Page 65 of Not Just Gal Pals

Thanksgiving weekend was reserved for eating leftovers and shopping Black Friday sales, which seemed to be lasting longer and longer every year. Not photoshoots. What was wrong with these people?

“Is there any way we could postpone the photoshoot, or they could get someone else to do this one? I’ve got plans tomorrow night.” I bit my lip nervously.

“They were adamant they needed you back here for it. They’ve got everything organized to shoot tomorrow—permits, film crew, make-up, etc. I know it’s not the best timing, but apparently, it was very hard to get the permit, and they had to take what they could get. The photoshoot is the start of a campaign for their latest line, and they want their new brand ambassador to be in it. They’ve got Joanie Tanner lined up to do it if you can’t, but you’re their first preference. Unfortunately, if you can’t make it there by ten tomorrow morning, they’ll need to use her instead.”

I was pretty sure I was at least their second preference, given I was replacing an injured surfer, but I had bigger things to worry about. I took a deep breath and tried to think things through calmly. Everything was basically finalized for the fundraiser. I was supposed to emcee the event and run the raffle, but it didn’t have to be me. Blake could do it. If I threw myself into the fundraiser today, I should be able to get it to the point that it would run smoothly without me. I’d done all the hard work already.

“Look, assuming I can get on a flight, I might be able to make it. Let me check and get back to you. And did...what’s their offer?” My mouth suddenly felt dry. Please, let it be enough to cover me for at least another month or two. Surely something like this would pay five figures?

“Don’t worry about the flights. I already checked. There are some seats on a JetBlue flight leaving from JFK late tonight, so you’ll have plenty of time to pack. I’ll text you the details. It’s expensive, but Mahler said they’d cover your flight. And in terms of the offer...we should go over it all to make sure you’re happy with them. Let me just pull it out.” There was a pause, and then Serena cleared her throat. “So, they want you to sign on for a year, have at least one post per week with you wearing their clothes, and three more photoshoots. While they thought your recent country posts were cute, they really want a Californian vibe—lots of photos on Santa Monica Beach, hiking Runyon Canyon, that type of thing. I told them I thought you’d be fine to move back immediately if the offer was right...and you are going to be blown away by their offer, Jenny!” Serena almost squealed the last few words. “One hundred thousand dollars! And if all goes well, they’re open to renewing it for another twelve months.”

One hundred thousand dollars? My brain stuttered. That sort of money would make an enormous difference.

But instead of the rush of excitement I’d usually experience at news like this, my chest felt tight. It was all happening so suddenly. I thought I had another six weeks—maybe even more, if Whamz canceled—with Blake, with my family, in Sapphire Springs. Another six weeks to prepare myself for leaving. Another six weeks for things to naturally fizzle out with Blake, allowing me to walk away relatively painlessly. My eyes pricked with tears, my throat constricting at the thought. Walking away from Blake right now would not be painless.

I took a deep breath, trying to get my emotions under control. I knew it was going to end sooner or later. And for the sake of my finances and career, it was, unfortunately, going to be sooner than expected. It wouldn’t make sense to reject this opportunity, one that could give me financial security and enhance my profile, to stay in a town that was a dead-end, career wise, for me. Not for a woman I’d been dating for a month, who’d made it clear she wasn’t interested in a serious relationship. As much as I liked Blake, my dating track record was proof it would end soon enough, and then where would I be? Broke and heartbroken.

“Jenny? Are you still there? Should I take this silence as evidence you’re dumbfounded by the offer and can’t wait to sign on the dotted line?”

I wiped my eyes and tried to keep my voice upbeat. “Yes, it’s terrific. Thanks, Serena. I’ll do it.” Hopefully my aunt wouldn’t mind me crashing at her place until my apartment was free again.

Serena let out a breath. “Fantastic! You can sign all the paperwork tomorrow morning when you get in. And Joanie’s going to be on standby in case you miss your flight, so make sure you get here!”

CHAPTER THIRTY

BLAKE

Dad cleared his throat. He was standing in the doorway to my office, looking sheepish, holding three large boxes.

“Sorry, honey, I accidentally ordered ten boxes of paper instead of ten reams of paper for the printer. Do you, uh, happen to have any room in your office for a couple of these?”

I chuckled. “Don’t worry. We’ll use it eventually. At least it’s not milk or something perishable. We should be able to fit a few boxes in the bottom of the closet.”

I glanced at the clock. Three minutes until my next patient. I’d been hoping to duck to the restroom, but that would have to wait. I ushered Dad in and opened the closet.

As Dad was walking out, three boxes lighter, he turned. “Oh, by the way, Jenny called. She was wondering if you’d be free to speak to her about something in person. I told her you’re fully booked all afternoon but I’d let you know she called.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I frowned, bending over my computer and pulling up my calendar. It was completely blocked out with appointments. At this rate, I’d never get to the restroom, let alone have time to talk to Jenny. Hopefully whatever Jenny needed to talk about could wait. It was probably some fundraiser-related issue. But it was strange she wanted to speak in person. We’d already planned to meet for dinner tonight. Unease unfurled in my stomach. I glanced at my watch. My next patient was in one minute. I had time to text her.

Dad said you called. I’ve got patients all afternoon. Can we talk tonight?

My phone rang. “Mr. Ortega is here, Blake,” Dad said.

I put down my phone and walked to the door to greet my patient, trying to push Jenny out of my mind. Mr. Ortega deserved my complete focus.

* * *

Finally finished for the day, I pulled my phone out as I walked out of the clinic, eager to call Jenny to see if she was free. That sense of unease hadn’t dissipated all afternoon, so I was keen to put it to rest.

“Blake.”

I looked up from my phone to see Jenny sitting on the bench outside my practice. My stomach turned. She was waiting for me.

“Hey, what’s up?” I asked as Jenny stood. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, and there was something about the way she held her body that put me on high alert. Something was not right.

“Sorry to ambush you, but we need to talk.” My stomach dropped. That didn’t sound good.

“Is everything okay?” I tried to keep my voice light.