Spotlight {Completed}

Chapter Eight

A picture of Tyrone>>> Enjoy, comment, and vote!

I look up at the menu of the delicious pastries and I melt internally. I have ten more minutes before I need to be at the studio, but I am in need of some coffee. I debate with myself because I usually just make my own coffee with the Dunkin' Doughnuts pack, but I want to try something different. "I'd recommend the Caramel macchiato," a young man says next to me.

I stare at him with a slight smirk, "What makes you an expert?" I ask.

He chuckles to himself before grinning at me, "Let's just say, I just so happen to know what pretty ladies like yourself need," he winks at me.

"You seem to be pretty confident, if I say so myself," I shoot back.

"Ah, confidence goes a long way in this city, my friend," he smiles and I can't help but to smile back, "I'm Chase by the way," he extends his hand and I gladly accept.

I smile up at him "Alexandria, but you can call me Ria,"

***

Turns out Chase has really good taste because I'm already halfway done with it by the time I get to the studio. I spot the taxi driver a ten and I skimpier out, running inside. I have one minute to get inside before Mel chews my head off. Although these heels aren't really doing justice, since I've stumbled a few times while running up the steps to the ginormous front doors. I feel doors in New York are all big. I love it, to be honest. I send a text to Mel, asking where to go and she replies '11th floor and hurry your ass up!' I go straight to the elevators and press the up button. Stepping in, I push 11 and I tap my fingers impatiently on the walls. I should've wrapped up conversation with Chase, but we exchanged numbers, so I guess it was worth it? I can still go out with him because I told him I'm Ria and not Scarlett. I'm not even in the relationship with Zach, Scar is, but I'm surprised Chase didn't recognize me-Scarlett. I step out of the elevator and I'm shocked to see that it's an actual photographer's studio. I don't know, but for some reason, I believed that I would be going to an office and just talk. I guess the real world of "Scarlett Braden" is coming down on me. The studio is surrounded by skinny models, men and women, photographers, and people who are just watching. I spot Mel talking to another man that seems to be about her age and she's laughing. My aunt, the wicked witch of the west (originally), is flirting? This is a sight I'm, or anyone isn't used to... She catches my gaze and her smile fades. I walk over to her, meeting me halfway, she grabs my elbow and strings me along, "Scarlett! Baby!" I hear the man that Mel was talking to say to me, as he pulls me in for a hug. I awkwardly touch him back, looking at Mel for help, which she mouths something I can't comprehend.

I act surprised to see him, "Hey... you!" I slap his shoulder teasingly.

"Aw, don't tell me you forgot all about me already?" he winks and I just laugh uneasingly.

"How could I?" and he laughs, taking a glance around the studio.

"Well it's great to have you back, it's been too long," he smiles sadly.

"Yes, it's good to be back, I'm ready for it!" I give him a swinging thumbs up.

"Great! The crew was shocked to see you back in action, but I reassured them, with help of your dear Aunt here, I've heard you've really grew into a mature young lady!" he says, spinning me around, to get a better look of myself. I feel a little self-conscience, but I compose myself by the time I'm facing him.

Mel decides to speak up, "Yes, Royce, she has matured mentally and emotionally," she says in a cheery tone, and I look at her skeptical and she shoots me a glare to shut my mouth, which I oblige. So this man's name is Royce, huh? I guess Scarlett really fell off the wagon, with these people who hasn't seen her in a long while. I didn't know she totally lost it with modeling too...