Gerald stood there watching her walk away…

Mel: So Gerald. You’ve finally met the Boss. Kimberly Chiu. So… what do you think?

Gerald: Gorgeous. She seems to be one tough cookie. I think I’ve been knocked off my feet.

Mel: That is most men’s reaction. And homegirl is hardcore.

Gerald: She seeing anyone?

Mel: (smiling)  Why?

Gerald: No reason.  Curiosity.

Mel: Uh huh. So Gerald, tell me about yourself.  We were pretty happy when we found out you accepted the job.  Many people are keeping their eye on you.  We’ve kept tabs on your career.

Gerald: (looking surprised) Seriously. Why?

Mel: Wanted to see if you were worth K Chiu. 

Gerald: The woman or the clothes.

Mel: Maybe both. Just tread surely with purpose and with no games.

Gerald: With the woman or the clothes.

Mel: Maybe both. So, back to my original request… tell me about yourself.

Gerald: Nothing much to tell. I was born in the Philippines. Dad was a Navy officer. Mom a homemaker. Came to US.  Parents separated. Lived in PI for awhile and then returned here for college. Was discovered my first year in college.  Saw how the money could help me pay for college so here I am.

Mel: You go to school?

Gerald: Surprising?

Mel: Yes. Very.  Why not stay in modeling?

Gerald: People change. They can get tired of me. I’m lucky because I’ve received a lot of modeling jobs that have worked out with my school schedule.  I make sure my professors also understand my situation.  But I know that this won’t continue forever. My priority is my education.

Mel: Interesting.  Most guys and girls get caught up in huge paychecks and stop all together whatever they were doing prior.  What are you studying?

Gerald: I’m studying Biochemistry, pre med.

Mel: Shut up! Damn, and you’re smart too. Wait. Do you have a girlfriend?

Gerald: Why? Is this part of the interview process? I thought I already had the gig.

Mel: (laughing) You’re in.  Just checking.  Since you were checking my girl out. Have to check the guy out to see if he is legit.

Gerald: I’m legit.  I don’t have a girlfriend. I am not dating anyone seriously. To be honest. I like the Filipino style of courtship.  I guess you can call me traditional.

Mel: Shoot. Now I know you’re a gem unless you’re pulling my chain.

Gerald: Not pulling your chain. (smiling)  I am a good guy which makes it hard to find a good girl.

Mel: Really?

Gerald: Really… I sometimes feel like girls just want me for my body.

Mel: Are you gay?

Gerald: No. (laughing) I am definitely a man who loves a woman. I’m just picky.

Mel: (laughing)  So is the boss. You guys just might get along well.

Kim: (yelling) Mel!!!

Mel: And there’s the boss… talk to you later Gerald. Just relax. (yelling)  COMING!!!

Slowly people started trickling in.  Some of them looking stressed and haggard. While others looked quite fresh and blasé. That was how Gerald distinguished between Kimberly’s employees and the models. David finally called and said that he was just parking. Gerald went outside to meet him.

Gerald: David! (high fives & hugs) Wat up?!

David: Nothing much! Man, the traffic was just straight up hellish.

Gerald: No man and I was already in SF.

David: So. Am I really late?

Gerald: No worries. Half the people just arrived. I think most everyone is here. I’m not sure.  And you know how we were talking about Kimberly Chiu being some matronly woman.  Well, David… you’re in for a surprise.

David: Why?  Is she a he? Flaming? Old?

Gerald: Just wait and see. I want to see the look on your face…

Gerald and David walked back into the studio to find all the models just chilling in the lounge area.  The stylists and make-up artists were setting up.  Kimberly was meeting with her staff behind closed doors.

David: Now what?

Gerald: Just chill…

David: Sweet.  I was stressing for nothing.

Gerald: You weren’t even stressing.

David: Yes I was. I don’t want to make a bad impression on the woman.  If we do good today, we could be going with her to New York Fashion Week. That is what I am hoping for.

Gerald: I hear you man.  Now that would be tight.

David: Yeah that would. 

Gerald introduced David to all the other models that were waiting around. Then the stylists began to call them in one by one to get ready.  It took awhile to get 8 models ready for the fashion shoot today.  As they were getting prepped, K Chiu’s staff emerged from their conference room and dispersed as they exited.  You could tell that everyone knew exactly what their role was for that day.  The last one to leave the conference room was Kimberly Chiu. 

David: (seeing her exit)  Damn! Bro! Who’s that chick?! (in a heated whisper) And who’s the chick who came out in front of her. She’s hot too!

Gerald: You’ll see. (smiling to himself)

The stunner, both of them, came over to the where the models were getting styled.  The stunner did not say a word but began to inspect every model one by one. There was an awkward silence in the room.  No one, except the stunner knew what to do.  She made only clicking sounds with , sighs and walked around each model. When she got to Gerald, the last model she had to inspect, she did the same but did not spend much time around him. Gerald smiled and tried to make eye contact with Kim but she didn’t even look at him in the face. 

Kim: (after her scrutiny) They will do. 

Mel made a sigh of relief, looked at Gerald and smiled. Gerald smiled back and then looked at Kim who finally was looking at Gerald. She was looking at him with a look that said ‘Do you have anything to say?’ Gerald just looked at Kim, smiling at her, keeping her eyes locked with his. 

Mel: Hello everyone! Please let me introduce Kimberly Chiu of K Chiu designs. 

Gerald and Kim finally broke their eye contact. The models gave Kim a round of applause. Gerald looked at David whose mouth dropped open. Gerald laughed to himself.

Kim: Thank you.  Everyone. Today, you will be playing an important role in preparation for New York Fashion Week.  I am asking for your full cooperation.  We will begin shortly. We will start here and then began our rounds throughout the city.  My team has been dispersed throughout the city to take ensure all details are in place at each of the sites.  The vans will be arriving soon to take u/s from site to site.  Do any of you have any questions?

No one said anything.

Kim: Good.  Mel. Let’s get ready for the first photos.