The Deal Breaker (Part two)

Delora Wright watched Luna intently as she spoke animatedly. She thought she was an excellent girl and was sure she could position her.

- So - she began - tell me what position you're interested in.

Luna looked at her doubtfully. It seemed like a trick question, was the boss asking her what job she wanted to do? She decided to answer confidently.

- I don't know, could you tell me what I can do?

Delora smiled.

- Of course, you can use your photography skills, I saw your portfolio and found it quite interesting. You would work for local productions and you would work mostly in the editorial sector. Although there is also the possibility of covering our events; you will travel to various places, you will enjoy the benefits...but it's not necessary if you don't want to. You can also be a copywriter, we can assign you a couple of events and interviews to do. Keep in mind that every option needs your time and willingness.

Luna went over her options. She didn't want to travel too much, her mind was a bit too scattered for that. She was inclined to static, to comfort. She had always wanted to travel, and if at another time this opportunity had presented itself to her, she would have taken it.

- I'm interested in photography, actually.

- Oh, excellent," she said with a smile. She was an older lady! Well, do you want to discuss money?

- Of course I do.

- Our number usually stands at $300 per working day, per session. Most usually your working days are no more than 17 working days. Minimum three sessions per month. You can take a limited number of days off, and we do not accept no-shows. $5100 for a month of good work.

Luna looked at her in surprise for a second.

- Oh...that's...

- If you want we can negotiate it," said Delora. Maybe she thought it sounded low.

That's crazy!

- No, no, it's perfect. I'll take the job - she smiled.

- That's great! If everything goes well, and I suppose it will, we only have a few formalities left and you'll be able to start in a week," she explained with a smile. Luna mimicked her.

- That's great. Sure, could you be specific with date and time?

- We'll send you an e-mail," she said with a smile.

- Great, good. Thank you very much, Mrs. Wright.

- You're welcome, Luna. I hope to see you someday in person - she smiled.

- Bye.

- Bye-bye. My pleasure. - she said and ended the video call.

It was almost official, he had an almost-job. Nepotism, he thought. It was amazing, and she owed it all to James. Should she call him, she thought. Yes, she should call him, to thank him for what he had done for her. It was only fair. After all, she still had affection and respect for him.

She picked up her phone and dialed the number quickly, she knew it by heart.

- Hello? - James answered.

- I'm a photographer at LaRouge! - she exclaimed enthusiastically.

James laughed.

- Really? Luna, that's great," she said cheerfully. He was happy for her, genuinely happy for her.

It had been five months since they had last seen each other - a long time, wasn't it?

Yet Luna hadn't called him once until she did to wonder if he had been involved in that suspicious LaRouge mail. He understood her, he wanted to get away.

- I know! I really appreciate your help, I'm absolutely sure LaRouge wouldn't have paid attention to me without your help.

- Oh, no, shut up. You don't have to thank me for anything," he replied relaxed.

- How is Portia?

- She's fine - he sounded nervous.

- Is she? - he asked. He had noticed her suspicious tone.

James didn't answer.

- James, did something happen?

- No, no, nothing has happened. I'm still very happy about your new job," he confessed, trying to evade the subject. It didn't work as well as he had hoped.

- James, don't change the subject. It's been nearly five months and I haven't heard from Portia," he exclaimed.

- It's just that...

- How did she react when she heard I was gone? - she asked hurriedly.

- She...no Luna, stop it. I have to hang up.

Luna thought quickly what to say to her.

- Why? I just asked you a question. I had no suspicion until you made me hesitate. Don't you dare hang up on me.

- I won't! - she exclaimed.

- Then tell me how Portia is...is she all right?

He managed to make out James's breathing over the phone, it was slow and strong.

- She had a seizure," he confessed slowly. Luna's heart began to race.

- What? Explain it to me. I'm going to New York - she said as she stood up.

- No, no... she'll be fine, you don't need v...

- No, I have to go," he exclaimed. How dare he try to stop me from going to see her?

- You don't need to, I can take care of her myself.

Luna noticed a tinge of anger in his voice.

- Rose help you? - she asked as she pulled clothes out of her closet. Iria.

- Of course she does.

- You don't sound completely sure. I can feel you're worried, you can't lie to me. Not to me.

He sighed.

- Rose has left New York for a while. Her sister just passed away and I gave her as much time off as she needs.

Luna put her hand to her forehead.