The Model Father

Chapter 1

Two phone calls Jun Matsumoto received that day that would set his life in a whirl. One was from his Beaux Monde agency, his favorite booker, Estelle. The other, from an unknown lawyer named Victor Ley.

“Jun, sweetie, good news,” Estelle’s raspy voice that had been ruined by cigarettes shrilled through the phone lines. It didn’t help that she had such heavy New York accent. “You’d never guess. Martinelle from the house of Dolce and Gabbana called. He just booked you for a big campaign for their Fall 2010 collection!” Estelle’s voice got hoarse a little in the end, almost losing her voice.

Jun felt like jumping up and down like a girl whose crush had just asked her out, but instead opted to act cool through the line. He smiled a little, clearing his throat, before he piped out, “Cool.” He knew Estelle long enough to know that she had rolled his eyes at his reply.

“Listen, Junnie-“

“Estelle,” Jun winced at the nickname she usually use to annoy him.

“This campaign is big. Huge. Humongous. Enormous. Gigantic. Ginormous.. Want me to go on?” Estelle tends to over exaggerate. “You should be really happy! This is a boost for your modeling career!”

“I am,” Jun replied calmly. Estelle just sighed. She knew him long enough he doesn’t really show excitement. She also knew they couldn’t move on if she reprimands him for it, so she just gave the details of the photo shoot. Jun took note. One month from now, he’d fly to Venice for the on-location shoot. He marked his calendar that hung on the wall panel next to the phone by the kitchen counter.

Pop! Champagne fizz overflowed from the newly opened bottle and Jun poured himself a glass. He really should call one of his friends to celebrate with him, but decided against it. He strolled over to his black leather recliner, but no sooner did he lean his head back when his phone rang yet again. Settling the flute glass on the side table next to the chair, Jun got up to answer.

“Mr. Matsumoto?” a man’s voice crackled through the line. “May I speak with Jun Matsumoto?”

“Yeah, you talkin’ to him. Who’s this?” Jun replied, skeptical. He didn’t recognize the voice.

“Hi, this is Victor Ley from Ley, Tang, and Sanada Law Firm,” the man introduced. “We need for you to come to our office. We’re located---“

“What’s this all about?” Jun interrupted, his brows deepened into a frown. He wasn’t being sued, was he? Jun thought up all the people that might have something against him and shuddered. Long list.

“It’s about a very important matter that requires your presence at our office.”

“I don’t—“

“We’re located in Addams Plaza on Lexington Avenue. Please come as soon as possible, preferably now.” With that, Mr. Ley hung up before Jun could say anything. Jun stared at the receiver, still unable to believe that just happened, and placed it back on its cradle. He considered not showing up at the location, but curiosity got the best of him. Taking the car keys on the foyer table, he locked the door of his penthouse apartment, and left, leaving the unconsumed champagne behind.

The receptionist looked up as Jun walked up to the counter. She smiled widely, eyeing him more deeply than she would normally at the many clients and visitors coming up to her everyday. This one looked like an actor or a model. In New York City, they’re a dime a dozen. However, this one looked priceless.

Jun was unnerved how she had been looking at him hungrily. He checked her out, too, and decided that she wasn’t too bad. Long blonde wavy hair, 5’5”-6” give or take, smooth skin, perfect teeth, luscious lips… Jun’s eyes diverted southward below her neck and smirked his satisfaction. Full bre--