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She nods, looking thoughtful. “We can definitely help Mr. Clark out with some pieces for your shoot. From our floor.”

Oh, I thought I’d have to make a trip to Paris so stuff could be pulled from the showroom, but this is even better! I’m going to get it a lot quicker than I anticipated.

“This is amazing! Thank you so much,” I say. “I’m meeting with Mason tomorrow, so I’ll have proper sizes, or if he has time, I’ll have him come in to try stuff on.”

She nods enthusiastically. “Yes, we’d love to have him in our store,” she says eagerly. “Ring me when you have a time you’d like to come by, and we’ll make an appointment.”

“Perfect,” I say, smiling brightly at her.

“I’d also like to call our PR rep in Paris and get you connected. Mason Clark is someone they’d love to work with.”

Hmm. This could open up the door for a collaboration or endorsement deal for Mason. Or maybe even Collings Motors …

My brain is spinning now as we continue our conversation. I pull out my phone and begin typing some notes, and by the time we’re finished, I see so many opportunities ahead, more than I dreamt of when I walked in the door this morning. I thank Angelique for her time, tell her I’ll be in touch, and then walk out the door feeling completely energised.

I dispose of my cup in a bin and continue to walk through the shopping area. I never thought of fashion social media as a career pathway, but maybe it can be. I always wanted to do media for Collings Motors, but that’s a dead end for now. And I know this is merely a hobby, but maybe it could be … more.

I stop walking as I see the window for Vibrance, a high-end athletic/athleisure line. There’s a mannequin wearing a fitted full-zip jacket in black that I can immediately visualise for Collings Motors. It’s made for a women’s body, fitting appropriately in all the right places.

Then I frown. That’s the problem with Collings Motors wear. They simply take the men’s designs and resize them for women. I hate my polo shirt. It’s so boring and doesn’t fit like I like my shirts to fit. For the jackets, the women are just given the size they fit in menswear. But something like this jacket in the window display? With the Collings Motors logo?

That would be so much better.

But that’s not my division. That falls under merchandising. And I’m sure the last thing they’d want is me sticking my Collings self into their universe, even if I think it’s a solid idea.

I sigh and glance at my phone. Caleb is on his own today, but I know he’s biking with his trainer right now, then doing some work on the simulator.

I wonder what Mason is doing this morning.

No. No. It’s none of my business.

I sit down on a bench in the sunshine and text him an update. I mean, I could tell him this when I see him tomorrow, but I’m excited about it and want to share it now, so I ignore how my brain is telling me to not do this. I begin to type:

Just met with a manager at Sohan Perrin. They’re going to loan me some pieces for you to wear whenever we want to shoot another video! I’m so excited about this. I found some items that are going to look so good on you for the “Dress the Driver” segment. Anyway, we can talk more about it tomorrow. I can never thank you enough for doing this.

Then I hit send. There. Completely business appropriate.

I bite my lip. Now If I could only get my heart to be business appropriate, I’d be good.

But right now? With the way I’m feeling about the number-one driver for Collings Motors? I’m in so much trouble.

Buzz! I jolt out of my thoughts as my phone vibrates in my hand.

And I see the message is from Mason.

Chapter Ten

My heart leaps as soon as I see Mason’s name on my screen. Yes, this “new day, new me, new thoughts regarding Mason” goal has been completely obliterated before midday. I wave the chequered flag on my friends-only mandate and declare it finished. Instead, I let excitement fill me as I tap open his message:

Where are you?

I wrinkle my brow. Okay, I thought I’d get a “congratulations” or “great news” kind of reply but not this. I text him back:

Allée François Blanc. Why?

Mason Clark is typing …

As we’ve already established, I’m not a wanker. I should give you my thoughts on this in person, don’t you think?