Wherever You Go

Chapter 28

 It had come down to one of their usual fights, but finally Hazan has agreed to come for a briefing and a screen test for the modeling assignment. Yagiz had been contemplating on expanding the business for a while and had immediately implemented it on his return to States. He has enough time in his hands and other partners were willing to take this step. It involved taking up more marketing oriented assignments and was an exciting new chapter for everyone involved. The moment Yagiz and the team cracked the idea of launching a dynamic online catalogue for their new clothing and jewelry venture, Yagiz thought about Hazan as the lead model. 

The company required a fresh face that does not involve high fashion or glamorous names and Hazan's exotic Mediterranean looks suited the high end brand. The pay was good for a beginner and will definitely be better than if she started at a gym or a school. However, he did not want to meddle too much in what she wanted to do, that was not his style, even if he wanted to keep her within his visual range at all time, given her tendency to invite troubles in. 

Being the independent spirit Hazan resisted his suggestion simply because it came through him and it was like a favour, until he pointed out that the model will anyway be selected through contacts since the company is keen to avoid fanfare and publicity. She relented but with very stern conditions. He cannot let them know of their true status, not even the fact that they live in the same house. Yagiz readily agreed. His company just handled the strategy part and did not get involved in the day to day operations of this company. They were a big client and there will be inputs required for the campaigns, but not on a level where their connections would come up.

Yagiz was lost in thought and was wondering how Hazan was handling the screen test and the casual chat when Jason entered office, looking thoughtful.

"Not a good morning?" Yagiz raised a brow, sipping the black coffee that was his breakfast.

" I don't know honestly" Jason says with a smile that looks like a grimace.

"You telling me or continue to play hard to get?"

"Remember I told you about a pretty girl in San Francisco? I just saw her again at Unita. Can you believe that she came to model for the exact project I thought she will be suitable for?" Jason asks and Yagiz feels something sinking in his heart. It is obvious what has happened. Jason has seen Hazan exiting the hotel that day and thought the same thing as he. Yagiz is glad that Jason has also thought the same thing as him, but now he had a bigger problem. 

Jason was one of the closest friends he has and one of the few who can arrive at his house, announced or unannounced. He has already learnt the lesson the hard way through Farah debacle. Hazan has been really adamant that he does not reveal it to anyone, but he cannot lie to Jason and it was never in his nature to do so.

"Oh you saw Hazan in San Francisco. I did not know. She is known to me and I thought she will be good for the project too. I am the one who asked her to contact the company" Yagiz watches Jason's face go through many emotions at once at this information.

"Whoa.. you know her? She is Turkish? Bro you never told me" He accuses and Yagiz sees more than casual interest in his face. His heart suddenly feels like it is lined with lead. Jason wants to get to know Hazan, he realizes with a sinking heart. He certainly finds her pretty and will certainly ask her out if he likes her personality too. Yagiz feels like millions of tiny needles stabbing his heart at once.

" I didn't know you were referring to Hazan. She doesn't want anyone to know that I know her because she feels that it will make her look bad if she is selected." Yagiz says, trying his best to sound perfectly normal.

"That's not it right? She was at the same hotel you were staying in and you stayed in a hotel far away this one time" Jason observes and Yagiz sighs.

" True. And she is staying with me in the house. Separately" He says hastily seeing Jason raising his brows.