XXII

Summer Preston

"I think Solené won me over after hearing that!" Adrianna said, making me chuckle.

"I agree. That was the cutest way to ask someone out," Nolan added, munching on Doritos.

"I wasn't expecting it at all," I admitted. "Mostly because I overthink everything. But part of me felt like it was too soon somehow."

Adrianna shook her head. "You forget how much history you two have. Love doesn't wait for anyone. If you're in love after two weeks, your feelings are still valid. Honestly, I think even when you two were apart, you were still in love. That's what makes it so special."

"Wow, bro's being inspirational. This is new," Nolan said with a smirk, making me laugh.

"Right! First time I've heard you talk like that. Everything okay, Adri?" I teased, raising a playful eyebrow.

"I hate both of you," she said, rolling her eyes and sipping her iced coffee. "I'm never giving advice again."

"Don't be such a Debbie Downer!" Nolan joked, ruffling her hair.

Adrianna grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him, knocking the Doritos out of his hand. The chips spilled all over the floor.

"Sorry, Summer!" they said in unison, staring at the mess covering my rug.

"You two are like children," I muttered, shaking my head. I grabbed the broom, dustpan, and vacuum cleaner, then handed them over.

"Not my mess, so make sure my rug's spotless," I said, patting their shoulders.

I walked away before they could protest, listening to their bickering as I headed upstairs. Once in my room, I flopped onto my bed and started scrolling through apps. After a few minutes, I called Solené.

The phone rang a few times before she answered. "This is Solené. Who's calling?"

I frowned. "Your girlfriend?"

"Oh, sorry, baby. I didn't check who it was."

"It's okay. Are you busy right now?"

"I'm never busy for you. Give me a second to step out."

"It's fine. We can talk later—"

"Summer, I'm never too busy for you," she said firmly. I heard her yell for her team to take a ten-minute break.

"I'm back," she said with a sigh.

"Hi, pretty. Are you okay? You sound stressed," I asked, concern creeping into my voice.

"I'm okay. It's just... nothing's going as planned today. Everything's a mess, and you know how I am about sticking to schedules."

"I do. What's going on?"

"One of the new hires didn't split the potential models into age groups. The younger girls are intimidated by the older ones, and I can tell it's affecting their confidence. On top of that, no one on my team handled the interviews, which is crucial. I need to see their passion for modeling before we sign anyone."

"I'm sorry you're dealing with all this."

"I feel like I've taken on too much. I clearly need a more competent team."

"Are the girls still there?"

"Yes, I sent them on a lunch break so I could figure this out."

"I can come help."

"Thank you, but I couldn't ask that of you."

"You're not asking—I'm offering."

"I know, but you've got your own projects. You mentioned thinking about directing another movie, and I don't want to—"

"You could never burden me, Solené. I'll be there in an hour."

"Are you sure?" she asked softly.

"I'm sure."

"I appreciate you more than you know. See you soon."

"Bye, baby," I said, ending the call.

I got up and called downstairs. "Adrianna! Nolan! Get up here!"

"What do you want? I was looking for where you hid the Nerd Clusters!" Nolan complained as they both walked into my room.

"First, this is my house, so watch it," I said, earning an eye roll. "Second, we're going to Solené's agency to help her out. She's overwhelmed."

Adrianna's face lit up. "I get to be around models?"

"Relax, groupie," Nolan teased. "You work in fashion. This shouldn't be new for you."

"Before you two start fighting, get out so I can get ready," I said, shooing them out and closing the door behind them.

I quickly showered and changed into a fresh outfit: a one-shoulder bodysuit with an asymmetrical twist, light-wash jeans with rips in the knee, and my Hermès belt.

I slipped on my Bottega Veneta heels and accessorized with gold jewelry—a Rolex, earrings, rings, and necklaces. After curling my hair and spraying it lightly with hairspray, I finished the look with my YSL perfume and grabbed my black Hermès Birkin bag.

Downstairs, Adrianna and Nolan were wrapped in blankets, watching a movie.

"Impressing wifey?" Adrianna teased with a smirk.

"I've never had to impress her. Let's go," I said, grabbing my mink coat from the closet.

We headed to the garage, and I unlocked my wine-red Lamborghini Urus.

"The Lambo? You never drive this!" Nolan exclaimed.

"There's a first time for everything."

"She's just in a good mood because she's with Solené," Adrianna teased.

"Just get in," I said, rolling my eyes as I climbed into the driver's seat.

*

The drive to the office was about thirty minutes—thirty minutes of blasting music because Nolan wouldn't shut up. Sometimes, I really wonder why I'm friends with him.

When we finally arrived, we hopped out of the car. I locked the door behind me as we approached the building. It was sleek and modern, with tall glass windows reflecting the city skyline.

Inside, two security guards opened the glass doors for us. The lobby was pristine: plants in the corners, a cozy waiting area with magazines scattered on the table, and vending machines tucked neatly into the far corner.

"I'll be back," Nolan said, making a beeline for the vending machines.

"He eats like it's a full-time job," Adrianna muttered, shaking her head.

"Don't remind me," I replied, walking with her to the reception desk.

"Hi, I'm here to see Solené," I said with a polite smile.

The receptionist barely glanced at me before replying in the most uninterested tone. "Name?"

"Summer Preston," I said, watching as she slowly typed into her computer. Adrianna and I exchanged an incredulous look.

"Your name's not in the system," she said flatly.

"Okay, could you call her to let her know I'm here?" I asked, trying to stay patient.

"I'm not at liberty to do that—"

"I'm her girlfriend. Call her," I said, my tone sharp now.

The woman finally looked up, her eyes scanning me. "You're her girlfriend?" she said with an eyebrow raised, clearly skeptical.

Adrianna stepped forward. "Who does this bitch think she's talking to?"

"I will smack the fuck out of you," I snapped, already over it.

"What's going on here?" a familiar voice asked from behind me. I turned to see Solené striding toward us, a worried expression on her face.

Her tailored navy blue slacks and white blouse, with the top three buttons undone, made her look like she just stepped out of a fashion editorial. Her hair was pulled back into a loose bun, a few strands framing her face, and her glasses rested perfectly on her nose. Her appearance was slightly disheveled but she was still beautiful nonetheless.

"Ms. Beckett, I—" the receptionist started, her tone suddenly saccharine.

"Cut the formalities," I interrupted, turning to Solené, who slid her arm around my waist, her hand resting on my hip to ground me.

I quickly filled her in. "I told her I was here to see you, but she said my name wasn't in the system. Then when I told her I was your girlfriend, she had the nerve to question me."

As I spoke, I felt Solené's grip tighten slightly. Her expression hardened as she turned to the receptionist. "You're fired."

"W-what?" the woman stammered, her face paling.

"You heard me," Solené said coldly. "Gather your things and leave."

"It was just a misunderstanding—"

"It wasn't a misunderstanding when you decided to disrespect my girlfriend, was it?" Solené cut her off.

The woman opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water, then looked away.

"Exactly. Apologize to her and leave," Solené ordered, pulling me closer.

The receptionist swallowed hard before mumbling, "I'm sorry, Summer. I didn't mean to disrespect you."

I folded my arms, not even trying to hide my annoyance.

"Baby," Solené said softly, pressing a kiss to my temple, "does that apology feel sincere to you?"

I tilted my head, pretending to think it over. "Hmm, not really."

Adrianna snorted beside me, clearly enjoying the scene.

"My girlfriend isn't satisfied. Apologize again," Solené demanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The woman's eyes filled with tears. "Are you serious?"

"Very," Solené replied without missing a beat.

"Summer, I apologize for disrespecting you. I didn't know you were her girlfriend—"

"Yeah, I don't care," I interrupted, waving her off. "Just get out of my face."

The woman stood frozen for a moment before scurrying away, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"That was so bitchy of you two," Adrianna said with a smirk. "Kinda hot, not gonna lie."

We all laughed, and I shoved her playfully.

A few seconds later, Nolan came bounding over, his arms overflowing with snacks. Bags of candy and chips started slipping from his grip.

"What'd I miss?" he asked cluelessly, fumbling to pick everything up.

"Nolan," Solené said, smiling, "want to be my receptionist for the day? I'll have the guards unlock the vending machines for you. There's even a flat-screen TV right here." She pointed to the corner.

"Hell yeah!" he said, immediately dropping into the receptionist's chair.

Shaking our heads at his antics, Solené led Adrianna and me toward the elevators.

As we waited for the doors to open, a group of models walked in. One of them caught Adrianna's eye, and they had a full-on stare-down before the model sauntered away, glancing back over her shoulder.

"Uh, so I'm just gonna..." Adrianna trailed off, already stepping toward the group.

"Go ahead," Solené said, smirking. "But no having sex in my building."

"Of course not, Sol!" Adrianna called over her shoulder, disappearing after the model.

The elevator doors opened, and Solené and I stepped inside.

"Let's go to my office for a bit. Then I'll introduce you to the girls, okay?" she said, pulling me closer and wrapping her hand around the back of my neck. She leaned in and kissed me softly.

"Okay, pretty," I replied with a smile, already feeling at ease.