EZRA'S POV
Staring at the clock in front of me, I wait for my mother in our family living room. It's been a month since I last spoke to Harlem and I tried calling her but she's not picking up. At this point, I'm considering going over to her house. But what will I say?
"Apologies dear, for keeping you waiting. I'm ready now." Mother strolls in picking up her purse. "Do I look good darling?" she takes a little twirl.
I smile "Always, Mother." She smiles back and we leave the house.
The driver drives us to our location, which I'm unaware of by the way. Mother said it was a surprise and would like the both of us to go. I was swarmed with work and wanted to pass up but she gave me the 'no-negotiations' look and I had to make time.
We eventually reach the venue. It's a two-story medium sized building with male and female models posted on the walls. Zaron Modeling Agency; One of the best agencies in Europe today.
I look to Mother wondering what the hell we're doing here when she speaks "So, I got invited to train the new model intakes they have these few months through their volunteer program. This was actually where the peak of my modeling career began. They opened a lot of doors for me, so it's only right I return the favor. And I want you to do one thing for me actually, I'll communicate it to you later on but just follow me for now." She starts walking towards the entrance.
I blink at her retreating back wondering if it's something I should be worried about but nevertheless, I sigh and follow.
When I enter, the building is cold and lit up with different doors at corners of the room. Mother speaks to the receptionist and she leads us up the stairs. We walk into a room with a bunch of people gathered at a white wallpaper where pictures are being taken. The place is brimming with activity; make-up artists running around, clothes being tested, conversations being heard across every corner and loud music being played. Wow, modeling looks more tasking than acting, to some extent.
A man walks up to us and he and my mom exchange greetings and he leads us deeper into the gathering. People turn and stare at us, some whispering. I feel her presence even before I spot her. I look around, hoping it's not just my desperation, when I lock eyes with Harlem Tamrin. My pulse spikes. She's already staring at me and the expression on her face can only be described as one of shock and confusion. She's standing with another girl and they're posing and taking pictures. She's wearing a brand crop top that shows off her toned stomach and pierced belly button with ripped baggy jeans. All I can do is stare.
The photographer calls her attention back and she looks away and continues posing. How does every job fit her? Or am I the one with the obsession?
"This is my son, the CEO of our Company, he accompanied me today for… other reasons. Ezra, this is the manager of Zaron Modeling agency, we met when I was modeling here."
I snap out of it and shake his hand "It's an honor to have not just one but two of you here. Please can we help you with any refreshments?" mother declines and they talk about other things while go back to staring at Harlem. Was her arm always covered with tattoos? I look around me wondering whether I morphed into another universe where my obsessions are used against me. A certain feeling springs up in my chest again at the sight of them.
She avoids my eyes and poses while multiple photos are being taken of her and the other girl. They finish in some minutes and she goes to take a bottle of water.
"Can I please get everyone attention?" the manager calls out and everywhere goes quiet. "We have a guest with us today, and she's going to be this terms guest model teacher. Please give a round of applause for Mrs. Lucinda Roth."
People clap but my eyes are on her. She claps along and looks at my mom with awe and curiosity. When the manager is done introducing my mom, I stride over to Harlem. She tenses when she sees me but stares me down.
I swallow and stop in front of her "Can we talk? In private?"
She drops the bottle and nods. She leads me to an empty hallway and we stand staring at each other, not saying a single word.
"What are you doing here?" she starts. This audacious woman.
"I didn't know you would be here, if that's what you're asking." She's not having it though.
"Yeah, right. You're saying by chance, you always happen to be where I'm at." She raises a brow.
I shrug "Mainly" I lie.
She rolls her eyes "Whatever, I hope you don't plan on staying?"
"Tempting, but no. I came with my mother, as you can see. But setting that aside, it's… been a while. How have you been?"
She avoids my eyes "I've been alright. You?"
"Miserable." I say and she looks at me and we stare. She looks away again.
"Why?" she mutters. I smile at that. She's adorable.
"Because I didn't have a way to reach you and it killed me."
Her eyes snap to mine, shocked. I nod. "Oh, I see. I've been… okay. You didn't seem to care though at the Maldives." she says and I'm the next to be shocked.
"What do you mean?" I ask taking a step closer.
She shakes her head "It's nothing. Forget I said anything. I should go back though." She says biting her lips and starts walking back.
"Harlem. I didn't- I… I'm sorry." I say at a loss for words.
"It's fine. You don't need to apologize. Goodbye." She walks away.
I stare at her and sigh. When I walk back out, she's talking to someone else and I walk over to my mother. She's talking to the woman who took pictures with Harlem.
"Ezra dear, I want you to meet Olga Hemsworth. She's the third cousin to the Duke of Edinburg in England. I brought you here so you guys could meet" my scheming mother tells me.
Olga smiles at me and offers me her hand, which I drop quickly like it's on fire. "Nice to meet you, Olga." I say glaring at my mother. I can't believe she brought me here to set me up with a woman. I sigh. I have no energy for this right now.
Mom leaves us to talk and I make small talk and run back to mother, avoiding Harlem's eyes. After a few minutes, we leave, finally, and in the car, mom tells me that I need to try dating again. She says I need to keep trying and she's willing to help, even though I never asked for it. She begs me to try with the Duke of Edinburg's second cousin. I just nod and go along with it, thoughts of another woman on my mind entirely.