SEDUCTION

"I am proud of you, Beauty. If I were in your shoes, I'd definitely be in police custody right now, charged with murder," Jessie snapped. I believed her. She's a crazy wild cat, so she will definitely do it.

"Kathy is an asshole. Don't let her words get to you. A freaky bitch-that's what she is. All she does is try to look good, and she's not even that good-looking..." Jessie added. I raised a brow and squinted at her. What a lie!

"Alright... yeah, you got me. She may be good-looking, but... she has issues. You're more beautiful than her. She's just jealous, and honestly, I feel like hitting her right in the face sometimes." Jessie clenched her fists as she said it.

I sighed.

"Well, with that body and the visuals she's got, she's perfect. Her character doesn't count."

"Nobody's perfect," Jessie said, shaking her head. "Tell her something like, 'Your tummy is so flat,' or, 'Your nose is so... ugh.'" She groaned and sighed.

"I guess you're right, Beauty. She's definitely perfect by the world's beauty standards. A perfect figure. But I still won't tolerate her rudeness toward you. You didn't create yourself, Beauty. I want you to believe in yourself. You're really a Beauty. It's not just a name-it's who you are. Please see yourself the way I see you." She smiled and hugged me.

We both pulled back from the hug, but our hands stayed locked.

"You're beginning to sound like my mother, Jessie," I teased, chuckling.

"Well, little one, you can call me Mother, as a matter of fact," she replied.

I spanked her hard on the bum.

"Ouch!!" She laughed out loud.

We both burst out laughing and hugged again.

"Thanks for being my best friend, Jessie," I whispered.

"Come on, let's go back to the office. I'm sure you've got work to do before that human worm decides to get on our nerves again." I chuckled and nodded.

We walked back to our departments.

Even though Jessie was always trying hard for me-being the good friend she was-sometimes she acts like I don't exist. And those times were my hardest.

I thought about it quietly as I got to my desk. I sat down, and sighed deeply.

After a minute of silent meditation, I pulled out the cabinet drawer, took out some folders, and placed them on the table.

As I flipped through them, I found the particular document I'd been searching for. I returned the rest of the folders and picked up the document, heading to the capture room.

I needed to submit the hard copy feedback reports from customers about the company's fashion magazines.

I stopped in the photograph department.

Mr. Bruno was there-with his assistant and some models.

I took a deep breath and walked toward Jessie.

She was standing right beside Mr. Bruno! How lucky! I am so jealous. How could she stand that close to him without freaking out?

I shook off the wild thoughts in my mind and walked toward them.

"What's the theme?" Mr. Bruno asked Kathy.

"Seduction," Kathy answered, her tone dripping with it.

Se... what? I snapped inside my head.

Kathy was the model for this theme's photoshoot. Her body goals hit differently. She was picture-perfect, and the cameras seemed to love her-like they were kissing her with every flash.

Mr. Bruno stepped back from her and turned.

Then I saw him approaching, and I clenched my fists tightly. My heart was racing.

Wait a minute!

Why is he coming over to my side?!