Page 34 of Take Hold of Me

“I did. They did not listen. And not just about my nail color. They did not listen to what I had to say about anything.”

I process what she just told me as I make a left turn onto her attorney’s road. “You mean, they ignored your suggestions?”

“Yes. I only had a couple of things I thought would make the commercial better, you know? More realistic. How real people use their cosmetics.”

I’m so out of my depth, but I nod. Emilie deserves to have her ideas heard, even if they go over my head.

“The people—the director and assistants—told me they would take my ideas ‘under advisement.’” Her green fingernails make air quotes. “But then we wrapped and none of them were used.”

I scratch my jaw. “I’m sorry. That sucks. Was this your first commercial?”

“No.” She runs her hands down her legs, today covered with black trousers. Even in such masculine attire, she evokes all sorts of thoughts that don’t belong in my head.

She continues, “I was told I would have a large wardrobe selection. In the end, one of the outfits they put me in was an evening dress. Why would the customer who uses these cosmetics for everyday use be wearing such attire? Made no sense to me.”

“I see your point.”

A real smile emerges from her for the first time. “I told them so, but it did not change anything. My other suggestions were similar. Like, I mean, small little tweaks that would have made the ad more realistic. I did not try to make any sweeping changes. The way they treated me was not so nice.”

Let me guess. Like she’s a pretty object to be ogled and dressed without any substance. If they had bothered to have one conversation with Emilie, they would have learned that was not the case.

“I’m sure there will be other opportunities for you to have your voice heard.”

“I guess. I am never really listened to.” She casts her face downward, curling her green fingernails into her palms.

“Don’t you make any suggestions to your photographers?”

“Oh no. My Agency warned me against speaking up against photographers. Unless, of course, they are making improper photos.”

I block the vision of possible improper photos and turn on my blinker for the parking deck. It’s probably a good idea she’s not driving as it appears to be a maze of tight twists and turns. Although, I’m sure she would’ve handled it and then been excited that she did.

“I would think the photographers and others would want your input. After all, you’re the world’s top model. With all your experience, you deserve to be heard.”

In a small voice, Emilie replies, “I think so, too.”

This is the first I’ve seen that she’s not as excited with her profession as I believed her to be. I park in an empty space and shut off the Jeep. Twisting to her from the driver’s side, I ask, “Do you still like being a model?”

Her eyes get big. “It is what I do, who I am.”

Her answer leaves me cold. “You are half-right. It is what you do. Not who you are.”

She shakes her head as if she does not understand my words. Perhaps she doesn’t. I clarify, “You’re more than a model, Emilie. You have so much to offer.”

She huffs out a laugh. “I am a model who is dabbling in television commercials and movies. I do not want to be transitioned out of magazines and catwalks too soon.”

I roll my eyes. What a crock of shit. But judging from her very being, she believes her words to her core. I need to make her see what I see in her. No. What the whole world sees.

“Don’t sell yourself short. With all your experience comes quite a bit of learning what works and what doesn’t. You should feel comfortable expressing your opinions.”

Her hand flies up to her hair and she tucks it behind her ear. “If I want to keep my reputation and keep landing jobs, I need to be quiet.”

“Cole never kept his mouth shut if they wanted him to do things he didn’t want to.”

“Oh really? Like date me for the benefit of the media?”

Damn. She has a point. Slapping my hand against my thigh, I reply, “You got me there. But he always had a reason. I just want you to be sure you understand your reasons. Now, we’re here at your lawyer’s office. All ready?”

“Oui. I have the Agency’s contract right here. I want to see if I might be able to have more control over my schedule. I have been traveling so much and I would like to be able to have more say over that aspect of my career. I told Stacy and Monsieur Price that I will be in Las Vegas this weekend for Rose’s shower and they put that down on the calendar. I have missed too many important events over the past ten years, so I want to take this teensy bit of control for myself.”

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