“You don’t have to, you know. You can just chill out here. I really won’t be long.”
She looks up at me, her smile sweet and warm. “I want to go with you, just to be with you. But I feel like I should check out where you work. Get used to the place. After all, its going to be where I work too, isn’t it?”
“Well, not exactly. Your launch will be with my section, but you could end up working anywhere in the world.”
Her eyes go wide, the dark circles on the light grey rims making her look dangerous as well as surprised.
“What?”
“Models don’t work for just one magazine, Roxy. They go where the money is, or where someone supports their artistic vision.”
“And suddenly you’re not speaking English again.” She grins at me, so I know she’s making fun of me.
“You better get dressed. Come on if you’re coming.”
“Okay.”
She disappears into the bedroom and I run around getting my laptop and other gear. I wonder how she’s doing finding clothes that fit. I really do have to take her shopping soon.
When she comes out, I can’t even speak. I just stare at her with my jaw dropping open.
She’s been in my kink drawers, stuff that I would never wear in public unless it was a closed event. I need people to put the pieces together for me though. I buy them as complete outfits and I never think of changing them.
She’s wearing a black mesh dress that is almost completely see through. Her delicate, graceful legs are enhanced by the purple tights that have curling patterns of roses up and down the length. Over the top of the mesh dress she’s wearing a short little evening jacket that’s meant to go with formal wear. Somehow, her tough old boots fit the image perfectly.
She’s looking at me with a worried expression.
“If you really hate it then…”
“No! No!” I hurry over to her, kissing her quickly. “It’s fantastic! You really are a natural model, Roxy. I can’t wait to let you lose on the rest of my wardrobe!”
“You really like it?”
“I love it!”
Her face breaks into a smile of such pleasure it almost makes me cry. I know she must have had a tough past and she’ll tell me all about it when she’s ready. Her reaction affirms to me that she’s never had any encouragement, never had anyone support her or help her go after her dreams.
I wonder what those dreams might be. If they still exist somewhere inside this tough, street smart girl.
The second we hit the street, Roxy is turning heads. I see her blush straight away, her perfect skin flushing pale rose. She really looks fantastic without makeup.
I decide to walk part of the way and it seems to me that the city has a new quality to it. Everything is vibrant, the air itself seeming to caress me and whisper of a wonderful future.
I squeeze Roxy’s hand and swing it a little. I want to scream, I want to dance. I want to tell the whole world—I’m in love!
When we get to the office the place is bustling, as busy as a weekday. When all the heads swivel towards us Roxy practically hides in the elevator.
“Oh, no you don’t.” I grip her arm tightly. “You came this far. Get your tiny butt out there.”
“They’re looking at me…”
“Yep, and soon everyone will be. Get used to it.”
I think she’s about to protest, but she just gulps, adjusts the skirt and strides out like she’s on a catwalk. She really has no idea how beautiful she is, and she wears that innocence like an aura. Everyone she sees can’t help but be touched by it.
“Helen! Roxy!” Lisa comes charging out of her office, black hair stunning against a bright blue mini dress. I shudder to think how long it takes her to get ready each day.
“Look at you!” Lisa almost screams, grabbing Roxy’s shoulders. “Where did you get this outfit! It’s crazy gorgeous! Are you a fashion designer as well as a model?”