Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I shook my head as I tear apart the papers that I've written letters on. Manual shredding is actually good to exert some of my frustration. A little therapeutic to be honest.

The letters contain drafts of my resignation which I passed to Human Resources a week ago. Quitting my job makes me ashamed and proud of myself at the same time.

It makes me feel ashamed that I couldn't handle it any longer – I've always prided myself on not being a quitter but what the hell, it was such a relief to finally have the guts to quit after a year of my manager bossing me around and making me feel inferior; I just know I wouldn't stay there any longer for the sake of my mental health.

The problem now is, I don't have a job and according to my calculations, it'll only take me 3 months to live off of my savings.

I picked up all the torn-up paper sprawled across my bed and tossed it in the trash. Poor trees had to suffer from my dilemma. In my defense though, writing my thoughts by hand is really helpful for me in making decisions – maybe because I can really see it, think it through.

I opened my laptop and began updating my resume. I was adding my latest experience and it's kind of bittersweet that it now has an end date instead of 'Present'. I smiled to myself, thinking about how it felt like it was only yesterday when I was fixing up my CV to apply to Steinhouse, Inc. as an Accounting Associate.

It feels kind of funny how I really thought I could grow there knowing how big the company is. They run an empire – real estate, banks, malls, the whole lot. But I can't really blame my quitting to the company; sure, they have a lot of strict rules and regulations but those didn't suffocate me, my manager did. It was such a shame that I got along well with my co-workers, they were really nice and they played a big part that I stayed there for a year.

After I was pleased with how my updated resume looked like, I called my best friend. She works at an agency for Human Resources and I just want to ask if she knows any opening that's suitable for me.

"Hello?" she answered after three rings.

"Hey, Hailey!" then I heard a shuffling of papers. My forehead creased. Maybe now isn't the right time. "You busy?" I continued.

"C'mon now, Lauren, I wouldn't pick up if I were too busy. What's up?" she replied with ridicule in her voice.

"Uh, I just updated my resume." I paused then let out a small sigh. The shuffling of papers stopped.

"Lauren, are you feeling guilty again?" I can almost imagine Hailey's face on the other line. One eyebrow raised as she always does when she thinks I'm acting stupid. Maybe she's right.

"Yeah, a little bit. I just feel a little ashamed of myself that I can't handle it any longer." I shrugged.

"I think that's perfectly normal and especially when it comes to you, Laure." She chuckled. "You're always like that – you're too hard on yourself. And besides, you did the right thing..."

I nod in agreement, even though I know she can't really see me right now.

"You couldn't possibly stay at a job you hate any longer. It wasn't healthy. They weren't treating you the way you deserve." She continued.

I sighed then said, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

She snorted, "You guess I'm right? You bet your ass I am."

I chuckled. I'm really lucky I have her to slap some sense into me.

"Tell you what, let's grab some drinks tonight. It's Friday and we barely go out anymore. My treat." She said proudly.

I raised my brows, "Okay, girl-with-a-job!" she laughed. "So smug." I continued with a grin on my face.

She continued laughing.

"But hey, thanks. I really needed that." I said. "I guess I just need another person to tell me the decision I made is what's best for me."

"Yeah, well I'm always here for you," she replied and the shuffling of papers continued; then I remember she's at work and I can't really disturb her any longer so I went with the real reason I called her.

"Hey, I was wondering if maybe you've seen any opening that's suitable for me? No big companies though! I've had enough of them. And I haven't really started on the job hunt yet that's why I called you." I smiled to myself because it feels so ironic how a year ago, I was after the big companies to get all the experience and learnings and now they just exhaust me.

"Well you're starting now and it's commendable that you called me," she said in a fake British accent. I scrunched my nose.

"Yeah, don't do that again."

She chuckled and said, "Alright, grumpy pants. You're lucky I love you."

"Ew." I retorted then we both laughed.

"I saw an opening at MGC Models earlier this morning," she said.

Models? What would I do with models? "May I remind you, I'm an Accountant?"

"As if I'm asking you to model. You aren't tall enough for it."

"Hey, I'm average height!" I said defensively.

"Yes, you are, darling. I just said you aren't tall enough for it," she said distastefully though I know she's only kidding. "Anyway, they have an opening for an Accounting Associate. That's all I remember because I thought of the hot models that'll be walking about the agency and I immediately wished I know Accounting so I could apply."

I rolled my eyes in amusement. "You do know that you wouldn't meet the models when you work in Accounting, right?"

"Whatever," she said distastefully. I laughed at her tone. "Okay, I'll look through the openings that'll fit you. I'll make a list and give it to you later."

"Oh, that's great, Hales. Thank you."

"Alright, I better go then. I'll see you later at 8:00, Corrigan's?"

"Yes! I'll be there before 8:00." I nod.

"Okay, Laure. Bye." she said extenuating the 'e'.

"Okay, see you later. Bye." I replied then dropped the call with a smile on my face.

I went back to my laptop and looked up MGC Models. I clicked on the first webpage suggested by the Google search. It took a little while to load but when I got to read their 'About' page, I immediately had a bad feeling because I just said no big companies and they're an international agency. They represent a lot of well-known celebrities and are responsible for their campaigns on Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and all the other designer brands. They have offices in six world capitals, being New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, and Sydney.

And oh my God, I live in New York. Which is the business capital and may probably be their head office. Just think about the consolidation of year-end reports and financial statements. Wow, that is a lot to take in.

I shook my head. Don't spiral, Lauren. You got this. It's just an option. You'll still have Hailey's list and see what's best for you.

I felt a little better with my pep talk and took deep breaths. I went to their 'Careers' page and saw the opening just as Hailey told me. I don't think it would hurt to pass an application? Besides, they might not even accept me. I just know that the earlier I pass the more chances I'll get and no harm will be done so I guess I'll just give it a shot?

"Eh, what the hell," I said then I uploaded my resume on their site.

I glanced at the time and it's already 6:13, I have to get ready.

It's really nice to have a night out though. I missed doing this with Hailey. I think it's about a year now since our last night out. I've just been so busy with work – all those unpaid overtimes. I shake my head with disdain because it's so silly, thinking about it now. I gave free work to a multi-billion company.

I put on my black turtle neck dress with long sleeves that ends mid-thigh, it's form-fitting but not too tight – comfortable enough that I could breathe. I then paired it with a gold necklace and black Chelsea boots with about 2 inches of heels. It's a bit chilly outside but I don't really feel like bringing a coat, hence the long sleeves. I got inspired by the headshots I saw on the MGC Models page earlier that I went with a smokey eye shadow since it's the evening and a nude lipstick to tone it down a bit. I curled my hair for about 20 minutes before I decided to give up – it's just one of the things I can't do well by myself, Hailey usually does that for me. By 7:15, I'm ready to go.

Corrigan's is only a 15-minute drive from my apartment but with New York's rush hour, I'd rather walk.

I arrived at Corrigan's by 7:45, the place looks different from the last time I was here. It looks better though; they definitely integrated industrial in their new interiors. I texted Hailey that I'm here, she said she's on her way. I sat on a 4-seater table on the corner near the bar as I wait for her, just fumbling on my phone. I could never sit by the bar on my own, plus, I haven't been here for a while now and the staff aren't familiar, they're all new, I guess. I remember Hailey taking me here almost every week when I was still working on my Certification.

Hailey arrived 10 minutes later. She's wearing a short strappy maroon dress with a long black double-breasted coat on her hand which she then checked in at the Coatroom. Her brown hair is curled to perfection and her make-up puts those YouTube "gurus" to shame. I'm just gonna say it, my best friend knows how to slay. She waves as she walks to me by the corner.

"Hey, Laure!" she said excitedly as she extended her arms to me.

"I've missed you, Hales," I said as I hugged her.

"I know, I've missed you too. You look bomb, by the way" she replied as we sit.

"Me? Look at you! You look amazing." then she flicked her hair with that I-know-right face. I laughed with her. "So, Josh didn't say anything about your outfit?" I continued.

She snorted, "He knows better now. It isn't his choice and will never be his choice what I will or will not wear." then she smiled and shrugged. "He even hyped me up."

"Wow, I'm so single," I replied then we laughed.

"C'mon, let's go get some drinks," she said then we went to the bar.

"What can I get for you, ladies?" asked the bartender with a smile on his face while he's rubbing his hands together leaning by the bar. He has a light scruff and looks like he's around 24.

"What's up, Sammy?" Hailey said to the bartender with a grin. My eyebrows raised in surprise. I didn't know Hailey's still a regular here.

"Not much really, the night hasn't started yet," he said with a shrug. "Where's Josh? And who's this pretty lady here?" he turned to look at me and flashed a bright smile.

"Oh, it's Lauren," I replied with an acknowledging smile as I nod.

"It's girl's night and yeah, don't hit on my best friend, Sam," Hailey interjected.

"I was just asking her name." he raised his hands defensively.

Hailey rolled her eyes playfully. "Whatever. I'll have a Gin and Tonic and a Bolognese pasta. I haven't had dinner yet. What about you, Laure?"

I looked down at their menu, "I think I'll get the Baked Ziti and an Old Fashioned." I said with a shrug.

"Alright, coming up," Sam replied then went on to get our order.

As Sam was fixing up our drinks, people began to walk inside. It's officially 8 o'clock and the party's warming up.

"Here, you go ladies. Gin and Tonic and Old Fashioned." then he placed our drinks in front of us. We thanked him then someone called him up for an order. "I'll get back to you with the pasta," he said then went to cater to the other customers.

Hailey took a sip of her Gin and Tonic. "So..." she began as she placed her drink back down the table.

"So..." I replied.

Hailey opened her mouth then stopped, opened it again then looked down.

"What, Hailey? You look comical."

"You quit your job." She said nodding at me.

"Yeah, I think we've established that," I replied then took a sip of my drink. I blinked in surprise, this one's good.

She stared at me then laughed. "You quit your job," she said under her chuckles.

"Yes, I know." then I laughed with her. "Stop it, you're not even drunk yet!" I shake my head.

Then she gradually stopped. "It must feel good, huh."

"Honestly, I still have mixed feelings about it."

"Well, don't. Here." She took a paper out of her purse then gave it to me. I opened it and saw a list of companies with job descriptions and requirements for application. "That's the list as of today. I printed it out but I also sent a soft file to your email."

"Oh, speaking of jobs, I passed my application to MGC Models – the one you told me earlier."

"Really?" she said excitedly. "Now, don't you forget about me when you see those models."

"Hailey, you have a boyfriend," I said with a chuckle.

"So?" she said and I tilt my head looking at her with a knowing face.

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you're right, I love Josh."

I smiled at her. "Yes, you do. And I'm jealous." I pouted.

"Oh, don't worry kid. You'll get there," she said then took a sip of her drink.

I shake my head playfully. "But really, thanks for the list, Hales. It means a lot."

"Hey, I've been there. You still have to pay rent and utilities, it's hard if you don't have a job. God, why weren't we born rich?" she said jokingly.

"Well, that's life for us." I shrugged then took a sip of my drink. "This Old Fashioned is seriously good, Hailey."

"Sam's really good with mixing. Make sure to tip him well," she replied then she took a swig of her Gin and Tonic.

After about 10 minutes, Sam came back with our plates of pasta.

"Finally, I'm starving!" Hailey said.

"Sorry girls, orders began to pile up." Sam apologizes.

"It's alright. Your Old Fashioned is great, by the way." I said to him, his smile reached his eyes.

"Thanks, Lauren. I've been working on that," he replied gratefully, staring at me for a second too long. I blinked and averted his gaze.

"One Cosmopolitan please!" a girl said next to Hailey, bringing Sam back to his senses. Thank God for the interruption.

Hailey smirked next to me.

"What?" I said defensively.

"Somebody's got someone smitten." she teased with her nose-crunching smile plastered on her face then she shook her head. "It's been a really long time since we went out together and I forgot how hard it is to go out with you. I forgot the freaking Lauren effect."

"There is no such thing. Stop." I replied with ridicule evident in my voice. Hailey has a gift of embarrassing me.

"What? You're not the one who'll be suffering from guys asking for your best friend's number when you decide to go to the bathroom."

I laughed at her as she continued, "But I mean it's not their fault you're pretty."

"I'm not pretty, I'm okay," I said.

"Okay?! Excuse me but your all-year tan begs to differ."

"It's because I'm part Filipino, that's why."

"Yeah, and I'm so honored you're talking to us pasty peasants who burn under the sun." she rolled her eyes then continued, "Alright now, your highness, eat. We need energy to party later."

I raised my left brow, "I thought we're just 'grabbing drinks'?" I said air-quoting.

"It's a night out, Lauren. We need to go to a club," she said with a convincing smile to her face. "Oh, please don't be such a baby." she continued.

"Okay, let's eat then," I said then she made a yes motion with her right arm. I shake my head with a smile.

I was picking on a Penne when Hailey started to look like she saw a ghost.

"What's wrong, Hales?" I ask, worried, then I followed where she was looking and that's when I saw him, Axel James.