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Leo took a deep breath as he dialed Rachel’s number, he had an important task for her that would require her attention and dedication. As the phone rang, he couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement, knowing that he had made the right choice in selecting her for the job.
When Rachel answered, he explained the situation, “Hey Rach, I need you to head over to the hotel, I’ve got some models that need to speak with us. They’re eager to hear about our plans for the upcoming fashion competition and I think you’d be the perfect person for the job. Your keen eye for detail and ability to connect with people will be invaluable.”
Rachel was initially taken aback by the sudden request, but as Leo continued to explain the details of the task, she could feel the excitement building inside her. “I’m sending the company driver and two other staff members with you, for support. They’ll make sure everything runs smoothly and that you have everything you need.”
“Bet”
It had been many months since Rachel had last seen the models she worked with, but she was pleasantly surprised when they bumped into each other in a busy cafe. They hugged each other tightly, reminiscing about the old times and catching up on each other’s lives. As they sat down for a drink, Rachel noticed that the models seemed to have lost some of their fire and spark, and she asked them about their current jobs.
To her shock, the models told her about the harsh conditions they had to work under at their agency, where they were constantly underpaid and overworked. This sparked an idea in Rachel, who saw a unique opportunity to help both her friends and herself. She asked the models if they would be interested in modeling her designs for a forthcoming fashion competition and any other events she would participate in.
The models were ecstatic at the opportunity and they immediately agreed to Rachel’s proposal. They clinked their glasses together, toasting to their new collaboration and the exciting future ahead.
Rachel and the models had been catching up for a while, reminiscing about old times and discussing the latest developments in their respective careers. They talked about the upcoming events and competitions, and how the fashion industry was changing so rapidly. After a few rounds of drinks, Rachel’s mind started racing with ideas. Suddenly, she remembered the models and her passion for design. She turned to them with excitement in her eyes and said, “Hey guys, I have an idea. What if you guys modeled my designs for the competition and future events? I think it would be great if we could work together again.”
The models were taken aback by Rachel’s proposal, but after a moment of consideration, they all agreed that it was a fantastic idea. They clinked their glasses together, sealing the deal.
As Rachel left the bar and headed to the bus stop, she was in high spirits, eager to start working on her designs and bring her vision to life. She was so lost in thought that she almost didn’t notice the familiar face that boarded the bus with her. It was Will, and he was accompanied by a beautiful blonde she didn’t know.
“Hey Rach, long time no see!” Will exclaimed, giving her a warm hug.
“Hey Will! How have you been?” Rachel asked, happy to see her old friend.
“Good, good. Just been busy with school and all that,” Will replied, gesturing to his girlfriend who was standing quietly by his side. “Oh, let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Julie.”
Rachel greeted Julie warmly and the three of them struck up a conversation, chatting about their lives, their dreams, and their experiences. Will regaled them with stories of his time at school and the new photography projects he was working on, while Julie shared her passion for graphic design. Rachel, in turn, told them about her recent success in the fashion world, and how she had just landed a big opportunity to showcase her designs in a competition.
As the bus ride went on, Rachel felt a renewed sense of energy and excitement for her future. She was grateful for the chance encounter with her old friend, and for the support and encouragement she was receiving from those around her. With a smile on her face, she disembarked from the bus, eager to start working on her designs and chase her dreams.
She walks into the apartment, her shoes clicking against the hardwood floor, and heads straight to the bathroom. She turns on the shower, letting the hot water soothe her weary muscles. The warmth and steam help to calm her mind, and she takes a moment to just let herself relax.
After her shower, she wraps herself in a plush towel and heads to the kitchen. She rummages through the fridge and cupboards, looking for ingredients for a light dinner for her and her mother. She sets to work, chopping vegetables, mixing spices, and getting everything ready for cooking. As she prepares the meal, she hums to herself, lost in her own thoughts.
As she waits for her mother to come home, she sets the table with plates, silverware, and glasses. When her mother finally arrives, Rachel greets her with a warm smile and they sit down to eat.
Rachel sits at the dinner table with her mother, picking at her food as her mind races with all the new information she has uncovered about her father. Her mother attempts to make small talk, asking her about her day at work and what she has been up to. But Rachel is not in the mood for idle chatter, and instead focuses on the one question that has been plaguing her mind.
“Mom, did you know that Dad was once in the CIA?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her mother’s expression changes instantly, the smile slipping from her face as she sets down her fork. “Yes, I knew,” she says softly. “Your father was always very secretive about his work, but I knew that he was involved in something dangerous.”
Rachel leans back in her chair, her mind trying to process this new information. She had always known that her father was a private man, but she had never suspected that he was involved in such dangerous work.
“Did you know what kind of work he was doing?” she asks, trying to keep her voice steady.
Her mother shakes her head. “No, he never spoke of it. All I know is that he would often disappear for weeks at a time, and when he came back, he would be distant and preoccupied. It was as if a part of him was always elsewhere.”
Rachel nods, understanding all too well what her mother is saying. She had often felt the same way about her father, as if he was always holding something back from her.
“I just wish I could have known him better,” she says, her voice tinged with sadness. “It’s like there’s this whole side of him that I never got to see.”
Her mother reaches across the table and takes her hand. “I know, darling.”
Rachel and her mother continue their conversation after dinner. Rachel asks her mother about her father and how they met. Her mother starts to weep as she tells Rachel that she and her father fell in love during one of his CIA missions. Despite their strong feelings for each other, they decided to put their past lives behind them when her mother discovered she was pregnant with Rachel. Rachel thanks her mother for opening up and shares her own story about Leo.
Her mother listens intently as Rachel shares her experiences with Leo. She then reveals that she is avoiding a young lover who has declared his love for her. Rachel encourages her mother to embrace the opportunity for love and happiness, but her mother is hesitant, not wanting to repeat the mistakes of her past.
Despite her reservations, Rachel continues to support her mother, reminding her that life is short and that she deserves to be happy. Her mother finally opens up and shares more about her young lover, including the details of their recent encounters and how he has been expressing his feelings for her.