Page 113 of Take Hold of Me

“Merci. All I ever wanted to do was make you andPapaproud of me.”

“You always make us proud, Emsy,”Papasays as he enters the house. “I just love having you back under our roof. Even for such a short visit.” He kisses my cheek.

He and Maman exchange a look and she says, “I’ll fill you in later, Henri. But just know our little girl is stronger than we even knew.”

Papa takes a seat in the chair opposite us and Maman fills him in about my plans to reduce my modeling obligations and grow a styling business.

“That sounds very exciting, Emsy. A new chapter for you.”

Looking at my father, I admit, “I did not want to disappoint you both by slowing down my modeling career. I know how much pride that gives you. However, I get so much more pleasure from helping others with their clothes, makeup and hair. I have made my decision and I hope you are happy with it.”

The two look at each other, and I rush on. “I even have been helping Rose with her wedding. I picked up a wedding dress designed for her from this wonderful Spanish designer when I was there. And I have been offering McKenna tips about her maid of honor dress, not that she really needs them. Plus, I have been giving advice to Cole and his brother about their attire, too.”

By the end of my disclosure, I am smiling from ear-to-ear. My parents are holding hands. “Mamanand I only ever wanted for you to be happy. We never cared that you were a model, so long as you were happy in your profession.”

Maman agrees. “If you’re happy, we’re happy for you. It’s what’s inside that we care about, not what your career path is.”

All this time, I put pressure on myself to meet my parents’ expectations, when they did not have any for me other than to find happiness?

“It took me a long time to realize that having an aptitude for something and choosing it as a profession are two different things. I have a true passion to be a stylist. Modeling has opened many doors for me, this is true. Now I want to use those doors to help others become their best.”

“We’re so proud of you, the woman in here.” Maman presses her hand over my heart. It is as though I can feel it smile.

While Maman makes dinner, I sit in my childhood bedroom and stare at my cell phone. During our talk today, Stacy’s name came up. She worked directly for Price for years. Before I can think better of it, I hit “send” on her contact.

“Hi, Emilie! What a surprise.”

The sound of a baby cooing in the background reaches my ears. “Bonjour, Stacy. How are you doing? How is the baby?”

“Little Katie is wonderful, although she doesn’t let me get much sleep. You called at a great time, though, as I just fed her. Hopefully, she’ll be out for a while. By the way, thank you so much for the baby blanket and toys you sent—they’re adorable.”

“You are very welcome.” We discuss new motherhood and then I bring the conversation around to the Agency. “Stacy, I wanted to give you a heads boost—I mean a heads-up—because you have been so wonderful to me over the years. I truly appreciate all of your advice and guidance over my career.”

“Uh oh, sounds like there’s a ‘but’ coming. Let me put the baby in her crib.” A minute later, she says, “Okay, I’m back. What’s up?”

Am I imagining things or is her tone more concerned than curious? I take a deep breath and relate what happened to me in Monsieur Price’s office. And what Wade did to me all those years ago, as well as a few months ago. “I hope you understand, but I cannot remain silent any longer.”

“Oh, Emilie. I am so sorry you had to go through all this. I tried my best to shield you over the years.”

My heart stutters. “So you knew about Price?”

“No. Not how you just described him to be. But I did know how cutthroat the industry is, and that it certainly protects its own. Although I can’t say I’m surprised by anything you just told me.”

My breath hitches. “I appreciate everything you did for me. I do not have any intention of leaving modeling completely, but I need to stick up for the younger ones out there.” My mind flits back to London. “Like Geonna.”

“That’s very brave of you, to risk it all for the benefit of others. Now that I have Katie, I’ve come to see the price for fame in the industry is way too high. You have a great head on your shoulders—not just a beautiful one—and I think you’ll be a success, no matter what you decide to do next. Though I hope you’ll still be with us for a long time to come.”

“Merci.”

“For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing by speaking up. I’d want my own daughter to be so brave.”

Hopefully, by doing what I am about to do, I will help make the world a place her daughter won’t have to fight these battles.

At peacewith my decision to speak with my attorneys since talking with Stacy and after a delicious dinner, Maman and I sit outside in the garden sipping our café.“Now, Emsy, work was just part of what we needed to talk about before.” She tilts her head toward the salon.

I take another sip of my café, which, no matter how hard I try, I cannot recreate in LA. “Oui.” I drink another delicious sip.

“Man problems? Is it Wills?”

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