Page 177 of Finding the Forward: Part One
Yeah, I wanted them all.
“I did that shoot for Creative Collective today. It was fun. A little strange, but fun. Turns out I used to work with one of the omegas running it.” I plopped into the seat in front of his desk, leaning my crutch against it.
“It’s nice that you’re taking a break from the greenhouse. I know you need to get your research fixed, but you work a lot,” he told me, eyes still on his computer screen.
“So do you,” I joked, gazing at the empty desks on the other side of the glass.
He closed his laptop. “True. Did your shoot include llamas?”
“To start off, it was a very normal shoot.Winter looks for on and off the slopes.I worked with some sweet omega models. Then, they wanted to do someart shots. I found myself in a clear bathtub filled with goldfish while wearing averyexpensive dress.” Which was one of the strangest things I’d ever done for a shoot.
I showed him a picture on my phone. “It’ll either have everyone jumping to book me, or I’ll never get runway work again. It’s almost blasphemous to wear a Vecci in a bathtub.”
“They did not. It ruined that dress, didn’t it?” His hand went to his mouth, scandalized.
“Maybe? They let me keep it. It’s in a bag in my backpack. Know any good dry cleaners we can visit on our way to the arena?” One thing I liked about AJ was that he was aware of things such as brands and quality, which weren’t always the same.
“Good idea. A clever tailor should be able to help as well,” he told me.
“Oh, definitely. This isn’t the first time I’ve asked to keep a ruined dress. The woman who does the costumes for my old university’s theater department is amazing at remaking things for me,” I replied, getting the sack with the still-damp dress out of my backpack.
The dress was filmy and creamy with gold embroidery. I still couldn’t believe theyletme have it. Vecci gowns were expensive. They were one of the top couture fashion houses.
“Maybe you can wear it when Grif conducts the Boston Symphony.” AJ slid his laptop into his bag.
“You want me there?” It was so romantic that AJ had gotten that arranged for Grif. Meanwhile, all I had were roses. They’d take a while, though I was getting started.
“Of course.” AJ slung his bag over his shoulder. “Let’s go to the dry cleaners.”
AJ and I sat in the family section watching the Knights play the Philadelphia Aces, beers and snacks in hand. We’d gone down to the family room to grab free booze, since Grif had gotten me a pass. I’d grabbed Gwen the chips I knew she liked. She’d mentioned earlier that she was coming tonight.
“Gwen.” I turned around and threw her the chips. She was sitting behind us by Carlos’s mom.
“Thank you.” She caught them while balancing a plastic container on her knees.
“I smell enchiladas.” I sniffed, looking around. Those hadn’t been in the family room and weren’t on the arena menu.
Carlos’ mom smiled. “I always bring some for Gwen when she’s on duty. A growing girl needs to eat.”
Janessa turned and waved at me. “Hi, AJ. Hi, Verity.”
“Hi!” I waved back.
“I heard Elias gotcaptainfor one of the All-Star teams,” AJ said to her. “That’s amazing.”
Oh, right, that was coming up in February. One player from each team in the PHL was chosen and would end up on one of four teams, captained by both players and a special co-captain. There were other spots up for fan vote. The PSSL had that, too.
“He’s so happy. Winston’s hoping for the popular vote, but I think it’ll be Grif or Dean. Maybe it’ll be all of them,” she replied.
“The Knights sweeping the popular vote would be fun,” AJ said.
One kid needed her attention, and she turned back around.
AJ looked at me. “While I’d love for Grif to make the All-Star team, there’s a several-day break for those that don’t. I’ll take those days off. You should check your calendar. It might be nice to have a little stay-cation and spend them all together.”
“You’d include me?” I loved that idea.
“If I don’t, Dean will pitch a fit.” A smile curled at the corners of his mouth.
