The Model

Erika's POV

After that night in her house, after surprising her and myself, after kissing her and feeling her lips against mine once more, I just couldn't find myself to call her again.

She's cautious around me and that's good. I don't want her getting comfortable for her sake. Ever since Katarina walked out on me for Casey, it's just like walking through a haze. I don't feel like myself anymore.

But Mina is different. I mean being around her is nerve racking in a good way. She allows me sit there in silence if I want. She doesn't talk unless something is really on her mind. Mina is different than Katarina.

So why is there still that gap? It's been months. Maybe even almost a year. It's been too long to say. Maybe that's my doing. Traveling and modeling until I just had to take these next two months off.

I sit in my loft, the chair overlooking Los Angeles. I should make sure to visit the other house soon. I bite my lip and run my fingers through my hair. My phone lights up and I take a glance over at it. My heart stopped to think it was Mina who was calling but it's three in the morning.

"Hi, mom." I answer.

"Hello darling, how are you? Is it late in L.A?" Mom asks. I can hear waves crashing in the background.

"It's not too bad here. Where are you?" I ask as I hear a male voice in the background.

"In Barbados with Markel. How have you been?? You didn't get to say goodbye when I left." I can hear her pout but I smile.

"I know, I was busy with an interview," I admit, looking at the magazine on my small table where my coffee sits.

"Oh, right, I read that. Whoever she is did a wonderful job!" Mom's excitement makes me nod in agreement. "You didn't get too carried away, did you?"

Carried away. She's scared I'll admit what happened a few years back. When her brother came into our house and did unspeakable things in there. I close my eyes and sigh to relax myself.

"No, I didn't. She can't know any of that." I answer.

"Oh, you've gotten close? How long has it been since the breakup?" Mom asks. Waves crash in the background making me wish I was there.

"It's been seven months I think." I don't try to count but that's about right.

"Have you spoken to Casey? You two used to be so close." Mom likes Casey. She's a gentleman. So am I but there's something about Casey that pulls women towards her. Like Katarina.

"No, we haven't spoken since the breakup." Mom doesn't need to know that Casey stole her from me. She'd be heartbroken.

"Well, you need to make friends. If Elliott is your only friend I worry that you'll intrude in her life." Mom warns and I nod my head. It's true and I always am cautious to see her and her husband.

"Well, that writer and I are talking. I plan to see her tomorrow." That wasn't planned but maybe I will call her tomorrow. I miss her.

That's weird.

"Oh that's good, I just hope you don't get hurt and carried away." Mom sounds weary as I nod my head.

"I'll let you go, have fun." I hear the waves one more time.

"I love you, darling. Remember that."

"I love you too."

"If you need me, call me."

"Thanks."

We hang up the phone. I set it down on the table, above the magazine. Looking out towards the bright lights make me wonder, for a single moment, what Casey and Katarina are even doing right now.

If I think too hard, I'll get angry. So I get up and walk into my room. I undress, feeling my breasts. Momentarily, I wonder what Madelina's look like. It makes me smirk, thinking of all the things I can do to her.

I get on a large shirt, taking off my pants and hop into bed. The last thoughts I have are Madelina's smile and her deep, green eyes.