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“I’m heading to Monaco today for a fashion shoot.”
“Rich men’s toy cars,” he joked.“What a life you live. Go jet-setting. We’re fine here in Wisconsin.”
“Okay, Dad. Talk to you later. Love you.”
I didn’t tell him I wasn’t wanted on the shoot. It bothered me that Hayden had made a promise and took it back. Had he really blocked my opportunity for turning him down? I, like Tomas, doubt it. Ben stopped the car, and we were about to go inside the house when a new message came in from Tomas.
Tomas: Toto changed the start time. They are all leaving now on a plane, and they won’t be able to wait for you. You can still go. The shoot is at The Monte Carlo Casino. Call Josephine when you get there.
Everything pointed to skipping the photo shoot. Still, I wasn’t ready to give up. I told Ben what happened.
“We’ll get you there. Don’t worry.” He made some calls while I went inside to get my overnight bag for the hotel. When I returned, Ben took it.
“Paul has a friend heading to the Formula One race. We can ride with them, but we must hurry.”
Ben drove to the airport and parked on the tarmac. “Someone else will pick up the car. Let’s go.”
I rushed out of the car with Ben, who helped me up the few steps to board the small plane. We shook hands with the young woman and older male, who immediately returned to his phone.
“That’s her dad.” Ben showed me his typed message on his phone.
I gave him a nod, and he handed me my noise cancellation headphones. After putting them on, I gazed over Paris as we lifted high into the air. Within minutes, I could already see that I’d only visited a tiny part of France. There was so much more, and I wanted to explore every part.
Away from Tomas and the office, I also had time to think about the way he spoke up for me on the call to put me back on the photo shoot. An uneasiness churned in my stomach. Would I regret it?
After we landed and thanked the couple for the ride, we climbed aboard a helicopter to fly from Nice to Monaco. My life was full of privileges that I used to get my way. Even going to this shoot when I was no longer wanted seemed rude. But on the other hand, Tomas encouraged us not to allow people to block opportunities. I will do my best.
There were barricades along the street for the Formula One race, with guards blocking the front entrance to The Monte Carlo Casino. One security person approached the car. “Are you a guest?”
“No, but I’m on the crew shooting for Givenchy.”
He adjusted his headset and took out a placard. “Your name?”
“Nadia Sokol.”
The security guard shook his head. “I’m sorry, you’re not on the list.”
My heart sank, then I remembered Tomas said to call Josephine. She came jogging up and spoke with the security person, who moved the barricade back. “Nadia, you’re aware the set-up has changed for today?”
I nodded. “Yes, Tomas told me.”
Her shoulders dropped. “Great. We’ve got a lot to do. Let’s go.”
I turned to Ben and waved. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Text me when you’re done.”
“Two assistants have been dismissed by the photographer. One of the supermodels missed the change in time and is stuck in London. We are improvising with who we were sent. Just follow along and do what is asked,” she rushed in a low tone.
I nodded firmly. “Great. I’m ready.”
We walked together to the front of The Monte Carlo Casino, the grand iconic building I’d seen many times luxuriously presented in film and television, and today was no different. Three Formula One race cars were parked in the drive, with models wearing the latest glamourous Givenchy Haute Couture Collection created by Hayden and Tomas. They were striking running poses with fans blowing to add speed by creating movement to the garments. It was all in activity, with a director filming and a photographer moving around them and taking photos. A few feet away was a computer set with a few assistants I’d seen back at Givenchy. But Josephine and I headed to a small trailer set up with models still wearing regular clothes and stylists doing their hair and makeup. Ellie was fitting a woman who broke the zipper on the back of her gown.
“Oh, no,” Josephine exclaimed. “Get a corset, Ellie. We sew her in. Quick. Quick.”
Ellie rushed into the trailer, and I quickly unhooked the garment as carefully as possible. At the same time, Ellie came back with an old-fashioned string corset. Josephine expertly laced her in and pulled while the model grimaced. We put the dress back on, and I sewed while Ellie refastened the gown. We had just put on her heels while the stylist and makeup artist retouched her flawless face.
“What the hell are you doing?” A sharp bark erupted behind us. “We’re waiting for this? She looks messy.”
