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2024-08-31 08:13:32Delora Wright watched Luna intently as she spoke animatedly. She thought she was an excellent girl and was sure she could position her.
- So - she began - tell me what position you're interested in.
Luna looked at her doubtfully. It seemed like a trick question, was the boss asking her what job she wanted to do? She decided to answer confidently.
- I don't know, could you tell me what I can do?
Delora smiled.
- Of course, you can use your photography skills, I saw your portfolio and found it quite interesting. You would work for local productions and you would work mostly in the editorial sector. Although there is also the possibility of covering our events; you will travel to various places, you will enjoy the benefits...but it's not necessary if you don't want to. You can also be a copywriter, we can assign you a couple of events and interviews to do. Keep in mind that every option needs your time and willingness.
Luna went over her options. She didn't want to travel too much, her mind was a bit too scattered for that. She was inclined to static, to comfort. She had always wanted to travel, and if at another time this opportunity had presented itself to her, she would have taken it.
- I'm interested in photography, actually.
- Oh, excellent," she said with a smile. She was an older lady! Well, do you want to discuss money?
- Of course I do.
- Our number usually stands at $300 per working day, per session. Most usually your working days are no more than 17 working days. Minimum three sessions per month. You can take a limited number of days off, and we do not accept no-shows. $5100 for a month of good work.
Luna looked at her in surprise for a second.
- Oh...that's...
- If you want we can negotiate it," said Delora. Maybe she thought it sounded low.
That's crazy!
- No, no, it's perfect. I'll take the job - she smiled.
- That's great! If everything goes well, and I suppose it will, we only have a few formalities left and you'll be able to start in a week," she explained with a smile. Luna mimicked her.
- That's great. Sure, could you be specific with date and time?
- We'll send you an e-mail," she said with a smile.
- Great, good. Thank you very much, Mrs. Wright.
- You're welcome, Luna. I hope to see you someday in person - she smiled.
- Bye.
- Bye-bye. My pleasure. - she said and ended the video call.
It was almost official, he had an almost-job. Nepotism, he thought. It was amazing, and she owed it all to James. Should she call him, she thought. Yes, she should call him, to thank him for what he had done for her. It was only fair. After all, she still had affection and respect for him.
She picked up her phone and dialed the number quickly, she knew it by heart.
- Hello? - James answered.
- I'm a photographer at LaRouge! - she exclaimed enthusiastically.
James laughed.
- Really? Luna, that's great," she said cheerfully. He was happy for her, genuinely happy for her.
It had been five months since they had last seen each other - a long time, wasn't it?
Yet Luna hadn't called him once until she did to wonder if he had been involved in that suspicious LaRouge mail. He understood her, he wanted to get away.
- I know! I really appreciate your help, I'm absolutely sure LaRouge wouldn't have paid attention to me without your help.
- Oh, no, shut up. You don't have to thank me for anything," he replied relaxed.
- How is Portia?
- She's fine - he sounded nervous.
- Is she? - he asked. He had noticed her suspicious tone.
James didn't answer.
- James, did something happen?
- No, no, nothing has happened. I'm still very happy about your new job," he confessed, trying to evade the subject. It didn't work as well as he had hoped.
- James, don't change the subject. It's been nearly five months and I haven't heard from Portia," he exclaimed.
- It's just that...
- How did she react when she heard I was gone? - she asked hurriedly.
- She...no Luna, stop it. I have to hang up.
Luna thought quickly what to say to her.
- Why? I just asked you a question. I had no suspicion until you made me hesitate. Don't you dare hang up on me.
- I won't! - she exclaimed.
- Then tell me how Portia is...is she all right?
He managed to make out James's breathing over the phone, it was slow and strong.
- She had a seizure," he confessed slowly. Luna's heart began to race.
- What? Explain it to me. I'm going to New York - she said as she stood up.
- No, no... she'll be fine, you don't need v...
- No, I have to go," he exclaimed. How dare he try to stop me from going to see her?
- You don't need to, I can take care of her myself.
Luna noticed a tinge of anger in his voice.
- Rose help you? - she asked as she pulled clothes out of her closet. Iria.
- Of course she does.
- You don't sound completely sure. I can feel you're worried, you can't lie to me. Not to me.
He sighed.
- Rose has left New York for a while. Her sister just passed away and I gave her as much time off as she needs.
Luna put her hand to her forehead.
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Who the fuck did he think he was anyway? God...he was completely insane.Luna finished packing her small bag with just enough stuff for her trip to James's house. She wouldn't stay there, that was for sure. She would take refuge in some hotel and organize her time to get to her new job on time.He had taken his ticket hours before, and by a miracle he had been able to get on that damned plane. She could have waited another day to travel, but she wasn't about to sacrifice any more days away from Portia.It didn't take him long to get to the airport, miraculously the traffic was pretty good. When she arrived, anxiety turned her stomach. She sat waiting, reading something on her phone. She tried to distract herself with anything stupid, she tried to distract herself because she didn't want to think about James's face when he saw her on her doorstep.He had no idea of Portia's whereabouts. He supposed then that he should ask when he got to the hotel. But to whom?After waiting wrapped in
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Portia's crying came to the fore. She didn't want Luna to leave. Entering her room, Luna quickly ran to hug her. Without realizing it, she had missed her so much.Portia had become a very important little person to her. Too important.She loved her so much and had become so used to being with her on a daily basis that it was no longer normal to wake up and be alone in her cold apartment, without any noise, everything practically gray and white with the dull illumination of the sun.James, on the other hand, had been mostly quiet. Cold, sitting in the uncomfortable chair by the door, while he had every bit of grumpiness, and seemed impatient for Luna to leave the place, so he could be with his daughter quietly.Portia was crying and Luna was looking at her sadly. Well, she didn't want to leave, but she had been there a long time, and she didn't want James to act that stupid just because of her presence. Luna hugged Portia tightly.- I'll be back tomorrow. I promise. - She said as she t
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Luna wandered around New York trying to find the movie Portia wanted. Days before she left, Portia had told her that she wanted a movie called "The Prince, the Toad and Me", which was about a princess who falls in love with a prince, and believing she has turned into a toad, kisses him, even though he is a different man and falls into a love triangle. Yes, the truth is not the typical story Portia should see but the movie was for children even so and it was animated. It would be nice to take her tomorrow along with the book and chocolate.James's attitude was getting on her nerves. She hated that James Bexell guy and just wanted the other one back, but she had to accept that, on the contrary, he didn't want her around (although she still didn't understand why) and besides, she had to accept that she wasn't there for him, but for Portia.After a few minutes, he finally found the movie. She quickly bought it, and went out to find a cab. She was tired and wanted to go to sleep. The cab r
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Luna had been with Portia at the hospital for almost 3 hours. She had loved her gift. She had had an excellent time with her, except for James. She had decided to stay at least a week in town, since that was Portia's limit at the hospital. They hoped to discharge her in the next few days. They had all been happy to hear that the little girl was recovering, and James...James. They hadn't talked much, but she was sure he had a lot to say. The next few days went the same way, when Luna was there, he would leave. If James was there, she was there. That behavior seemed incomprehensible, for there was no reason for them to act that way. There was no previous fight, nor anything of that nature that could suggest tension between the two of them. It had all started because of James, and Luna did not understand why. In fact, they had both been crying like brats when they said goodbye, but apparently, their pride had won out and if one yelled, the other yelled louder, and so on, until today.On
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- What? - Luna asked. James paled.- What? - he answered. Even he seemed surprised at his sudden confession.He had a strange look on his face. I couldn't decipher what he was feeling, if he regretted saying the last thing or if he was waiting for an answer.- James...- I'm sorry. - He said upset. His look was nervous. He shoved one hand into his left pocket while the other he used to awkwardly ruffle his hair.- Why? - Luna asked confused.Why was he apologizing to her? Those words had been the most beautiful words she had heard all month.- I'm confusing you, I know. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.- Then stop doing it. - she replied firmly.- How am I supposed to do that? - he uttered in an almost inaudible whisper.- By making up your mind for once.He didn't answer. He threatened to leave, and Luna felt her heart break again. Was he going to tell her he loved her and then leave? She was about to close the door, when she saw James was about to speak.- I think I've already done it.
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Luna looked at the dress lying on the bed. It was black and had a heart-shaped neckline. It came to a little above the knee. She had bought it a week ago. She wondered if Lily would go. Lily had been his friend since she started working at Domicile, plus, she had a serious problem; she was pregnant, barely 2 months. She had a partner, of course, but her boyfriend was not the father. He had kept this from her, and she didn't know what to do. He didn't know whether to tell her the truth, or keep it in the middle of his throat.He had talked to her today. Lily was totally desperate, she didn't know what to do.She took the dress and left it on the counter next to the mirror. She went into the bathroom and inwardly disowned James. She had left the towel lying in the middle of the bathroom. She turned on the shower and stepped into it. He could take some time. Dinner was starting at 10, it was barely 8:20.He didn't know how to help Lily. He had advised her as he saw fit. But he didn't kno
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Luna went straight to the bathroom.-Honey, are you okay? -She asked, waiting for an answer from Lily, who had run into the bathroom to throw up.-Yes...yes..." she said coming out of the first bathroom, "I'm...fine. -She said and burst into tears.Luna looked at her sweetly.- I know you're going through something difficult, Lily. But think of the good things, he's your son, you're not going to be alone, not anymore. -She said trying to make Lily feel good.-I know, but... it's not how I would have liked it. My boyfriend... -she said sadly.-I know, but he can understand. He'll understand you, Lily. You have a right to be happy.-You're right. -Should I tell him? -She asked, looking at Luna tenderly.Luna nodded.-He'll really appreciate the fact that you're honest with him. It's worse if you keep it from him.-Do you still have the test? -she asked.Lily had taken it a week ago in a supermarket bathroom with Luna.-Sure, it's in my purse. I left it at home, but I can give it to you
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The Deal Breaker (Part two) Nineteen
Luna paced the place, unsteady and completely heartbroken. She didn't want to be with anyone, she wanted to be completely alone. Iris was with Theo and Claire, and Portia was distracted by her husband. She still didn't know anything. She didn't know what had happened to her father, she didn't know how cruelly he had been hurt.Two days had passed, two slow, agonizing days. She had gone from being the happiest woman in the world, to the most miserable. There was nothing to soothe the pain she felt at that moment.Angelica was dead, it was the only thing that comforted her. Her suicide had been the perfect proof of her irreversible state. She had no salvation. It was sad, if she thought about her whole story, who wouldn't go crazy if the love of your life was taken away from you, and you had no choice but to survive and hide for fear of being found by the same people who took him away from you?- Luna," the person behind her called, "James has woken up.Her heart began to pound. She ran
The Deal Breaker (Part two) Eighteen
He walked through the long corridors of the hotel, checking the doors, anxious. It seemed to be a hallway with no end, and his nerves were getting louder and louder.204, 205, 206, 207. He knocked twice on the door and in less than two seconds, a slender woman with a familiar face stood in front of him.- I didn't think you were coming. - She looked at him tensely. He snorted.- I've come. May I come in?- Until you ask.The door opened further and James entered the room. The smell of cigarettes was almost visible and a table was positioned in front of the huge window.- Oh, that's your place. Sit down. - she ordered. James obeyed and sat down in front of the window.Angelica disappeared for a few seconds but then positioned herself in front of him, holding a box in her hand.- What are you planning? - he asked impatiently. She smiled.- Nothing bad, just a look around. - James looked at her doubtfully. - Let's go back in time. A young James Bexell, interested in experimenting, maybe
The Deal Breaker (Part two) Seventeen
There was only one thing he still hated with all his life, the piano, and today, as an adult, he looks down on the beautiful instrument as his mother looks on with amusement.- Come on, Pinky, don't be a frustrated musician. - He exclaimed with amusement, quoting the movie he loved so much, Pink Floyd's The Wall.- I don't remember anything, actually.His mother snorted sarcastically.- So how are you going to play Portia's show, then? You volunteered.- I know, it's just that I actually thought I'd remember how to play, I didn't. I don't remember how to do it.Luna appeared through the door catching James and his mother's attention. She wore her hair tied up in a bun and baggy clothes. Her belly was huge and James knew how uncomfortable she could be.- Hello, Nana. - She greeted and kissed her mother-in-law's cheek. -- Hello James. - She kissed him. - Are you practicing Portia's songs?James looked at his mother cautiously and she quickly realized that her son didn't know what to say
The Deal Breaker (Part two) Sixteen
The weather was mild, and orange light streamed in through the window of the large sky-blue room. James sat for a moment, Luna was snapping at him. He knew some pregnant women suffer mood swings but she was simply unbearable, she didn't like it when he talked to her, but when he didn't, she got angry. She also hated it when he touched her and the second he was demanding attention. They had argued 3 times in one day and James had resorted to the twins' room, which wasn't finished yet and he could give her a hand with the painting. He couldn't go with Rose as she was in the hospital taking care of Portia, it was nothing serious, but she had given them quite a scare. Three days ago Portia woke up crying as her pillow was full of blood, she had a headache and tachycardia so they had to rush to the hospital. The reason? There was a mix-up with the pills Portia was taking, the wrong bottle was given to her and for that reason her doctor received a major complaint.Portia had lost weight not
The Deal Breaker (Part two) Fifteen
Luna watched TV while eating chocolate. She looked down at her belly and noticed that it had grown a little. She put a smile on her face and stroked it. The same thing had happened to her mother. The first five months she didn't notice it, but one day, out of nowhere, it exploded in size and became present. Luna was about to reach four months, but that day she had noticed a difference.She didn't know if she wanted two girls or two boys, she'd probably like to have a boy and a girl.The door rang. Luna stood up and quickly went to it. When she opened it, James was in front of her with a beautiful hanging on a hanger that he was holding in his left hand.- Will you put this on and come with me? - he asked with a smile. Luna looked at him and walked over to him, planted a long kiss on his lips and as she pulled away from his warmth she spoke.- Yes. What are you up to, Bexell? - she asked teasingly. James smiled.- I just want to celebrate you. - He replied and walked into the house. He
The Deal Breaker (Part two) Fourteen
James opened his eyes slowly as he felt hands caressing his face.- Oh James...- She said in that voice he remembered perfectly.He smiled immediately as he looked at her.- Sarah, you... - He said in a whisper but was silenced by her voice.- You know I'm gone, don't you? - She asked in her totally serene voice.James nodded with a hint of sadness.- You're still there for me, Sarah...I....- No, James. What I mean is, I'm gone. You have a right to be happy. - She agreed with a peaceful smile. James stared at her. - You have to get your life together.- I have, I...- I know. - She confirmed. James looked at her in despair. - But it's hard for you to take the next step.- I'm sorry. - She replied and felt her eyes fill with tears. - I just don't know what to do.- You just have to forget. - She said with a smile on her face. She moved closer to James and placed a warm kiss on his lips. - I will always be with you, but it's time to move on.______The voices stunned James and the puls
The Deal Breaker (Part two) Thirteen
James watched intently, listened as the man spoke to him, but only kept his eyes on one fixed point. It was beautiful.- This is not new, it came from somewhere else, a little old lady in her 80s or so brought it five years ago. She said she had inherited it from her family, who lived in Italy, and that it was a tradition to give it to a son, but since she had never had any family, she preferred to donate it.James's eyes widened.- Donate it? That is, she didn't get anything in return.-Oh, no. I can assure you that lady was more than a millionaire, she didn't need the money.-Perfect, it's perfect. -James took it.- Dad, can I see it? - Portia asked, holding out her hand.James bent down to Portia's level and she opened her hands, he placed the beautiful ring between her hands.- Be careful. Do you like it?-It's very nice, I want one like it. Will you buy me one?James smiled.- I don't know if one just like it, but you can pick one over there. -He said pointing to a small shelf wi
The Deal Breaker (Part two) Twelve
Luna was in the room, looking at Portia's new shirts. Nana had brought her clothes and Luna was getting ready for the trip. James had talked to Rose and she had agreed to go with Portia and Iris. Regarding Michelle, James had not talked about it, but things had been tense. James had tried to talk to Luna, and I mean, Luna wasn't mad at him, she just found it suspicious to find him talking so closely with a low-cut blonde and for him to start acting so weird. He used to have crazy women in the past, and she just wanted to make sure this wasn't another one. Besides, when they had tried to talk, they didn't get out of a short dialogue.Portia would be leaving for a trip in a few hours. James was pretty nervous about it. She was his baby, practically, and they had never spent so much time away from each other. He walked into the room, he had on a gray t-shirt and dark jeans. His hair was completely disheveled and he fidgeted nervously with his phone in his hands.He sat on the bed, his ba
The Deal Breaker (Part two) Eleven
James settled down on the floor.-I'm tired. - He said looking at the sky.-Come on, James, it's not over yet! - Luna said trying to lift him up.He snorted like a little boy and stood up with Luna's help. The tent was done, yes...but everything still needed to be unloaded from the truck. Luna had prepared the take-out food; some sandwiches, some apples, drinks and other things. James had taken care of putting everything else together. She looked at him. He smiled at her.-Stop it, don't smile and get the stuff out. -She said smiling.James sighed in amusement and walked to the van. They had chosen a safe forest to go to. Since they didn't want to have any inconveniences. According to James the Parker forest was the best option to spend the night.- Was there any more food, Luna? -James asked, laying everything on top of the blanket Luna had laid out a few seconds ago.-No. Oh, the drinks. -She said and walked toward the van.James sat on the ground and watched as Luna pulled a couple
