Love Means Sacrifice

Ch. 44: French Crepes, Modelling, & Movies

Mehwish's P.O.V.

Zahid and I had breakfast at the hotel lobby before going to the business magazine company's headquarters. Once we got to the building, we met with Noelle, the magazine company's secretary and our translator for the duration of this magazine project. We had our meeting with the company heads and editor-in-chief; the former presented Zahid with a contract and the latter took his interview for the magazine. It would be primarily focusing on his family's company, such as how they began, how they reached where they are, why they love doing what they do, what they aim to do in coming years, etc. It will also showcase the collaborating fashion brand that Zahid will be modelling in the pictures for the magazine. Once we were done, Zahid and I went to the Louvre Museum, took pictures in front of the Louvre Pyramid, then tried aligot, ratatouille, and strawberries and cream mille-feuille for the first time at a restaurant where we had dinner reservations.

Thursday went by in a similar fashion. We met Noelle, a tailor, a designer, and a stylist to do fittings and to figure out the different hair styles and accessories to pair with the outfits for the photoshoot on Friday. After we finished, we visited the Palace of Versailles then came back to Paris and went to the Arc de Triomphe and another art museum, Musee d'Orsay, before having dinner at a local restaurant.

On Friday, our driver dropped us across the street from the studio instead of in front of the actual building because of construction. Zahid and I were waiting for a clearing to cross the street, but the cars weren't heeding to the makeshift crosswalk. Once the roads were finally clear, I stepped on the street when Zahid grabbed my hand and jerked me back to him. Right then, a Vespa zoomed past after turning onto the street.

I looked up at him, "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. More careful next time, yeah?"

I nodded and continued staring at his face as he studied the streets. He was still holding my hand while we crossed. We exchanged a small smile after separating our hands.

"You guys are here! Welcome! Fabien has been waiting for you." Noelle exclaimed excitedly.

"Fabien?" I asked.

"The photographer."

Zahid and I nodded.

"Come on, guys."

We followed her to the third floor. As soon as we got out of the elevator, we heard shouting, "What do you mean she is sick?!"

"She can't stop vomiting, sir!"

The three of us proceeded to the voice. Upon seeing us, the man said in his thick French accent, "Ahh, Noelle darling, this must be Zahid."

"Correct, Fabien."

"Zahid, honey, I don't know who let you off the ramp walk, but it will be my honor to work with you."

Zahid chuckled quietly before responding, "Likewise, Mr. Fabien. It's my honor t-"

"Ah ah! Call me Fabi, baby."

Zahid and I glanced at each other as I tried to hold in my laugh. I know he's too shy to call Fabien that.

"Sorry to interrupt," said the young woman standing next to Fabien, "Sir, what do we do about the model?"

"We need her here, Ella."

"She is unable to leave the toilet."

"We need to send the pictures by 7 so they can start printing some copies of the magazine for tomorrow's launch party. We need to start now to finish on time. If we don't have the model, we can't show the dresses. We can't photograph only half the outfits on Zahid. That will be violating the contract, darling."