Page 79 of Faux Real
“She’ll get over it,” Sawyer says. “Let’s just go for a coffee or something. Like old times.”
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “If you and I start hanging out, that’ll ruin things with Corrine, we both know it—”
“Ken—”
“Let me finish,” I say, holding up my hand. “You seem happy now, Sawyer, and I don’t wanna mess that up for you so just leave me alone, okay?”
“No,” Sawyer whispers, the clicking of high heels echoing in the distance.
“Babe!” Corrine calls out, her hardened gaze darting at me. “Oh, Kenny, what a treat.” She purses her lips. “What’re you two talking about?”
“Nothing,” I sigh as she loops her arm through Sawyer’s. Maybe he sees something I don’t. Or maybe he sees what Iused tosee. Who knows? “I was just leaving.” I glance at Sawyer. “Good luck tonight.”
“Thanks,” Sawyer mutters as I walk away.
Maybe I didn’t have a heart before, but I do now. And my heart wants him to be happy but it doesn’t wanthim. Not anymore. And honestly, that’s kind of a relief.
I manage to get halfway down the stairs before Corrine’s voice chirps from behind me, “Stay the fuck away from my boyfriend, Kenny. Got it?”
“Not a problem,” I sigh, continuing down the staircase.
“I’m serious, Kennedy,” Corrine states, grabbing my shoulder and spinning me around. “He doesn’t love you anymore, he lovesme, so just stay away.”
“I know that,” I say in a calm tone. Nothing. It doesn’t hurt. “Don’t worry, Corrine, he’s all yours.”
Corrine frowns, eyeing me warily. “Really? You expect me to believe that?”
“No, I don’t,” I sigh. “Believe whatever you want.” I check my watch. “Can I go now? I’m late.”
Corrine crosses her arms. “What were you talking about? Tell me.”
“Ancient history,” I mutter, my phone vibrating again. I pick up the call from Oliver. “Hey, I’ll be right there.”
“Tardiness is not tolerated at Hilton,” Ollie teases. “If you’re not here in thirty seconds, I’m leaving.”
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” I say, rolling my eyes before I hang up. I look up at Corrine. “Anything else?”
She narrows her eyes at me. “I’ll be watching you,Kenny.”
“Whatever, Corrine,” I murmur, turning my back on her.
God, she reallyisinsecure. At least that hasn’t changed.
When I round the corner to the studio, I find Oliver leaning against the classroom door, a pair of headphones covering his ears. “Well, well, well,” he tuts, pausing his music as I approach. “Look who finally decided to show up.”
“Yes, I’m late, sorry. Move please,” I say, pushing him to the side so I can unlock the door. “We only have thirty minutes so let’s get started.” I twist open the handle, enter the studio, and turn on the lights. “Who’s going first? You or me?”
“This isyourshoot, Kennedy, not mine.” A mischievous grin spreads on his face. “I have other plans for you, my little model.”
“What are you talking about?” I ask, pulling the DSLR from the camera bag as we walk over to the white backdrop. “You don’t want to use theprofessionalstudio equipment?”
“My project, my choice,” Ollie smirks. “Don’t worry though, love, it’s not far, we can walk there.”
“We have togosomewhere?” I ask as I switch on the studio lights, positioning them according to Mr. Takanaki’s textbook instructions. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I just love seeing you flustered,” he smirks, nodding at the backdrop. “Alright, boss, where do you want me? What’s your vision? How do you plan on capturing my—as our professor put it—myessence.”
I snort. “I think I’m going for a ‘he’s overly cocky and kind of a dick’ vibe so all you gotta do is just stand there.”
