Mama, I really put my foot in it this time. You wouldn't believe some of the things I said to her.”

Her mother chuckled. “Actually, knowing how you felt about her, I can just about imagine.”

“I have to fix this.”

“Yes, you do.”

Shortly after ending the call, Janna found Austin sitting in the living room watching
SportsCenter
. It was months into their long-distance relationship and they'd gotten into a comfortable routine. Austin made the trip to New York at least two or three times per month, since his schedule was more flexible than hers.

Janna stood back and observed him, loving how relaxed he seemed in her space. This was what she wanted—them together forever, but preferably living under one roof. She had often dreamed of what it would be like to have a family of her own, even more so after Iris and Macy married. What would it be like if she and Austin were to marry and have a few children?

Austin turned slightly and their gazes met. “Hey. Is everything all right?”

“Well, that depends on your definition of all right.”

She moved across the room and plopped down next to him. Tucking her legs underneath herself, she snuggled next to him and told him about the conversation with her mother.

“There was something I realized while talking to Mama Adel.”

“What's that?”

“I'm a hypocrite. I've been so busy punishing Phoenix for leaving me for her career that I didn't realize I had done the same thing to you.”

Austin remained quiet. Janna assumed he had already thought the same thing. How could she have not seen it sooner? She could argue that the situations were different, but ultimately she'd put her career before the man she loved.

“I owe both you and Phoenix an apology.”

“You don't owe me anything, Janna.” Her head was resting on Austin's shoulder and she looped her arm through his. “We agreed months ago to put the past behind us and start fresh. Besides, after seeing you in action during your photo shoots and the fashion show, you made the right decision. You were born to be a model and I'm proud that you grabbed hold of the opportunity.”

She lifted her head. “But it was at the expense of what we had.”

“I know, but we got a second chance. Let's not look back.” He dropped his arm from around her. “Now, what are you going to do about your moth— I mean, Phoenix?”

“I'm not totally sure. There's a short video clip floating around with me and Phoenix arguing and there were witnesses who said they heard her say she was my mother. Nelson is working with my publicist and has been in contact with Phoenix's people to determine how to spin all of this.”

“Yeah, I get that, but before you and Phoenix go public with anything, you need to have a conversation with her. The two of you have to make peace and decide what type of relationship you want.”

“I know,” she moaned. “I just don't know what I'll say to her. She's been trying to reconcile for the last couple of years. Though I'm still a little peeved about how she left me, I feel awful about how I've treated her.”

“Well, how about this? How about if I cook dinner and you invite her over here?”

Janna's heart swelled. “You would do that for me?”

“Sweetheart, do you have any idea how much I love you? There's nothing I wouldn't do for you.”

Janna's heart rate kicked up and she thought the organ would explode in her chest. She'd never thought she would ever hear Austin utter those words again.

“I love you, too.”

He lowered his head and kissed her sweetly. All the anxiousness and doubt she had been feeling drifted away like a feather in the wind. She felt like the luckiest woman in the world, but then Austin halted their kiss way before she was ready.

He caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Besides, cooking dinner for two very beautiful women would be my pleasure.”

Janna grinned and then sobered. “Thank you...for everything. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been here with me.”

“You would've been fine, but I am glad I was here.” He stretched his long arms up and yawned. “Okay, so I guess we should make a move. If you can get Phoenix over here, you'll be able to apologize to her on your turf, away from prying eyes. Except for the ton of media camped outside the building, that is. They'll see her come in, assuming she'll show, but at least your conversation will be private.”

Hours later, Janna paced near the kitchen counter, where Austin was putting the finishing touches on a tossed salad.

“Would you relax?” He reached out and pulled her close. “Everything is going to be fine.”

Janna sighed against him. “I know, but I didn't think I'd be this nervous.” She had changed clothes at least three times, something she rarely did. She had finally decided on a soft pink cashmere cowl-neck sweater, which she paired with slimming black jeans. “I just hope she can forgive me.”

“Considering she agreed to come by, I think you're off to a good start.”

The doorbell rang and Janna shivered against Austin.

“You'll be fine.” He placed a quick kiss against her temple. “Now go get the door before she changes her mind and leaves.”

Janna swatted him on the arm and laughed. She really was glad he was there to support her.

Hurrying down the hallway, she stopped briefly for one last glance in the full-length mirror inside the first-floor bathroom. Satisfied with the way she looked, she went to the door.

“Hi, Phoenix.”

“Hi, Janna. I hope I'm not too early.”

“You're right on time. Please come in.” Janna stepped aside, admiring the strapless silk jumpsuit Phoenix was sporting. They definitely had similar taste in clothing.

Janna led her to the sofa and sat next to her.

“I have to tell you, I was surprised to get your call.”

“I can imagine,” Janna mumbled, sliding her sweaty palms down her jeans-clad thighs, unsure of what to say now that she had her there. She'd lucked out that Phoenix hadn't flown back to Los Angeles, her home, yet. “I owe you an apology.”

“And I owe you one. It's my fault that we're the topic of conversation on every talk show today. I shouldn't have blurted out that I'm your mother. I just... I just...”

“You just got caught up in the moment. I know the feeling. I said some horrible things to you.”

“Janna, you have every right to be angry with me. I wasn't there for you. I couldn't be the mother you needed.”

“Actually, I found out this morning that you
were
there for me. I talked with my moth— I talked to Mama Adel. She told me what you did for me. What you did for us. Can you ever forgive me?”

Phoenix waved her off. “There's nothing to forgive. I'm so glad you had someone like Adel. Heck, I wish I had someone like her.” She chuckled. Janna's heart went out to Phoenix, knowing that she didn't have any family besides her. “I can't begin to tell you how many times I called her for advice.”

For the next forty-five minutes, they talked about their individual lives, their careers and Austin. Feeling comfortable with the conversation, Janna told her how she and Austin had gone their separate ways and run into each other again months ago.

Janna had to admit that talking with Phoenix was like talking with a girlfriend. Sure, they had some work to do on their newfound bond, but Janna felt hopeful that everything would work out.

She looked up to find Austin standing in the doorway that led to the kitchen.

“Are you ladies almost ready for dinner?”

“I can't believe he cooks, too,” Phoenix said in a conspiring whisper, and Janna burst out laughing.

“Somebody in this relationship has to know how to cook.” Janna stood. “Shall we eat?”

* * *

Austin sat listening to the two women laughing and talking as if they'd been friends for years.

“Austin, dinner is fabulous,” Phoenix said, cutting into her meat. He had prepared roasted chicken with balsamic bell peppers, brown rice, and a tossed salad.

“He's an awesome cook,” Janna added.

“Thank you, ladies.”

They went back to talking and Austin took the opportunity to observe. He couldn't believe that he'd never noticed the resemblance before now. Other than Janna's cinnamon-brown skin tone versus Phoenix's café au lait complexion, they could almost be twins. Both had oval-shaped faces, big, expressive eyes, prominent cheekbones and long hair with highlights. Their senses of humor were also similar.

Austin took a swig from his beer. He liked seeing Janna happy, which was most of the time. Yet, this evening, she had a special glow. The fact that she bounced back from disappointment so quickly was one of many qualities he admired about her.

His mind flashed back to earlier when he'd told her he loved her. She'd seemed taken aback by his words. Surely she had to know he was in love with her. He might not have said the words before, but he knew. After that kiss she planted on him at the fundraiser, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about her. His father's story about how he'd fallen in love with Austin's mother came to mind. Like him, all it took was a kiss to remind Austin that Janna was the one for him.

“So, Austin, Janna told me you're a financial genius.”

Austin grunted. “I don't know about all of that.”

“He's being modest.”

“Have you ever considered a career in financial management? Branching out on your own?”

“It crossed my mind in college, but I decided to join the family business after graduating. Yet, who knows—” he shrugged “—it might be something I'll consider in the future.”

“Well, if you do, maybe I can be your first client,” Phoenix said.

“Actually, I'll be the first,” Janna piped in and leaned over to kiss him.

Before she pulled away, he lifted her chin to stare into her eyes. “You'll always be first with me.”

Chapter 14

“I
t's not often an old man gets to spend a Friday night with his two sons,” Patrick said.

Austin had to admit that this was a rare occasion. He enjoyed hanging out with the two of them, but rarely did they do so at a bar. Of course it had been Malcolm's idea. And if Austin had to venture a guess, he'd bet his paycheck that soon it would be just him and his father. Malcolm was scoping out the small space and by the looks of it, he had plenty of women to choose from.

“Looking for someone, son?” Patrick asked Malcolm.

“Always,” he said absently.

Austin and his father made eye contact and smiled, both thinking the same thing—that they were going to be abandoned at any minute.

“I assume things are going well with you and Janna?” his father asked. He was sitting in the middle between Austin and Malcolm.

“Better than okay.” He thought about the small velvet box in his pants pocket. He had picked up the five-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring a couple of hours ago and felt as if he were carrying a brick.

He wasn't sure why he was so nervous about proposing to Janna. No, actually, he did know. His judgment when it came to dating, as well as asking women to marry him, wasn't that good. Sixteen-year-old Janna and then Zoe might have said yes, but here he was, still unmarried. Those relationships weren't meant to be when he thought about his feelings for Janna now. But after two failed engagements, he wanted to be sure he was doing the right thing.

“You two want another drink?” his father asked.

“I'll have a beer.” Austin raised his almost empty bottle.

“What about you, Malcolm?” Patrick asked.

“Actually, I hate to do this to you guys, but I see someone I know.” Austin followed Malcolm's gaze across the room, noticing where a woman sat in a booth alone, staring at his brother. “Thanks for the drink, Dad.” He lifted his glass of bourbon and walked away.

“He stuck around longer than I thought he would,” their father said.

Austin laughed. “I know, right?”

“But getting back to you. It's been, what, five or six months that you and Janna have been seeing each other?”

“Five.” Five amazing months. Austin's only complaint was that he didn't get to see her as often as he'd like. A few times a month wasn't nearly enough.

“What are your intentions with her, if you don't mind me asking?”

“I don't know, Dad. No, I do know, I'm just not sure.”

“About what?”

“I'm not sure if I'm ready to propose marriage to her. You know my track record when it comes to relationships. I don't want to keep repeating the same mistakes. I think... I feel that Janna is the one. For real this time.”

His father chuckled and brought his glass of scotch to his lips. “I can see why you would be a little gun-shy about another proposal. Is there something you feel with Janna that you didn't feel with Zoe?”

“Everything.” He shook his head, in awe of what Janna had brought to his life. “She's like a breath of fresh air. She always makes me want to throw caution out the window and try new, more daring things.”

“I have seen changes in you these last few months. You seem happier. You're not staying at work until the wee hours of the morning, and even the way you're dressing has changed.” His father nodded toward his attire. In the past, Austin would have on a suit, but on Fridays now, he usually wore a polo shirt with dress slacks or jeans. The changes had come gradually, and he had to admit, he liked the new, more comfortable look.

“Yeah, I feel different with her in my life again. She makes me feel as if I can leap tall buildings in a single bound.” They laughed. “Just talking to her on the phone, my world seems brighter. Heck, just thinking about her makes my heart rate skyrocket.”

Austin took a drag on his beer, surprised he had shared that much with his father. They had always had a great bond, but they'd never talked this candidly about any of the women in Austin's life.

“I'll tell you, women who make you feel powerful and cherished at the same time don't come along every day. Sounds like she might be the one.”

“What do you think? Does it take more than those feelings to know for sure if this is the woman I'm supposed to spend the rest of my life with? How do I know for sure if I should propose marriage?”

For a person who had always considered himself intelligent, he was clueless in this area.

“Follow your heart, son. There are no guarantees. If it feels right, go for it. We're all living on borrowed time. Snatch up any happiness you can get—it sounds like Janna is the woman who makes you happy.”

“And she's the first person I think about when I open my eyes and the last person I think about when I close my eyes at night,” Austin said, recalling the conversation he'd had with his father months ago. “She's the person I see myself growing old with. The person I see as the mother of my children.”

The only thing he wasn't sure of was if she saw him in the same light.

* * *

Nelson had called Janna all excited earlier, claiming he needed to see her immediately. She had no idea what was so urgent, but considering he had been on his cell phone since arriving ten minutes ago, it couldn't have been too important.

She left him in the living room while she headed to the kitchen for a glass of juice. She'd been on an emotional roller coaster the last few days. Austin had arrived three days ago and she wanted to spend every moment with him, especially since she hadn't seen him in two weeks. But he was distracted. She wasn't sure if it had to do with her nonprofit, his work or something else. The good news he'd given her the day he arrived was that all the paperwork for Precious Home was complete and they should know about the 501(c)(3) status any day now.

Janna knew that she wouldn't have accomplished half as much had it not been for his help. Every day she fell more and more in love with him. She knew him, which was why she knew something was wrong. When she asked, he'd claimed it was work. One of the projects outside New York was over budget and they were having some issues with the client.

It's more than that
, Janna thought to herself. He wasn't expected back into the city until later and she was determined to get him to open up to her once he returned.

“Okay sorry, love.” Nelson strolled into the kitchen with his tablet in one hand and his cell phone in the other. “I didn't think that call would take that long.”

“So what's going on? What's this big news you wanted to talk to me about?”

“How do you feel about Milan?”

She frowned at him. “You know I love Milan. Actually, I love Italy, period.” The country had a special spot in her heart since it was where her career started. “Why do you ask?”

“Your favorite fashion designer in Italy is starting a new line, and he wants you and Phoenix Hudson to be his muses. He wants you two to be the faces of this collection.”

Janna's mouth dropped open.
This is a first.
She listened as Nelson explained the initial concept of the assignment and how it would also include some runway modeling, as well as commercial work.

“So what do you think?” Nelson's excitement was contagious. Afraid that she would be too hasty in making a decision due to the elation pumping through her veins, she sat in one of the kitchen chairs.

“I think all of this sounds wonderful. I can't believe you've been working on this for three months and never said anything.”

“Some of their ideas were still up in the air, but I wanted to make sure I kept your name out there. And when the news broke about you and Phoenix, they tweaked their original ideas and the negotiations began.”

When he told her how much she'd make, she almost fell out of her chair. Granted, she had enough money to feed a small country for the next thirty years, but more couldn't hurt. The thought of doing something she loved in a country she adored with people she enjoyed working with was a bonus. Then there was Phoenix. She and Janna had been talking and spending time together over the last couple of weeks. Now they would get a chance to work together, which could be fun.

“You'll have to commit to a year of living in Milan.”

Unease swept through Janna, and she dropped back against her seat. “A year?” she said quietly. Austin immediately came to mind. Her gaze dropped to the promise ring and she absently twisted it around her finger. “If you brought this opportunity to me a year ago, I would have jumped at it.” But now her decisions didn't just affect her. She and Austin were making things work, but going back and forth to Milan would definitely cause some challenges.

“So is that a no?”

“I didn't say that.”

“Then what are you saying?”

“I'm saying I have to talk to Austin about all of this before I can make a decision.”

“Janna,” he said in that frustrating tone.

She gave him a warning glare, daring him to say anything negative. He and Austin tolerated each other, but she didn't see them ever being good friends.

“You're going to have to tell me something soon, real soon. The start date is November first, and it's already mid-September.”

Part of her wanted to say yes immediately, knowing that offers like this didn't come along often. But that other part that was madly in love with Austin wanted to say no without even telling him about the opportunity. She couldn't lose him again. And then there was her nonprofit. Would she be able to manage everything from so far away?

Janna folded her arms on the table and rested her head on them. This would all be so much easier if she knew where she and Austin stood. She wanted a happily-ever-after with him, but what would happen with her career? Her life was finally falling into place. With his help, she had a great team of financial advisers. And thanks to some changes in her personal life and her relationships with Austin and Phoenix, her media image had improved significantly. People in the business world were taking her seriously when she talked about her nonprofit.

Was she willing to risk any of that?

* * *

Austin froze. The words
Milan
and
year
screamed through his mind. He hadn't intended to listen in on their conversation, but before he reached the kitchen's entrance, he heard those words.

He took a few steps back and ran his hand over his mouth and down his chin. Taking a breath in and releasing it slowly, he tried to slow his pounding heart. He had only heard a small portion of the conversation, but enough to know that Janna had an opportunity in Milan that she had to make a decision on.
Milan.
Of all places.

What the hell was he going to do? He didn't want to lose her, but the thought of traveling back and forth from Atlanta to Milan was unsettling.

This news definitely put a wrinkle in his special plans for the evening. He finally decided to ask for her hand in marriage, and this popped up.
Damn.

Once he got his heart rate down and drowned out some of the thoughts running rampant through his mind, he stepped into the kitchen doorway. Nelson was leaning against one of the counters, his back to the door, and Janna was sitting at the kitchen table with her head down.

As if sensing his presence, she lifted her head and their eyes met. Though she looked tired, that beautiful smile that lit up his world appeared.

“Hey, baby.” She rose and he moved farther into the kitchen, meeting her halfway. “You're back early. I didn't hear you come in.” She kissed him on the lips and he wrapped his arms around her in a hug, placing another kiss against her temple.

“I just got here,” he said, his gaze meeting Nelson's. He wasn't a fan of the guy. He also didn't necessarily trust him, but he did believe that Nelson had Janna's best interest in mind when it came to her career. “Are you okay?” he asked Janna when he felt her shiver in his arms.

“Yeah, I'm fine.” She slowly moved out of his arms, the smile gone from her lips.

“Well, I guess I'll leave you two. Janna can tell you about her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Milan,” Nelson said. Austin didn't miss the way Janna scowled at her manager when he placed a kiss on her cheek.

“How did things go with your client?” Janna asked when she returned from seeing Nelson out.

Austin leaned against the counter, his arms folded across his chest. “Everything went okay. We were finally able to reach an agreement that all parties could be happy with.”

“I'm glad to hear that.” She rinsed a glass and placed it in the dishwasher.

Austin could tell she wasn't ready to talk about the Milan opportunity. If he had to be honest, he wasn't sure he was ready to hear about it.

“So I guess you're probably wondering what that was all about with Nelson,” she said quietly, keeping some distance between them. Normally when they shared a space, she was right up under him.

This is not good. This is not good at all.

“I'm interested, but let me take a shower and then we can talk.”

Minutes later, Austin stood in the shower under the powerful spray, his eyes closed, unable to slow his mind down. All he could think was that he couldn't lose Janna. They had a second chance to get their reunion right, but how could they do that thousands of miles apart?

He placed his palms against the ceramic tile of the double-wide shower, and with a heavy heart, he lowered his head and let the steamy water run down his back. He didn't want to do long distance anymore with Janna. If he asked her to stay in the US, marry him and possibly move to Atlanta, she might. But would she feel as if she was the one giving up everything? He could move to New York and travel back to Atlanta maybe every ten days.

He released a noisy groan and stood upright. His hands covered his face and he let them slide down, wishing the move could clear his mind. There was no sense in thinking about this any longer until they talked.