The Model & The Photographer

Fairytale New York (9)

LAURENS POV - 9:50am

I had a thousand missed calls from Cara and Daniel. That's right, I didn't get a chance to let them know I now have my own place.

I'll go to theirs after work.. Ugh work. This is going to be really awkward. I'm cringing at the thought.

I sighed as I grabbed my clutch purse and went down the million flights of stairs.

Once again, I am never taking that elevator.

---

"Morning Lauren! Could you bring this to Luke? I know you're on your way up to him anyway." Sandra said as she handed me a bag with a cookie in it.

I read the note with it. "Love, Stuart.. Your favourite person!! :)"

I laughed to myself and nodded. When I headed for the building lift the feeling of dread overwhelmed me again.

I went up to floor 11 and the corridor seemed like it was never ending as I made my way to Lukes office.

I knocked on the door and he gave permission to come in.

I walked in and it immediately felt extremely tense in here. I felt like the air pressure was being pushed down on my body and that it was going to squash me down flat on the floor.

I went over to his desk and I felt my face going red and thinking about my face going red made my face go even redder!

I plopped the bag on his desk and Luke looked awkward and a small bit guilty.

"Stuart's so funny." I said, trying to make conversation.

"Lauren, I'm so sorry about this morning. I don't know what overcame me. There must've been something in that drink." Luke awkwardly chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it, you were asleep." I smiled as I twiddled with my fingers behind my back nervously as I stood in front of his desk.

"I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. We're... Friends." Luke smiled. I nodded.

There was a never ending silence between us that lasted forever it seemed like until Luke stood up abruptly which made me jump a small bit.

"I have a present for you. I was going to give it to you on Thursday, the day after we do photos for Eighteen, but I'm going to be away on a business trip for three days. Meaning I'll be back next Sunday." Luke said.

A business trip? Three days?

I've never been at work alone. What would I do here?

A million thoughts went through my head and I think Luke wanted me to respond but I stared at him blankly.

Luke went over to a set of drawers by the lit up fireplace and took out a black velvet box.

"I got you this dress for the gala in a few weeks. You don't have to wear it if you don't want to." Luke said as he held up the dress and I watched it elegantly flow down to the ground.