Just as she had clicked shut her laptop, Ivyâs phone erupted into a symphony of rings. It was a call from Nolan.
She hesitated for a moment but decided to answer it anyway.
Despite having promised Balfour to keep her distance from Nolan, answering a call from an old schoolmate seemed harmless enough.
âHey, Nolan.â
âHey Ivy, you busy right now?â
âNot at all. Whatâs up?â
âWell, Ivy, Iâm just giving it another shot⦠Are you sure you donât want to come work with us?â Nolanâs voice still held a hint of hope. âThe Harris Group may not be top tier, but weâve got a lot to offer. You sure you wonât reconsider?â
The position of Advertising Director at the Harris Group was a coveted spot, but Ivyâs promise to Balfour was clear- She had to keep a distance from Nolan. âNolan, I really canât join. I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline.â
Nolan fell silent for a moment before letting out a sigh, âAlright then. But Ivy, since you accidentally scratched Claraâs face, she canât do the photoshoot for our upcoming ad campaign. Weâre scrambling to find a replacement. If we donât deliver it on time, the companyâs looking at a hefty fine for breach of contract.â
âWhat?â Ivy felt a pang of guilt at the thought of causing such trouble.
Nolan had always been kind to her, often lending a helping hand when she needed it. She really didnât want to add to his burdens.
âNolan, Iâm sorry. Is there anything I can do to make it right?â
Hearing her concern, Nolan chuckled, âSure, come work for us.â
Ivy was in a bind, âUm⦠Nolan, I really canât join the Harris Group. How much is the fine? Iâll cover it.ââ
Even as she said this, she wasnât sure if she could afford it.
Nolan laughed, âSilly! I donât want your money, I want you.â
âWhat?â Once again, Ivy was thrown into confusion. âNol-Nolan, Iâm married already.â
Nolan couldnât help but laugh out loud on her response, âIvy, what on earth are you thinking about? Is that how you see me?â
âNo, no, Nolan, I⦠I was just kidding!â Realizing her misunderstanding, Ivy scrambled for an excuse to hide her embarrassment.
Nolanâs laughter subsided, âIvy, what I meant was, our company is in dire need of a suitable model for the ad. Clara canât shoot it with her injured face, and youâre her sister. You two look alike to some extent, so how about you finish the ad for us?â
âMe in a commercial?â Ivy frowned lightly, doubting herself. âBut Iâve never done any ad work before, and Iâm not a known face. Wouldnât that be inappropriate?â
âIvy, you can do it. If you donât help us out, our companyâs going to be out of pocket big time, and weâre not talking chump change here.â
Agreeing to shoot a commercial for the Harris Group meant that sheâd inevitably be in contact with Nolan. If Balfour found out, heâd surely be upset.