Just One

Chapters 43 e 44

Chapter – 43 ANNA "Oh my God, what a fuck up this is?"

Throughout the flight to Miami, my thoughts were still connected to Nick. He's so intense and caring that I do not doubt that he's the one I want to be with for the rest of my life.

We landed in Miami, and Josh, the driver, was waiting for us on time.

"Good afternoon, Josh, how's the traffic today?" I ask.

"Hello Anna, hello Mrs. Mariana. It's quiet today; we'll be at the agency in a few minutes," Josh replies.

Today, we enter through the front facade of the building, which is highly stylish, modern, and sophisticated. The high ceilings command respect and confidence. I feel that I'm in the right place, with the right people who will open doors for me to a bright future of wealth and success.

Camila showed up in the lobby to welcome us and took us to Norris' office. On the way, I said: "Camila, have you seen the photos? I'm so curious. I know Mario works miracles. I hope he's turned me into a real model."

Camila smiles and replies: "Girl, I can only tell you one thing. Your moment is now. Luck is on your side. Your portfolio isn't even ready and there are already people wanting to work with you. Don't miss this opportunity that life is offering you. They may not come again."

Her words send such shivers down my spine that my scalp starts to tingle. I feel my feet and hands freezing. A cold chill runs through my body, even though I'm bundled up in a quilted jacket and a scarf.

Norris greets us without delay, and together, we go into a meeting room. We are walking through a hallway filled with photos. I slow down my steps to look at them more closely. They are cover shots of magazines with various male and female models. Norris watches me and asks: "Can you see your photos on this wall as well?"

I turn my face towards her and, looking into her eyes, I reply: "Norris, I honestly still can't believe I ended up here. But I would like to see a photo of me on this wall."

Norris winks at my mother and, looking at me, says: "Well, pretty lady, let's get to work."

We get to the meeting room, and from outside, I can see Mario through a glass wall, sitting at a table next to Denis. Before I even enter the room, I wave to him with great joy and excitement.

As soon as I enter, I greet Denis with two kisses on the cheek and make my way towards Mario, hugging him gratefully because on the table are the most beautiful photos I have ever seen. I can't believe it's me. Now, looking at these photos, I can picture myself as an actual model.

My look of satisfaction, joy, and gratitude speaks for me. There are no words to express my feelings. My mother holds some photos in her hand, looks at them carefully while watching me, and comments: "Yeah, I did an excellent job." We burst into laughter at my mother's modesty.

Norris comments: "Anna, the photos turned out great. I want you to see all of them. Mariana? I can call you Mariana, right?" My mother automatically agrees as she hates being called 'mistress.'

Norris continues: "Mariana, please take a look at all the photos. We at the agency chose these 40 photos. They're enough to put together a complete portfolio."

I ask Norris: "Can I keep some of the photos you didn't choose?"

Norris smiles and replies: "You can Anna, you can have them all."

My mother and I agree that if they've chosen those, then those will be the ones that will form my portfolio. After all, they all look good to us.

My mother asks: "Norris, what will happen after the portfolio is ready?"