Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 196 -

Allegra.

Today was the day.

Kimberly may have netted me the opportunity with the modeling company, but I needed to put on my best face and ace this interview. I stood in the mirror looking at myself, a spark of determination in my blue eyes.

My hair was somewhat disheveled, but I would tame it. Everything needed to be perfect for today, because I wouldn't get many chances like this. In fact, it was doubtful Kimberly could replace another place at all, given my situation with the US. Layla had been on my mind lately, right along with all of my worries that she wasn't interested anymore. I frowned at myself, wishing I could stop obsessing over all of the worries swirling in my mind. Grabbing a brush, I ran it through my hair for a while, then grabbed some of my make-up and started to apply it. My stomach was twisted into several knots over the Layla situation, but I needed to focus on this interview. Maybe once I actually got the job, she would be more excited.

After letting out a sigh, I began to pace back and forth, trying to occupy my mind before the interview. Eventually, I sat in front of my couch, turning on the television, and gazing at the screen. Nothing interesting caught my attention yet. I flipped through the channels until coming upon some dark fantasy show I could immerse myself in. As crazy as my life was, I still sometimes wished things like that could be reality. Some twists to make things interesting. If I was a vampire, would Layla want to be with me?

I snickered to myself, shaking my head. May as well be. I had the beauty for it. Amused cheer aside, I watched for about a half hour before turning it off. I wanted to go to the interview with a full stomach, though butterflies filled it rather well right now.

Therefore, I started breakfast, which consisted of a scone and eggs on a cut of bread. Something simple and delicious. I ate quickly, then put my dish into the sink. Now, it was time to start on the path toward the rest of my life. I got into my car, starting it up and focusing on the hum of the engine for a bit before reaching over to turn the radio on. Classical music flowed from it, calming enough, and soon, I was off. I drove down the street, telling myself to focus on the interview only.

As for clothing, I'd picked out something generally trendy. Nothing too extravagant; that would be reserved for when I hit the runway. IF I hit the runway, rather. I was pretty confident I could impress them, given my experience. Eventually, I pulled up to a white-brick building that read: 'Extravagance Modeling Firm'. This was it, and I took a deep breath, parking my car in the lot, and getting out. I slung my purse over my shoulder, steeling my resolve and telling myself I would nail this.

When I entered, I walked up to a woman at the front desk, who perked up and stared me down. She had tan skin and a wide smile, with glasses resting at the end of her nose. Her name tag read, 'Keleigh.' The suit she wore was very expensive. "Hello, Allegra" she said. "It is an honor to meet you." Her tone was cheerful, and I found myself smiling. The atmosphere, which consisted of white walls and crimson cushy chairs, was both incredibly professional, but also inviting. I let myself relax a little at the cheerful attitude of the woman and nodded. "Thank you," I said, standing up a little straighter. It was great that she recognized me.

"Of course! Frederick will be seeing you soon. Just take a seat over there," she said. She eyed me up and down, then smiled even wider. "You're even more beautiful in person! I'm sure you'll be perfect for this, especially given you have prior experience."

I blushed slightly at that, nodding in agreement. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long, as a man I recognized as Frederick Scarlotti walked out of a nearby door. His dark skin and locks that fell over his shoulders looked even more debonair in a sophisticated suit. His smile was warm, just like Keleigh's.

"Hello, Allegra. It's nice to finally meet you in person. Come, let's talk," he said. I nodded, standing up and following him into a room. This was, no doubt, his office. There were pictures of a chocolate lab standing on a frame in his desk, next to an orange tabby.

Along with the pictures were various figurines of fantasy creatures, like dragons or faeries. Finally, there was a picture of Frederick himself with his family, all smiles as brilliant as his. I was secretly relieved Kimberly found a place that emanated such a warm aura.

I'd worked places before that were miserable but paid well enough that I had to grit my teeth and bear it. I didn't get the impression that such a thing would happen here. I took a seat where directed, on a cushioned loveseat facing his desk. Frederick sat in a swivel chair, facing me and letting out a sigh. "Now, I already know you cannot work in the United States, which will not be a problem. It is admittedly a little inconvenient, but agencies who want strong candidates need to adapt."

He looked me over, then nodded, lapsing into thought. "With your history on the runway, I'm confident this will go well. In preparation for this interview, I refreshed my knowledge of your past shows, and I must say, girl, you've got swagger." I chuckled, nodding with enthusiasm. My eyes twinkled as I replied, "I do. Modeling is a passion of mine. There's just a beautiful feeling that hits me when I'm walking down that runway. Something I can't explain other than saying that I adore it."

"I can tell! Your words drip with enthusiasm as you describe it. Now, then, what are your career goals for the next five years? Do you intend on staying with us long term, if you are hired?" he asked.

Nodding, I said, "My goals are to continue modeling, as it will always be a passion of mine. I do intend on staying with your agency long term. I'd like to settle in and start a family and am in a spot that I enjoy right now." "Wonderful. What brands have you worked for in the past? I have a listing here of a few, but I wanted to hear it from you, in case I am missing any," he said. I listed off a few of the well-known brands I'd worked for, which caused him to nod in understanding.

Clearly, this gentleman knew my history. I was nailing this interview already, and my spirits continued to climb higher. Despite that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that something was wrong with Layla, I could do this. "Well, I know what brands you've worked with, but what brands would you prefer to work with?" he asked.

Knowing how this industry worked from my research, I was grateful that it was in-like with my beliefs. I said, "I prefer sustainable fashion, as the world is changing for the positive in that regard. I noticed your agency also puts high value on that notion."

Frederick nodded, giving a brighter smile. "Right. You hit the nail on the head. Yes, we're trying to encourage sustainability as much as possible. Beyond it being a wise business decision, it's important for our planet."

The interview carried on very well, until, at the end, I had my answer. Frederick commented, "Honestly, I don't feel the need to wait. With your history in the industry, confidence, and positive energy, I think you'd be a fit for this agency." I gasped, my heart pounding as I nearly leaped out of my seat at the news. I kept my composure, however, and dipped my head. Thank goodness, I had a solid plan and could make a name for myself again. "Thank you," I said, my voice edged with relief. I'd been so nervous that my issues with the US government would prevent me from getting this job, but that was finally put to rest. We got a bit of paperwork situated, which took a good half hour.

I'd have a few days to prepare before I started practice shows until eventually modeling brands and styles again. On the way home, I was on top of the world, grinning from ear to ear. Tonight, I decided I would treat myself. First, I had to call Layla.

I set myself up on my couch and leaned back, the wonderful feelings starting to bubble away to anxiety. The last conversation with Layla hadn't gone well, and I'd been left feeling horrible and worried. Maybe I had overreacted. I hoped so. Regardless, she needed to know. Maybe she'd be excited this time. I picked up my phone and listened to the tone as it rang, biting my lip. Was it going to go to voicemail? Should I leave a message or wait to hear her reaction on the other end?

"Hello?" Layla asked, killing any notion of just leaving a message and talking to her later.

"Hey, Layla," I said softly. "I have some great news," I said, my confidence wavering somewhat. Her greeting sounded tired, hopefully not with me. I cursed myself inwardly, telling myself to get over all of these worries. "Oh?" she asked, her tone edged with what I figured was worry. Why? It was good news, after all, not something she needed to worry about.

"Yes," I said, hesitating. Then, I finally said, "I got the job. I'll be on the runway again soon, Layla. We're all set here."

"That's wonderful, I'm happy for you, Allegra!" Layla said though I got the impression some of that enthusiasm was fake.

"When are you coming back?" I asked after a pause, my voice breaking a bit.

"I don't know," she said, causing my heart to clench. Her tone was lapsing into melancholy, and I had no idea why. Was she going to say she wanted to stop seeing me? That she didn't intend on coming to Rome at all?

I bit my lip, feeling tears well up and crawl down my cheeks. I wanted to ask if she still loved me and intended on living the rest of her life with me, but the words caught in my throat. Silence stretched, and I mustered up the courage to say something.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, the whiplash of going from incredibly excited to horribly anxious causing my stomach to hurt terribly.

"Not really," Layla said after yet another long pause. "I have something to tell you. It's been driving me crazy, Allegra..."