EVERYTHING IS SO FAST PACED in showbiz. Why can’t it just slow down for once? As I sit in the back of the car with Trevor, staring outside, watching people hurrying about getting on with their own business, I’m grateful for my time alone with Connor yesterday. Yes, my phone and his buzzed all day long, but it was only Trevor we replied to. For the next two weeks, we both have constant meetings about various projects.
It’s all really exciting. And, for me, that’s a huge bonus. I’ve not been excited about working for the past six months or so. Something was always missing. I couldn’t tell you what it was, but I just had that feeling.
In a world where everything changes and happens so quickly, I’d love to slow the pace down. But as it is, I’m grateful for everything I have in my life at the moment. My family, my friends, and new beginnings.
The next chapter in my life starts today. Well, I suppose it started with Connor, but today I’m meeting with the CEO of the high street chain. He’s coming from London especially to meet with me. Then we’re going into his Glasgow store where I’ve to pick out items from the range to do a photoshoot for his company.
I declined the fee offered to me for the photoshoot. Instead, I’ve asked that what I was going to be paid is put to charity. Trevor told me the company was more than happy to do that; they emailed him a contract last night with all the details on it.
Trevor and my dad worked hard on my behalf yesterday and this morning. After Connor and I spent some quality time together, he helped me decide what charity I wanted to help. Trevor has set up a meeting for next week and Connor has asked if he can come with me. He’d like to help out as well. I told him he didn’t need to feel obligated to help because of me. But he assured me he wanted to help.
Actually, I think my dad wants to get in on the act as well. I think he’s bored. Since Mum died, he’s had a few acting jobs. He’s been offered parts left and right, but turns most of them down. I’m not sure why; it would keep him occupied and give him something to do with all his free time. He’s maintained he wanted to make the most of his free time before Callum or I had kids, because when and if that happens, he wants to be a hands on papa because it’s what my mum would’ve wanted.
He’s right about that.
Mum would have been an amazing nana. I give myself a pep talk about today; I don’t want to be thinking sad thoughts. My mum had an amazing life and did so much for others over the years; these are the memories I should keep firmly at the forefront of my mind.
“Ella, are you okay?” Trevor’s voice brings me back to reality as we pull up outside the hotel where we’re meeting the CEO.
“Yes, sorry. I was a million miles away thinking about Mum.”
“You’re very much like your mum. Headstrong, determined, and beautiful. But even Sheena would’ve been disappointed with how you handled the Donovan situation. Can I tell you something else?”
“Please do.”
“Your mum never thought you’d end up with Donovan. She had told Betty on more than one occasion she’d seen the likes of him before. She said she already knew the man that would one day win your heart.”
“Who is that?”
“Betty has kept that to herself. You would have to ask her yourself, but I do have my suspicions. Now, come on. Let’s go and meet this man.”
He smirks, getting out of the car, and I find myself grinning at thoughts of my mum and Betty gossiping over a cup tea about who I would end up with. Would she be happy about me and Connor? I find myself smirking. Of course she would. If everyone else knew how Connor felt about me, I’m sure she knew too. I exit the car, and Trevor tells the driver to come back in an hour and a half.
We enter the hotel and Trevor leads the way to the bar, which isn’t busy, but there are a few people sitting around having tea and coffee. There’s two men sitting by the windows with no one else near them. One man is in a suit the other in jeans and a t-shirt. The man in the suit stands as we approach his table. He’s maybe a few years older than me, and very handsome. “Trevor, good to meet you,” he says, holding his hand out to Trevor.
“Likewise. Ella, this is Martin Brown. Martin, Miss Ella McGregor.”
Martin kisses me on the cheek. “It’s lovely to meet you, Miss McGregor.”
“Please, just Ella. Nice to meet you too.”
“This is Will. He’s our photographer.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Will.”
“The pleasure is all mine, I can assure you,” he says with a thick Scottish accent, putting me at ease.
We take a seat and order tea and coffee from a waiter. “Ella, my company is hugely successful because we don’t compromise on quality or style when it comes to our products. We are affordable to everyone. We are a far cry from the designer brands but we compete well with other high street stores. The sudden spike of interest and sales in my business is truly incredible. I never thought a movie star like you would shop in any of my stores, but to pick one of our dresses and wear it to a premiere . . . I’m truly flattered.”
“Martin, can I be truthful?” He nods and I look to Trevor. He smiles as he has an idea of what I’m about to say. “Things have happened recently that have made me sit back and re-evaluate my whole life. I won’t go into it all because I’m sure you’ll read about it. I stumbled into your store and was impressed with what I saw. I made a conscious decision that I wasn’t spending thousands of pounds on a dress in a designer boutique.”
“Well, I’m glad you did. As I’ve said, there has been a lot of interest in my business, including lots of online sales of the dress you wore, which resulted in my website crashing yesterday.”
“Oh.”
“It’s all good and back up and running. Although, that dress is now completely out of stock.” I smile. “Let’s talk about today’s photoshoot, and there are a few events I would love you to attend in London in the coming weeks.”
I sit quietly and listen as Martin tells me all about his plans for driving his business forward and, as I listen to him talk enthusiastically about it, I’m really privileged to be working for him and his business. I get what he wants to do and achieve, which is provide an affordable fashion range for everyone.
As he talks about today’s fashion shoot that will be featured both online and on his store magazine, I really wish I wasn’t so thin at the moment.
“This is all very exciting, but can I ask a question?” Martin nods. “Why women’s fashion?”
“This was a joint business between my wife and me. We started with the online shop about ten years ago and built it from there. This was her passion.”
“Was?” I’m dreading hearing the answer.
“My wife passed away last year, leaving me and our daughter.”
“I’m so sorry. What age is your daughter?”
“She’s only five.” He reaches into the inside of his suit jacket, taking out his wallet, and opens it. He takes a picture from it and hands it over to me.
“She’s beautiful. She looks like her mum,” I say as I hand it back to him. I can’t imagine losing my mum when I was that young. Not having her around to talk about all the first things that happened in my life as a teen; periods, boys, all the usual stuff. My heart breaks for Martin as I think about that.
“Thank you. I’m sure she’s going to be a handful as she grows up.”
“Just as much as this one then,” Trevor says with a warm smile. I can’t argue with what he’s said.
“So, my daughter and my wife are my driving force behind making this business a success. Lately, so many big businesses have gone out of business. I want to continue to strive forward and if, one day, my daughter wants to take over then it will all be hers. If not, she’ll be free to sell it as a going concern. As for my wife, I just want it to work out because this was her hopes and dreams and she couldn’t see it out for herself.”
“I’m sure your wife is very proud of you.”
“Okay, if we’re all finished, let’s go and pick up some clothes for you, and Will can start taking some pictures.”
We all travel together in Trevor’s car to the city centre store. Will and I talk about what he wants to achieve from the shoot. He asks if he can take a couple of extra shots to add to his business portfolio. I agree after a quick chat with Trevor who is in a deep conversation with Martin.
As we enter the store, lots of shoppers stop to see what is going on. Voices are hushed as they try to guess. In the store, I leave the guys talking to the shop manager while I wander around, looking for the perfect outfits to model.
This is new to me. I’ve done photoshoots before, but this seems different. Will follows behind me and I already know he’s snapping away on his camera; I don’t need to turn around to know that.
I smile and say hello to a few customers in store who stare in my direction. A little black dress catches my eye and I hold it up. Will moves and I can see him before me. “What do you think?” I ask him.
“I’m not sure I should say considering you’re not a single woman.”
I shake my head. “Should I include it?”
“Hell yes.” I now know what he thinks of the dress. “Ella, some of the pictures I’ve got look so natural as you look through the clothes. I’ve also had an idea that I’d like to run past Martin.”
“What’s that?”
“There’s some really amazing buildings around here I’d like to get a few shots of you in front of. I had planned to take lots of shots inside the store, but it’s a lovely day. The light is perfect and I’m sure we could do a lot outside. The only thing that concerns me is your privacy. You won’t get that.”
I glance around the store. “What privacy?” Will looks around and there’s more than a few people with their phones in their hands.
“I see what you mean,” he says with a smile. Will reminds me of Callum, a little.
“Have you found anything?” Trevor asks, joining us.
“Yes, a few things.”
“Martin has said he’s happy to close the store if having shoppers is distracting you.”
“No, it’s fine. Anyway, Will wants to take some shots outside.”
“As long as you are happy about that. You are my main concern today, Ella. I promised your dad I would look after you.”
“And you’re keeping that promise. If anything gets too much, I promise to tell you. Now, I should go and change.” I head off to the changing room, following the manager that was here the other day. I’m so glad Julie came over and did my hair and make-up for me this morning, otherwise I wouldn’t have a good look going on. The manager took the clothes I picked from me and said she would get a few more outfits. Some new stock. She hangs everything in the same large changing room I’ve already been in.
I change into the black dress and it looks better on than it did on the hanger. With a certain amount of confidence, I leave the changing room. Trevor is with Martin and Will, standing to my left, and he instantly starts snapping away on the camera.
Trevor is a Godsend. Why I never had him as my agent before now still baffles me. Oh, yes. I had that complete prick Donovan Bell.
“Ella, darling, you look beautiful as always,” he says, walking toward me.
“Thanks, but you’ve got to say that.”
“I don’t and I always tell you the truth. Now, where are we going first?” Trevor asks Will and Martin.
“Outside.”
Today’s photoshoot has been fun but exhausting. I’ve had more costume changes than I would have for an entire shoot on a movie set, but I loved every minute of it. Will was great to work with. He made me feel so relaxed, especially when we were outside and it felt like everybody in Glasgow city centre was watching.
I can’t wait to see what he’s got. Some of his shots from me looking through the shop rails have already been uploaded to the store’s social media. They look good, and if the constant buzzing of my phone is an indication, it would seem they are causing as much of a stir for the company as it did after the premiere.
My phone beeps in my hand.
Connor: I hope you’re hungry x
Me: Yes and no. I’m really tired x
Connor: I picked up pizza x
Me: I’m sure I can manage a few slices x
Connor: Is that all you’ll manage???
Me: Oh I don’t know. What else do you have in mind? X
Connor: Now that would be telling. I saw some pictures. You look amazing. See you soon x
With thoughts of Connor in my head, I sit back and enjoy the journey back home alone. Trevor wanted to get home. I don’t think either of us realised how long today would be. But, I would do it all again tomorrow.
Connor had wanted to come with me today, but he would’ve been a distraction. Now, I can’t wait to see him and fall into his arms.