The Invisible Silver Lining [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

Chapter 31

Colette smiles at me as I slide my arms through my jean jacket. "That was excellent Emilee. You're really good in front of a camera." I flash a smile back at her. "Thanks. Its weird saying this, but I never thought doing photo shoots would be, fun." She laughs. "That's what most of my clients say." Curiosity prompts me to ask, "How many clients do you have?" "Currently just you. But I've had about fifteen before you." I nod. I guess that's typical with agents. Especially here in LA, or in New York City.

I had just finished my third photo shoot. Like the other two, I did it with Dominic as the photographer. Today I had tried on several prom dresses, I grab my blue bandanna from my jeans pocket and tie it under my ponytail as I smile to myself. No wonder they wanted me here at nine thirty in the morning. I look down to read my Armitron watch. Its a quarter to seven. Today's job was definitely an all day thing. The past times they have been all day as well. A week ago, Dominic offered me a job as one of his models, at least for the next five months. I accepted partly because it allowed me to have a job over the summer.

Colette buttons up her trench coast as we stand in the descending elevator. "I'm still looking for acting shots for you. So don't worry about that. But I hope the modeling works for the time being. I know Dominic loves using you during these shoots." I nod. "Its plenty. He's fun to work with too." Dominic will turn on music as he allows me to goof off, trying on all kinds of poses and outfits. Its a good thing the pictures he took were digital otherwise we would have used hundreds of film--he took so many pictures.

I say goodbye to Colette once we reach the main floor. I walk out of the Thorton Scraper, the same location we've been using for the last few sessions, and onto the people packed sidewalk. Its very overcast today. I start heading toward the nearest bus stop, there's one on the corner of this bock, when my cell phone rings. I pull it out of my jacket pocket and loot at the screen. Its an unknown number.

I answer the call with a "Hello?"

"Emilee?" says a familiar masculine voice. It takes me a minute to recognize it. "Ian?" I ask. He responds almost immediately. "Hey. Its me."

"How'd you get my number?"

"You know Yolanda Adams?"

"Yolo?"

"Yeah. She gave it to me."

"How do you know Yo-"

"Long story." I let it go. I'm on my guard a bit because of what happened the last time we talked. Unfortunately, that's the exact reason why he called.

"Emilee, you never gave me an answer before. When I asked you out, when I confessed my feelings for you, we were interrupted." I lean against the street sign as he continues. "by Ludwig and by Dominic. I want to ask you again and I want an answer."

I can't give him the answer he wants. I try to cut him off, "Ian-" but he keeps on going as if I'd kept silent. "Because I can't keep not knowing. Its agony sweetheart. Please."

"Ian listen-"

"Go out with me. Please." He decides to shut up now and I can't find the words to turn him away. I know whatever I say will upset him, but I can't keep him holding out false hope. That's not fair to him, not fair to me. "Ian..." I can tell he's listening, as I can only hear him breathing lightly into the receiver. "Ian, I have a boyfriend." I hear a sharp intake of breath, then dead silence. I'm immediately concerned. I know he's not liking this. "Ian?"

He tells me in a voice that seems to be straining to remain calm. "Ludwig." Its not a question. I sigh, not knowing exactly what to say. "Yes Ian. It was only that he-" He cuts me off quickly, "I don't want to hear about him." His voice is icy cold, masking waves of massive anger underneath. "I'm sorry Ian." I whisper, meaning every word. After a few more seconds of silence from the world I've drained out, I hear a sharp repetition of clicks and squeaks. I look up to see that the bus has arrived. I need to get on that bus. I start walking when Ian's shaky voice stops me. "Where are you?" I swallow and look up at the street post. "Corner of Forty-fifth street and Open Way."