Underneath It All (28 page)

“I promise,” he sighed deeply and enveloped me in his loving embrace.

“Now go,” Mikael spun me around, not letting me see his tear-streaked face.

I would miss them, but I was excited to be starting a new chapter of my life. It was time to move on.

“Agata!” Tatiana’s voice broke through the busy airport. My eyes scanned the terminal frantically.

She yelled again, her voice carrying a bit nearer, judging by the people who had turned to look at her with wide eyes and expressions that clearly questioned her sanity.

The sound of running feet and heavy breathing filled the terminal. Tatiana’s arms wrapped around me tightly while whispering “Sorry” over my shoulder. Everyone started hugging me. I pulled away and took one look at my friends and we broke down into a flood of tears.

“What are you doing here, bitches?” I asked between each sob.

“We’re sorry, Gats,” Apple cried. “We’re very sorry for not understanding your side.”

“We can’t let you leave until we know we’re fine,” Raven sniffed.

“Everything’s fine. Nothing’s changed. I totally understand,” I said as we wiped our tears. “Come here, bitches.” We hugged each other and cried tears of joy this time.

“We saw the result of your pregnancy test on your desk. Is it true?” Apple inquired.

I nodded.

“What happened between you and him? Is everything okay?” Tats asked.

“Shit happened,” I replied with a weak smile.

“Last call for flight DL2105 leaving for LAX.” A voice came over the intercom.

“That’s me. I have to go.”

“We’re going to miss you, Gats,” cried Tatiana and pulled me tight.

After saying our goodbyes, I walked off and got in line to board the plane.

My eyes scanned the crowd, but I saw no sign of Reeve at first glance. I cursed under my breath, not giving up the search.

I refused to give up forever on the man I loved.

I couldn’t see my future if there was no Reeve in it, in some shape or form. If I got on the plane, I knew it would be the end, and all hope that something could be salvaged would be gone. My heart was thumping in my chest, a painful reminder of what was at stake.

My heart began to break, as my mind finally began to process the fact that I may have missed him. The hope that had been shining brightly, clinging to every desperate move and thought was now vanishing, and a choked sob wretched from my throat in a short exhale of breath, the tears leaked from my eyes instantaneously.

There was a voice nagging me at the back of my head, telling me I was about to make a huge mistake. That as soon as I saw his silhouette, his gorgeous eyes, his handsome features, I would forget all thoughts I had of ever moving on and jump back into his arms, but now…things changed.

Chapter XXXI

Fresh Start

I looked through the window as the plane was about to land in one of my favorite cities in the world—Los Angeles, California. I could feel hot, warm tears sliding down my face, unable to contain them. I bit my lip, re-thinking my options. There was no way back. I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the plane and started to get nervous.

My body felt heavy, my hand carry bag could have weighed thirty pounds, if not more, for all I knew. I knew it was not my bag, nor my body that was aching to stop walking; it was my heart. It was making my body seem heavier for me to stop and go back to him, but I wouldn’t. I made a decision and going back would only make me weak, vulnerable to his traps and to his ability to hurt me. My mind won this time, as it should have since the first time I met him.

It had been yelling at me that we were moving too fast and that I was falling drastically deep. But I had chosen to ignore that tiny little voice, following only my heart, and look where that took me.

We landed safely in LAX. I walked into the baggage claim area and waited while bags traveled down the belt. After retrieving my luggage, I ambled over to the door where Caleb said he’d be waiting.

I arrived and found him with a sign that read Ferrero. He spotted me and waved his hand. I had to force myself to smile and walked toward him.

“Welcome to L.A., Agata! It’s great to see you!” He hugged me. I was taken aback at first, but returned the gesture, though not as enthusiastic.

I laughed at his enthusiasm even though I was tired, physically and emotionally.

“So how was your flight?”

“It was pretty good.”

Caleb grabbed my suitcase. “Allow me.”

“I can’t wait to start working. Meet new people and start a whole new life, Caleb.”

“They can’t wait to meet you, Agata,” he replied. “And that’ll happen soon; let’s just focus on getting you settled here first. We should get going,” Caleb said and we headed to the exit.

I followed him to his car and got in the passenger side while he put my stuff in the trunk. I looked out the window. The memories of my first time in L.A. with Reeve came rushing back, and they was staggering.

We arrived at my apartment and I gasped when Caleb opened the door for me. It was such a nice modern apartment with a properly furnished kitchen, a dining area, and a spacious living room with a balcony.

“Nice,” I muttered.

“Are you tired after your flight?” he asked as he set my suitcase inside.

“Nah, it was a short flight. I’m better now that I’m here,” I replied looking around in awe. “Thanks for finding me an apartment, Caleb, but this one is so nice and fully furnished. I don’t know how I am going to pay for it,” I rambled.

Caleb laughed and shook his head.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be subject to salary deduction.”

His laughs were bright and cheery, reached all the way up to his eyes, and made them crinkle.

“Great.” I just shrugged my shoulders and laughed with him.

“Do you live in the same building?”

“No, so you won’t get tired of seeing me.” Caleb let out a cheeky grin. “Would you like a mini-tour of L.A.?”

I suddenly turned silent. I blinked a few times to push the myriad of images that blasted through my brain when Reeve and I had a tour around L.A. He frowned and stared at me for about twenty seconds before speaking up.

“Agata?”

“Uhm, maybe some other time,” I mumbled and he nodded his head slowly.

“Are you excited about your new job tomorrow?” he asked.

“More nervous than excited, really,” I admitted.

“You’ll do fine tomorrow. From what I can tell, Ayako likes you,” he smiled, reassuring me. “Well, I’ll leave you to get settled and pick you up tomorrow.”

“No, it’s okay. Give me the address. I’ll find my way.”

“You sure?”

“It’s okay. I’m a big girl. I won’t get lost. I promise,” I said with a smile.

“You’ll find the address written on my calling card. Please call me if you need anything,” he said before leaving and shut the door behind him.

I started to unpack my things and settle into my new home.

The lack of noise throughout the apartment had deterred me. I called Dad and my friends to let them know I arrived in L.A. safely and found a nice place. I reminded them numerous times not to tell Reeve my whereabouts.

I refused to go online, or watch TV. The only things that played were predictions on why Reeve had done it, but I knew why, so I didn’t want to hear anything about him.

I would grieve for tonight. I would shed all my tears but tomorrow would be another day and I had to move on with my life without Reeve.

What’s done is done.

***

I stood in front of my closet debating what to wear. I was never one to over think clothes, but I wanted to make a good impression. I needed to look smart and professional, but I didn’t want to seem standoffish.

What do they usually wear at the office? Caleb didn’t actually tell me how big or small their company is. I wasn’t able to search it myself. So, I decided to put on my two tone flannel dress. It looked like a white blouse and black skirt combo but was actually a dress.

This dress looked casual but conservative enough for work. Paired with the right accessories and it was downright sexy and very comfortable to wear. I slipped on a pair of doll shoes to complete the outfit.

I can do this. I told myself, straightening my dress as I walked down the crowded L.A. street.

I was a nervous wreck as I arrived at the building. My hands were shaking, and I felt my heart thundering in my chest.

The only experience I had was back in high school when I was hired to take a series of portraits of Beauford alumni. Caleb had taken a chance in hiring me.

I walked into the office building and was immediately directed where to go by the receptionist in the lower lobby. I took the elevator to the tenth floor. I was here for Wagner’s Photography and Digital Art Hub. There weren’t many offices on this floor, plus it didn’t take a genius to know whose office had several cameras and framed photographs on the display rack.

“How may I help you?” A young woman, that looked to be about eighteen asked. She was wearing a black shirt where the name of the studio was printed.

“I’m Agata Ferrero,” I responded.

“You’re Agata!” She beamed. “I’m Jade, by the way. I will let Caleb know you’re here.” She stormed inside the office and shouted, “Caleb, your girl is here!”

Your girl? Seriously?

Soon after Caleb came out and approached me.

“Hey there, Agata,” he greeted as he pulled me into a hug. He was getting way touchy. “How are you doing? You look beautiful. Are you ready?” He was greeting, complimenting, and asking in one go. He was so spontaneous.

“I’m fine, just a bit nervous,” I whispered, confiding in him my fears. He laughed softly and gave me a reassuring smile.

“There’s no need to be nervous. I know you’ll do great. Let me start to show you around.”

I nodded with a nervous smile.

“You met Jade Edwards; she’s our receptionist. She handles all walk-in clients and calls,” he began before we made our way inside the relatively large office.

It was mainly composed of desks, office chairs, metal cabinets, and high-end computers. There were piles of papers all over the room and several empty coffee cups.

“Hi, I’m Tri,” A tall middle-aged man introduced himself.

“Three, like the number three?”

He laughed. “Nope, it’s Dimitri,” he answered, grabbing my hand and shaking it.

“I’m Agata,” I greeted with a smile.

“Tri here is one of our senior photographers. He mainly covers pre-nups and weddings,” Caleb added before leading me to the next desk. “Then there’s Jer, Allen, Don, and Rich.” Caleb pointed to their heads. “They are responsible for lifestyle photo shoots and events. We are all freelancers here, so you could be booked to any events. You are allowed to use the company’s equipment but the profit will be fifty-fifty split,” he explained.

“Nice to meet you, Agata.” The guy named Jer gave me a curt nod.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Agata. Welcome aboard.”

I turned to look at the owner of the voice and was met by a genuine grin. His smooth voice made me feel welcomed. I remembered him, he was the owner Brad.

“Thank you,” I returned with a grateful smile.

“Allen, photo shoot with Dolce Vita at 9:00; don’t forget.” His voice echoed around the room. Allen stood up from his seat, gathered all his equipment and headed on his way, followed by three more staff.

“I hate to run, Agata, but we have a client to meet. I’ll leave you with Caleb,” Brad apologized then called his fiancée Ayako.

It sure is fast paced in here. I thought to myself.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes!” she yelled from her office. “What would it take for you to get
it?
I’m finishing my lashes, you moron!” Ayako snarled at him.

Brad just scratched the back of his head. “Sorry about that.”

“No, it’s okay,” I simply answered.

“Hello again, Agata!” Ayako walked toward me and enveloped me in a welcoming embrace. “I’m sure you’ll enjoy your stay here. I like your outfit, inappropriately gorgeous.”

“Ayako,” Caleb whined.

“Just saying. It’s a compliment you idiot!” she scoffed as she ruffled Caleb’s hair. “Finish showing her around and we should be back after lunch.” They left and headed out to their meeting.

Caleb led me to the room on the far left. “This is where all the action takes place.” He showed me the studio where a family was having their portrait. “That’s Louise, one of the senior photographers as well, and her assistant, Anita. They mainly handle in-house photoshoots.”

He introduced me to all their staff and gave me a tour around the office.

“Here’s your station,” he stated as we walked back in. “All your login information is here; just discard it once you save it on your notepad or wherever safe.” He gave me a sticky note and I logged onto my computer, making sure everything worked. “You’re going to start off as my apprentice. Tomorrow we are going to Yosemite for some nature photography. Some of the pictures will be featured in Nat Geo. For now, settle in and relax; tomorrow is a big day.” He let out a huge smile; he then tapped my shoulder and turned to leave.

I sunk into the leather chair taking calming breaths. I wasn’t ready for this type of environment.

Moments later, I heard noises coming from the outside.

“No one by that name works here, sir.” I thought I heard the receptionist Jade say in an uppercase tone.

Caleb rushed outside with a frantic look on his face. I was about to go after him but Jade was quickly on my side, preventing me from standing.

“It’s just an unsatisfied customer. Nothing that concerns you,” she stated and smiled at me.

“Oh-okay,” I nodded and sat back down.

Caleb returned after a few minutes with his eyes narrowed in anger.

“Is everything okay?” I inquired.

“Everything’s fine,” Caleb gave me a weak smile. His eyes flashed with emotions I couldn’t understand.

I thought I saw bruises on his left jaw but I didn’t ask him about it.
Too early to be nosey, Agata.

He ambled back to his desk and buried himself in front of his computer for a while.

I sat back on my chair busied myself reading the company profile, vision, mission and code of conduct.

I glanced at Caleb from the corner of my eyes and couldn’t help but notice that he gazed in my direction more than a couple of times. I hoped I didn’t have something on my face or worse yet, something hanging from my nose. I did a quick brush across my nose to be safe.

Man, I felt so bored. I pulled out my phone and saw that there were ten missed calls and five voicemails from Reeve.

I was seriously considering listening to his voicemails and calling him back, but suddenly my IP phone rang and the display showed Caleb’s name.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Come over to my station, Agata, we’re going to have some sessions,” he instructed and quickly hung up.

I stood up from my chair and walked over to his station. He pulled out a chair and gestured for me to sit down.

“Our focus is to get your photography skills and vision to ramp up as quickly as possible while maintaining a solid baseline for your continued learning, but also to give you necessary tools for you to troubleshoot your future photography challenges,” he started.

He emphasized the feel, the visual, and the composition to get me to shoot with purpose and dedication through my vision.