Enticed:A Dangerous Connection (Secrets) Read Online Free

heard of me before, but that was no excuse for her rudeness.”
    “She was rude to you?”
    She waves her hand. “Well, dismissive anyway. She told me that their agency was not actively seeking new clients. In other words, she gave me the brush-off.” She sighs. “Oh well. Ford is not the only fish in the sea. I suspect there are dozens of perfectly good agencies in the Los Angeles area.”
    “Yes, I’m sure there are.”
    “So, you go and work on your portfolio. And practice everything I showed you until it feels natural. And I’ll let you know about the fashion show at Marley’s.”
    “And what about agencies?” I ask eagerly. “Should I look into finding one that is interested in me?”
    “Oh no, dear. Not yet. It’s too early for that. There are things we should work on. And then we should do some research and find out what agency would be best for you. I’m sure I still have some friends around who can help us with these questions.” She sadly shakes her head. “Oh, poor Bernice … and lung cancer. Well, it’s no wonder since we all smoked far too much back then. But who knew?”
    I express my sympathy again and, clutching Mrs. Norbert’s old portfolio to my chest, thank her for her time, promise to practice, and then leave. I’m so excited about making my electronic portfolio that I can barely contain myself as I hurry back to our apartment.
    I kick off the red high heels, which are killing my feet, then go straight to my bedroom, which is still a mess from all the outfits I tried on, and frantically dig through the pile of clothes. Somehow I need to put together some stylish-looking ensembles. There’s no time to waste in getting my portfolio together. It’s already the end of June, and if I’m going to make it as a model this summer, I need to get to work.
    Finally, I’ve arranged what I think are some good outfits. I lay them out on my bed, complete with shoes, sandals, and boots, and I take turns trying them on. I even attempt to take some photos, but I realize that to get good quality shots, I will definitely need some help. So I call Michelle and enthusiastically tell her about my meeting with Mrs. Norbert and how she lent me her portfolio, and how I’m going to make my own electronic portfolio, and even that I’m going to model in a real fashion show. However, I don’t admit that it’s only at Marley’s Dress Shop. After all, Michelle doesn’t need to hear all the details.
    Fortunately, she catches my enthusiasm, and before I hang up, I have her word that she’ll come over here tomorrow to play photographer for me. Not only that, but she promises to bring along her mom’s digital camera as well as some of her own accessories. Michelle might not like buying clothes so much, probably because of her weight, but she adores accessories and has a great selection of costume jewelry, scarves, hats, and belts. Just what I need to round out my outfits and look like a real fashionista.
    While my mom vegges in front of the TV, I spend the evening cruising through agency websites, but remembering Mrs. Norbert’s advice, I resist the temptation to start filling out applications. I want to wait and see if she comes up with something. Besides, I should have my portfolio ready to go first. However, I do list the most promising websites in my Favorites folder. I also create a new Facebook page.
    While my other page, the one I started back in middle school, is mostly just a way to connect with a few people, primarily Michelle, sharing goofy photos and jokes and various links, this new Facebook page will be devoted entirely to fashion — and to me. I can’t wait to start filling it up with my portfolio shots. I really feel like I am on my way, and maybe by July I’ll start landing some real modeling jobs. It could happen — I believe it!

… [CHAPTER 3]………………
    M ichelle shows up around ten on Thursday morning, lugging in two bags filled with her fabulous accessory collection.