My A-List Lover

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Three years ago, Gianna was on the set of the Luminier shampoo commercial. Even though she has been doing this for a few years now, she couldn't get used to being surrounded by such loud flashing lights and hustle and bustle of the set crew. Everyone moved about efficiently and busily as if they only had one goal in mind, which was in stark contrast with Gianna's distrait mind.

I wonder how Glen is doing. How much was mom’s bills this month? My hair is so big, it feels heavy. Hairstylist, your curling iron is getting too close to my forehead! People have no idea how much make up a person needs to look as if she's not wearing any make up. I thought he said he chose me because he liked my skintone, so why are they putting on so many layers on my face? Ok, just close your eyes, time for eye shadow.

She closed her eyes as naturally and gracefully as she can, trying her very best to hide her wandering thoughts from showing on her face. She learned soon enough that it is best to say less and smile more in this industry.

No need to get too close, you’re not here to make new friends, she often told herself.

Despite her loneliness of living alone, of not being able to see her family and friends due to her constant travels, of having little connection with others in the industry, she was overall happy with her life and proud of how far she has come. She had to put her dreams of being a screenwriter on hold, but she was certain her dream will come true one day.

As of now, she just had to focus on working and making money so her family can get back on its feet and reclaim the life they once had. She was now one of the leading faces of Luminier Cosmetics, a position she knew she was so fortunate to be in.

“Gia, are your ready? Time to rock and roll!” Her manager Joe proclaimed with his usual excitement and vigor.

"Yup, ready as I will ever be." 

Joe was an old family friend whom she had known since she was a little girl. Her late father and Joe’s father served together in the navy many years ago, and she was always grateful for his presence in her life, as he was one of few people she can trust and confide in.

He was of average build and had a friendly round face that makes him a great businessman and negotiator. He married his high school sweetheart Evonne at a young age and had a beautiful family with 2 kids. He used his entire savings to build a startup internet company in the early 2000’s but his ideas proved ineffective at the time, and since then he moved from one job to another trying to build back his savings and begin his next “big project.”

Gianna secretly hoped that his next big project wouldn't happen any time soon because she needed him- his guidance, warmth and familiarity- in this sea of strange faces. 

She pranced her 5’7” body across the room as if she was born to be a model. Those who were close to her knew this was far from the truth, as she was always more of a shy and lanky bookworm than a glamorous model. Yet perhaps she really was born to do this as those who meet her now became immediately overcome by her presence and beauty.

Her long wavy brown hair was thick and silky, perfect for that of a hair model. Her almond shaped brown eyes were deep and reflective, although no one saw its beauty until her thick, black round glasses came off after high school. Her nose had a nice aquiline shape to it without being too small or big and her plump lips were naturally stained a nice cherry pink color, an admirable trait to many men. Her once chubby face took its current oval shape as she began to lose her baby fat, most notably after her first heartbreak in college.

Either way, whoever saw Gianna on that day on the set of Luminier shampoo commercial was overtaken by her graceful walk, the natural flow of her long wavy hair, and the understated elegance of her presence. Once made up, she looked like she jumped out of the cover of a high fashion magazine yet she had no idea how beautiful she looked to others.