Forever

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

"Hey, Virginia, I'm going to grab some lunch. Do you want me to get anything for you?" Mike, one of my few friends in the company asked. I'd been in the office all day editing pictures I should have done days ago. The deadlines were coming up quickly and I needed to be on track.

"I'd love that, Mike. My usual. Thanks a lot." I offered him one of my sincere smiles. 

"You've been here all day. You should walk around a bit. You know, flex those muscles."

"I have a lot of work to do. I have photoshoots after lunch break so I have to do this now."

"I wasn't going to bring this up but, what happened to your lip? You know, no make up is a dead give away." He looked as horrified as he sounded. Ever the dramatic.

"Well, I am not trying to hide it from anyone. Besides, it's all over the news. I beat the shit out of Simone's father." I replied with a satisfactory smile.

"Something tells me you're damn proud of yourself, which is why I'm not going to ask what happened. Very well then. I'll be on my way."

"Thanks again Mike" I called after him as he made his way out of my office. That man deserved more than a few punches. Damn Ed for pulling me off him before I could scratch his scrunched up face.

I edited the last picture as quickly as I could and got ready for my photoshoot with none other than Simone.
In less than fifteen minutes, Mike walked in with my usual, a burger and a bottle of coke. I preferred not to eat heavy during work hours.

Halfway through my food, a knock interrupted me.

"Come in"

Joan, one of the assistants in the building, poked her blonde head in.

"Miss Gonzalez is here for her photoshoot. The car is ready too. The team informed me that it's a beach photoshoot." She said with a smile.

She's one of the few people that actually deserved a raise.

"What would I do without you? Thanks Joan. I'll be out in a few minutes. Please let them know I'll be in soon. Is Si-- Miss. Gonzalez riding with us?"

"No. She said she'll meet you guys there."

"Very well then. I'll wrap up quickly here"

She nodded and took her leave. I took the last bite of my burger and carried the remnant of my coke with me as I headed out.

Surely as Joan said, everyone was ready and seated in the car. I hopped in the passenger's seat, and informed the driver that all was set. Simone's car followed behind. From the side mirror I could see she wasn't alone. Her manager was in the driver's seat. The annoying douchebag.

"We're here." The driver announced, and everyone hopped off the mini bus. The sun shone perfectly. Thank goodness I was dressed in shorts and a basketball shirt.

Simone's team rushed over to her to help her get ready in the custom made Fendi bikinis she was advertising. It's the first time vogue has ever collaborated with a brand and that was huge. Being the face of it meant a lot of money. Hopefully that would be enough for her to sort herself out.She avoided my gaze, which didn't quite surprise me. As much as it stung, I expected it. Mainly because I didn't regret telling her off. She needed to know.

I sat back and watched everyone fuss over her for almost 30 minutes as she tried her best to pretend I wasn't present. Which was amusing to watch, I must admit. Especially because I was the photographer.

"We're set!" Her manager yelled. Finally! I picked up my camera and walked over to the set. She looked beautiful, but looked even more beautiful without all the makeup.