Totally Undercover

Chapter Seven

The first thing I did in the morning when I woke was hunt for the card Michael Austin gave me. I was going to call him and tell him I was definitely interested in trying out for his company.

Going down stairs to the kitchen, I found it sitting on the kitchen island.

"Thank god," I muttered, quickly pulling out my phone and dialing the number. I knew I had to go ahead and do it while I was feeling confident, or else I would start to fret and worry about what to say.

"Hello?" I heard him say, the sound of lots of movement coming from the background.

"Hi, Mr. Austin, it's Ashlee Poole, the girl from Starbucks?" I said, hoping he would remember.

"Ah! Yes! Ashlee!" Michael said, recognition strong in his voice. "How are you dear? Made up your mind about my offer?"

"Actually, yes," I replied, heading towards the pantry for some food. "I wanted to tell you that I am definitely interested in trying out."

"That's great news!" Michael said excitedly. "In fact, I am getting ready for auditions right as we speak. I left a time slot open for you just incase you changed your mind. Does two o'clock work for you?"

"Sounds perfect!" I said, excitement coursing through me as a huge grin stuck to my face. "Where should I go?"

"Go to the mall we were at yesterday," Michael quickly said before yelling at someone on the other side of the phone. "There will be signs out to point you in the right direction."

"Okay, thank you so much!"

"No, thank you," Michael replied. "See you soon!"

Once I hung up the phone, I squealed in delight and started doing a happy dance. Being a model was only a childish dream I had. I didn't think it would ever actually happen!

'Maybe moving here wasn't all that bad,' I thought, a guilty feeling spreading in my stomach. I felt like I wasn't supposed to be having fun here. I was supposed to be angry and upset about starting my life all over senior year. But in reality, it wasn't that bad. Sure, my parents separating definitely sucked and I wished they would get back together, but I knew it wouldn't happen.

"Good morning," my mom said, walking in from the back porch door. "You look unusually happy today."

"I called Michael Austin back and I have an audition time scheduled for two o'clock," I said, grinning widely.

"Oh! That's right!" My mom said, having completely forgotten. "My baby girl is going to be a model!"

"I'm not one yet," I said, rolling my eyes. "Plus I probably won't make it. I'm sure lots of really beautiful and perfect bodied girls are trying out."

"And you're one of them!" My mom chirped happily. "I think this calls for a celebratory lunch. Or brunch, since it's too early."

"Mom, I haven't even tried out yet!" I laughed.

"Oh, this isn't for being a model," my mom said, waving me off. "This is for you being a strong girl and brave enough to try and achieve your dreams."

A few tears formed in her eyes as she smiled proudly at me from across the island. A few tears were forming in my own eyes as I walked over and gave her a hug.

"Thank mom," I whispered into her shoulder.

"Anytime, honey," my mom said smiling.

"So, how about that brunch?"

When my mom and I got back from our delicious brunch, I decided to take a shower and slowly prepare myself for my audition. As I washed my hair, I thought about what I should wear and what make up I should do. Should I be fancy or casual? Should I put on lots of make up or should I wear none?