Chapter 36

Chapter 36

The stressful encounter with Axel was soon followed by more stressful encounters.

I visited the remaining four models, and room after room, I was faced with the reality that they are all men using girls' names in hotels. Well, save for Gael and Peyton, those are their actual names, I just assumed they were women.

Maybe it's a model thing? A heads up from the bosses would've been appreciated.

The four of them were actually nice and accommodating. I should've just put Lexa to last in my rounds.

"What happened?" Cass said as I sat on the lounge chair next to her.

"Why?" I said then sipped on my strawberry smoothie.

"Well, you can't hide that scowl, Lauren." Dave looked up at us, his chin sitting on the edge of the pool.

I tried to relax my face. "How about now?"

Cassandra's upper lip turned upwards then she shook her head.

I exhaled loudly, "I'm sorry, guys. I guess I gotta go now. I need to prep for later."

Cassandra chortled, "Oh, it's about tonight. I thought it was something serious. Of course, go on. We'll be up too in a few minutes."

"Yeah, we have different ways to calm ourselves, Lauren, go on."

"Thanks, guys." I forced a smile then made my way back inside.

As I closed the door, the emotions flooded, overwhelming me to the point that I'm close to tears.

I shook my head, commanding the tears away. I would not shed a single tear again for that lying son of a bitch. I closed my eyes as I leaned on the door, taking deep breaths as I focus back on the now.

What should I do?

My eyes opened.

I have to call Dean.

I took my phone out and dialed Dean's number.

I paced back and forth as I wait for him to pick up the phone.

"Come on, Dean. Pick up."

Another ring then it stopped. "Hey, Lauren. What's up?" His voice a little husky.

"Hey, Dean. I'm sorry. Are you asleep?" I shook my head as I sat on the bed. "Dumb question. Of course, you were." I exhaled, "I'm in Manila."

"What?"

"I'm in the Philippines."

"I know where Manila is, but I thought you were in Sydney?"

"I was, but the trip was extended here. Anyway, the reason I called you is that..." I took a deep breath, "Axel is here."

"What?" his voice sounding urgent.

"I didn't know he'll be here. But he's our agency's client and I'll assist him for tomorrow's show."

"What show?" I heard the shuffling of his sheets. "I thought you're an accountant."

"I am, but in order to go to Manila, we have to take the assistant role. I wasn't gonna take it if it weren't for the location. I wanted to see some family in the city before I go back."

He exhaled, "I'll be there."

"What?" I stood. "No."

"Why not? We said we'll be there for each other in times like these."

I scratched my head. "Yeah, but the flight will take you, I don't know, 18 hours? By the time you get here, we'd probably be on our way back to New York."

There was a long pause on the other line then finally, a loud exhale. "Alright. But be sure to call me if there's any problem. I'd jump the next flight in a heartbeat."

My mouth felt dry, "Y-yeah." I caught my breath, "Of course. Um, go back to sleep now. It's the middle of the night. I'm sorry I called, I just panicked."

"Never apologize, Lauren."

I chuckled, "Good night."

"Good morning and take care."

"I will and you too." I unconsciously bit my lip, "Bye."

"Goodbye." He spoke then dropped the call.

I threw my body down the soft king-sized bed.

When did my life get this way?

My phone's alarm went off, startling me a little. I glanced at the screen in my outstretched hand. 5 P.M.

Right. It's time to get ready. Already. "Uggghhhh," I groaned as I got up from the bed. I'm starting to regret this trip.

I put on some jeans and a simple white tee and put up my hair in a ponytail in an attempt to look somewhat presentable.

I took a deep breath as I stood before my reflection. How can I pull this off? How can I work with Axel as if nothing happened?

Maybe I can ask Mitchell to switch models.

Yeah, that'll do.

I hope.

I just have to find him and talk him into switching models with either Cass or Dave.

Yes. That will work. It has to.

With my newfound mission, I took my sling bag from the nightstand and made my way out the door.

I took my phone out to review the itinerary for the next two days as I wait for the elevator.

So, we have the rehearsal tonight. A couple of fittings tomorrow morning, two shows in the afternoon, and an afterparty in the evening.

Well, I guess my appearance would not be required for the afterparty.

The elevator dinged, snapping me out of my thoughts. I put my phone back inside the bag and wait for the doors to open.

Disappointment faced me as the doors opened.

Seriously now?

My lips pursed as I entered the elevator.

Axel removed his hands from his pockets and stood straight next to me.

I took my phone out again to distract myself.

He cleared his throat and whispered, "Don't we look nice matching?"

If there weren't other people inside this elevator, I would've punched him by now.

I ignored him and silently regretted my choice of clothing.

He raised his head smugly.

I rolled my eyes. He thinks he looks good in his light-wash jeans and white tee... Please.

The elevator stopped on the third floor and the man behind me got off, pushing me a little closer to Axel. Our arms touched and I felt electrocuted.

"Ow," I rubbed my arm.

He chuckled, "See, we're electric. You felt the spark too."

"That was electric shock from the temperature, dumbass." The elevator dinged to a stop. Ground floor. "Thank God."

I marched out of the elevator and heard Axel snickering behind me.

His audacity to laugh is unbelievable. He was the freaking offender. How can he act cool?

God, I hate him.

"Hey," I said as I reached the sofas. Gale and Theo were already waiting.

"Have you been waiting long?" I continued.

"Nah. I just got here too." Theo said.

"How 'bout you, Gale?"

"A couple of minutes," he shrugged. "No big deal."

I nodded, "Alright. Axel is here." he raised his right hand as if to say 'Hi'. Lame.

"Why don't you all get to know each other? I'll go talk to the concierge for our car while we wait for Peyton and Chris."

"Okay," Gale nodded.

"Hi," I walked up to the concierge.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am. How can I help you?"

"I, uh, I was told there was a car reserved under my name. Can you please run that? It's Lauren Grant. Or if it's not my name, try MGC Models, Inc."

"Sure. Please give me a second."

"Of course."

I checked on my phone again just to keep myself occupied. I didn't even run apps; I just swiped randomly on my home screen.

"I've already informed the car service, Ma'am. Kindly wait for about 10 minutes. Anyway, I'll inform you if they're already in front."

"Okay, then, we'll just wait here. Thanks."

"You're welcome, Ma'am."

I went back to where the boys are at. They're all chatting up, but they looked at me when I got closer.

I clapped my hands together, "The car will be here in 10 minutes. Let's wait for Peyton and Chris for three more minutes. If they aren't here by then, I will have to fetch them up."

"I'll come with," Axel said.

"Um, no thanks." I sat on the armchair adjacent to them.

"Ooooh, trouble in paradise?" Theo asked.

"What?"

"Well, we heard you two are dating," Gale said.

"Yeah, it doesn't take a genius to figure out you're the Lauren in the tabloids."

I cleared my throat and looked down.

"Hey, guys, stop it," Axel said. "Don't make her uncomfortable."

Says you.

"Hey, sorry, I'm late." Peyton jogged towards us.

"Hey, Peyton!" I greeted.

"What'd I miss?"

"Nothing," I replied.

Gale and Theo glanced at each other.

"Let's just wait for Chris. And the car."

"Alright."

About two minutes later, Chris arrived and just a little while after that, the car's already in front.

I rode shotgun so I'd be safe from even having the chance to sit next to Axel.

It literally took us just three minutes to get to the convention center, including drop-off. It was so close we could've just walked.

But then again, I'd be walking with models and a sorry-ass actor; if fans saw them, a commotion is inevitable.  And even though I hate to admit it, the stakes are higher because we're with Axel.

Please. Even I was affected when I first saw him. But I know better now.

Besides, I know I'd get a lot of shit from Harper and Mitchell if that happened. The innate rule is that all of this should be kept on the down-low.

After the identification process, we all got our backstage passes for the event and made our way to Hall 4 where the rehearsal would be.

Models were busy, stylists were running about with garment bags on their backs, and the event coordinator pointing where the lightings should be.

"Wow," I muttered under my breath.

"It's okay to be overwhelmed, Grant. I'll make it easy for you." Axel whispered behind my ear.

"Get lost," I said in gritted teeth. Then I remember, I'm his assistant, "On second thought, don't." I turned around to face him, "I can't believe this is happening but you're my responsibility here. Everyone huddle up, please."

The other four turned to me with expectant eyes.

I fiddled with my fingers, "Okay, you all have to know something about me that's important for this assignment."

Chris nodded.

I exhaled a breath, "I'm not actually a model assistant, so I would need your full cooperation for this, okay?"

"What do you mean you're not an assistant?" Theo's brows furrowed.

"Well, I am your assistant for this fashion week, but this is my first leg. I haven't done this before."

"So, you're saying MGC sent us an inexperienced assistant for a fashion week in a foreign country?" Chris pointed out.

"Yeah, I know that sounds bad..." my voice trailed. "But I'll do my best."

The four of them still looked skeptical and I don't blame them. I am too.

"Hey, guys," Axel started. "We got this, alright? Lauren here will take care of us. She'll do a great job. She always does."

What is he doing?

"What she forgot to tell you is that she's an Accountant for MGC. She's not just some inexperienced assistant. In fact, she came here from Sydney."

"How did you know that?" I asked, which he completely ignored.

"She came here straight to Manila just to help us. How about a little appreciation there? Ay? Ay?"

Gale smiled and Theo chuckled.

"There, that's it."

"Alright, bud." Theo said then turned to me, "We trust you on this, Lauren."

I nodded, "Absolutely."

"So, let's cut her some slack and do our jobs, okay? We got this, dude! Yeah? Yeah?" he fist-bumped each of them, then I gave them instructions on where they need to go.

They all went their separate ways and Axel was the last one to wait for his instructions.

"Did you just charm your way into making them do this?" I wondered.

"What can I say?" he shrugged. "I'm a charmer," he winked.

"That you are," I murmured distastefully.

"What?"

"What?" I countered; feigning cluelessness then shook my head. "Best go on to your station. I bet they're waiting for you."

He furrowed his brows, "Alright..." then he started walking.

"A little thanks would be appreciated," He mumbled.

"What was that?"

"What?" he stopped then turned to me, "Oh, nothing." He smiled then went off to the sorting area.

A little thanks would be appreciated my ass. One little help would not reverse what you did to me, asshole.

*       *       *

My stomach grumbled two hours in on being surrounded by tall, attractive people trying their best not to lose their shit for tomorrow's event.

I really thought models were always confident because come on, they look like that. But I was wrong. Standing amongst them, I realized how we are all just the same. Insecurities gnaw at us and I figured if we got to know one another well, we'd realize there's absolutely nothing to be insecure about if we learn to choose kindness.

But hey, maybe in another time.

"Lauren, help. I'm starved." Gale laced his arms around mine and dramatically leaned his head on my shoulder.

I was caught off guard and froze for a moment.

I patted his head twice, "It's alright, Gale. We'll have dinner when we get to the hotel."

He stood straight and looked at the doors. "How much longer till the car comes?"

I checked my phone, "Don't worry. Just two minutes."

Peyton exhaled loudly, "Yes."

"Will you join us for dinner?" Chris came from my left.

"Uh... sure!"

"Good because I have some questions."

"Really? You can shoot now."

"Nah, it can wait."

"Alright." I looked to my right and saw Axel looking straight ahead, jaw clenching like crazy.

My phone pinged and it was the driver saying he's up in front. "The car's here."

The ride back was a lot livelier than before. They all got to know one another better and are now pretty comfortable around each other's company. Except for Axel, though, he was silent all the way.

"Thanks," I said to the driver as we got out of the car. Gale and Peyton were chatting up as they entered the doors and Theo and Chris were laughing as they jog up the stairs.

Axel stayed behind, obviously waiting for me.

"Hey, y'all coming?" Theo asked before closing the door behind him.

Axel's brows furrowed. As did mine in confusion. "Yeah, um, we'll be right up," I answered Theo.

He shrugged and closed the door behind him.

"What's up?" I asked.

Nothing.

"Obviously, you were waiting for me. Why?"

He just looked away.

I scoffed. "Unbelievable." I turned to walk up the stairs when his hand gripped my wrist.

I looked at his hand, holding me in place, then to his face that was still looking away.

"Let go of me." My voice stern. "What do you want?"

"Don't join them for dinner."

"What?"

He looked at me, "Don't join them for dinner."

"Are you crazy? Why?"

"Just..." he inhaled. "Just because."

"Just because?" I shook my head. "What is wrong with you?"

"Nothing." He looked away yet again.

I'm sick of this.

"No, it's not nothing!" my voice rising. "You are not the boss of me."

He turned to me, "Well, you're my assistant now, right?"

My nose scrunched in disgust. "I'm not your assistant. I'm assisting all five of you, so don't be a diva."

"Lauren, please." His eyes closed but his tone was condescending.

"No, you don't get to Lauren, please me. What is this really about, huh?" I took a step forward. "Are you jealous?"

"Maybe I am." He shouted. I took a step back.

He ran his hand through his hair. "Maybe I am." He shook his head, "God, this is worse than I thought. These boys are just flocking all over you, asking for your attention time and again."

"That's my job."

He let out a short sharp exhale, "You really are clueless, aren't you?"

"What does that mean?"

"Nothing."

I took a deep breath, "I don't know what you still want from me, Axel. You lied to me. You used me. In whatever twisted way it was for, you used me."

He chuckled, a smirk forming on his mouth, "Like you used Dean."

My brows knit together, "Don't bring Dean into this."

He laughed.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Your little car kiss was cute. A deliberate cry for revenge. All for show." He chuckled, "And you think I'd publish it to the press?" he clicked his tongue as he shook his head.

"You're repulsive." My head moved from side to side. "I can't wait to get away from you."

His brows raised, amused. "You can't run from me, Lauren Grant. You best believe it won't happen. We're like magnets. Fate always finds a way to bring us together."

I saw a couple of girls behind him, walking on the other end of the road.

"You want to try me?"

He chuckled breathily, "Oh, I'd love to see you try."

"AHHHHHH!" I screamed.

He backed away, confused.

"IT'S AXEL JAMESSSS!"

Screams and heavy footsteps followed as they flock around Axel.

I frowned at him and smiled as I made my way inside the hotel.