Page 39 of One Last Chance

Making my way to where most of the shots will be taken today, I set up my equipment, trying desperately not to look back at the couple who look as if they’re in love. Anyone who got a glimpse of them together would think the same.

Half an hour passes, and my camera and equipment are set up and ready to get started. A staff member fromSleek Sports Magazinesets up a few more lights, and a laptop is connected on a nearby table so all the images can be cast on the screen giving Tom a better visual as I click away.

“You all set?”

Focusing on Tom, who’s walking toward me with his glasses on and phone in hand, I plant a smile on my face and reply, “Sure am. How about you? The boys ready?”

Tom says something, but my eyes look past him to Domenic, who is standing with his arms crossed and staring at me as the hairstylist is doing his hair. Cassandra is sitting beside him, talking between sips of her coffee.

I know I shouldn’t be jealous.

But I am.

Cassandraishis girlfriend, and until now, I had, or should I saywehad forgotten all about her. Yet, here she is in the flesh, looking beautiful as ever with no awareness that her boyfriend slept with me last night. Guilt fills me, and I get choked up because I did it again. I slept with Domenic when he belongs to someone else.

“Chloe… are you okay? You seem pale.”

Moving my eyes from the happy couple to Tom, I clear my throat. “Yes, sorry, I’m good. I was just somewhere else. What were you saying?”

“I was just saying you will have help today. My assistant, Valerie…” He turns and waves to a young girl in a black skirt and white shirt. “Valarie, can you come here, please?”

Valerie smiles when she reaches us, and Tom introduces her to me.

“Miss Mason, I’m such a fan of yours, you take incredible photos.”

Valerie looks like she’s in her early twenties with blonde hair that’s tied in a bun, and she is wearing glasses. She’s small and slim and has the most magnificent colored eyes—blue like a clear blue summer’s day.

“Thank you, Valarie, and please, call me, Chloe.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Chloe. If there’s anything you need today, please ask.”

“Thanks, Valarie,” I reply, noticing that her eyes are not looking back at me, they’re looking somewhere else. Turning around to see what’s caught her attention, I notice Julian, one of Domenic’s friends, who’s currently lifting weights getting his body prepared for the camera.

Smiling, I turn back to Valarie, raising my brow. She smiles, and I wink at her.

“Ladies, I’ll leave you to it. I’ve got a few calls to make.”

“No problem, Tom. I’ll look after Chloe,” Valerie replies.

Tom turns and walks away with his phone already to his ear.

Valerie moves in closer, whispering, “He’s so dreamy. I watch football just because of him.”

Laughing, I can’t help but compare her to me. I watch football, so I get to see Domenic on the big screen.

Crap! Domenic.

My heart aches that little bit more, causing me to look around for him. His hair is finished, and now he’s joining Julian lifting weights. Searching the room for Cassandra, I find her in the corner on the phone talking to someone.

My eyes travel back to Domenic, and our eyes lock as he lifts the heavy metal. I can see the longing in them, and I want to run over and kiss him just like Cassandra did, wiping away her kiss and replacing it with mine.

What am I going to do?

He says he will break it off with Cassandra and be with me, but how can he do that? She’s been in his life while I was in New York. Guilt is something I always seem to feel when it comes to Domenic and his women. Am I willing to finally give myself the happiness I deserve? I’m just not sure I want to be the cause of another relationship breaking, even if Sophia says it wasn’t my fault.

“So… Domenic, is it?”

Shocked, I ask, “Excuse me?”

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