The Model Father

Chapter 6

Bright and early the next morning, Kevin woke up quietly and got ready for school. After a quick shower, he changed into one of the new outfits his uncle had bought him. He donned the Yankees baseball cap he always wore to complete his get up.

Slipping quietly to the kitchen, he prepared his breakfast and packed his peanut butter and jelly sandwich inside a brown lunch sack along with a can of juice, and some chips to eat for lunch later. As he munched on his Cap’n Crunch cereal, he wondered if his uncle had arrived on time last night or got a scolding from Miss Mao for being late.

Kevin’s lips tugged at the corners at that thought, but quickly pulled back the smile, afraid that Jun would not like being made fun of. The clock on the wall told him it was time to get going to school or he’d be late, so Kevin left the apartment without seeing Jun, whispering, “Later, Uncle Jun,” to the still hallway that led to Jun’s bedroom.

***

Jun finally woke up, and couldn’t help noticing how quiet the house was. He stretched his arms over his head and glanced at the alarm clock on his bedside table; 9:00. He slowly got up and rubbed his eyes, then shuffled down the hallway to Kevin’s room.

Seeing the empty room, he suddenly had a “duh” moment when he realized that of course his nephew was probably sitting in a classroom drowning out the teacher’s voice. Jun shuffled to the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee.

The phone rang, interrupting the stillness, surprising Jun with its sudden sound. Had it ever rung that loud before?

“Junnie~!” Estelle’s raspy voice rang clear through the line. “Have I got news for you!” She hacked phlegm and swallowed. Jun nearly gagged at the sound. “Come by the office and we’ll talk.” She hung up the one-sided call before Jun could speak. There she went again, calling him that dreadful nickname, but he just shrugged and got ready for work.

“Oh, good you’re here,” Estelle greeted Jun as he walked in an hour later. The other bookers greeted him in turn, as he moved amidst the chaos of cluttered desks, click-clacking of computer keyboards, and ringing phones. Estelle sat on a swivel desk chair and gave him a tight-lipped smile; tight-lipped as to not drop the cigarette dangling on her lips. She motioned for Jun to sit on a chair while she typed something on the computer, talking to someone on the phone at the same time.

Jun studied her for a moment. She looked older than what she says, maybe the nicotine had taken its toll. She dressed pretty gaudily with her bright pink shirt, yellow large-bead necklace, and a colorful boho skirt. A green ribbon pulled back her dried red tresses to a high ponytail. Her makeup was immaculate, though – Jun gave her that.

“So, Junnie, “ Estelle said after she hung up the phone. “How’s you? Better? Busy? Well, let me make you busier. What’s you doin’ for the day? Wait, I got your schedule here, so lemme check.” She looked it up on her computer as Jun sat there amazed how she could ask all those questions, yet not care for the answers. He’d known her long enough, but still, she never ceased to amaze him. Oi, and that nickname again. Yuck.

“Good, you only have one thing today,” she finally spoke up and looked at him with a smile. She took something from her files and handed him an envelope. “Now, scoot. You’re gonna be late for your flight.”

“Huh?” Jun asked and checked the envelope. Inside was a plane ticket for Miami, Florida. Estelle shoved his portfolio in his hands and motioned for him to go. Jun looked at her, confused.

“Didn’t I tell you you have a last minute shoot with Seventeen magazine today?” Estelle cocked her head while Jun shook his. “Oh. Well, you have a last minute shoot with Seventeen magazine today.” Estelle cracked a smile.