Episode 5

In the convention center parking lot, he started bombarding me with questions about my other job.

"Did you submit your resignation letter?"

"Yes, Mr. Jasper. By the way, I didn't give you the notes I made on the models' weights yesterday, so I brought them today."

"Good. I'll be showing you the selection process for the models today. You need to know this for when I'm not around. Remember, you must write everything down, so you don't forget."

"Yes, sir."

Inside, the same hustle and bustle of people and reporters persisted, so I covered my face with my notebook as best as I could. I tried to do it quickly, and we walked toward the catwalk. He grabbed the hand that was holding the notebook, and I was startled by his sudden action.

"Did you mean to embed that notebook in my face, Miss Nichole?"

Realizing I had hit him with it and his cheek was slightly red, I immediately removed it.

"I'm so sorry, I reacted so quickly trying to avoid what happened yesterday, I didn't realize. Forgive me, Mr. Jasper."

I'm an idiot. Now he'll have me running like I'm an athlete.

"Be more careful next time," he let go, not seeming upset.

"I will be."

Only with this man do such awkward things happen to me. We went up on the catwalk, and all the models stood in line. Don't tell me he's going to grab someone's backside again?

"How did it go with the instructor?" he asked loudly.

"Fine, Mr. Jasper."

"Are you following the instructions and routine I gave you?"

"Yes, Mr. Jasper."

"I've made room for the selection process. We'll be choosing three candidates today to replace the three troublesome colleagues who left. I expect that none of you cause me any problems. We're close to the event and I don't want to remove anyone else. Focus on this as you should."

"Jasper!" a thick voice called out and we all looked toward the person.

A somewhat older gentleman, white complexion, overweight, short in stature, with a substantial beard—he could be described as a modern-day Santa Claus.

Jasper smiled and hugged him.

"What brings you here, dad? Did mom send you?"

"You know your cellulite-ridden bitter mother doesn't listen to me. I wanted to see how things are going here," he looked at me and smiled. "And who is this beauty?" he asked, looking at me. I glanced behind, thinking he could be talking about someone else.

"She's my new assistant, dad. Her name is Nichole; this is Preston, my father."

He extended his hand to greet me.

"Quite a different girl from your other assistant. What was her name? Flour, farine, your aunt, mine?"

"Karina."

"That ugly one didn't even greet. Talking to the wall was more entertaining," he laughed, and I couldn't help but laugh too. "You should be careful with my son; he likes girls like you."

"Stop spouting nonsense, father," Jasper added, looking away.

"When you say like me, what do you mean?"

"A bit of meat on their bones, of course. He looks slim, but he likes to eat a lot. He takes after his father."

Looking at Jasper, his face and ears were red.

"You should go, dad. You're making my assistant uncomfortable."

He sure has kept that a secret, huh?

"Does what I say bother you, miss?" asked Mr. Preston.

"Of course not. It's good to know there are still people who like curvy women."

"I like them too, shame I ended up married to a plank," he laughed, and his laughter was very contagious.

I wanted to laugh so much; I was about to burst, but with laughter. I tried to control it. He's talking about my boss's mother, and I could upset him or even end up getting fired.

"I think you and I will get along just fine. You have a look that says you enjoy having a good time, laughing, the whole shebang. I'm not wrong about people. You can feel at ease with me. I don't bite, unless there's a good reason," he laughed.

"That's enough, dad."

"Don't be uncomfortable. You liked her body, and that's why you hired her, right?"

"Stop making those weird comments. You're going to make her think badly of me," he said to me. "Don't listen to what he says. He's crazy!"

"Take care of this proud man. I hope he doesn't give you trouble, and if he does, let me know, and I'll personally take care of it."

"Thanks for the heads up, Mr. Preston. I'll keep that in mind," I smiled.

And I absolutely will keep it in mind. Anything to avoid those harsh punishments he gives.

"I have to go now. I hope to see you again some other day, and that my son behaves himself. If he tries anything with you, don't hesitate to let me know."

"Enough already!" stuttered Jasper, grabbing his father's shoulder and steering him away.

Jasper

"Don't ever do this again, dad."

"What? I'm just helping you."

"That's not help. Stop making these embarrassing spectacles in front of me. What do you think my assistant is going to think now?"

"Sweetie, I know you. It's obvious you like the girl. Even your mother said you've been defending her. She's only started working with you yesterday, and you're already soft as a tres leches cake. I hope things turn out well. I'll be stopping by more often. If I can help you with something, let me know, you know I enjoy helping you."

"Thanks, dad. I'll let you know."

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