“Hmm, you definitely want to show her that you’re interested, but don’t want to come out like you’re too aggressive,” Courtney said. “Right, Abigail?”
Dana removed the empty hangers and set them beneath the counter. “Um, yeah, I suppose.”
“Just what I needed, two women who can offer me some advice.” His gaze narrowed in on Dana. “What do you have to say?”
“Well…” Dana folded her arms. “Maybe you can give her one of our scented lotions or candles. Every woman would appreciate that.”
"Seems like a good idea." He nodded.
"Let me show you." Courtney led him to the aisle of lotions, but the man continued to watch Dana. Courtney opened a bottle and made him smell it. “What do you think?”
He laughed. “That smells sexy. Anything you choose would be a winner.”
“All right.” She giggled. “I can gift-wrap it as well for you.” She brought the bottle to the counter while he trailed behind.
“That would be awesome.”
“I’m Courtney.” She handed him a business card. “And Abigail is the manager here.”
He smiled. “Very please to meet you ladies. I’m Giovanni Amorosi. You can call me Gio for short.”
“Oh, Gio.” Courtney blushed as she wrapped the gift. “That’s such a unique name. You must be Italian.”
"My father is."
“Nice to meet you,” Dana said.
“Here you go.” Courtney handed him the wrapped gift. “And please don’t be a stranger.”
“Oh, trust me. I won’t.” He winked then exited the shop.
Dana shook her head.
“What?” Courtney opened her eyes wide.
“I need to teach you to be discreet.”
“Oh, c’mon. Don’t tell me you didn’t find him cute?”
“He is cute, but he’s twice your age.”
Courtney removed her stilettos. “I’m not dating anyone my age. Twenty-something men are still boys, and the majority of them have no money. This man looks juicy and rich,” she moaned. “Not to mention, he smelled good.”
Dana rolled her eyes. “How do you know if he’s some kind of serial killer?”
“You’re such a prude. You need to come out with me some time. I can teach you to have fun.”
“That’s okay. I’d rather stay at home and watch movies in my PJ’s.”
“You won’t meet anyone that way. Don’t waste your good looks, my friend. Flirt while you still have it.”
“All right, all right. Well, we better make sure the cash balances so I can deposit it tomorrow.”
“Yes, Mom.” Courtney salutes Dana then counts the remaining bills. “There you go. It’s all good."
“Thanks, my dear, see you tomorrow.”
“Ciao.”
Dana waves goodbye then crosses the street to head home. Courtney's right. He is cute!
Chapter 20
The next day, Dana tidied up the shop as Courtney smoked outside. Eager to go home, Dana heard Courtney’s high heels clanking on the floor with another footsteps trailing from behind.
“Abigail, looks who’s here,” she said, breathless.
Dana peered from her glasses. Gio, wearing all black with matching ebony boots, smiled directly at her from the entrance.
“Gio has three tickets to watch Indigo band at the Scarlet Lounge tonight, and I already said yes for us.” She winked. “I told him we were available.”
Dana cleared her throat, cursing underneath her breath. She gave them her heart-stopping smile and twirled her hair. “I’m sorry, but I already made plans for tonight. I wish you told me earlier.”
“Oh.” Courtney pouted, her cherry red lips. “How presumptuous of me to think you were available.” Then facing Gio, she added, “Looks like it’s just the two of us.”
“Very well.” Gio glanced at Dana then back at Courtney. “Perhaps we can schedule another event with Ms. Madison in advance.”
“You guys have fun,” Dana waved, her heart throbbing at the way Gio looked at her. She never thought she would see him again.
“Oh, we will.” Courtney glimmered and clutched Gio’s arm as they exited the shop.
***
Vladimir jumped out of bed and got into the shower. Courtney lay fast asleep on her stomach, her mouth curled open. He hated how aggressive these twenty-year-old women were, so eager like a puppy dog waiting to be pet. The first time he saw Dana, he expected to see a woman with silicone lips and Botox, but everything about her spelled the opposite. She had milk skin, and her eyes glimmered behind her glasses. Her beauty possessed simplicity combined with elegance. She didn’t need make-up and looked much prettier in person. He couldn’t help but notice how gracious and refined her demeanor exuded.
The hot water poured on his body as he lathered soap all over. Why did he feel this way? What happened to his angry motives. Vladimir reminded himself not to get carried away. After toweling off, he opened the drawer and cocked his gun. I'm here for one mission.
***
Dana had just finished helping a customer when Courtney arrived late that morning with her hair disheveled and no makeup on.
“Good morning. I thought you weren’t coming.”
Courtney yawned. “Sorry, late night.”
“I presumed.” Dana grinned.
Courtney plopped her bag behind the counter. “My body is all sore.”
“You what?” She shook her head. “How many times do I have to tell you not to have sex on your first date?”
“Yes, Mom.” She rolled her eyes. “You should have been a nun.”
Dana folded her arms. “You need people to respect you, Courtney. What challenge will the guy have if you’re so easy?”
Courtney sat at the counter. She blew a bubble and popped it. “I don’t think he’s one of those guys who will take me for a ride. He made me speak to his cousin who said he knows of an agent in New York that can help me with my career.”
“And you believe him?”
Before Courtney could answer, Gio walked in with two cups of lattes. “Good morning, ladies.” He pressed his lips against Courtney, who embraced him tight.
“You missed me already?” Eyeing Dana, she took the cups from him and set them on the countertop.
Smiling at Dana, he faced Courtney. “I came to deliver the good news. If it’s okay with Ms. Madison, I’ve booked you on a flight tomorrow morning for New York.” He removed a ticket from his pocket. “You are all set to meet with Rob Hanson the famous agent who, mind you, is a photographer as well.”
Courtney planted kisses on Gio. “You’re my angel. I knew from the minute you walked in the shop that day.”
Rob? Courtney will be meeting Rob? She fiddled with the pen and pretended to scribble a number. How she wished she could send a note to Rob that she was alive and safe.
“Did you hear that Abigail?” She giggled. “Is it okay if I leave?“
Dana took a deep breath, turned around and straightened her shoulders. “That’s fabulous. This has been your ultimate dream.” She squeezed Courtney’s arms. “You can’t possibly give up on this opportunity.” Then towards Gio, she added, “Thank you for doing this for her. You don’t know how much it means to Courtney.”
He flashed her a dreamy look. “No sweat.”
“Thanks, honey.” Courtney opened the envelope. “And you bought me a business class ticket?" She clapped her hands in delight then embraced him. "You totally spoil me.”
Two customers walked in, and Gio cleared his throat. “Won’t stay long. Just wanted to share the good news.”
Dana waved goodbye then attended to the clients while Courtney escorted Gio outside. Who is this man and why is he doing this for Courtney?
***
That was the only confirmation Vladimir needed—the look on Abigail Madison’s face. She could no longer hide her disguise. Dana Simmons While Courtney spent time in New York, he could get cozy with Dana and get to know the real her. He had to wait till she wa
s vulnerable and for her to open up to him.
Vladimir called Constantine. "It's really her. I'm most certain it is."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'll keep you posted. I trust you'll be responsible while I'm away."
Laughter exploded. "I should be asking you the same question. I hope you don't do anything stupid."
Lighting a cigarette, Vladimir inhaled. "You know I won't. Just watch, I'll have her falling for me in no time."
***
Rob continued to keep himself busy with work to avoid thinking of Dana. He still couldn’t believe Dana was in Europe. Her contract with most products was ending in six months, and as her agent, he would either have to renew them or find new product endorsements for her.
He opened his mailbox at the lobby of his apartment building and ripped the only envelope open. Pulling out three headshots, he read the note.
This is the lady I was telling you about, Courtney Fields. She’ll be at your studio tomorrow at three pm.
“Not bad at all,” he mumbled. He was used to getting referrals from friends of friends. Everyone wanted to be a model.
***
Dana was closing the shop when Gio approached.
“You scared me.” She froze. Why is he here?
“I’m sorry. I wanted to check if you were okay.” He blushed. “I mean, I'm to blame for leaving you without an assistant.”
Dana drew in a breath. Why does he have to be so charming? “You were doing her a favor.” She buried the keys inside her purse.
“How about I do you a favor as well?”
She took a step forward. “Thanks, but don’t think I need anything for now.”
“You’ll surely need help to watch the store.” He pointed to the "We're hiring" sign in the window.
“It’s all right.” Dana paused, gathering her thoughts. How do I dismiss him? “It will only be for a few days.”
He chuckled. “I don’t think so.”
She took an exasperated breath.
“Knowing Courtney, she’ll come back to offer her resignation. I mean, look at her. She’s beautiful, and I’m sure the agent would love her.”
“And how well do you know this agent?” She paused. Maybe she shouldn't have said that.
He shrugged. “Oh, me? I don’t know him. He happens to know the coworker of a friend. You know, that type of thing.”
“Right.”
“So what do you say? I temp for you while she’s gone?”
“You?” She raised her eyebrows.
“Sure. Never worked with a man before?”
She pursed her lips. “Well, I need to talk to the owner and see what I can do, but this job doesn't seem like your type of thing”
Pulling out his wallet, Gio gave her his business card. “Call me I'm flexible.” And he was gone like smoke.
Dana stared at the business card. Giovanni Amorosi Importer/Trader. Hmmm…Why would he want to work here?
Chapter 21
Rob dimmed the lighting in his studio as a tall, blond slender woman marched in.
The woman set her purse in the counter. "Are you Rob Hanson?"
He extended his hand. "You must be Courtney."
"Pleasure to meet you." She gave him a tight grip, her palm cold and clammy.
Grabbing his camera, he circled around the studio. "I'd like to take some shots of you."
"Sure." She straightened her skirt and fixed her salmon silk scarf.
Rob positioned a chair in the center of the floor. "Let's do some of you sitting down."
Courtney plopped herself on the chair while Rob did some test shots from each angle.
"Have you modeled before?"
"I did some gigs in Austin, but they were small ones."
Rob peered into the lens. "I'd like you to pull your hair back in a ponytail."
She followed his instructions and titled her head.
"Perfect, love it. Now, let's get one of you standing up and leaning your body against the wall."
Rising from her seat, Courtney approached the corner and rested her weight on the wall.
Rob studied her while he snapped photos. "I love that you have a touch of apricot. It lightens up your face."
"Really?" A smile spread on her lips. "You don't know how many outfits I tried on this morning."
He grinned, opening a folder that contained her resume. "Is this your usual weight? Or did you lose weight before coming here?"
"I'm a hundred and twenty pounds, but before my period, I can go to one twenty five. Will that be a problem?"
Rob laid the camera on the chair and tested the lighting. "As a photographer, I prefer curvier women, but as an agent, I'm strict and tough." He looked at her straight in the eye. "I'm not going to sugar it for you. Modeling is a cruel industry, and you gotta have thick skin to survive."
Courtney pressed her lips together.
"You need to lose at least five to seven pounds. You can't have the roots of your hair revealing a different shade from the rest, and I don't mean to be rude, but please throw out your gum."
"Does that mean I don't have a chance?" She spit out her gum into a Kleenex she pulled from her purse and tossed it inside the garbage can.
Rob burst into laughter. "Of course you do. You're amazingly beautiful. You have the height and body. You're young and have a vibrant personality. I wanted to check if you can handle the critic because people can be downright mean in this industry. And I totally want to represent you. For now, it will be easier for me to get you to do print, like magazines, over runway shows. Are you okay with that?"
She leaped to her feet and gave Rob a tight embrace. "Oh my gosh, of course. And I will lose those pounds and dye my roots once I leave your studio."
"Great. Let's take more shots so I can send this to my contacts. They're looking for fresh new faces, and I believe you'd be a great fit."
"Wow, Gio was right. He promised you'd take care of me."
Turning off the lights, Rob packed his cameras. "Let me prepare the contract."
After signing the contract, Rob realized how he missed Dana. Projects were lining up and how he wished he could give them to Dana.
***
Vladimir read the text on his phone, and that was all he needed. Courtney signed contract. Turn on your computer.
A warm smile spread on his lips.
Taking a stroll, he crossed the street and dashed inside his motel which was two blocks away from Dana's house.
He grabbed his laptop and turned it on, rubbing his hands as he studied the view of Rob's loft. Punching a text on his phone, he said, Well done.
***
A couple of weeks had passed since Courtney left, and whether Dana liked it or not, Gio had been right. Rob had booked Courtney a contract with a clothing line, and even as a runway model. She deserved it, but now Dana was left with Gio to manage the store.
Gio worked harder than Courtney. He arrived earlier than usual, never eyed the clock, greeted customers, provided them the utmost care, and always brought her tea. He was submissive and accommodating at all times.
As they did the final inventory that afternoon, Gio said, “I suggest that we have a one-day sale tomorrow. Slash everything to fifty percent.”
Working on a spreadsheet sales forecast, Dana glanced at him. “I don’t know if the owner will agree.”
“You can tell her you want to get rid of the old stock and increase sales. It’s just one day.”
“You’re right.” She chewed on the tip of her pen. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Well, that’s why you need me here.”
They shared a laugh.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you laugh.”
She covered her mouth.
“Seriously, you should laugh more often.”
He was damn right. When was the last time she laughed?
“Hey, how about I take you to dinner tonight?”
“Dinner?”
“Yeah, you need t
o eat. Nothing fancy.” He gestured. “I heard there’s a nice Japanese restaurant across the street. What do you say we go try it.”
Dana took a long time to answer. I can’t be alone all the time. She missed Rob back home, and Jake, Molly and Sarah back in Bluewater Acres, and she felt bad that she didn’t even go out to dinner with Courtney. Gio looked like a nice and harmless guy, and what was wrong with having dinner? “I don't know. I still have to put tags on the new stock.”
"Okay, but you gotta eat. How about I bring you dinner instead?"
Before she could say anything, Gio fled to the door.
Persistent. She couldn't deny she enjoyed the attention he gave her.
***
Rob rolled his suitcase inside his loft and flung his keys on the counter. Exhausted from his morning photo shoot, he sank onto his couch and turned on his laptop. He opened his drawer and removed the contents from an envelope−checks made to Dana Simmons. How long would it take until this checks became stale? Six months? Less? He eyed the calendar on his desk and marked September "the month I find Dana."
His phone disturbed his thoughts. He answered, "Yeah?"
"Did you meet the woman I told you about?" a faint, high-pitched voice asked.
"Sandy? Yes, I did." He cleared his throat. "I know she's a friend of your cousin, and I owe you a huge favor, but just to be frank, she needs to build her class."
Laughter erupted over the phone. "I know what you mean. She has a few rough edges, but hey, I'm sure Courtney will step up to the plate."
Rob grinned. "You'll be thrilled to note that she signed her first contract with a new clothing brand." He turned on his laptop and clicked on Courtney's photos.
"That's awesome. I owe you one, buddy."
"No problem. I appreciate the referrals."
"You take care, my friend," she added.
The phone clicked as he continued to browse the photos. His cursor landed on the pictures he took of Michael Downey's house. He had looked at them several times since his visit, but never found anything and the agents never noticed suspicious activity.
Rob decided to look at it again, and this time something caught his eye. He zoomed to get a closer look.