HARD ENOUGH

Wrong!!

"Ohgod!I'msorryI wasn'tlookingwhereIwasgoing!" was how fast I talked.
"If I haven't pulled you, you would've met up with god" he said with a laugh.
"Thank you, I wasn't paying attention"  I said looking at the ground.
"It's alright. Next time make sure to keep your eyes and ears open" he said taking a step back as if he was about to leave.
"Alex!" I screamed and he turned around.
"Excuse me?" he asked with a confused expression. "My name is Alex Reid" I said.

"Nice to meet you, Alex Reid" he said stepping towards me again. " I'm Chase, Chase Adams" he said giving a huge smile.
"Thank you, again Chase" I said. "See you around" he said nodding his head.
"Yeah" I said as he finally left me alone in a busy street.

I went home that night in good mood.
I had left over chicken enchiladas for dinner and was previewing some stuff for tomorrow's photoshoot.

My phone blinked beside me with a message from Brad.

Come over??

What does that mean? I thought.

Me: Brad, are you okay??

I waited for him to reply.

My phone buzzed.

Sorry,A. That wasn't meant for you.
Love you! bye.

I shook my head and returned to work knowing it would've been for a hook up girl.

Brad and I have been best friends for almost 10 years now.
We met in middle school and instantly became friends for our never ending love for peanut butter sanwiches.
Lane was a girl Brad dated in 9th grade. They thought they would be better of as friends and since then we were the "troublesome three"

Later, Lane went off to Columbia University whereas Brad and I attended NYU.

Now, 25 years old, both Lane and Brad had stable jobs with a decent income. My job as a photographer is  often overlooked.
Brad is a Creative Consultant at K Magazine and Lane was a Marketing manager at George Dims.

Brad and Lane helped me get a life for myself. With a controlling mother and a better-at-everything-sister life was never easy.

My sister Jaden,founded Lè Mark when she was 20 years old. With my mom's influence she blew up and is now a major designer.

Jaden and I were never close. Maybe because we had different interests but she was always telling me what to do.

By the time I cleaned up, it was 11 pm. I went to bed.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm going off at 8 am.

I made myself some coffee and ate toast.

I took a shower and got into something presentable for the photoshoot.

I left my apartment by 10 am and arrived at the Miguel studio by 11.

Today, I was doing a photoshoot with an up and coming model Dejan Tare.

As I walked in I was greated by Faro, Dejan's manager.

"He's ready" he said walking along with me.

"I'll set up my equipment and we are good to go" I said walking fast to set everything up.

I took out my camera and was checking the lense. Dejan walked on set.

"Good morning, A" he said standing behind me. " Morning,Tare. All set we're ready to shoot" I said smiling.

"Mario, lights on please" I said as Dejan sat on the chair a few spaces away ready to shoot.

"Give me your best,Tare" I said as I propped my camera.

It took us two hours to get the pictures and an hour to choose the ones to be retouched.

"Have a nice day." I said walking out if the studio. It was 3 pm and decided to go get some groceries.

My phone buzzed. I took it out while I was pushing the cart into the frozen food aisle.

It was from jaden.

My party's tomorrow. Hope you're gonna cover it. xoxo

Great.
I hated Jaden's parties 'cos they were not only filled with social climbers but loads of paparazzi. Even after all that she wants me to cover it.

There's already gonna be a lot of paps.So,no.

I sent her the text and just as I was shoving it in my pocket it buzzed again.

Fine.Just make sure you show your face at the party. Dad wants you to come.

She knew the only reason I go to her parties is dad.
Growing up dad was the only one who really understood me. I love him so much that Jaden knows he's my weakness.

I huffed in frustration and texted her a simple ok.

I started picking up what I wanted. After I was done, I paid for it and went back to my apartment.

I took a relaxing shower. Until I got an anonymous text.

I hope you remember me,beautiful. It's Jordan. See you tomorrow.

Oh god no!!!

I wasn't the one for relationships. All the guys I dated wanted to date me because I was Jaden's sister. I grew tired of it and haven't dated for abput a year and a half. I haven't found the one yet.

"Gotta get some sleep" I said and fell onto my bed not even eating anything.

***
The next day was crazy. It was like a whirlwind.

It was time I got ready for the party.

I wore a simple silver dress with a low back and a boat neck that Lane gifted me for friends giving, and paired it with earrings and finished it off with grey heels.
For make up, I did a smoky eye and wore lip gloss. I walked to my door grabbing my clutch and car keys and walked out the door.

By the time I arrived, the venue was packed. And people were hustling towards the carpet to get the paps to take their pictures. I walked straight inside not interested.

"Alex,you made it!" my mom said hugging me putting on a show for the paps. "You could've wore something more presentable" she said in my ear and smiled.

I rolled my eyes.

I started looking around waiting for Brad to arrive as I invited him to keep me company and practically save me.

"Looking for me" a voice said behind me. I regretted turning around.

I pretended I didn't know he was. "Don't play games babe. You know exactly why I'm here" he said.
"Look Mr.Wills, I'm not interested in pursuing a relationship or even the idea of dating as of now. So,if you'll excuse me" I said a turned to walk away just then a hand grabbed mine.

"Playing hard to get I see. Don't pretend you don't like me. I think you can't resist me. " he said pulling me closer and breathing in my scent.  I was disgusted and was trying to get out of his grip. "Let me go" I said twisting my arm.

"Excuse me,sir. The lady's with me" a voice said and I was completely relieved.