AUBREE POV
Its been a week after that double date. After that I never saw Seb again. Though me and Gav are still seeing each other, not because of the pretend girlfriend-boyfriend thingy but because of work.
Gav’s company is my top account. They have just released a new line of Inarez clothing. And my team will be the one who will do the promotional campaign of the said new line.
Since Gav is the new CEO of IGC, he is the one I always talk to regarding this campaign. I didn’t know that being a business man will suit him. I always saw him before on billboards, runways and when we were in high school I knew he also had a band and he is the vocalist of their band. I expect him more to enter showbiz more than their company.
But I must say thag he carry himself well. And I can really see that he is serious with his new path now.
He’s kind of intimidating actually, almost everyone on my team is afraid of him. Maybe being her pretend girlfriend helps me to lessen the nervousness but it increases the pressure on my part because I don’t want to be embarrassed. Why? I also do not know. I’m always confident with my work but right now I can’t believe that I’m feeling nervous and pressured. Even with Gav’s mom I was never nervous or anyone else I spoke to. But Gav made me felt it. For the first time I wanted to impress someone, to see my worth.
I don’t know if its because I am longing for someone who will see that I am worth fighting for.
***
GAVIN POV
I’m glad that I took over the position of my mom. If I only knew that Bree is the one in-charge of every IGC campaign, I would have agreed to take over mom’s position as CEO earlier.
I’m sure that we had been close since then and maybe I could have already replaced Seb in Bree’s heart. But it’s not yet late right? Especially now, I have a greater chance to win her heart.
I never thought that Bree is this good. No wonder that mom chose her among all the ad agency that is trying to get us as their top client.
Until now we are still receiving proposals from other ad agency but still among all the proposals that I received, still Bree’s concept is the best. And I am so proud of her as a boyfriend, I do not want to say that pretend boyfriend, I want to cherish this time as her boyfriend.
I can be intimidated most of the time. I’m very serious when it comes to work. I may be a-happy-go-lucky guy but not when it comes to work. I know how big my responsibility is, not just in my family’s name but with the thousands of employee that we have.
I can see that Bree’s team are scared of me. Its very visible by the way they present and answer my questions. But not Bree.
I was not surprised that she did not feel intimidated by me. Even then, my presence with her seemed to have no effect.
In a month time, we will launch the new line of Inarez clothing. So we are here at Inarez studio to do some photo shoot for the print ads that we will be needing for the launch and for the whole campaign.
Its my first time to go in a studio that I am not the model. I’ve also decided to stop my modeling career and to concentrate on IGC though I still manage Inarez Records, the recording company that I built
From where I stand, I can see how passionate and hard working Bree is. And that made me smile. She’s really perfect.
I frowned when I saw the panic in Bree’s eyes. Which only means that there is a problem. So I immediately approached her.
“Is there a problem Bree?” I asked with full concerned.
She was smiling but I could still see the worries in her eyes. “There is only a small problem, because our model got sick but I already asked my team to look for a replacement.” She said assuring me.
“Okay. Just let me know if you need help.” I told her.
“No sir. We can handle this.” She said.
“Bree you don’t need to be formal with me.” I said.
“I have to. We are working Sir. And I need to address you because you are my client.” She explained.
I want to tell her that it doesn’t matter but I understand her point.
I just shook my head. “Okay Ms. Custodio if that’s what you want.” I said in a formal toner.
She smiled at me and then she excuse herself because she still need to talked to some of her staffs.
***
AUBREE POV
Why now? Why is this kind of problem had to happened today? This things had to happened when I wanted to impress him!
So when Gav approached me I was really embarrassed. I wanted it to be perfect but what happened? And what’s even more annoying is that my team can’t find a replacement.
What’s with today and all the models has a schedule?! I don’t know what to do anymore. Bree you can do much better than this. Relax and think.
If only men were needed, I would have talked to Gav for a long time since he is a model and very in-demand.
I gasped. So what are you going to do now Bree?
“Why don’t you take the position?”
I looked at the voice owner.
I looked behind me to confirm that I was the one he was talking to.
“Me?” I asked.
He chuckled. “Yes. We have no one else in this room but us right?”
I rolled my eyes. Opps. “Sorry, I shouldn’t do that.” He is still my client I can’t make a face.
He frowned. “What do you mean? Why are you saying sorry?”
“Because I just rolled my eyes on you.” I said shyly.
He just laughed at me. “Silly! That’s okay. You are the one who keep on insisting to be formal with me. Anyway, I’m serious with what I said earlier, you can replace the model. You’re beautiful and has a good physique. I even wonder why you didn’t try to do modeling jobs. I’m sure you will top them all.”
I blushed. I know he just want to encourage me. “Thanks for your kind words but its not my thing.”
He raised his left eyebrow. “Why don’t you try it first before you say that its not your thing.” He said challenging me.
I was about to speak when he suddenly grab my hand.
“Everyone!”
Everyone in the studio looked at us.
“Ms. Custodio will be replacing Ms. Gonzales.” He said with authority.
I can see that everyone was surprised by Gav’s announcement.
“Is that true Ms. Aubree?” Jenna asked excitedly. She is one of my staffs.
I swallowed hard. I could do nothing but nod.
I can see the happiness in the eyes of my workmates. Because finally are problem were solved.
Is our problem really solved now? Oh gosh! Its my first time to model. I can’t even take a selfie, what more a professional photo shoot?!
Oh Bree what you get yourself into?!
“You will do great Bree.” Gav said then he winked at me.
I just gave him a forced smile. But the truth is I want to shout at him for what he did to me.
“Okay let’s start. Laura assist Aubree so that we can start.” Allan, our gay photographer, said excitedly.
“Ms. Aubree lets go?” Laura said smiling.
I close my eyes. I tried to calm my self.
I looked at Gav, he gave me his assuring smile. It’s as if he’s telling me not to be nervous that I can do it.
I smile at him. I looked at Laura and smiled. “Okay.”
Gosh Aubree this is it!
***
GAVIN POV
I can’t help but smile. I knew that Bree can really do great in modeling. I don’t know if she is aware of it but she’s very natural, the photographer just said few instruction and she can easily get it. Not to mention that the camera really loves her.
After the first set of their shoot. I immediately went to her to asked her about her first modeling experience.
“Hey Bree so how’s the experience?” I asked her.
She smiled at me. “I honestly enjoyed it but I’m not sure if what I was doing earlier was right. I feel like a robot.”
I chuckled. As expected she was not even aware that she did great earlier. “You did great Bree. You’re a natural model. Everything Allan asked you to do was right. If ever they will have a hard time, that would be choosing the picture that they will used for the ads, because all your shots were beautiful.”
I saw her blushed. “Stop flattering me Gav!”
“No I’m not trying to flatter you. Would you like to consider joining our agency? I’m sure that you will be a hit in this field.” I asked her.
I really am not trying to flatter her. She is really a treasure in the modeling industry. During my time in the industry I was able to know the model’s potential because I know what the clients are looking for in a model. And Bree I am confident to say that she has all the things that they are looking for.
“I don’t think so.” She said.
I frowned. “Why?”
She sighed. “I’m not sure if I will fit.”
I smiled. I pinched her nose. “Silly. You will surely fit. I will take care of you. I will make you on top.”
“Make me on top?” She asked.
I nodded then smile.
“Am I be finally worthy if I will be on top?” She softly said.
But I don’t think that she is talking to me. It seems like she is telling that to herself.
I furrowed. “What do you mean?”
I saw the shock on her face. I was right, she was telling it to herself. “What are you saying?”
“You are asking yourself about being worthy.” I said.
I saw her bit her lower lips. “Nothing.” Then she avoided my gazed.
I became even more curious. But I don’t want to push her to tell it to me. I don’t want her to be uncomfortable with me.
“You are worthy Bree with just yourself. Don’t ever think that you need to do or achieve things just to be worthy because you are already worthy.” I said seriously.
I want to know who made Bree feel that way. That person is definitely blind for not seeing how worthy Bree is.
Is she referring to Seb?
And speaking of Seb what is he and Sam doing here. Sam was obviously looking for something while Seb just followed her.
Sam’s smile immediately widened when she saw me.
“Gav!” She called me.
“Hi Sam what brought you two here?” I said as they went close to us.
I saw Seb looking at Bree. From what I am seeing right now I’m sure that he still has a feeling for Bree. But why can’t he fight for her?
Is that the reason why Bree thinks that she’s not worthy? Because Seb can’t fight for her?
“Gav I need to go to Laura first to change outfit.” She said excusing herself.
I nodded at her while smiling.
“Change outfit?” Sam asked as Bree left.
I nodded. “Yes. Because one of our models did not make it so we’ve decided that Bree will replace her.”
I saw shock in Seb’s eyes. “She’s also a model?”
I smirked. “Soon.”
“What do you mean?” Sam said a bit confused.
“She’s perfect in this field. She’s a natural model. And I’m planning to make her on top.” I said proudly.
“You really think she’s that good huh?” Sam said.
I grin. “100%.”
After a few minutes, Bree went out. And beautiful is an understatement to describe how beautiful she is with her outfit. She looks like a Goddess.
I can also see the amazement from the people in this place. She’s actually only wearing a simple long white dress with a long slit. And her make up compliment her outfit as well.
I can also see Seb stunned by Bree. I saw them staring at each other. I do not know but I felt pain in my heart. Whether I admit it or not it is obvious to them that they both still love each other.
But Bree doesn’t deserve a guy like him. A guy who can’t fight for her.
***
AUBREE POV
I was surprised to see Seb with his fiancée in the studio.
I felt the pain in my heart when they went closer to us.
They look like a perfect couple. Gav is right, Sam looks so pure and innocent. Maybe if Sam is not a good person I might considered fighting for Seb.
I could feel my tears is about to fall down so I made an excuse to Gav to avoid it to happen.
To this day it still hurts. No matter how hard I try to accept that Seb and I are done, I still can’t accept it.
Until now I still cry every time I think that everything I work so hard for went to waste.
Seb is the reason why I want to succeed in my career. His family actually. I wanted to be worthy for him.
When I saw myself in the mirror, I barely recognized myself.
Can I really be a model? Can I really make it on top?
“Ms. Bree, are you ready? Let’s start.” Said Laura.
“I’m ready.” I said smiling.
When I came out, Seb immediately caught my eye. He was looking at me. I wanted to run to him and hug him but I control myself from doing that. I don’t want to make a scene.
I could see in his eyes that he still loved me. Am I seeing it right? Do you still love me?
Is being on top will make me worth fighting for?