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As long as I’m with Paul, people will treat me differently. So Toto changed his attitude once he thought I was connected to someone of influence. Was anything or anyone real with me? I wasn’t upset with Ben for telling Paul, at the end of the day, it was his job. This was my new life, and the special treatment would only continue if we stayed together. Like Dani told me, I would have to come to terms with it.
We went inside the suite, and I kicked off my heels and let my feet sink into the thick carpet. Ben handed me a menu, and I padded over with my phone. There was a new text message from Tomas.
Tomas: I heard about the shoot. How are you? Call me.
I ordered a sandwich, soup, and cake. Ben pointed to the door. “I’ll leave you for your privacy, but if you need me, just call.”
“Thank you, Ben.”
I sat on a chair on the balcony and called Tomas.
“Hello, Nadia. I know the shoot is over. How are you now?”
“I’m fine. It went well, right?”
“Yes. I’ve seen some proofs, and they’re fantastic. Josephine said it was because of you and Ellie. You both helped the staff and assistants, and you saved the shoot.”
My heart warmed. “I’m happy I had the chance to go. It was exciting to be a part of it all, but…” I tensed. I have to ask. “Did you send me because of Paul?”
“No, I sent you because I believe you could handle it,” Tomas replied simply. “Paul’s protective of you. I expected some issues with his fame when we agreed to have you on board. We took you because you are talented and proved yourself dedicated and hardworking. Even today, you did well.”
“Thank you, Tomas.”
“Enjoy your time off. See you soon.” We ended our call.
Ben returned. “I’ll get the car and everything set. Do you want something while I’m gone?”
“I’m going to eat and take a nap. Thank you, Ben.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” Ben opened the door just as the room service arrived and set up a lovely lunch on the cloth-covered table and chairs. They set up the lunch for two. But Paul’s not coming. My shoulders drooped, and I turned away and sighed.
I took a bath in the sunken tub and added the flower petals left on the counter, imagining Paul taking it with me. My phone chimed. Paul? I climbed out and cinched a towel around my waist. It was Xander. I finished up and put on a tunic, then called him back.
“How was the shoot?” he asked when he answered.
“Intense.”
“Hayden?”
“Even less charming this time around. How was Italy?”
“Ah-maze-ing,” he drawled out, and my spirits lifted as he sent me shots of his presentation and Italy. He had assistants, too.
“Wow, Xander. Assistants?”
“That’s right. I can’t do these things cold. Clients expect a lot these days. You got to be A-plus, you know?”
“Yes, I believe I’m beginning to know.”
“Why waste time slugging at the bottom when I can start in the middle? And honestly, I owe so much to Paul. I swear, he only saw some of my work and was certain I could do more. I mean, his vision is not limited. He sees potential and doesn’t think about price or cost. I want to achieve that mindset one day.”
“I like that. I could use that mindset, too.”
“How was the Titan photo shoot?”
I groaned and caught him up on all that happened.
“Fuck those assholes on the set; they are all complicit. I hope Paul makes their lives go to hell.”
