Sweet Sins (21 page)

             
“Would I? That’s like a million dollars to me and if we could borrow some from Adam’s mother, it just might work. You’re awesome, Dad. I won’t let you down. You can be one of the officers of the company. Would you like that?”

             
“OK, sounds good. I believe in you. If anyone can do it, it’s you.”

             
“Thanks, Pops, I will do it, I have to. I’ll never get a chance like this again.”

             
“Mom and I will help you all we can. Maybe we’ll spend more time in Florida now that I’m retired and help you watch the boys.”

             
“That would be great. It would help a lot. I’ll take to Adam and we’ll see if we can’t get things rolling.”

             
“How does he feel about all this? Won’t this take you away from him a lot? You are practically a new bride. How long have you been married now, 7 or 8 months? I don’t want to discourage you, I hope you start your agency but be careful, you have a new marriage to take care of.”

             
“Dad, Adam thinks it’s great. He is very supportive and said he would help me with whatever it takes to get it going.”

             
“OK, well, good luck then and keep us posted.”

             
Mrs. Lynch was on the verge of hysterics when Arianna relayed to her that she was declining her offer. She was certain that she would have accepted. She did have pangs of uncertainty knowing she was giving up a guaranteed salary and a financial backer that might swing the pendulum of success or failure. It was a big risk she was taking, but she was young enough to want to venture out on her own plank. She would do this, for herself and for her family. It just had to work.

             
She became obsessed with thoughts of the agency. Content in the solidity of her marriage, she spent time researching properties, making lists and more lists and endeavoring to solicit her first students before she was even open. Exposed to hundreds of people casually through all the promotions and auditions she had been on, she had ample potential to tap in to.  Talking it over with Adam, they had decided that St. Pete. would be the best location. Perhaps not at the beach, but just when you crossed over the Howard Frankland Bridge onto 4
th
Street. It seemed a perfect spot because it was easily accessible to people from Tampa, Clearwater and St. Pete. This was the market she wanted and it was in her favor that there were no other agencies in St. Pete. with any credibility. It would be a 30 minute drive for her and she knew she could have chosen a place within a mile of her that would have been more convenient. She surmised the benefit would come when Adam came to see her or to help out, he would be only minutes from his Mom’s house and that would make it a smoother transition. He had agreed that it suited him. He said in the event that he would have to care for the boys, he could take them to his Mom’s house and she could help him.

             
“Adam, if I would have to hold classes in the evening so maybe you could take the kids to your Mom’s. Would that be all right with you?”

             
“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind that, this way if I wanted to take off and go riding or do something else, my Mum would always be there and she would love to take care of the boys. She thinks they’re great.”

             
“It wouldn’t be all the time, just until I got enough money coming in so that I could hire some teachers. There are plenty of girls that have been my students that would like to come to work for me. They have already asked me, it’s just a question of the funds to hire them.”

             
“You know, girl, I hope this all works out for you but I wonder what will happen to us. How will we ever have any time together? I have to tell you it’s been messing me up.”

             
“Adam, there isn’t anything I would do to hurt you or us. If you think this is a bad move, I won’t do it.”

             
“No, I don’t want that. I know you want it bad. I just am worried, that’s all. Anyway, let’s get going finding a place so I can get some room dimensions and start building the runway.”

             
“You are totally awesome and I’ve made four appointments for tomorrow. If any of them looks good, then I’ll make another appointment to see the place with you. Thanks for supporting me in this.”

             
Arianna found the perfect place and it was within her budget. Adam agreed and now they started the work of designing the office. She had signed ten people already for modeling classes. A lawyer had drawn up the school contract which would include the classes, make up, photo session and color composite. The profit from the first ten people would pay for almost two months’ rent. It didn’t include other expenses or staff but it was a great beginning to have signed contracts and she had checks to deposit before she even opened her doors. She was feeling totally confident in a life for both of them that would be full of surprises and interesting events.

             
Arianna’s Dad had come to stay with me to help with the start of the business and care for the boys. She was grateful for his help and overjoyed of the prospect of her agency.

             
“I’m happy for you, Arianna. I can see your life is changing in all good ways, “her father said.

             
“Yes, Dad, it is my American dream come true, just like we all reach for and hope for, it’s coming true for me right now. My life has grown in wonderful ways, more than I could have imagined. You’re certainly a part of it Pops, without you I wouldn’t have been able to start the agency. Thanks for being such a big part in making a girl’s dream come true.”

             
“I’m glad to do it. I’ll be here for you. I wish we lived closer so we could be of more help but we’ll do what we can. There’s a lot of work ahead for you and challenges but if it works out, the payoff will be big.”

             
They had a celebratory dinner to toast to the new agency.

             
“Here’s to the success of “Paramount Star”, said Adam as they all raised their glasses.

             
The progress they were making was inspiring. Her energy levels were fueled by this venture into unchartered waters that she wished to wade in. She couldn’t wait to begin and see what might happen and where life might take them.

             
Three months later, the agency opened with a standing room only party. It was addictive to those who dreamed of being a part of this world. It didn’t take much for most people to be thrilled with delight if chosen for a fashion show or a local commercial. It was the excitement and perhaps the promise of more that intrigued people into trying their luck. It added the spice to otherwise day to day monotony.

             
Ashton and Arianna were setting up in the makeup room for her evening class.

             
“Ashton, why don’t you cut your hair for a different kind of look?”

             
“No chance, woman, this is my sexual protection. Without these golden tendrils, I’d be just another blonde. You know how long it took me to grow it to this length, 4 damn years.”

             
“You’re probably right, I’m just thinking about promoting you and you’re so recognizable with your waist hair length. Maybe we could just do some different styles.”

             
“That’s cool. So what’s going on with you and Adam? Is he coming to the show this Friday? He looked wasted when he showed up last time. He doesn’t like all this stuff, does he?”

             
“I hope he’ll show up. He said he would but you’re right. It’s all become too much for him.”

                                                                       
Chapter XX

             
                                                       
Uncertain Future

              Her life was being carried away from her as the demands of the agency and her children dominated her life. Dressing for work was glorious to her, sparkling eye shadow and lipstick, outfits that looked like Hollywood, now a part of her daily routine. Every time the phone rang, she eagerly answered. For now, calls were mostly inquiries regarding the type of modeling classes available, but she aggressively sought out auditions for her models.

             
She had booked her first fashion show at a local nightclub. An entrepreneur designer of female fashion had approached her for a joint venture. The custom designed clothes looked spectacular on the girls she had selected. It was a good beginning to have a venue for some of her newly signed girls to work. It would be covered by the local paper and they would have a nice spread in the newspaper which would help in promoting the girls and the agency.

             
She was all set to go and just waiting for Adam to arrive home from work. As the time approached and he still was not home, she phoned his work and was told he had left an hour earlier. She knew she had to leave without him, all the while nervous and apprehensive about why he didn’t show. Did they get their signals crossed; did he plan to meet her there? It was too late now, she had to leave.

             
The show went on without him there, and although she was upset about it, she glowed at the success of her first show. Everyone involved seemed pleased.

             
She was speaking with Chloe when his arms slipped around her. His words slightly slurred, it was obvious he had been drinking.

             
“Adam, what happened, where have you been?”

             
“I don’t know, girl, I’m sorry. I just felt like I didn’t belong here. I mean this is a girl’s world, look around. The only guys here are the losers gawking at the girls. Fashions shows and all this stuff, it’s not a regular guy’s kind of thing.”

             
“I know Adam, but you said you were supportive of it.”

             
“I was but it has all gotten out of hand. It’s too much sometime.”

             
“I’m sorry you feel that way but I do understand and I’m happy you showed up. I get it, I do. It would be like me constantly going to football games or something. Some girls would like it, but I wouldn’t.”

             
He smiled at her and everything was all right. That’s all he ever had to do, if he smiled, she was happy. She slept curled up in his loving body, contented but stirrings of anxiety about his unhappiness began to form.

             
The agency was building and she had successfully started her first class. She was gone now for long hours, returning sometimes at midnight and only seeing Adam just to kiss him good night. He was watching the boys now 4 or 5 times a week while she was at the agency. He had not said anything but she knew by his moods that he wasn’t thrilled with it. She justified it in her mind thinking it wouldn’t be long before she could hire a teacher to take her place.

             
She had developed a close kinship to Ashton, a beautiful streaked blonde outrageously outgoing model who had become her assistant. Like Arianna, she was too short, at 5’5”; they were both more suited to promotions or print work. She wanted Ashton to succeed. She had been particularly helpful to her and had volunteered to work for no compensation on several of her projects. Arianna tried to repay her with free photo shoots and putting her in the front line for auditions.

             
Arianna and Ashton were setting up the make-up room getting ready for the evening class.

             
“Ashton, why don’t you cut your hair for a different kind of look?”

             
“No chance, woman, this is my sexual protection. Without these golden tendrils, I’d be just another blonde. You know how long it took me to grow it to my waist, 4 damn years.”

             
“You’re probably right about that; it’s just that everyone’s seen this look on you.”

             
“And they’re going to see it for a while to come. So what’s up with you and Adam? Is he going to be there for Friday’s show?”

             
“I hope so, I don’t know what’s going on with him but something sure has changed from his enthusiasm when we first started and now he’s moody all the time. While I’m so excited, I can hardly keep from bouncing off the walls, he’s down. It’s not good. I feel guilty being so happy when he’s not. The agency has somehow separated us from the couple we use to be.”

             
“Well, try not to think about it right now. Let’s go through that routine for the show again. Those cowboy outfits look sexy as hell. Those low-cut fringe tops will catch a lot of attention at the show. Everyone looks great in them. Marianne out did herself in those designs. Now, if country stuff would just catch on, everyone would win.”