REPLACEMENT

AUBREE POV

It’s been a week since the double date. I never saw Seb since then. I am still seeing Gav because of work and not because of our fake or pretend relationship. Gav’s company is one of my top accounts (my number one account, actually).

They have just released a new line of Inarez clothing. My team will be the one who will do the promotional campaign of the said new line.

Since Gav was the new CEO of IGC, he was the one I always talked to regarding this campaign.

I didn't expect that being a businessman will suit him. I always saw him before on billboards, runways and when we were in high school, I knew he also had a band, and he was the band's vocalist. I expect him more to enter showbiz more than their company.

I must say that he carries himself well. And I can see that he is serious with his new path now.

He was kind of intimidating actually, almost everyone on my team was afraid of him. Maybe being her pretend girlfriend helps me lessen the nervousness, but it increases the pressure at the same time because I don't want to be embarrassed. Why? I also do not know.

I'm always confident with my work, but right now, I can't believe that I'm feeling nervous and pressured. Even with Gav's mom, I was never nervous nor to anyone else I spoke to. But Gav made me thought it. For the first time, I wanted to impress someone, to see my worth. I don't know if it's because I am longing for someone who will know that I am worth fighting for.

 ***

GAVIN POV

I'm glad that I took over the position of my mom. If I only knew that Bree is the one in charge of every IGC campaign, I would have agreed to take over mom's position as CEO earlier.

I took over this position earlier, I would have been very close with her now, and maybe I already replaced Seb in her heart. But I am not yet late, right? Especially with the situation now, I have a greater chance to win her heart.

I never thought that Bree is this good. No wonder that mom chose her among all the ad agency that is trying to get us as their top client.

Until now, we are still receiving proposals from other ad agencies, but among all the proposals that I received, still, Bree's concept is the best.

And I am so proud of her as her boyfriend. I do not want to say that pretend boyfriend. I want to cherish this time as her boyfriend.

I can be intimidated most of the time. I'm very serious when it comes to working. I may be a happy-go-lucky guy, but not when it comes to working. I know how big my responsibility is, not just in my family's name but with the thousands of employees that we have.

I can see that Bree's team was scared of me. It’s evident by the way they present and answered my questions except for Bree.

I was not surprised that she did not feel intimidated by me. Even then, my presence for her seems like it does not affect her.

In a month, we will launch a new line of Inarez clothing. So we were here at Inarez studio to do some photoshoot for the print ads that we will need for the launch and the whole campaign.

It’s my first time going to a studio that I am not a model. I also have decided to stop my modeling career and to give my complete focus on IGC though I still manage Inarez Records, the recording company that I built

From where I stand, I can see how passionate and hard-working Bree was. And that made me smile. She's perfect.

I frowned when I saw the panic in Bree's eyes. Which only means that there was a problem. So I immediately approached her.

"Is there a problem, Bree?" I asked with full concern.

She was smiling, but I could still see the worries in her eyes.

"There is only a small problem because our model got sick, but I already asked my team to look for a replacement." She said, assuring me.

"Okay. Just let me know if you need help." I told her.

"No, sir. We can handle this." She said.

"Bree, you don't need to be formal with me," I said.

"I have to. We are working, Sir. And I need to address you because you are my client." She explained.

I want to tell her that it doesn’t matter, but I understand her point. I just shook my head.

"Okay, Ms. Custodio, if that's what you want," I said in a formal tone.

She smiled at me, and then she excused herself because she still needs to talk to some of her staff.  

***

AUBREE POV

Why now?

Why this problem had to happen today?

Why this thing had to happen when I wanted to impress him?

When Gav approached me, I was embarrassed. I wanted it to be perfect, but what is happening now? It’s more annoying because my team can’t find a replacement.

What’s with today, and all the models had a schedule?! I don’t know what to do anymore.

Bree, you can do much better than this. Relax and think. If only men were needed, I would have talked to Gav and ask him to be the replacement since he was a model and very in-demand.

I gasped. So what are you going to do now, Bree?

"Why don't you take the position?"

I looked at the voice owner. I looked behind me to confirm that I was the one he was talking to.

"Me?" I asked.

He chuckled. "Yes. We have no one else in this room but us, right?”

I rolled my eyes. Oops. "Sorry, I shouldn't do that."

He is still my client; I can’t make a face.

He frowned. "What do you mean? Why are you saying sorry?"

“Because I just rolled my eyes on you,” I said shyly.

He just laughed at me. “Silly! That’s okay. You are the one who keeps on insisting on being formal with me. Anyway, I’m serious about what I said earlier, and you can replace the model. You’re beautiful and have a good physique. I even wonder why you didn’t try to do modeling jobs. I’m sure you will top them all.”

I blushed. I know he just wants to encourage me.

"Thanks for your kind words, but it’s not my thing."

He raised his left eyebrow. "Why don't you try it first before you say that it’s not your thing." He said, challenging me.

I was about to speak when he suddenly grabbed my hand.

"Everyone!"

Everyone in the studio looked at us.

"Ms. Custodio will be replacing Ms. Gonzales." He said with authority.

I can see that everyone was surprised by Gav's announcement.

"Is that true, Ms. Aubree?" Jenna asked excitedly.

She was one of my staff. I swallowed hard. I could do nothing but nod. I can see the happiness in the eyes of my workmates. Because finally our problem was solved.

Is our problem solved, though? Oh gosh! It’s my first time to model. I can’t even take a selfie. What more a professional photoshoot?! Oh, Bree, what did you get yourself into?!

"You will do great, Bree," Gav said, then he winked at me.

I just gave him a forced smile, but the truth is I want to shout at him for what he did to me.

"Okay, let's start. Laura assists Aubree so that we can start." Allan, our gay photographer, said excitedly.

"Ms. Aubree, let’s go?" Laura said, smiling.

I close my eyes. I tried to calm myself. I looked at Gav, and he gave me his assuring smile. It's as if he's telling me not to be nervous, that I can do it. I smile at him. I looked at Laura and smiled.

"Okay."

Gosh, Aubree, this is it!