Page 28 of The Wrong Brother

Pretty isn’t enough.

My stomach tightens as I follow the stylist toward the main fitting area. The other models are already scattered around, chatting casually with assistants or posing in front of mirrors as their outfits are adjusted. They seem at ease, moving with the kind of grace that feels out of reach for someone like me.

The stylist leads me to a corner where a woman in a crisp white blouse and thick-framed glasses greets me with a polite smile. "You must be Jenny," she says, extending her hand. Her tone is warm, but there’s a sharpness to her gaze that makes me feel like I’m being appraised.

"Yes," I reply, shaking her hand and trying to muster a confidence I don’t feel.

"I’m Elena," she introduces herself. "I oversee all new campaigns for Tod’s. We’re excited to have you on board."

Her words should be comforting, but instead, they feel heavy. Like I need to prove I belong here, like being handed this opportunity isn’t enough…I have to earn it.

"You’re aware of the terms in your contract, yes?" Elena asks, motioning for an assistant to bring over a clipboard.

I nod, though my heart speeds up slightly. "Yes. Three months, covering a range of shoots and events, right?"

"Correct," she says, flipping through the paperwork as though double-checking. "It’s important that you understand what’s expected. Tod’s prides itself on professionalism and precision. Your punctuality, attitude, and adaptability will all reflect on us, so we expect nothing less than excellence."

"Of course," I say quickly, though her words only make the pressure in my chest tighten.

She hands the clipboard to me, pointing to the last page. "Sign here to confirm everything, and then we’ll get started with the fitting."

I scrawl my name across the paper, my hand trembling slightly, and hand it back. Elena nods and gestures to the stylist. "Let’s get her into the first look."

The black dress is sleek and sophisticated, with leather accents that add just the right touch of edge. The stylist helps me into it, carefully adjusting the straps and smoothing the fabric over my shoulders.

"Beautiful," she says with a smile, stepping back to admire her work.

I turn toward the mirror, my heart sinking slightly as I take in my reflection. The dress fits perfectly, hugging my curves in a way that feels both flattering and foreign.

I shift uncomfortably as the photographer approaches, his camera hanging around his neck.

"Jenny, right?" he asks, his voice brisk but not unkind.

"Yes," I reply, trying to steady my voice.

"Great. We’ll start with some simple poses to get a sense of your angles," he says, gesturing toward the backdrop.

I step onto the small platform, the bright lights overhead making my skin feel warm. The photographer gives quick, precise instructions as he begins snapping photos.

"Chin up. Relax your shoulders. Eyes here…perfect."

I do my best to follow his lead, but every movement feels stiff, unnatural. I catch glimpses of the other models out of the corner of my eye, their poses fluid and effortless, and it only makes me more self-conscious.

"Good," the photographer says after a few more clicks of the camera. "Let’s try a smile. Not too much…soft and natural."

I force a smile, but it feels wrong, like it doesn’t belong on my face.

I should be much better than this. Maybe it’s the pressure because this is a much bigger gig… a much bigger opportunity?

I release a heavy sigh and try my best to keep my inner battle off my face.

After the first set of photos, I’m led to a small table where the creative team has gathered. They’re deep in discussion, flipping through sketches and fabric swatches, but they pause as Elena introduces me.’

A man with salt-and-pepper hair and a thick Italian accent stands and shakes my hand. "Welcome," he says warmly. "I’mMarco, head of design. You’ll be wearing a lot of my creations, so make sure you bring them to life, sì?"

"Of course," I reply, my smile faltering slightly under his expectant gaze.

Another woman, younger and with a clipboard in hand, nods toward me. "We’ll be shooting in different locations throughout Rome. Villa Borghese, the Spanish Steps…iconic spots. Be ready to work hard, but I think you’ll do great."

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