Page 57 of Blue Moon

Chapter 24

Sol

Ifelt so awful about my fight with Sawyer, but I wasn’t going to allow him to control me.

I understood he was worried, but I had gone to hundreds of shoots and nothing had ever happened. Granted, most of them were local, and I usually had either Kelli or a stylist come with me, but I’d be fine. This was standard for my job.

Just as I arrived at the airport, an email popped up from Vidal.

Urgent, please call.

Great. I hoped everything was okay.

I called Vidal.

“Hi, Sol. Thanks for calling. We have an emergency.”

Ugh. My heart sank. But millions of issues could come up with a shoot, so I needed to stay positive.

“Oh really? What happened?”

“Well, we need a special filming permit. I’d pay but the banks are closed, and I had my wallet stolen the other week. Pickpockets. Anyway, I’ll reimburse you for sure, but if you could front the payment that would be great.”

I had a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

My gut told me something was wrong. I wanted to call Kelli, but she was gone for the day, and I didn’t want to bother her at home. I’d call Sawyer, but I’d been so awful to him, and I didn’t want him to gloat about being right.

I closed my eyes. Maybe this made sense. I was aware that a shooting permit would be needed. Maybe Vidal really did have his wallet stolen. I’d lost my purse more times than I could count. And my phone.

This was fine. I would not freak out.

“Of course, I understand. Send me the information, and I’ll pay it.”

He exhaled. “Thank you, doll.”

I cringed when he said doll. But that was how many photographers referred to models. There wasn’t anything wrong with that term.

“You’re welcome. Who’s meeting me at the airport?”

“His name is Manny. Then he will take you to the warehouse to meet me.”

The warehouse? Fuck. “You know, I was wondering if I could bring someone with me to the shoot. I would just feel safer.”

“Now, doll. That is not what the contract says. You agreed—”

Fuck. Sawyer was right. Something was way off. I shouldn’t have to feel uncomfortable. I had just been so angry that Sawyer had told me what to do that I hadn’t listened to what he said.

“Well, you agreed to pay. The contract is void. I’m not coming.”

I hung up the phone, not even waiting for his response.

I didn’t feel sad. I felt relieved. But I was angry at myself.

I picked up the phone and called Sawyer. He answered on the first ring.

“Hey.”

“Hey. Look, I’m sorry about last night. I think you were right. I’m still in Pensacola. Will you come get me at the airport?”