Page 38 of Her Supermodel Stalker
I repress a smirk as I pause and wait for him to speak.
“You see, Mr. Gamble. We’re in the same industry. You know how frustrating it is not to get noticed even after trying for years. Not everyone is as lucky as you are.” His face suddenly crumples. “It’s not like I have a choice.
I’m taken aback for a second. It’s not my plan to feel sorry for the scumbag. “I’m not just lucky. Do not blame your failure on luck, young man,” I say. “You have to find the opportunities instead of waiting for good things to happen. Honestly, have you tried hard enough?”
He doesn’t speak, proving I was right. Too many people are attracted to Hollywood's glamour without preparing for the hard work and the harsh competition. Just a pretty face or a well-built body isn’t enough. Those are a dime a dozen nowadays, especially with advanced technology to enhance one’s features.
“I want you to make a public comment,” I say to him with a firm voice. “You will apologize to Lexi and give up the right to your child. You also must sign a legal document for the same purpose.”
Jackson nods after just a moment’s pause. “Okay. I’ll do that.”
“Honestly, this grand gesture will help you more than you expect. Your new publicist Amanda will help you with that, without a doubt.”
“How do you know?” he asks, looking astonished.
The truth is I didn’t know for sure. “What else can explain your fortuitous appearance at the wine festival?”
While he doesn’t speak, I tell him, “If she ditches you, which she probably will, I will refer you to other publicists that I worked with in the past.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gamble,” he says. “Please tell Lexi I’m sorry.”
“You might want to tell her in person or send her a message. You owe her at least that.”
“Sure I will.” He nods. “Just one more question.”
I wait for him to speak. “What do you see in Lexi? I can see you’re quite smitten with her.”
I’m taken aback for a moment. What a stupid question! The answer is obvious, and he must be an idiot not to get it. But then again, the fact he abandons such a gem of a girl and his own child to seek fame in Hollywood explains his lack of intelligence. “She’s the most beautiful thing on earth, not to mention gentle, loving, and forgiving. She always looks at the bright side of things. She doesn’t hold a grudge, and accepts whatever falls on her path, good or bad.”
Whether he agrees or not, Jackson nods with a smile. “Thank you for taking care of her and Jimmy. I wish you all happiness.”
Epilogue
Lexi
A year later
Tables covered in white cloths dot the vineyard’s garden. Devin is hosting a dinner to celebrate the end of the harvest. The ex-supermodel not only has an excellent taste in clothes but in food as well. It’s why he insisted on designing the menu himself and supervise the cooking, instead of leaving it to the catering company.
I always wonder what if Devin hadn’t become a supermodel and instead, become a pianist or a chef? Would we have met? He might’ve still become a celebrity, but I probably wouldn’t have followed him online, and he definitely wouldn’t have noticed me.
“Delicious,” Susie, who sits next to me, lets out an exaggerated moan after a bite of the spinach lasagna. “Wow. I can’t believe Devin Gamble just cooked dinner for me. And he does it every day for you! You’re one lucky gal, Lexi!”
I smile demurely. Lucky is the right word, and I still can’t believe my luck after a year of being with the man that used to exist in my fantasies only.
Devin has changed my life. True to his promise, he allowed me two days per week paid-leave work on my winemaking certificate. I enrolled in an online program offered by UC Davis. It’s an eighteen-month program, but I finished it in a year. I’m a certified winemaker now, and I have so many plans for creations I can’t wait to get started. Devin and I plan to travel to Italy and France for a wine-tasting tour to gather inspiration and discover new grape varieties.
“I want to learn how to cook, too, Mommy,” Jimmy says to me.
“Sure, ask Devin to teach you.” I laugh while patting the back of his head. The boy worships Devin despite my warnings and wishes to do everything Devin does. He’s already quite good at the piano and has started rock-climb. A few days ago, he told me he would like to become a supermodel when he grew up. I have a feeling he’s mixed the supermodel up with Superman.
In the middle of the meal, Devin makes a toast. “I made the best decision in my life when I purchased this vineyard. Not only have I discovered a paradise on earth, but I also met the most hardworking people on earth and been part of their effort in making great tasting wines. And most importantly, I met the most beautiful woman, the love of my life, and her adorable son.”
He walks to my side and drops on one knee. When he looks up, he’s holding a velvet box. “Lexi, I was a lost ship before I met you, and you were the beacon that brought light and direction to my life. I knew you and I were meant to be together the moment I laid my eyes on your photo three years ago. I’m so grateful I found you, and I followed my heart to the vineyard. Your gentle, loving heart is the reason life is beautiful and meaningful. I want you to be my beacon forever. Will you marry me?”
Tears stream down my face as I listen. Oh, my God. Am I dreaming? For the past year, I’ve gotten used to living with my supermodel, however incredible it was, and there were times I waited with trepidation for the dream to end. I knew I would be devastated, but I was prepared for the worst. Devin was a great guy, but still, we were in different leagues. At least, we started out from different worlds. Even though our worlds collided, they would still sever. Once he realized I wasn’t what he really wanted, or he got bored with country life, he would leave us. But now, he’s asking to merge our worlds and extend the beautiful dream forever. This is too good to be true. But then again, so is our romance in the past year…
Devin’s face looks anxious, and I realize I’m an idiot not speaking. Jimmy tugs at my dress and whispers, “Say yes, Mommy!”
