The Sweetest Drug (On Hold..... maybe)

Page 23

2 weeks later Nina and Julia are having lunch together at her Condo J:"You have a beautiful place darling, it must cost a fortune I'm sure" N:"Why thank you Doll it's quite affordable I assure you, Sky insists on helping me pay part of it" She gives Nina a look of concern J:"Does Jared know?" N:"It's complicated........ after my break up with Chris I had nowhere to go so I crashed on his couch for weeks. I hadn't worked in months and when this place opened up I couldn't afford it and I loved it so. Sky offered to help me pay till I got back up on my feet..... he's been helping me ever since." J:"And you're sure he wants nothing in return" Nina looks at her in confusion N:"Julia ..... Darling no!!! He's my best friend he's like a brother to me, he would never cross that line I'm sure" J:"I'm sorry Pet, I didn't mean it that way" she puts her arms around Nina, she felt foolish for bringing it up but she also fell protective of her. They were practically sisters after all and she guessed it just came with the territory N:"It's ok Doll, you're protective nature flatters me so"

They're enjoying coffee and reminiscing about the boys when the phone rings N:"Hello" E:"Nina Darling how are you? I hope I'm not disturbing you" N:"Emanuelle Darling I'm splendid and not at all. Is everything set for Paris?" E:"That's the reason I'm calling you Doll. Renee's in the hospital she suffered a miscarriage" N:"Oh no that's terrible I didn't even know she was pregnant" E:"Apparently neither did she" N:"How is that even possible?" E:"Don't know Darling, she's been mandated bed rest for the next two weeks, which means....." N:"Paris is out of the question" E:"Exactly!!! Chanel and Dior are expecting 3 models and everyone else is booked, what am I gonna do?" Nina looks over at Julia with mischief in her eyes N:"I have and idea....." 10 minutes later she puts the receiver back on the cradle J:"Nina Morette what are you up too? And why did my name come up repeatedly in that conversation?" N:"It's simple really one of the models that was supposed to go with me to Paris is in the hospital, so she's gonna need to be replaced and....." J:"Nina you're not suggesting that I ......" N:"Why not Doll, you used to model and you've always wanted to go to Paris" that was true, she remembered watching a movie as a child with her mother, it was filmed mostly in Paris, she immediately fell in love with the city and vowed to visit it one day. J:"Nina....... I don't know Pet it's been so long besides ...." N:"Besides what? You're off from the studio for 2 weeks, you have the experience and whatever you don't remember you'll pick it up quick" J:"What about Shannon...." N:"What about him? He can come with, Jared's coming with me. This is Chanel and Dior we're talking about two of the most prestigious fashion houses in Paris, the city of love" she made it sound so easy, truth is she did want to go but she was scared, what little modeling she did was at her parents country club so she hardly considers that experience. Nina gives her a pouty little look clasps her hands together and bats her eyelashes like a little girl begging for a porcelain doll N:"Pleeeeeaaaasseee" she looks positively adorable Julia can't help but giggle. J:"Stop.... Ok, I'll do it!" Nina throws her arms around Julia N:"Thank you Doll you're a lifesaver" J:"Just pray I don't fall on my face" N:"Don't worry you won't I promise."

Ten days later they land at Charles de Gaulle International Airport. a driver awaits to take them to their hotel as do several reporters and paparazzi. The cameras flash away as they make their way to the car. "Monsieur Leto welcome to Paris" "Is this your girlfriend she is quite beautiful" Jared:"Mercy mom amie" "Mademoiselle Sirac over here" "Welcome to Paris" to Shannon "You are one lucky man Monsieur" S:"Mercy" they both politely wave and thank the crowd as they get in the car. Shannon looks at Julia bemused. Julia:"What is it Darling" S:"Nothing my Love it just took me by surprise when the paparazzi were clamoring for your attention I mean I'm used to it with Jared but........ I sound like jerk don't I" She smiles sweetly at him Julia:"Shannon I am an actress and it's bound to happened eventually" he raises an eyebrow in shock, she giggles and kisses his cheek Julia:"I'm kidding.....Darling No of course you don't, truth be told it surprised me. I didn't think they even knew who I was" N:"you might not have a lot films under your belt Doll but what you do have is quite impressive" Julia:"Thank you Doll you flatter me so" S:"What about you Nina, you don't seem to be too impressed with the paparazzi" Jared pulls her closer and kisses her cheek Jared:"She handles them like a pro doesn't she" N:"Well I have to admit they did scare me at first but they seem to be everywhere, now they just annoy me more than they frighten me" S:"Wow! I don't know if I'll ever get used to it"

They arrive at their hotel where they meet up with Charlie and Emanuelle who came in on an earlier flight. The girls and Emanuelle go over their itinerary while the boys check them in. E:"So ladies we meet here tomorrow morning at 8:00 the shuttle leaves for the Grand Palais at 8:30 sharp." To Nina "Oh and make sure to check for messages, if I've heard correct Langerfeld has personally requested you to join his show" N:"Oh my God are you serious? That's amazing" C:"Nina, that's wonderful! Wait so if they want Nina why are we here?" E:"They requested Skyler's three top models and yes they asked for Nina by name" Poor Julia looks so lost, the anxiety is written all over her face Julia:"Wait, so are we rehearsing before the show" E:"Of course we are darling, don't worry you'll be fine. Think of it this way it's like your driver's test, sounds a lot scarier than it really is" she smiles and breathes deeply J:"Thank you Emanuelle, I needed that"

We go upstairs to our room Julia looks at the view through the French doors and looses her breath S:"Baby, you ok" she smile big, she gently places her hand on Shannon's chest J:"Perfect" she goes out to the balcony and Eiffel Tower stands before her in all its glory, it's even more beautiful than she ever imagined. Her breathe and catches and tears leave her eyes, Shannon's arms enfold her and she sighs S:"Baby what's wrong?" She turns to face him and he realizes that her tears are tears of joy J:"I've dreamt of Paris since I was a little girl.....and now.... I'm here ...... I'm really here" he takes her lips tenderly and his arms enfold her once more as they take in the view.