NYLON ~ CHAPTER EIGHT ~ CAN I GET YOUR NUMBER
The room was filled with busy men and women dressed in dark colors running across the room trying to get their jobs done. Hanna stood to the side of the action keeping an eye on things while she made notes on her tablet. Everyone bustled about making sure everything was prepared for the day's photo shoot. The international designers had finally come through and they were about to launch a ready-to-wear line inspired by London streetwear.
Hanna looked across the room where their male model Dave was wearing just a pair of dark jeans and getting his muscles defined with airbrush makeup while their female model Kristen was getting touched up by the makeup artist.
"Are we ready?" Kyle, the photographer, asked Hanna. "We really want to get the first shot off before ten."
"Let me just check with makeup," Hanna replied before heading toward the vanities set up opposite the set.
Hanna took care of all the last minute details and soon the photo shoot was underway. The two models were embraced, him wearing nothing but a pair of jeans, while she showed off the three cornerstone outfits of the collection. One was a pair of high waist shorts with suspenders, a tweed jacket and a lace bustier. The second outfit was a sheath mini dress with knee high socks and motorcycle boots. Hanna's favorite design was last and it included a pair of dark skinny jeans with flowy rose camisole under a navy cardigan paired with studded neon pumps.
"I love this aesthetic," Hanna heard a voice over her shoulder. She turned and saw her boss Maria, conveniently also the owner of the brand, standing right behind her.
"I didn't even notice you come in," Hanna told her with a smile.
"Good," Maria replied. "It means you're keeping an eye on the shoot."
"So you're pleased?" Hanna asked her.
"Exceptionally so," came the reply. "I knew I could count on you to make this happen."
"Thank you," Hanna gushed. "That really means a lot."
"I think you could have an excellent future here," Maria told her. "I'd like to see you in my office on Friday so we can discuss new possibilities."
"Of course," Hanna smiled. "I'll be there."
"Perfect," Maria smiled as she walked out the door. "I'll have my assistant call you to set an appointment."
"Alright," Hanna waived goodbye. "I'll see you Friday."
Maria disappeared out the door and Hanna suppressed the urge to jump up and down in excitement. From the way Maria was talking, Hanna could sense she was on her way to a big promotion. She loved her current job dearly but she could contemplate the idea of a better position, with more prestige and definitely a higher paycheck. As Hanna was preoccupied with fantasizing about the future of her career, she hardly notice as Dave sauntered over to her.
"Hey," he smiled revealing a sparkling smile.
"Can I help you?" she asked trying to keep her talent at ease.
"Hanna right?" he asked with a smirk.
"Yes," she replied trying to figure him out. "Hanna Marin."
"You're very gorgeous," he told her as she simultaneously noticed how toned his body was.
"Thank you," she said politely. "That's very sweet."
"Look," he told her, "I don't usually do this at work, but I think you're really talented and beautiful so I was wondering, can I get your number?"
"Depends," she laughed, "are you actually going to call?"
"I will definitely call," he said. "In fact, let's make plans right now. Are you free Friday night?"
"Maybe," she mused, "I really don't plan too far ahead."
"That's two days away," he laughed.
"How about you call me," she told him, "and we'll figure it out from there."
"I like that," he nodded. "I'm liking you more and more Hanna Marin."
Hanna couldn't hide her smile as he walked toward the craft services table and scarfed down a few sticks of celery. Typical model she thought to herself. She probably ate more carbs than he did. Hanna strolled toward the vanities to make sure everything was going smoothly and chat with Kristen.
"What was that all about?" Kristen asked Hanna who still couldn't keep a straight face.
"Dave just asked me out," Hanna told her.
"I kind of thought so," Kristen laughed. "He asked me out a few years ago when we were working together for the first time. He was a bit disappointed to learn I play for the other team."
"That's perfect!" Hanna piped up. "You can come with us."
"What are you talking about?" Kristen asked.
"My friend Emily," Hanna explained. "You two are perfect for each other. She's a grounded single mom and she hasn't been on a date in years. You'll have so much to talk about."
"I don't think I'm ready to date," Kristen replied. "I've only been single two months."
"Pretty please," Hanna begged. "I promise you'll have a good time and if you don't you can have my Birkin."
"Promise?" Kristen smiled.
"Promise," Hanna assured her.
"Fine," Kristne replied. "I guess I could use a good night out."
"I'm holding you to that," Hanna laughed. She saw Dave wink at her from across the room and felt a light blush cross her face.
She might not be ready for love but that didn't mean she shouldn't explore other options in Manhattan.
I know it's been a while and this is kind of a filler chapter but you have to stay tuned because there's more to come for ALL the girls!
