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Marc looks embarrassed, but everyone has to start somewhere.
Seeing the defeat in his eyes causes my heart to break slightly, so I fill him in on some behind-the-scenes news.
“Well, the executive and I were talking yesterday, and he said he wants you for every photoshoot they have coming up. You are about to be a very busy man. But you didn’t hear that from me. Your agent is working out the details with the company.”
I could get in trouble for telling him what they said in the meeting, but I trust Marc.
“What? That is amazing! Why hasn’t he calledme yet?” Marc checks his phone for any missed calls or texts.
“He’s probably trying to hammer out the details of a contract. Not that I know what your current pay is, but I personally would demand a pay increase, since they are thinking of keeping you semi-exclusively. That will limit who you can work with in the future.”
“Are you their exclusive photographer?” Marc asks before drinking the rest of his shake.
Following suit, I drink the rest of mine before saying, “For most of their shoots I am. With them giving me first dibs on their new line, I hope I will eventually be their exclusive photographer.”
That would come with a huge pay raise and guaranteed work all year long, not just for the spring and summer lines.
“I’m sure you will be. You nailed the shoot today. Besides, you are the best photographer to work with.” Marc touts.
This is why I have a fucking schoolgirl crush on him. He is incredibly sweet, caring, and he compliments me all the time.
“Thank you.” I reply quietly.
“Ready to get out of here?” Marc looks like he wants to stay, but we both know it is getting late.
“Yeah. I still have work to do.”
Although the photos aren’t due until next week, I try to get them done the same day or the day after to keep from getting behind.
Once we are back inside Marc’s car, I give himmy address and he programs it into his phone. The drive home is full of laughs, flirting, and singing despite the situation earlier with my ex.
Before Marc can turn onto my street, I see Jared’s car parked in front of my house. It isn’t hard to miss since everyone on my block parks their cars in their garages.
Marc notices the change in my emotion and parks on the side of the road. Following my gaze down my street, he asks, “Is that his truck?”
I nod, unable to answer. Fear creeps back through my veins.
“Why is he doing this?” I squeak out. “How did he even find my address?”
“I don’t know. Why don’t you call the police?” Marc reaches for his phone, but I grab his hand.
“I-I can’t.” I stammer.
Marc raises his voice. Anger and disbelief are evident in his tone. “Why not? You already have a restraining order and it’s clear he is violating it.”
I cry out. “Did you hear when he asked if I forgot who his friends were? His best friends are the police chief and the sheriff. They will not do a damn thing about him violating the restraining order.”
My voice gets quiet as my future becomes very clear. “My only safe option is to move into a different jurisdiction.”
“Isn’t the studio in a different county?” Marc asks after a few moments.
“Now that you mention it, yeah, but they don’t have any houses close to the studio like this one.”
I have loved this house from the first moment I saw the pictures online. Once I stepped foot inside, I knew it was home.
How can I just up and move?
“It’s late. We don’t have to figure anything out right now. Why don’t you come stay at my place?” Marc offers.