September 21, 2023
Loreto, Milan
The smell of bacon, sausages and French toast flooded Jordan's nostrils. The curtains were open and from the furniture to the paintings, they all took a new form now the light was hitting them. Berenice looked brand new too. The colour-deprived outfits she usually wore had vanished as she greeted Jordan in a yellow dress.
"You look..."
"Different?"
"Colourful."
Berenice smiled and started piling on food onto a plate.
"Have a seat Jordan, we have much to discuss."
It was Thursday morning and fashion week was still underway. People from all over the globe flew into Milan - getting ready to watch the catwalk or strut down it themselves. The city of Milan was blossoming, even in the fall, but Jordan was yet to truly join in the festivities. Berenice decided that it was best for her to take a break and have breakfast with her - Which Jordan thought was ridiculous.
Not the breakfast -
But the fact that she needed a break.
Ever since the beginning of this trip, she had tried her best to navigate this new world on her own two feet, but Berenice always found a way to poke her head in her affairs. Ever since their first encounter, she had been at her side like a parasite. Clinging onto her for dear life. Just waiting for the right opportunity to make her move.
"Do you need some?" Berenice asked, shaking the syrup in her hand.
"For what? Oh, I prefer my french toast with no toppings."
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
A message on Jordan's phone appeared.
"I was thinking you could put it on your bacon..." Berenice muttered under her breath
Daniel - Hello Delphine, my ocean goddess. Are you going to come to Kingston's exhibition with me on the 25th? (9:05)
It's in Marseille so you'll have to book a plane (9:05)
We can go together if you want. It will be fun! :) (9:05)
Suddenly the puzzle piece from earlier came into place. Jordan remembered that at the afterparty for her first fashion show, Daniel invited her to go to Kingston's exhibition with him. She must have forgotten because of all the party guests who had invited her to their own socials.
"Oo are you teshing?" Berenice said with a mouthful of toast.
Jordan deliberated not telling her, but in the end, she abstained. It wouldn't benefit her if she was too closed off from Berenice as that would only make her more curious. Jordan just had to feed her enough to be satisfied.
"Do you remember the photographer Daniel?"
"Yes, I remember. A bit too extra for my liking."
"Well he invited me to see this art exhibition on the 25th. So that's where I'll be. It's in France so I have to book a flight...Probably today to be on the safe side."
"OK. But are we not going to talk about what you were doing last night?" Berenice asked.
A large cloud drifted over the apartment, dimming the natural light, and casting a shadow on Jordan.
"I was just doing my job, wasn't I?" Jordan asked.
"Yes, but-"
"And speaking of nightly activities, what really happened when I first came to your apartment?"
"What do you mean?" asked Berenice.
"Did you spike that coffee you gave me as some sort of test - To deem whether I was worthy of doing this job?"
Berenice looked bewildered.
"W-what, I would never!" she blurted out. "You were unwell because you were undereating! So I took you to one of my guest bedrooms and made sure you got better!"
Jordan looked at her with a disappointed expression.
"I'm sorry, Berenice." she said "This food is so so so good but I can't finish it all. I'll have to be going now but we'll catch up another time? When do you want to prepare for the Franklin Vault?"
"...I'll text you."
She kissed her agent on the head and left the apartment. Taking a bacon rasher with her.
⬗ ⬗ ⬗
After Jordan had gone, Berenice left the kitchen and entered one of the rooms. She unlocked a bedside drawer and pulled out a photograph - Old and wrinkled. White lines ran across it like lightning bolts and the stench that came with it smelled like musty books.
"Darling." she said. "How are you holding up?"
"That's so sweet of you." she replied. "Don't worry I'm fine, I'm just a bit stressed with work that's all."
"...What about the girl?...I know she can be a bit difficult but she'll come around. And then you can have a big sister and we can all be one happy family! Doesn't that sound wonderful?"
"Don't worry darling, don't worry, I'm trying my best..."
Berenice stepped towards the window just in time to see Jordan walk towards her taxi.
"She'll accept us."
⬗ ⬗ ⬗
Marseille, France
Meanwhile, Kingston Abebe was proud of his accomplishment. He could remember when he was in Nigeria, studying some course he didn't like.
He had come a long way and as of now, in Marseille, he was ready to prepare for his new collection. In the past Kingston had held extravagant balls to showcase his work but as he matured he realised the less eyes the better. He realised that having an air of mystery around his work made its perceived value skyrocket.
And more value meant more money.
His newest collection was being held in a mansion that he rented out, and would be open to the public on the 25th of September. Workers darted from one room to another placing paintings and sculptures in their correct places. Surrounding the building was a rotating line of security: burly men with tattoos crawling up their skin and demeanours that screamed 'unflinching'.
As Kingston was admiring his orchestration, one of his assistants walked up to him. She had scraggy blonde hair; clownish makeup. The type of woman that made Kingston miss his old job - A job where he was surrounded by beautiful women all the time.
"All the arrangements you requested have been done sir."
"Good. And has anyone pulled out of the event?"
"A few no name actors but apart from that, it looks like this place will be lively."
Kingston scratched the razor bumps under his chin, which made his assistant cringe inside.
"Is there anything else you need me to do?"
"No." Kingston said.
He paced towards the large window and peered out to see the city. Yellow-orange lights sparkled like jewellery and cars vroomed and honked. The sound of young people partying echoed and gave Kingston life.
"As long as Frankie Flammia doesn't show his face..." he whispered. "All will be well."
TEASER FOR CHAPTER 15:
The sky was jet black when Nicole arrived at the location, Teazer: a humble strip club on the outskirts of Zone 1. That was good for Nicole - the fact that it was on the outskirts. After all, she was a prestigious model who wouldn't want to be seen in a place like this.
YOU ARE READING
Fame, Film & Fashion
Mystery / Thriller"He thought that this world was harmless, fanciful, but in reality it was just as sick and twisted as the environment he grew up in. Maybe even worse. At least where he grew up, the bad things didn't try and hide from you. But here, he had realised...
