Forever Read online

  One afternoon, I was introduced to a woman named Marsha Malin, who later would become my agent and dear friend. She was very impressed with my portfolio. She offered me a spot modeling for three designers and a new upcoming superstar, who I proudly call my best friend. After we worked out the details, Marsha suggested we get out of the office and grab lunch at her favorite deli. “You won’t find sandwiches like this in Georgia… only in New York.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to tell me I shouldn’t be eating this stuff, and stick with salads?” I smiled at her as she grinned back at me.

  “First of all, I’m not one of those agents who will starve you. Reese, you are beautiful just the way you are, and we see something in you that the other girls simply do not possess.”

  “What’s that? I’m just a girl from a small town in the south. What makes me so different from the other girls?” My self-doubt was rearing its ugly head, and I began to think about the dirty pictures and the video taken of me and the other models. It was time to come clean with her about my past and what had happened back home in Georgia.

  “Marsha, I need to tell you something before we go any further.” I watched Marsha place her menu down and lean towards the table looking directly into my eyes.

  “Reese, don’t plotz on me, okay?” Plotz? What does that mean? That’s a new word I haven’t heard before. “I already know what happened in Georgia with that putz of a photographer. No worries, sweetheart. We do a thorough background check on all of our girls that we hire. Freddy filled us in on the rest. Believe me when I say this, you will always encounter a putz in this business, but that one… he will never be able to land a credible job again.”

  “I’m so sorry you ever had to know that about me. I’m incredibly embarrassed by it all, and I just fear that it will follow me everywhere I go.”

  “It may, Reese, but we’re hiring you anyway. So again, no worries. I’m hungry, let’s eat already.”

  “Marsha, can I ask you a question, and then I promise we can order?” She drops the menu again. “What does plotz mean?” My very loud agent began to roar in laughter when I asked her my question. I asked her again, and tried to quiet her at the same time.

  “I’m sorry, honey; I guess I need to let you in on all my slang words I like to use. I just thought with Freddy being your friend, you would know them all already.”

  “You would be surprised how my friend can still shock me.”

  “Well, plotz means don’t have a stroke, or calm down. My mother used to say it all the time to my father, and to her father before that. I guess it’s one of the good ones that stuck with me all these years.” Satisfied with her answer, Marsha signaled the waiter over, and we ordered the biggest pastrami and swiss sandwiches I have ever seen. Of course, I couldn’t finish mine, but I brought the rest home for Freddy to enjoy.

  I heard things can happen in a New York minute. Well that was certainly true in my case. My first few weeks living there had been quite the adventure. Living with Freddy was so much fun. I never realized how much I had missed him until we were reunited and now living together as roommates. He was so busy with his work, and today was my first day of classes. Freddy started the next day for what would be his last few classes of his college career. He had taken the day off to follow me around today. I tried to talk him out of it, but he wanted to make sure I found my way without any issues.

  My first class was Psychology One, an introductory class that was pretty basic. Freddy and I walked in and grabbed two seats at the top. I was always one to sit in the first row, afraid that I would miss something. I never had any problems making my grades. Freddy was whispering something in my ear when I noticed… Him. Gasp! My eyes focused in on the very good looking guy that just walked in to the expansive room. He was tall, probably around six feet or so, he had brown hair, and I could see his tight stomach through his t-shirt. Get a grip! Unsure of what was coming over me, I quickly turned to Freddy before the handsome stranger caught me staring.

  “Hey, what’s got your panties in a twist, Peaches? Or should I say…who?”

  “Freddy! Keep your voice down.” I lowered myself down in my seat to not draw attention to myself. Freddy tended to be on the loud side, and after his comment, some of the other students turned to look at us. I was about to say something to him when my attention was once again focused on the hot guy now talking to my professor. They were in a short conversation, and then the hot guy grabbed his backpack and walked out. The professor shut the door rather loudly to get our attention, and class had begun.

  “So are you going to answer my question?”

  I turned to Freddy as we make our way to the library after class. “What question?” I asked him.

  “Oh, you know, Peaches. The hot guy that had your attention before your very boring class began.”

  “Okay, you’re right. I was staring at him. I don’t know what it is, but something about him caught my interest.”

  “Well, I would have thought by the look on your face that you definitely wanted to tap that. I’m sure you got some practice in before coming up to the big city.” Freddy was laughing at this point, but his comments stopped me dead in my tracks. I felt my blood heating with anger at my best friend.

  Freddy didn’t realize that I wasn’t even by his side anymore, until he turned around to watch me walk in the other direction. He called out to me, but I ignored him until he caught up and pulled me back to him. “Hey, what’s wrong, Peaches? Talk to me, please?”

  “Let go of my arm, Freddy. And if you really have to ask… then you are dumb as bricks.”

  “I guess I do have to ask, because I don’t know what the hell has gotten into you.”

  “Your rude comment is what has gotten into me. How could you say that to me after what I went through? So because pictures of me circulated around that implied I was a porn star, then of course I would be a whore who sleeps around, too!”

  “Oh my god, that’s not what I meant at all, Reese. How could you think that?”

  “I think that because that’s how it sounded, Freddy. I dealt with the whispers behind my back, the mean girls, and fighting off the advances of guys that just wanted to fuck me because they thought I would easily give it up. My last year at GSU was hell, so forgive me for being a bit defensive.”

  “I’m sorry, Peaches. You know I would never hurt you. I was only kidding, and now I realize it was bad taste on my part. Honestly, I didn’t mean anything by it. Please say that you forgive me?” I looked into my best friend’s eyes to see him now crying. My heart broke, and I immediately wrapped my arms around him.

  “I’m sorry too, Freddy. My wounds are still wide open and filled with hurt. I’m just trying to move forward and start fresh. I want to forget everything that happened in Georgia.” I wasn’t just talking about the modeling mishap; I was remembering my parents’ deaths, and all the pain that I have carried with me since they left me.

  “Reese, what happened to you was not your fault! Your grandparents stopped it before it ever got out of hand. You need to let that part of your life go and not worry about it anymore.”

  “Freddy, don’t you get it? Pictures are forever. This will follow me everywhere I go. I might as well staple this to every job application I apply for. Can you imagine if this ever got out, or years from now when I’m a teacher? I would be fired, and no parent would want me teaching their children.”

  “Stop it now, Reese! You are amazing, beautiful, and very smart. You are going to be an awesome teacher, so stop worrying about it. And hopefully you hook up with that hot guy from your psychology class! Maybe that will relax you.”

  “You know I’m still a virgin, right?” Now it was Freddy’s turn to turn five shades of red. Who knew that I could embarrass him with my sexual status?

  FREDDY AND I talked all night after my blow-up. He was very open with me about his conquests with men. Basically he told me everything and anything. He was never embarrassed about coming out… not even to his parents. Freddy,
from a young age, never felt “normal,” something was different. When he figured out he was gay, he came out. He made his declaration on his seventeenth birthday; his father had a hard time at first accepting that his only son was gay. His mother was more understanding, but ultimately sided with his father, until Freddy gave them an ultimatum. He loved his parents, but refused to live his life in secret or be blamed for shaming his family. His parents decided that they loved their son more than risking losing him altogether.

  My virginity was intact at twenty years old. I guess I never was in a hurry to trade in my V-card. I had my share of opportunities with a few boyfriends that I had back home, but I never really felt a deep connection with anyone. I always said no. Having been raised in the Bible Belt of the country did not make me a prude, but again, a woman’s virginity is sacred. So I was waiting for the right person that I could give not only my body to, but also my heart.

  One week to the day after my first fight with Freddy had passed. I never did make it to the library, so that was my first stop before my morning classes. I grabbed a coffee and sat down to peruse some of the material I needed to know for my test that I would be taking that day when my eyes met his... the handsome stranger from psychology class. He was watching me, and all of the sudden, I was shy. I smiled to myself and looked down to my book. He sat down right at my table, but said nothing. He was breathtakingly gorgeous. I’m sitting here in silence, but he’s not saying anything either. I look up to him through my glasses, and I let out a quiet laugh. He glanced back at me with his beautiful sexy smile, and suddenly got up to leave. I couldn’t help but let out a louder laugh.

  Was the handsome stranger shy as well? Who knew if I would ever see him again, but if I did, I would make sure to actually move my lips and use my voice.

  I was worn out from my course load already. I gave up stressing over how I did on my first psych test. I needed coffee if I was going to keep my eyes open for that night’s studying. Walking over to the coffee station, I was nearly knocked over by someone not looking where he’s going. I dropped my books only to look up into the eyes of the handsome stranger. He crouched down to help me, and our eyes locked on one another.

  “Hi, I’m Reese Mitchell. Um…Thank you for your help.”

  “It’s no bother at all. I’m Walker Reed.”

  Now that the handsome stranger had a name, we could easily talk to one another. “I’ve seen you at the library, and I thought you were in my psychology class, but I only saw you once.”

  “You certainly have a detailed memory, Reese. Yes, I was in psychology, but I would have never dropped that class had I known you were in it. How foolish of me.”

  “Well, Walker, pleasure to meet you. As much as I would like to continue chatting, I need to get home. May I have my books back please?”

  “I will give you your books back, but on one condition. Please join me for dinner on Friday night.”

  “That sounds lovely, but Friday is not good for me.”

  “What about Saturday? We don’t have to eat dinner; any meal time would suffice.”

  “I may be working on Saturday as well, I’m sorry. My weekends this month are pretty booked.”

  “What has you so busy that you can’t squeeze in a meal with a friend?”

  “Walker, I just met you. I hardly consider you a friend.”

  “Let me change that, Reese. By the time we are finished with our date, I will be so much more to you than a friend.”

  I grinned at him and smiled coyly. “You seem pretty sure of yourself, Walker.”

  “Oh I am, Reese, believe me. When I want something, I usually get it. I will work around your work schedule and anything else you have on your calendar.” Good lord! How could I resist his charm?

  “Okay. Friday night I have a job in Central Park. You can pick me up at seven. We can go to dinner after I wrap for the night.”

  “I’m confused, Reese, what exactly do you do for a living?”

  “I model. I’m shooting a layout for fashion week. My best friend is one of the many designers that will be participating in the event.” I looked over to my handsome stranger. His eyes brightened and his smile widened.

  I couldn’t help but feel excitement rage through my body as he lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Until Friday, Reese Mitchell.”

  Stunned into silence, I reached for my phone to call the other guy in my life. As expected, Freddy flipped out with my news. He was beyond happy that I had a date, especially with the handsome stranger.

  I had to admit that I was excited about seeing him again. Walker Reed… mm, mm, mm… Something about him just made my mind drift off to naughty places, and all I wanted to do was kiss and taste him. …Whoa, what did I just say? I never had a reaction to a guy like that before. I couldn’t believe what I was saying, let alone thinking. Of course, my mouth got the better of me, and I did say it out loud for Freddy to hear it.

  “Ooh, Peaches, don’t get shy on me now,” Freddy said, while we he was helping me backstage. Then he jokingly growled at me like a cat. “I knew buried deep down underneath all of your southern belle charm, there was a sexy vixen dying to get out.”

  “You know that I love you, right?” I hugged Freddy and finished up with hair and make-up. I had three more outfits to get fitted into, and then I was done for the night. The photographers were amazing and made me feel at ease. Freddy’s very revealing dress was the last one for me to walk out in. The crowd was very responsive to his line, and this dress was his signature piece. He designed his first wedding dress, but not traditional at all. It looked like it belonged on a rocker chick rather than a small town girl like myself, but I think I rocked it in my own way. Freddy insisted that I be the one to show it off. He said my body was made for this dress, and for me to go shake what the good Lord blessed me with.

  Oh, I did. Rock music was blaring in the background as I met my theoretical groom at the end of the runway. He was wearing Freddy’s version of a tux. He took my hand and twirled me around. I looked out into the audience, and that’s when Walker’s eyes found mine. I felt my body slipping when all thoughts went to Walker. He just smiled and winked. I gathered my composure and finished my sexy catwalk backstage to Freddy. I did one more turn, and then the audience erupted with applause. Freddy came rushing out along with the other models and blew kisses to the crowd. This was his moment, and I was so proud of him.

  I quickly changed, but Freddy had other ideas for my date outfit. He insisted I wear one of his designs. He picked everything out for me to wear, and I was beyond excited for my date with Walker. My ensemble included a very tight, black pencil skirt with a lacy camisole and a half leather jacket. My heels skyrocketed me even taller than my 5’10 frame, but it was too late now to change. I had to hand it to Freddy. He had style, and he was sure to be a success.

  As I exited the dressing tents, Walker was waiting for me. He looked amazing, dressed all in black. He looked downright edible. Down girl, first things first.

  “Hey, Reese, you look fantastic.” I could feel Walker’s eyes traveling up and down my body with carnal hunger in his eyes. I wanted him, and my betraying body was telling him so.

  “Hey, right back at ya. So what did you think of the show?” was all I could manage to say without revealing what I was really thinking.

  “I didn’t see all of it, but I did get the pleasure of watching you. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you the entire time, but…you already knew that.”

  Before I could speak, Walker reached for me and pulled me forward against his rock hard chest. He crashed his mouth down on to mine, and swirled his tongue deep inside tasting me. I welcomed his kiss and returned the same level of intensity back to him. I heard a feral groan from his throat as he released my mouth. “I’ve wanted to do that since I first laid my eyes on you.”

  What was I going to say? Yes, and I’ve been waiting for you to do exactly that… and so much more. “Good, Walker, because I rather enjoyed that.”

  “We
ll, Ms. Mitchell. You will be enjoying much more from me before our evening concludes.”

  “Oh really, Mr. Reed.”

  “Yes, Ms. Mitchell, for many hours.” That was my undoing. I almost wanted to run back to the dressing tent and change my now soaked panties. How could this man arouse all these emotions in me? Maybe Freddy was right. It was time to be brave and behave like a woman who wanted this man more than anything else.

  Walker took me to an Italian restaurant in the Village. It was a small restaurant with only a few tables. I loved it because it wasn’t loud or filled with many patrons. It had an intimate feel to it. We shared a bottle of wine, and I was surprised that I wasn’t carded. I wasn’t twenty one yet. The waiter filled our glasses, but not before Walker sampled it first, and then gave him the okay to continue. I watched his mannerisms throughout the exchange. He was in total control, and just exuded confidence.

  “So, Reese Mitchell, who are you? Tell me everything.”

  “Wow, you are direct.”

  “Yes, I am. I want to know everything about you. Obviously you are not a New Yorker from your accent. So let’s begin there, shall we?”

  “Okay Walker, I will give you the short version…for now. I’m from the Peach State, and before you ask, it’s Georgia.”

  He smirked. “I knew that smart-ass, but continue please.”

  “I actually lived and grew up in a small town called Pottersville. It modernized over time, but it still holds the hometown feeling that I always loved. I lived with my grandparents, who still live there and own their own business. I attended my first three years of college at GSU, and then transferred here to New York for my senior year.”

  He looked uncomfortable in his seat, and I knew why. This was always the hard part of introductions. Why was I living with my grandparents? I ripped off the Band-Aid and explained to Walker before he had a chance to ask me. “My parents are deceased, and I lived with my grandparents since I was ten years old.” Okay, bring on the sad face now. I waited for it, but all Walker did was take my hands in his and placed a gentle kiss on them. I went on to talk about Freddy and how we met and became best friends. I think Walker was relieved to discover that my best friend was gay, and not competition for him. I explained to Walker how close I was with Freddy, and whoever came into my life would have to accept our friendship. Walker, still holding my hands, let out the breath he was holding, and winked at me. “I don’t like to share, Reese, but for you, I will try.” He had nothing to be jealous about, but at the same time, it thrilled me. I had left out the bad parts that led me here to New York. I guessed that if this went anywhere with him, then I would eventually share my story.