Just One

Chapters 37 and 38

Chapter – 37 LEEO "I'm going with the tide."

Only after receiving the two plane tickets in my e-mail did I start packing my suitcase. I chose a few outfits to wear to the photoshoot and others for the weekend, as Fred and I have decided to stay in Miami until Sunday.

My mother watches me pack my luggage closely and says: "Are you really going to insist on this whole thing again?"

I answer: "Mom, I don't know what awaits me for sure, but I feel like this time it's different. I feel that my paths are open, facing new challenges. I must risk all possibilities. The time is now."

"All right, just be careful not to sign anything before talking to us or a lawyer. Don't commit yourself to something you can't fulfill tomorrow. In a few more days, you'll receive a response from Stanford. Don't rush into anything," my mother advises.

I suggested to Fred that we stay in a hotel, but he insisted on staying at his cousin's apartment, who he claims is a really nice guy. He also mentioned that his cousin already has a party scheduled at a club on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach on Saturday night that we can't miss.

While we're waiting to board the plane at Orlando airport, I watch Fred chatting with Kate on the phone. I know Fred well, and his way of talking to her doesn't deny that he's in love. They seem very happy together, which also makes me happy. Kate appears to be a very mature and confident girl. It's nice to see that they're doing well for each other. I really wish I could be having experiences like that right now.

Kate told Fred that Anna was dating Nick. I saw them together on New Year's Eve, but they have nothing to do with each other. He might like her, but she'll never want him in the way he expects. If she were interested in him, she would have broken up with Zack a long time ago. Anna and Zack broke up because of me, so I know that her fate is the same as mine.

I ask for a minute of Fred's attention to send Anna a message: "Ask Kate to tell Anna that I'm terribly missing her and very excited for our next meeting because the universe is still working in our favor."

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As soon as we land, Josh, the same guy who picked us up the first time, is waiting for us again. We head straight to the modeling agency.

Norris welcomes us with the same friendliness as always. She immediately calls for the makeup artist and stylist's presence. Within a short time, I was in a dressing room with a team of people taking care of all the details, even sorting out my clothes to match some that were hanging there waiting for me.

We'll be taking indoor photos in the studio and outdoor shots in an area on the first floor that caters to various needs, such as entertainment, happy hours, and strategic backdrops for photo shoots.

The team has been exceptional. The photographer is laid-back and makes me feel at ease. While he tells his jokes, he photographs every angle of my smile or laughter.

During the photo shoot, he started asking me questions about Anna: "Leeo, is the girl in the video your girlfriend?"

While posing for the photos, I recall every detail of that night: "Man, the girl in the video is special. She's not my girlfriend yet, but she will be soon."

Mario, the photographer, laughingly comments: "I'm sure of it. Dude, you two really nailed it together."

"Can I ask you a favor Mario?" I inquire.

"Go ahead, man."

"Can I include my scarf in the look for some photos?"

"Sure. I love the scarf vibe too." Mario accepts my request. As I put on the scarf, he asks: "You were wearing it on the night of that video, weren't you?"