ONE TO WATCH

BIBIANA: BIG NEWS?

Later that afternoon, Bibiana knocked on the open door of her agent's office. She'd rushed across the park to get there, and her legs felt like jelly. Inside, two elegant, businesslike women were seated across from each other at a desk. She recognized the older of the two, Elena Gallo, her contact in the Milan arm of the agency. Though they'd never met in person, they'd spoken on Zoom calls several times.

"Come in, B, we're waiting for you."

Bibiana scanned the room, unsure whether to sit or introduce herself to the stranger. She nodded at the younger woman.

"I've got some exciting news that I wanted to share with you in person," Elena said, her words tumbling out in a flurry.

Relief washed over Bibiana. She'd been bracing for something dreadful and now wasn't sure how to react. The light from the window formed a skewed rectangle on the polished parquet floor, and she resisted the urge to sidestep it as she moved into the room. Pausing behind the other chair, she fumbled with the straps of her handbag.

Elena impatiently waved her into the empty chair. Bibiana sat down, tucking one foot behind the other and placing her bag on the end table.

Elena wasted no time with introductions. "That casting I sent you on a while back, in Paris... They've come through with an offer. And it's good. Very good."

"LVMH?" Bibiana's voice was small in the high-ceilinged room.

"All the way, girl! This is the big time."

"And I'd be working in Paris?"

"Yep. Luxury. High-end. Top brand stuff. I'm so proud of you!"

Bibiana let out a slow breath. This meant she'd be able to move in with her sister again. "Thank you, Elena. Grazie mille."

Elena got straight down to business. "So, I've got a contract here I'd like you to go over. I've had a brief look. It's exclusive." She tapped on an expensive-looking A4-sized silver box on the desk in front of her. "This is my assistant, Gaby." She gave a brief glance at the younger woman. "If you have any questions, give her a call. I'll be getting Legal to look over this too."

Gaby leaned forward and handed her card to Bibiana. "Congratulations," she said, making eye contact. Bibiana couldn't help but notice how perfect Elena's assistant looked. Flawless tanned skin, a cream linen pantsuit, and shiny black hair cascading to her waist.

"Thank you," Bibiana mumbled.

"A couple of things..." Elena said. "I see here on your file that your medical will expire soon. You'll need to get that updated before we sign."

Bibiana heard Elena's words as if in slow motion. When her brain caught up to their meaning, her heart rate surged. She zoned out for a moment, unable to hear anything Elena was saying. It was the strangest sensation.

"Bibiana? Can you hear me?"

The weight of a hand on her shoulder brought her focus back. There was no telling what she'd missed of the conversation. Bibiana lifted her head and caught a glimpse of the Fontana di Piazza Castello through the window; the white wall of water in the fountain danced in time with her rapidly beating heart. She pulled her gaze back into the room, noticing the cream-colored curtains fluttering in the wind. Gaby was standing beside her, peering at her.

"Are you okay?" Elena's voice from across the desk sounded urgent. "Bibiana? Can you hear me?"

"I apologize, yes, I'm fine."

"Have you eaten today?" Gaby asked.

"I had breakfast."

Elena looked at her watch. "That was hours ago. You'd better take an apple on your way out; there's a fruit bowl at reception."

Bibiana pulled herself together. "I just felt a little odd. I'll be alright."

Elena directed her words at Gaby. "You know I'm always telling the girls they should carry snacks. This business is unpredictable. You never know when you'll get time for a meal."

"Sorry about... that," Bibiana said in a far-off voice. She tucked the precious box containing her contract under her chin and stood up. "And thank you again for this. I can't tell you what it means. I'm so excited."

Elena rose to her feet and put her hand out. "Alright. Get back to me as soon as you can. And get that medical sorted."

Bibiana shook Elena's outstretched hand. "Thank you. Will do."

"I'll see you out," Gaby said. She stood up and walked Bibiana to the door.

"Thank you." Elena said. "Make sure she takes an apple. Oh, and Gaby, be a pet and close the door behind you. Grazie."