Why the hell did I come here tonight?

Angela kept asking herself that question. The party was a huge success with a lot of wonderful people there; she saw several celebrities she had not yet met and several she had met on many occasions. She should have been having the time of her life, but she was bored stiff. It was becoming more apparent to her how much she hated fame and wealth, not because of the nature of those things, but because of what people did with them.

The fame would have been cool if it didn’t so often change the people that it happened to. From what she saw, established and up-and-coming celebrities acted like different people entirely. It was especially fascinating watching people she had met when they had just started to become well-known and whose notoriety had grown considerably. It was like she had met the same person on two different occasions but they were completely different—it was kind of weird and sad.

Her lifelong dream had been to become a supermodel, but she was not sure she would be able to handle the fame part. She would likely start to become very vain and materialistic; qualities that were never really part of her character despite growing up a little rich girl. She enjoyed comfort and she had gotten used to many of the perks of being rich, but she could safely say that out of all the people she had grown up with, who were of the rich and wealthy elk, she would be the one to adjust to being normal if it were ever thrust upon her. Her friends would have complete meltdowns.

Angela had been civil and made conversation with several people she knew. They all asked about her new job and college and what her plans for the future were. She hated telling the same story to different people. She had already answered all of these questions last Christmas when she came home for break and she found herself repeating herself again at this party. But she smiled and played along because it was expected of her.

Her parents had broken the ice and reintroduced her to several people, which she appreciated, but truthfully she would have rather just hung back and been a wallflower. It was an underrated position to be in; you could observe all and never be a part of anything.

The most infuriating thing about situations like these was that her parents often asked the questions about Angela for other people. They asked her questions that they already knew the answers to, just so she could brag about her life and what type of future she might have. Couldn’t they even wait for their stuffy friends to ask their own damn questions? Every time it happened she wanted to pull her hair out, but somehow she made it through okay.

“What’s up?!”

The drunken voice of Naomi came rushing through the crowd. Angela glanced to her left to see Naomi and Natalie both completely sloshed and dancing their way through a crowd of minor celebrities who were really popular on some new reality dancing show that Angela had seen once and vowed never to watch again. She had to wonder how famous you could be for being lame.

“Hey, ladies. Are we enjoying ourselves?” Angela asked.

“Hell yes! I’ve been dancing all night and so many guys have offered to take me home tonight. As if! Like I’d just go home with some random weirdo,” Naomi said.

Angela tried to hold back her laughter. When Naomi was drunk it was one of the most entertaining things she’d ever seen. Natalie was decently buzzed as well, but even when drunk, Natalie stayed poised and charming so that most people would never be able to tell; Angela could tell simply because Natalie was in a much better mood than normal.

“Why not?” Angela asked. “It would be a great way to piss off your dad.”

“I’m actually on great terms with my dad tonight. He has been very attentive to me!”

Angela looked at Naomi sarcastically. She had hardly seen Richard Kane, but when she did see him she noticed that he was walking around with some hot blonde in a sexy dress. It was tough to say if it was serious or not and there was no getting a read from Naomi in her present condition. Angela felt the jealousy welling up inside of her. She hated to feel that way ever, but Richard was one of the few men who could stir up such desires and feelings in her.

“Whatever!” Natalie said, her voice much louder than necessary—another sign of how much she’d imbibed tonight. “I have barely seen him,” she said, echoing Angela’s own thoughts. She found herself wondering if Natalie had ever thought about bedding down with Richard Kane.

“It would appear that way, but for my father, this is a huge improvement and investment in his time!”

“Oh my God!” Natalie exclaimed. “Is that Darren Cross over there?”

The girls all looked over to the corner. Angela recognized a handsome man about their age dancing and talking with a few beautiful women that she didn’t recognize, but they looked too normal weight to be models.

“It is!” Naomi said. “Wow, he has changed.”

“I’ll say,” Angela added. Darren Cross had been the biggest nerd in their school. His father owned a huge chain of beauty salons and everyone thought that both Darren and his dad were complete dorks. Darren had always been short and scrawny with bad posture and horrid acne that scarred his whole face. But now it seemed he had grown almost eight inches, filled out, and his skin had completely cleared up. His hair was slicked back in just the right way and when he smiled his dimples were insane to look at.

“When was the last time we saw him?” Naomi asked.

“It would have to be about three years ago. That’s one hell of a late growth spurt,” Angela replied.

The three girls laughed.

“Well, maybe I need to congratulate him on his newfound hotness!” Naomi said. Before the other two could stop her, she was already dancing her way over there.

“That girl is crazy,” Natalie said. “What are we going to do with her?”

“Not a thing. The question is, what is she going to do with Darren?” Angela said.

Natalie grabbed another glass of champagne off the waiter’s tray as he walked past. Richard Kane sure knew how to throw one hell of a party.

Angela had never been to this house before, but she knew that it was Richard’s countryside estate that he used mostly on weekends when he wanted to get away from things. But he had a couple penthouses in the city as well. Angela had always thought it odd that a man would have so many homes in such a centralized location, but she figured that it was part of the charm that Richard possessed.

The house was not quite as big as her parents’ mansion in the city, but it was bigger than her parents’ vacation cottage in Hawaii that they spent a few weeks in periodically throughout the year when they wanted to get away. They did this much less frequently since Angela had moved out and gone to school. Somehow they always tried to make family time for her benefit and push work on the back burner. But now that was basically over.

Naomi instantly struck up a conversation with Darren and even from across the room Angela could see the look of surprise on his face when Naomi wrapped her arms around him. The two girls he had been talking to glanced at each other and walked away. Darren started to notice but Naomi sucked him right back in. She had the same sort of charm that her dad did. There was something charismatic in the way she did everything, especially when she decided that she wanted someone’s attention.

“Wow, that was fast,” Natalie said, once again reading her friend’s mind.

“Yeah. Do you think she’s okay?” Angela asked.

“Okay about what?”

“Well, I dunno. She’s been acting a bit strangely since she got back from school. I’m starting to wonder if she has any idea what she really wants to do.”

“How do you mean?”

“Well, she is cut out for modeling, but given the hatred that she has for it, she refuses to really use her strengths and she went to school to study something that she probably hates and has no intention of working in.”

“Right. But didn’t you do the same thing?”

“No, I like what I do. Of course, you know how much I would like to try modeling.”

“Well, what’s stopping you?”

“We’ve all talked about this before.”

“You don’t need your parents to become a model.”

“Do you have any idea how tough it is to break through if you don’t get supremely lucky or you don’t have a strong in?” Angela asked.

“I know, but you have to take some risks sometimes. Life is too short to wait around missing the bus. I’m going to the ladies room,” Natalie said.

Angela stood there a few moments thinking about what Natalie had said.

“She’s right, you know.”

The voice startled her and she spun around instinctively, almost knocking over the person standing right behind her that she was completely unaware of.

It was Richard Kane.

Angela’s breath stopped in her chest. She forgot how to continue the breath for a moment. Richard was looking amazing. His hair was perfect. His eyes intense and deep blue. His face wore an expression of intrigue and fun, completed with that sexy smile she had dreamed of for so long.

“I’m sorry?” Angela asked. It was the only thing she could think of and she thought she sounded moronic for saying it. She was suddenly aware that her hands were very clammy and she was starting to sweat.

“Sometimes in life, you just have to go for it, especially when you have so much talent for the thing you are after.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that,” Angela said with her best smile. Her eyes were independently scanning the room for the sexy blonde that Richard had arrived with.

“I mean it. Have you ever expressed to your parents how much a modeling career would mean to you?”

“No. They never really gave me the chance. I tried to bring it up a few times, but they always cut me off. It seems that they’ve always been really against it all.”

“Well, that certainly seems hypocritical of them. I can’t imagine your parents being so thick-headed.”

Angela could sit and listen to Richard’s deep, bassy voice booming out of his muscular chest for days. He looked so perfect.

“I’ve always thought so, but I guess they have their reasons.”

“Well, you know I have some strong connections. If it’s something you’re really interested in then I’m sure we can get you some auditions.”

Angela couldn’t believe what was being said to her. She knew that Richard could have helped her out and she had considered asking for his assistance before, but for some reason she had just never allowed herself to feel comfortable with it. She wasn’t sure why. Naomi had even suggested it to her, but Angela had told her no and to just forget it. What was stopping her?

“I’m not sure—” she began.

“Why not? If it’s something you truly want then you just have to go for it. Don’t you think that’s the only way?” Richard asked as he sipped his whiskey. She loved to watch him. As he raised the glass to his lips his eyes remained locked on hers.

“I suppose, but I’m not sure I’m really good enough,” Angela said. As the words escaped her lips and rolled off her tongue, she realized then that part of her was actually afraid of success. It was silly, but perhaps all of her parents’ overwhelming accomplishments had left her feeling just a bit of self-doubt in her own abilities.

“Well, that is nonsense. You’re an amazingly beautiful woman. You have just the right look, especially right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“The girl next door look—that’s you. The industry is starting to change to a much more natural look; the Barbie look is on the way out. Fashion designers are making different clothes now, for today’s woman.”

“Wow, I wasn’t aware it had really changed that much. I see all of the models around and even the new ones kind of look the same,” Angela said.

“Well it’s slowly changing, and that look won’t go completely out of style any time soon. But trust me when I say that change is on the horizon and now is the best time to cash in on it. You could be one of the first to usher in the new era and your face could become synonymous with the word fashion.”

Angela felt like she was about to faint. Richard was saying the most perfect things—it was all like a fantasy. She wanted to just lie down and wait till the waves of nausea rippled through her. It was nausea mixed with some weird butterflies of excitement. She wanted this so badly. Did he really believe that she had what it took? Or was he just blowing smoke?

“That’s pretty amazing. I would love to go on some auditions.”

“Great. Do you have a portfolio yet?” Richard asked.

“No. I don’t.”

“Well, we have to get that set up first. Basically, you need several pictures taken with different outfits and things that can showcase your personality. Despite what people think, being a model isn’t just about the looks and the body or fitting the right clothes. There’s a lot of personality that comes through to enhance the overall image to make the sexy happen.”

“I’m a bit shocked at how much you know about this,” Angela said. She immediately regretted the comment. It sounded a bit snarky, but she had not intended for that at all. She thought about apologizing but just decided to roll with it.

Richard laughed, not missing a beat. “Well, I’ve been around the industry and involved with people from the modeling world long enough to know a thing or two.”

“I see. I guess there’s no better way to learn than to get real life experience.”

“Absolutely.”

“So, where’s that woman I saw you with earlier? She is beautiful. Is she a model?” Angela asked.

“No, she’s not a model. She’s just a friend really,” Richard said.

“Richard, we’re all adults here. You don’t have to play coy with me,” Angela said. She was surprising herself with some of the things that were coming out of her mouth.

Richard smiled. “Well, we met last night and spent the night together. She was very interesting and we seemed to be hitting it off, but earlier tonight I saw a baggie with some cocaine fall out of her pocket. So I asked her to leave.”

“Really? Well, you think you know somebody…” Angela teased.

“Yeah, exactly. I suppose it was a bit premature for me to ask a woman I’d just met to this party, but I love to fly by the seat of my pants and live in the moment. I know that no one is really perfect and we all have shortcomings, but drugs are something I just won’t tolerate.”

“So, that means you’re dateless tonight then?” Angela asked.

“Yeah, I guess so. Are you dateless as well?”

“You could say that, but I’m perfectly fine with it.”

“Oh, yes. I’m fine with it as well,” Richard said with his smile increasing.

Angela felt the stirring of her loins deep inside of her groin moving up into her lower belly. The tingling feeling that something amazing could be happening if she didn’t mess it up was delightful. In the back of her mind, she wondered if Naomi was watching this and she was also wondering where Natalie had gone, but she was too wrapped up in it all to focus on anything else.

“So, I guess I need to hire a photographer to get those pics going to start putting together my portfolio?” Angela said.

“Yes. I actually know a great one. I’ll set it up for you, as well as a video montage.”

“A video montage?”

“Oh, yes. It will set you apart from a lot of other young models out there.”

“What does that entail?”

“Well part of it will be an interview style and then you’ll have video of your photo shoot so the modeling agency can see how you take direction and how you work to achieve the desired product.”

“Wow, I didn’t realize there was so much I didn’t know.”

“It can seem overwhelming, but don’t let it be. Just take one thing at a time and it will all work out.”

Angela smiled. She loved the way that Richard broke things down and made everything seem so simple and easily obtainable—that may have been part of the reason behind his own success—she admired that.

Richard’s eyes glanced over her body and Angela reveled in the way that he looked at her. It was so nice to be that desired and wanted. The sexual tension in the air was palpable and she was on the brink of deciding that she just could not hold it back anymore. She had dreamed of this man for a long time and had never let it get past harmless fantasy, but here and now she could not deny that this could be real. And it could be special.

But was Richard really the right kind of man for her? She knew him well and knew his reputation. But she had a feeling that there was a lot more to him than others realized. Angela was not the type of person to base her opinion on someone solely on what she had gleaned from others’ biases and thoughts. It was probably one of her qualities that got on her parents’ nerves the most. They were fiercely independent people, which was where she got it from, but in public they pretended to be part of the flock and went with the flow. She supposed it was best for their business but it was still silly. It really sent them up the wall when she voiced her opinions and feelings in public that clearly went against the group.

“I think we can do that,” Angela said.

“Do you think you can get away from your new-found corporate masters long enough?” Richard teased.

“Oh, I guess you heard about the new job,” Angela said.

“Yeah. Congratulations. I’m surprised that you never applied to my firm, though. We would have loved to have you.”

“Well, I’m not sure that entertainment law is my cup of tea.”

“But boring tax law is? My poor dear. The boredom and stress are going to add wrinkles to your face,” Richard teased.

“I’m sure I’ll be fine. Besides, I’ve always found business and accounting to be interesting. I’m just that much of a nerd.”

“Oh, you are far too sexy to be a nerd,” Richard said.

Angela could not control the bright red blush she felt spreading over her face right then. She glanced around as if she thought someone might have heard this, but no one did over the loud music. Somehow she and Richard had found the only corner in the place that didn’t have a speaker.

“I’d love to discuss this with you further at another time. I’m getting ready to do a toast that I hope everyone will enjoy. So I’ll be in touch.”

Richard gave her a wink as he walked away. Angela could not help but stare at his dashing figure as he moved. There was something so commanding and exciting in even the way that he walked across a room; the way that everyone glanced at him as he moved past and admired his confidence.

Angela’s eyes wafted down from his broad shoulders to his tight ass. She rolled her tongue across her lips as she thought about all the naughty things she could do to that sexy ass of his. Maybe if she played her cards right she might get the opportunity.

But that was some way off. Something romantic actually had to happen between them first and time would tell if things eventually escalated to that point. Was Richard the kind of man who really wanted a long-term relationship? She felt that he thought he did, but his actions from what she knew of him would lead one to believe otherwise.

“So, what did I miss?” Natalie asked, suddenly appearing beside her with another glass of champagne.

Angela’s head swiveled towards her hoping that Natalie had not witnessed her intense concentration on Richard’s ass just then. It didn’t appear to be so. Natalie was too busy chugging her champagne and trying to act like she wasn’t drunk. Angela was not sure she really saw a later evening planned with them. She figured both of her friends would be passed out within the hour.

“Nothing really. Naomi’s dad is about to make a toast,” Angela said.

“Ooh, I’m glad I didn’t miss that.”

“You okay?” Angela asked.

“Yeah, but as soon as that man starts talking I’ll be even better.”

Angela could not help but smile.

“You got a thing for Richard?”

“Who doesn’t?” Natalie asked. “He is gorgeous.”

“You don’t think he’s a bit old for your type?”

“My type is sexy and he is definitely that,” Natalie said.

“I have to agree,” Angela revealed.  She was not sure that Natalie would even remember this conversation later.

“Oh, do you now? It’s good to know that you can take your nose out of the books every now and then, Miss Summa Cum Laude.”

“Yes, I do have a life outside of the books,” Angela said. “But just be careful talking like that around Naomi. She’s liable to stab us with a broken beer bottle.”

Both girls laughed at the extreme imagery. Angela wasn’t sure if Naomi would actually do that, but it was not completely out of the question. Naomi could get very hotheaded at times and she had been in several fights in her life, although most of those were in junior high. All the same, Angela had seen her pull a girl’s hair out during one altercation, but Janie Ackerman had it coming. It was amazing how she still remembered stupid things like that, Angela thought to herself.

“It might be worth the risk,” Natalie said. “Besides, she has to grow up sometime. She can’t be too protective of her dad; you know about his reputation. He beds down any woman who moves practically.”

“I don’t know if that is whole-heartedly true,” Angela said.

“Neither do I, but you can’t deny that some of the rumors have to be true.”

“Says who? This industry is filled with nothing but gossip and rumors and lies.”

“Well, have I touched a nerve? You seem to be defending Richard an awful lot here,” Natalie said, giving her a look.

“What if I am?” Angela said. She felt weird admitting it out loud, but after it was out, it did have a certain liberating quality to it.

“Well, then more power to you. As far as I’m concerned he is fair game,” Natalie said.

“I think I’m already winning.”

“What makes you think that?”

“He just offered to help me get some modeling auditions and told me how beautiful he thinks I am. He was flirting hardcore with me just before you came back.”

Natalie turned to face Angela, a look of disbelief and shock on her face.

“No way,” she said.

“Yes. He’s helping me put together a portfolio and knows a great photographer who’s going to help.”

“That is unbelievable. I told you that modeling was in your genes!”

“Well, hold your horses. There are no guarantees here, but things are looking promising. At least with Richard’s help I might get my foot in the door.”

“But the question you have to ask yourself is what does he want in return?”

“I don’t think he necessarily wants anything and if he does then he is sorely mistaken. I’m not sure I want there to be a real thing with us.”

Natalie rolled her eyes. “You are such a little girl; you’re not a woman.”

“What?” Angela said.

“You know it’s true. I have never met someone who is afraid of relationships more than you are.”

“I’m not afraid. I just don’t like wasting my time and I don’t want to pursue someone if I don’t see the possibility of it being something special.”

“You expect to actually pick out your future husband by knowing someone five minutes? Admit it—that is weak, babe.”

Angela was not sure if she should have been mad or just continue to laugh it off. She knew that Natalie was drunk and that Natalie was still mostly kidding, and she was making some valid points too. That was probably the thing that was pissing her off the most; she hated it when other people were right.

“I just don’t have it in me to casually date,” Angela said. “To me, it just seems like such a hassle.”

Natalie busted out laughing.

“It’s supposed to be fun! Stop attaching so much meaning to everything.”

Angela shrugged. She was trying to find a way to deflect the conversation to something completely different when out of the corner of her eye she saw Naomi waddling back over to her.

“Wow. That was Darren! He looks great and he has a very successful job, but I still can’t talk to him! He was trying to talk to me about how many times he’s been to Harry Potter World. What the hell?”

The three girls shared a hard laugh. Angela wasn’t a bit surprised. She didn’t think anyone could change that much. She always remembered that Darren was obsessed with Harry Potter and magic and other childish things.

“Excuse me, ladies and gentleman.”

Angela’s attention was instantly drawn back up to the podium that had been set up in one corner of the large living room. Richard was standing up there waiting for everyone to stop what they were doing. The music had stopped a split-second before he began to speak and the new silence was odd. Angela felt herself being a bit dizzy for a second but it was over almost as suddenly.

“I am so honored to have you all here tonight. We come here to celebrate a few things. As always we are celebrating being alive and enjoying great times with great friends, and we are ushering in what hopes to be another amazing New York Summer.”

Everyone began to hoot and clap. Richard patiently waited until they were done before continuing.

“But tonight, we are also celebrating the fact that my daughter has just graduated from college. As a father you always want the best for your kids and you want to see them do well, but at the same time you learn not to raise the bar to an impossible level and to let your child know that you are proud of them no matter what they do, as long as they do their best. But when your child constantly blows your expectations out of the water, you just have to shake your head in wonder and marvel at how you are so blessed to have such an amazing person call you ‘father’.”

Angela felt herself being moved by the speech as Richard stood there. He spoke slowly and with love and affection entering into his deep, masculine voice. She could hear the kindness and the affection that he had for Naomi.

As Angela glanced at Naomi, tears were falling down her face. It was not often that she received words of praise like this from her father, or at least that was the way Naomi felt. Angela often wondered, though, if she purposely shut her father out of her life a bit because he cheated on her mother and she blamed him for the divorce. It had been so hard on her, but she had to see that her mother left the country and practically left her daughter’s life because she wanted to; not because of the divorce. Her father had tried to do the best he could.

“So, tonight we are gathered to celebrate my daughter’s accomplishments and to wish her the best in her future endeavors as she takes on the world. And I want to wish the same sentiments to all of you who have children in similar positions. I know I’m not the only one. So, everyone have a blast tonight. This drink is on me.”

Everyone cheered, their voices becoming one loud cacophony of sound that blasted inside of Angela’s ears. She was not expecting such a sudden round of applause, but she found herself joining in too. That was one of the best toasts that she had ever heard.

She turned to give Naomi a pat on the back, but she was already gone, running towards her father to hug him. As she and her father embraced, Angela found that her feelings for him grew even deeper still. There was so much about him she didn’t really know, but she was dying to find out. The man was full of love and affection for his daughter— maybe Naomi was finally starting to see it.

Angela hoped so, anyway. It was painful watching her friend exclude her father from her life and reject any gestures he made her way.

Maybe one day Naomi would wake up and just come to her senses about it all. Meanwhile, what was she going to do about Richard? Would he actually do the things he said he was going to? Was she going to be getting a call from a photographer?

She really hoped so. She had a feeling that her life was about to change.