ONE TO WATCH

CHARLIE: HE'S PERFECT

Name: Charlene Viljoen

D.O.B: 02/03/2000

Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)

Weight: 61kg

Sign of the Zodiac: Pisces

Eye colour: Green

Nationality: South African

Occupation: Model

Fashion Week

Taking a break from unpacking, Charlie headed to the kitchen to make herself an almond smoothie. She sipped the creamy drink while perched on the window seat, sunlight streaming through the double glazing. Carelessly, she flipped through a magazine. She was on the lookout for inspiration for a new haircut. She'd decided to go short. It was a big move for her, and she didn't want to rush it. On her way back to her room, she bumped into Delyan coming through the front door. He greeted her and hung his coat on the rack, glancing at the boxes lined up against the hallway wall.

"Do you want me to move these in?" he asked.

"That'd be great. Thanks." She was surprised he remembered. They'd barely spoken since she moved in, each politely avoiding the other.

"Just the two marked 'books,'" she said, walking towards him. "I can handle the rest."

He picked up a box, and she did the same. It occurred to her that she had too much stuff for her transient lifestyle. She wished she'd had the foresight to get rid of some of it before coming. Then again, her possessions were significant to her. Everything she owned, she cherished and always struggled to discard anything she considered her property.

"What are you doing tonight?" Delyan asked as they made their way up the stairs to her room.

"Not much. I have a presentation at Villa Necchi Campiglio at five o'clock."

At her bedroom door, she balanced her box in one hand and opened the door with the other, indicating for him to step inside.

"Just put that by the end of the bed?"

Delyan complied. "So...work then..." he said, looking directly at her. "And?"

Is he going to ask me out!?

Charlie twisted a lock of hair around her finger. It was hard to concentrate. His gaze was unnerving.

"I'd be free at seven... if you wanted to maybe... do something after work?" She watched his face, but it revealed nothing. "I can't stay out late though."

"Me neither," he said, glancing around her room. "I'm up at four for Paris."

Clothes were already spilling out of her closet. She crossed the room and shut the mirrored door.

"What are you doing in Paris?"

Delyan turned back for the next box, responding over his shoulder, "KENZO shoot... casting for fashion week. Paris fashion week," he clarified.

Charlie followed him. "How about coffee...after work?"

He shook his head. "Coffee's no good for me in the evening." He picked up another large box of books. There was a grace and ease in his movements as he scaled the stairs that she found magnetic. She realized she hadn't stopped thinking about him since they met.

He glanced at her as they walked back to her room, and she blushed.

"I think I might come to the presentation," he said.

"Ha ha!" she laughed, looking down.

"No, seriously," he grinned. "I heard the villa is worth seeing."