Never Too Soon

Fair Warning

POV: Harper

"Hey, you've got this. You have earned this position, whether you believe me on it or not. Own it." Lauren looked over at me as she put the car in park in front of the building.

I took a deep breath and nodded my head before slipping out of the car. I know I earned it. The difference in profit Lauren made off of the runway compared to last year was more than I'd even hope to see in three lifetimes.

"I'll be here the full day so my usual spot is fine." Lauren handed her keys over to the valet who seemed to be terrified of her. I don't know why. She's all bark... for the most part at least.

"Where do I go?" I asked Lauren in a quiet voice. I was surprised she even heard me.

"I'll walk you to pre-shoot and then Max will take over. I'll be in my office on the top floor. The code for the top floor is the same one for everything else of mine if you need me. Do you remember it?" When Lauren walked through the room everyone parted like the red sea to give her space to walk. It was an intimidating sight.

"I remember it." I swallowed back my fear and stood a respectful distance away from her as we waited for the elevator, knowing that we can't be public about anything or even give the media something to run with.

It felt like every eye in the room was on me. I had no doubt that most of them knew who I was. My name and face was on every paper, fashion website, and social media platform for a week. Not to mention the fact that my follower count has reached sixteen-million after posting the pool pictures Darius took in Cuba.

Lauren waited for me to step in first before sending a look to everyone waiting for the elevator. One that told them they'd keep waiting.

"If anyone says something to you about anything, tell me. I'll handle it. These girls are from a different campaign. A smaller, less expensive campaign. Their paychecks compared to yours are pennies to hundred dollar bills, and they know it. They'll try to get under your skin, because they're cheap and have little class." She leaned over and kissed my forehead. "Other than that, just have fun."

I quickly wrapped my arms around her and buried my head into her neck before the elevator stopped at my floor. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, baby." Lauren securely wrapped her arms around me and kissed the top of my head again. "When you're done come upstairs and we'll have lunch."

I nodded my head and pulled away when the elevator started to slow down.

"This way." Lauren waved for me to follow her. "This is the shooting floor. The others are for the magazine in this building since it's a smaller district one."

I looked around at the various dressing rooms, the paintings on the dark walls, and the random faces shooting daggers in my direction.

"I can already tell that I'm a favorite." I mumbled sarcastically.

Lauren chuckled with a head nod while turning down the last hallway.

"Maxwell, you here yet?" She called out before walking into the open room.

"Yes I'm here. You're the one who is always late. Not me." Max scoffed. "You ready to do some work, baby doll?"

"I think so?" I almost went to scratch at my arms, but I knew it would mess everything up so I refrained the best I could.

"Good. I'll see you later, Lauren. We've got work to do." Max shooed Lauren out of the room before she could say another word, and closed the door behind her. "Let's get you dressed first and then hair and makeup."