What's Meant To Be

{Chapter 3}

  The elevator door slowly opened, revealing an almost completely open floor plan. I looked around, seeing the floor full of half dressed models and frantic photographers. I stepped out of the elevator, walking around the room trying to find where I was supposed to be.

  Along the left side of the room I saw a few doors which I assumed were offices and maybe even a break room. I made my way to the first door, reading the metal sign "Mr. Haden"

  I landed a few firm knocks on the door, waiting for a "come in," when I heard nothing, I knocked again. I brought myself closer to the door, straining my ears to hear something.

  The door swung open revealing Mr. Haden. He was tall and lean, most definitely went to the gym often and probably only drank fancy health drinks.

  "Are you Ms. Woodard?" His tone was not what I was expecting. His voice had a slight natural rasp to it and seemed warm and welcoming.

  "Yep! That would be me." I gave a bright smile, hoping that he hadn't checked the time to see that I was late. His eyes shifted behind me and I turned my head to see a familiar blonde haired girl storming up to us.

  "Are you kidding me Jack!?" Sarah spewed out. I looked between the two and saw Mr. Haden's hand reach to scratch behind his head.

  "Sarah, he is the only model we have that is anywhere close to the description you asked for." Mr. Haden looked almost scared as he looked Sarah in the eyes. It was kind of funny to watch them bicker back and forth, especially since Sarah wasn't holding back.

  "Then you better go on a hunt for a new model." Sarah flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder and walked in the direction of the elevator. I stayed silent, not wanting to be the first one to speak after that awkward encounter.

  "I have a job for you," Mr. Haden walked into his office, grabbing a thin manila folder off of his desk. I took a few steps into the office, waiting for him to continue. "The women we just spoke with is Sarah Fin. She is the chief editor of Dig magazine. She is looking for a VERY specific model for the cover of September's magazine." He took a breath, handing me the folder.

  "So you want me to find a model that fits her description?" This isn't really what I wanted to be doing on my first day but if I could save the day and get on Mr. Haden's good side, I couldn't complain.

  "Yes, please. She wrote down a few key characteristics of what shes looking for." He pointed to the folder, "along with some examples."

  I nodded my head and opened of the folder. "When do you need the model by?"

  "Sarah needs the photos by August fifteenth so I'm going to give you a deadline of August first." He spoke calmly, looking up from his desk to read my eyes.

  We were nearing the end of June which I thought was plenty of time. I mean, how hard could it be? "No problem sir, I'll get that done."

  "Thank you. In the meantime, go find your head photographer, Kristie. She will be the one you report to." He sat in his chair and looked up at me, I guess waiting for me to leave.

  "Yes sir, thank you." I backed out of his office and entered the chaos once again. I took a deep breath and scanned the room. Should I ask someone for Kristie? Right as I was going to venture out to ask, a short woman with a buzz cut jammed her hand out to me.

  "I'm Kristie, I think you're looking for me." She gave a tight lipped smile and waited for me to take her hand.

  I gave her a firm handshake and nodded, "I'm Aniyah"

  She nodded back to me and quickly turned around and began walking, leading me to her station. She showed me her cameras, lenses, backdrops, etc. I could tell I was going to like her already. She was very blunt and honest and I could tell that she worked hard.