No Love Greater

CHAPTER SIX

I decided to close my eyes a bit only to discover I had slept off for over an hour on the couch.

That was needed.!!

I slowly picked up my handbag and laptop case from the rug and dropped them on the reading table. My email was equally set up on my phone so I would easily know when I got mail, after all, my laptop won't be everywhere with me.

Shower was quick as I made up my mind to check my social media handles after dinner.

Just as I finished clearing the kitchen my phone rang. I checked the caller id and it was Joe from the office.

"Hello Joe, how are you doing?", I asked.

"I'm good, I said I was going to call you, and yea, I'm doing that now", he said chuckling over the phone.

"So what's up?", I responded.

He talked for so long. Talked about work in the office, our supervisors, the drivers, mechanics and all. He even told me about the hottest hangout spots in the town and other fun things to do. His sister lived with him after she got a job there. His parents lived in London and were civil servants. I just gave him brief stories about my family but didn't divulge unnecessary information since we were just getting to know each other.

His sister joined the conversation the moment she got into their apartment. She claimed to find it strange that her brother was lying down in a corner of their living room with legs stretched awkwardly over the sofa and decided to find out who he was speaking to. We spoke for a while before we said our goodbyes and ended the call.

I got up from the chair in the kitchen and started singing along to Rihanna's 'diamonds' that was playing from my phone while setting out what I will wear for the week in my guest room. Work wear was casual most of the time so it wasn't really difficult to decide. It was obvious I needed to upgrade my wardrobe but I didn't have enough money presently to do so. My gross earning was £180,000 which would then be about eight thousand pounds each month after tax. The week before I resumed was used to process my work permit by Mercedes so the tax deductions were set. I currently wasn't paying rent so there was some extra cash for now.

I decided to reach out to the modelling agency and talk to my agent.

'Hello Allison", I said to her after she picked up at the third ring.

"Hi Selena, what's up?", she said to me.

"I just wanted to inform you of a new development, I'm now employed with Mercedes' Formula 1 team, I currently reside in Brackley but I'm open to coming down to London if there are any jobs by weekend", I said.

"Oh that's cool, Congratulations.!!!", she cheerfully said.

"Thank you, but the thing is I will be travelling with the team to races from next season, things might change and I might need to go with them sooner than that, I know my earlier limitations in travelling due to lack of funds over the years caused me to lose some certain jobs but I feel this is an opportunity for me", I added.

"This is a wonderful change Selena, ensure you email me the schedule for this season and next so I know if to place you when an opening comes up", she said.

"Endeavour to send it tonight please", she insisted.

"I will do that immediately, thank you for your effort Allie", I responded then I cut the call.

Flashback

Back in school during one of my nights out with Kayla, we entered the club after flashing our id's, determined to have fun. We had just finished our final exams and decided to unwind that day. Kayla wore a short black skirt with a pink off shoulder crop top and black heels, I wore a V-necked fitted sequined white dress with nude shoes and accessories. After finally having our cocktails and starting to groove on the dance floor, I was approached by a lady who asked if I will be able to have a small chat with her. I first assumed she wanted to pimp me for someone but quickly brushed off the thought.

"Give me a minute", I said to Kayla. She didn't seem too bothered as a young guy was already dancing with her but just nodded her head. We walked off to the VIP lounge then she spoke again.

"I'm Allison Teal, she said.

"Selina Reiss", I replied.

"You have the body of a model, have you ever considered modelling? she asked.

"Well, I have done some jobs in school, but never really thought of taking it up as a profession", I replied to her.

"You will do well in the industry, if you can constantly travel a lot I will be able to get you both local and international jobs, but you will have to fund your flights. We will be able to get you accommodation for the day. It's only when you break through and are in demand that they start setting all those up for you, but you will enjoy it. You will meet new people, famous people and you will love it. For a start I will get you into the London Fashion Week starting next weekend as one of the extra models for Calvin Klein, it will be a good start in your fashion resume. This is my card, please contact me tomorrow so you can come in, register under our agency and I add your name to the rehearsals starting from Tuesday", she said shouting as the music almost deafened us.

I was convinced it would work out. I hastily took her card and replied.

"I will give you a call tomorrow, thank you Allison", I said.

With that I went back to find Kayla on the dance floor.

I called her the next day and eventually participated in the fashion show over the weekend for Calvin Klein. The professional pictures were the first I posted on my Instagram handle which had been idle off any activity in a while.

That was how my interest in modelling started. Although I was offered several jobs which I couldn't participate in because of location, Allison made sure she always told me about the openings. She believed I will make it big in the modelling industry one day and I also felt it too.

End of flashback

"This new job would open several opportunities for me", I said to myself.

"I might find love too", I added, but shrugged it off as I remembered how my ex-boyfriend Daniel ended our relationship.

I took several pictures on my bed with the selfie camera of my phone and looked for the best one to post on my Instagram handle. I then scrolled through the accounts of several people and school mates I was following. I also followed the official account of Mercedes formula 1 team along with Toto, Lewis and Valtteri. Twitter and facebook seemed boring at the moment so I didn't spend much time there before I had my bath and got ready for bed.

Within the next three months, i was able to do some weekend jobs for clothing lines along with other upcoming models and made new friends.

I had gotten used to my new daily routine and worked hard to let the team realize in no time that employing me was a brilliant idea. Calls and emails would constantly come from Toto, Lewis and Valtteri asking for explanations or suggestions regarding some issues. I was part of every debrief and meeting for the next three months which got me familiar with everyone. Occasionally my opinion was sought after reviewing data from a previous race and we brainstormed for solutions.

There were eleven races remaining in the season and the team was determined to score as many points as possible even though we were currently at a disadvantage. To take the season we needed to 'up' our strategy. There had been too many mistakes in the pit taking place continuously which cost us valuable points.

The Turkish grand prix would take place in a week and I was told to be online during the race. Toto would be in touch with me via video call while they traveled and resumed preparations. I was nervous about this new step but knew this will be an opportunity to show what I could do. This was the opportunity...!!!