Timeless • A Kyle Kuzma Fanfiction

viii

astin

My alarm starts blaring at 5 on the dot and I groan. I wasn't in the mood to even shoot today; I just wanted to lay in bed and watch shows with Blake.

And maybe Kyle.

I can't help the shy smile that crosses my face at the thought of what happened last night. I can't think of how long it's been since I went out with a guy, sat down, and just had a good time. Did I all of sudden trust him wholeheartedly? No. But at least I got to know him better to move towards trust.

I sit on the side of my bed for a second, waiting for body to wake up a little more before getting in the shower and doing everything a normal person does in the morning.

By the time I get out it's nearing 7 and I know my car will be here soon. I just throw on some joggers, a hoodie, and Vans. Today I'll be shooting with PAPER magazine at their L.A. based office. In the meeting we'd previously had they said they would have everything for me so there was hardly a need to pull out full fits.

I pack all my traveling things and finally check my phone. It's almost ridiculous at how fast I clicked on my first message.

kuz
good morning

kuz
Idk if you awake

kuz
gm still tho

-
yes I'm awake. I've been awake since
5.
-
Good morning

I see another text from my manager saying that she's downstairs and to head down whenever I'm ready. I get my bags and a water bottle and lock my door. My phone starts ringing and I smile.

"Hello?"

"Hey, what're you doing up so early?"

I step on the elevator and mentally thank God no one is on. "Two shoots today remember? One with PAPER and the other is a VS ad." I make it downstairs and throw a wave over my shoulder to the building receptionist and make my way to the car where the valet opens the door for me.

"Okay showtime. Alright, I didn't mean to stop you or anything, just wanted to talk to you before we head off for the game."

Aw.

"You guys play Utah today right? And that's where you went to college?" My manager, Keyshia, shoots me side eyes and I give her a guilty smile.

"Yeah, We should be taking off soon."

"Okay, good luck. I'll be watching."

He lets out a low chuckle and I lean back in my seat. "That's pressure, but thank you, Astin."

"You're welcome." We share our goodbyes and hang up the phone.

"Who has you smiling like that? It couldn't be Laker's rookie Kyle Kuzma could it?" Keyshia asks, with a knowing smile.

"How did you know?" I ask.

She flips open her iPad and perches her glasses atop her nose. "I got a call from TMZ, Right This Minute, and E! saying they had video of you guys leaving a store together. You know what kind of strings were pulled to stop them from releasing that information? For now? I need to know what y'all are so I can decide on how we're going to play this."

That's thing about Keyshia. She was good, too good. In the span of a year, she had gotten me into an ass of runway shows, partnerships, and my bag had been well beyond secured. How she did all that? No doubt with some shady behind the scenes strings, but it's all in my favor so I tend to not say anything. She plays things, it's like, her thing. Fortunately, up until this point her "thing", didn't involve my love life. However, I feel like that's about to change.

"We're friends. I just really met him yesterday."

"And yet he has you cheesing like it's Christmas morning? Come on. I'm not an idiot."

My jaw drops. "I'm not lying! And I'm not cheesing like it's Christmas morning!"

She types away at her screen and gives a short, harsh laugh. "Sure, Ms. Defensive."

I ignore her and turn towards the window. I'm not being defensive; I'm being truthful. We aren't together. Not even a little bit. Not even close! Like I already said, we're just getting to know each other. There's no harm in that. And in the case I develop a little bit of feelings for him, I'll decide on how that'll play out. My relationship, my rules.

We pull up to the PAPER HQ and the staff greets up at the door; already holding different pieces.

"Hello, Ms. Parker! I'm Jean? The one you spoke to. This is Farren, he'll be your designer today and we'll have Sebastian photograph you. "

I nod with the short man as they lead me into a studio and immediately put me into a chair. I lay back as the woman starts working on my hair.

This was going to be a long day.