Friction [Book 2]

-i miss you-

"You're late Ellianah, you know what I say about those who are late!"

"Sorry, traffic!"

I quickly paced through the doors to the main office in the hub of the city. I was heading for some shoots for a new Autumn label that a designer named Dominique had created recently.

Ignoring the receptionists criticism, I gratefully accepted the coffee that was thrust upon me by a walking assistant and was soon accompanied by a woman with a clipboard as we rode in the elevator to the fifth floor.

"You have prep in 5, then hair and make up followed by fitting, then a re-touch up, then at 4 you've got the shoot. It should end around 7. Good? Now go."

I was pushed out of the lift and onto the office floor before I could reply to the perky woman's list of duties. Today had already been hectic and my schedule had just increased greatly. With prep in five minutes, I had to finish the coffee and find some gum so I didn't repulse everyone around me with my coffee breath.

I walked into the lounge where I was greeted by my colleagues and stylist, Damon. He hugged me and complemented me on my figure, just like everyone else around me. I finished my drink and luckily enough, Damon had some minty gum to hand. Popping one into my mouth, I seized the opportunity to whip out my phone and make arrangements for Bodhi since I would be finishing late.

Thinking carefully about what to do, I ruled out the girls since they had their own kids to worry about. Pete's mom and dad had just taken Bodhi for a night and there was no way I was asking Ashlee, no matter how good of friends we were.

"Hello?"

"Hey Gabe! This has to be quick but you couldn't possibly do me a massive favour could you?" I bit into my lip and anxiously tapped my foot on the floor.

"Yeah sure, what is it?"

"Could you pick Bodhi up from nursery at five? I'm working now through till seven and you were the first person that came into my head. Would you mind? I'll come get him on my way home."

"Of course, no problem. I'll cook some dinner for us too if you like?"

"Gabe you're a life saver. Listen I have to go, see you tonight."

"Bye, Ell."

Abandoning my phone, I was ushered to my feet to greet the designer of the label, Dominique. She was a petite woman with long, chestnut curls and reached just above her waist. Sporting a beige pencil skirt, her arctic white blouse matched perfectly with her chunky heels. Her style was very different to my own, but I admired it non the less.

"Hi, I'm Ellianah, one of the models for your shoot." I smiled and held out my hand for her to shake.

"Dominique, it's a pleasure to have you shooting with us today." She smiled back and shook my hand gently. I could tell she wanted to talk more but her entourage took no time in getting her away from the models and to sorting out outfits for us.

"Ell and Travis, make-up call now!"

I removed myself from the lounge and walked through the group of people into the make-up lounge, taking a seat on the leather chairs in front of a brightly lit mirror. Feeling a presence next to me, the squeak of the chair by my side caused me to flicker my eyes to my left to see a grinning Travis. Damon started on my make-up whilst Travis' hair was being straightened.

"How's the lil guy then?" Travis asked, referring to Bodhi.

"He's great, thanks. Growing up so fast, it's unbelievable." I answered, shaking my head microscopically.