Page 110 of The Marriage Narrative
The man daring enough to break from the staring crowd was tall, dark, andincrediblyhandsome.
“Have you ever considered modeling?” he asked seriously.
She hadn’t, not even for a single minute, but she laughed because of course she was flattered. “I’m nowhere near tall enough.”
“Common misconception. The requirements are more relaxed with commercial work.” He held out a business card. “My name is River. I’m a talent scout for Avalanche Management. We’ve been looking for someone like you.”
“I bet you say that to all the women in borderline indecent dresses.”
“Only if they have the face and charisma to pull it off. I’ve been in this business a long time. I know star potential when I see it. Do you sing?”
“Not even in the shower.”
“Dance? Anything?”
“Afraid not.”
“Not a problem. My agency is full service. Once you sign withus, we’ll provide you with the best instructors in the industry. We could have a very lucrative future together,” he said. “I’m surprised Sadie managed to keep someone like you under wraps. How did she find you?”
“She didn’t. Jordan is my husband. Sadie is my sister-in-law. That’s how that works,” she said with a dainty laugh.
“Ah, sohe’sthe scout. Interesting.” His rich baritone suggestively curled around the word as his gaze darted beside her. “Speak of the devil.”
Jordan manifested at her side, sliding his arm around her waist the way she liked. “And who are you?”
“River. I’m with Avalanche Management. I was telling Zinnia about what we do and hoping to tempt her in for a meeting.”
“She already has representation.”
Zinnia grimaced. Would’ve been nice if someone had mentioned that.
River, however, was unphased. “That’s a shame. We both know your family’s agency has a reputation for not treating their Black talent well. She deserves better.” He looked directly at Zinnia. “Keep me in mind if you change yours.”
Jordan exhaled in a huff through his nose as River walked away. “It hasn’t even been five minutes.”
“I’m sorry I’m so irresistible,” she joked.
He guided her back toward the bar while whispering, “River was trying to poach you. Scouts like him won’t settle for anything less than exclusivity—professionally and personally. If you call him, I can guarantee he’ll also do his best to steal you from me.”
“Well, he was very attractive. I’m sure someone who’s not me would’ve been tempted.” She placed her palm flat against Jordan’s chest and counted in time to his heartbeat to calm down.
He put his hand over hers, pressing down harder to help. “How are you holding up?”
Her lungs relaxed only for her lower body to tighten, so not great.
“It hasn’t been the worst day of my life, but…”
“The trailer,” he guessed.
“Everything’s kind offesteringall at once, yeah.”
Watching the premiere felt like drowning. She was a Zaffre now and sinking like a stone.
The first impression her parents would have of Jordan—her wonderful, understanding, caring husband—would be tainted by lies. She shouldn’t have waited. He was perfect. They would love him. What the hell had she been thinking?
Shehadn’tbeen. Not rationally anyway. It didn’t matter that the pictures in the trailer were old; seeing Jordan with someone else…
Deep in her heart, she’d been counting their inevitably numbered days since sayingI do. She’d wanted to be sure her marriage was solid. He’d done nothing to make her believe otherwise. So, then…why? Why couldn’t she let those fears go?
