If Love Really Does Exist [Jaime Preciado]

Work Ethic

A humongous smile was on my face. I was currently the happiest man alive. I had the love of my life and my kid here with me. I was also nervous, though. My leg was shaking. I tried to stop it so I wouldn't wake up the sleeping child still in my arms, but it was no use. What if I screwed up? What if I do something wrong and lose them forever? I should really stop worrying myself. You love her... You're not gonna do anything that would hurt her. Cause I know what being hurt feels like.. and it's not a pleasant feeling. My last girlfriend, Jessica, was the first girl that I ever said 'I Love You' to after Raegan. And I meant it. She told me the same but while I was on tour, one of my buddies sent me a picture message of her making out with some dude. I was beyond hurt and it took me a long time to heal. That's how I know I'll never do that to Raegan, so I really shouldn't be nervous, should I? Besides, this IS what I wanted.

"Jaime, you're nervous aren't you?', she asked me.

"Yeah. It's that obvious huh?"

"Yeah", she said as she got up and walked over to me. She took Brynn from my arms and came back without her a few moments later. She then grabbed my hand and led me to the couch in the living room and sat me down. She sat down beside me and propped her legs up across my lap.

"So...", she said.

"So...", I said.

"I'm the same girl I was merely two years ago, Hime. Well, actually, I have changed some but there's still no reason o be nervous. Just... relax and be yourself. I'm not gonna bite you", she smiled a small and warm smile.

"Yeah. I know. Now that Brynn is asleep,I guess that gives us time to catch up on what's been going on with each other for the last two years", I suggested to her and she nodded. "So where do you work?"

She rubbed her arm nervously. "Uh.. Well, I work at 17th Studio".

"We have one of those in San Diego. Isn't that like a fashion studio or something?", I asked.

"Yep".

"What do you do there?"

"I... model".

"Oh", I said. When we were younger, Rae was a tomboy and she was never into that type thing. We both used to talk about the fake looking women we used to see on TV and in the magazines. I told her that I didn't ever want a girl like that because they always strived to be perfect and I didn't want a seemingly perfect girl. I liked girls who weren't afraid of having flaws. And she told me that she'd never become like that because fancy clothing, make up, and unnatural poses just weren't here thing.. But she's a model now. Okay...

"I know. I remember saying that I'd never become a model but I never went to college. So I had spent about a year working in a bar and at a record shop before deciding that I wanted to do something bigger with my life. And somehow, I got a modeling gig. I did really well in that session so they hired me to be a full time model", she said and shrugged.

"What kind of modeling do you do?"

"All kinds. Casual clothes, expensive, weird and fancy clothes, shoes.. And since its summer, I'm about to begin modeling in swimsuits".

"Is that not uncomfortable to you? You never were a fan of showing your body", I stated.

"It's really not my choice. I'm doing this to support myself and most importantly to support Brynn. I haven't had much help financially since my mom got sick and list her job. So I've had to do everything alone. I'm doing what I have to do to get the bills paid on time".

"Well I'm really sorry about having you do his alone for so long, but I'm here now. You don't have to do that anymore. I'll support Brynn and you too if you let me".