Monday, October 21st, 2019

Bliss' POV

This past month has been rough, to say the least. I have not eaten right since the day I was fired and no longer engaged.

My family and friends have to force me to eat because I don't feel like it. My heart can't take any more grief.

The positive outcome was securing land in all five states for the centers. Julian and Cris traveled with me and helped me so much. I can't wait until the centers are built.

I want the centers to be hotel-style - two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, and a dining room. A community game area, an in-ground swimming pool, and a dining room will also be built for those who would rather eat there. There will also be plenty of space for offices for counselors and executives to run the centers.

Another positive was a photoshoot for Urbane Clothing Company for their new Fall collection. This time, I modeled with Grayson. He was really sweet and supportive about what happened to me with Shane. Grayson even came to my house several times for game nights with my friends.

And, just like the photo shoot in August, the modeling fee was very generous. I still can't believe the exorbitant amount of money that I have, even after renovating the vacation homes, purchasing land for the centers, paying construction companies to build the centers, and sending payments for my makeup to be made. There is no way I will ever spend all of that money.

I could travel more, I guess. All I know is crying all day in my house is not a good thing.

"Ding dong!!"

I guess I should answer it, so I walked to the front door. It was Layla, Logan, and Andrea. "Hey ladies, come on inside."

After letting them in, I closed the front door.

"I couldn't wait to tell you this - we saw billboards with pictures from your photoshoot. We heard quite a few guys wondering who the hot woman in the ad was with Marco. And you and Marco are in several magazines. You are becoming popular, sis," Andrea excitedly says as she squeezes the life out of me.

Layla says, "I even heard some say, 'How could he stupidly fire her and call off the wedding? She's beautiful. Any man would be lucky to have her by their side.' I can't even say his name anymore. I had to tell Braelyn about saying Shane's name if she saw him. How are you feeling, though?"

"I have realized that crying all day in the house is not good. If I travel, I would want someone to come with me. I was even thinking of going to Barbados to visit grandma and grandpa. I may even stay there for a month or two. And the vacation home is almost fully renovated. I can't wait to see it and have everyone come stay with me."

"Enjoy your life, Bliss. You have so much going for you. Don't let Shane consume your thoughts all day, every day. We know it is hurting you. But we are proud of you because of how calmer you have become since that day. Besides, I see how Grayson looks at you on our game nights. He's handsome, Bliss. I'm not saying start dating him right away."

"Andrea is right, Bliss. I overheard him telling another model that he is attracted to you. We are proud of you. Go ahead and enjoy yourself in Barbados with your family."

"Thanks, Layla and Drea. I think I will travel to Barbados. I love you guys."

"We love you too."

"I have been meaning to ask you - how is it working with Julian?"

"I miss the Primedia folks a lot. But I love working with Julian. He is very flexible with work hours. Julian said I can work from home some days too."

"And what about Carly?"

"Of course, she loves it. She gets to see Julian every day. Those two will likely be married by the end of next year. I'm sorry, Bliss. I shouldn't have said that."

I just sighed. I think I ran out of tears, if that is even a thing. "It's okay, Andrea. I see it too. At least someone will be happy."

Is what Layla said true about Grayson? He is attractive, but I don't want to consider dating anyone after what happened with Shane. I am so calling the airline for a flight to Barbados for tomorrow morning so that I can get away from New York.

****************

Adrian's POV

It has been a month since that horrible day. Shane has become cold and distant, even towards my husband and me. He is just downright miserable.

And the new secretary he hired to replace Carly is awful. We have heard Shane screaming and yelling at her several times. The poor child is afraid to say two words to him.

He banned anyone else from leaving the executive team.

I know one thing, he needs to watch who he is talking to. I'm his mother, for goodness sake. I hear him yelling at Gabby now.

"For goodness sake, do something right for once!!"

I need to stop this evil Shane right now.

"Gabby, honey, go ahead and take your lunch break. I'll deal with him."

The poor girl could not stop crying on her way to the elevator. Then, I walked over to Shane, grabbed his ear, then dragged him into his office.

"Shane Carson Landes, sit your behind down in that chair before you give yourself a heart attack! Your yelling at Gabby and everyone else is not going to solve anything! It is your fault that Carly left. Stop treating everyone like slaves. Your father is talking about retiring if you keep this behavior up. Nana and your grandfather are very disappointed and hurt by your actions. Shane, help us understand why you did what you did one month ago."

Shane sighed and ran his hands through his hair before he answered. "I can't. I just can't. I'm sorry about my behavior. I will apologize to everyone."

"Listen to me, Shane, go to Barbados early. It would be best if you had a vacation. Where is the folder with the hotel information and flight arrangements? Your father and I will handle everything here."

He opened his desk drawer and grabbed a huge folder. I walked over to his desk and hugged him. "We love you very much, Shane. We want happy Shane back, understand?"

"Yes, mum."

"Good. Go home, pack your clothes, and get some rest. I'll turn your computer and things off and lock the door."

He gave me the folder, grabbed his keys, and left the office. I am not going to harass him yet. I know something is wrong because I see it in his eyes. Whatever it is, it is eating him alive inside.

********

Bliss' POV

Yup, I am staying in Barbados for the rest of this year and the beginning of 2020. I'm focusing on myself and building my brand, makeup, and modeling career. My flight leaves tomorrow afternoon. So, I'll pack enough for a couple of weeks, then buy more clothes while I am there.

"Ring! Ring!"

I went to grab my cell phone to see who was calling. It was Mr. Black.

**************************

Bliss to Mr. Black: "Hi, Mr. Black. What's up?"

Ashton Black: "Honey, what did I tell you about calling me that? Just call me Ashton. Anyway, I have fascinating news for you, dear. First, you were requested to walk the runway for Sapphire Couture's 2020 Spring collection in December. I told them I would check because it was the day you were to get married. I'm sorry to hear about that, hun."

Bliss: "That is okay. And thank you for your support. I would love to do the show. But, I never walked the runway before."

Ashton Black: "That is already taken care of. I scheduled training with your modeling coach. But I do not doubt that you will catch on quickly. That is the first surprise. The second is Elan Vital Clothing would like for you to model their Spring Collection during Fashion Week in Milan in February."

Bliss: "No way! A fashion week already?! Yes, I will do it! Marco is so right - you are the best!"

Ashton Black: "I knew you would take off right after your first photo shoot. You're very talented, honey. Grayson, Marco, and Layla will do the show with you in December. In February, it will just be you and Marco. And your modeling fee is triple the last two shoots combined. Everyone loves you, Bliss. I tried to get you into the New York Fashion Week, but every company had the modeling spots filled. And guess what I heard? Mikayla Shay is upset because you got in a Milan fashion week before her. If she ever gives you any trouble, call me."

Bliss: "Okay, thank you, Ashton. Thank you for your support and hard work."

Ashton Black: "You're welcome, sugar. You make it easy for me because of how nice, sweet and cooperative you are. That's what I look for in clients. Stay positive, sweetie. You are going places, missy. And don't give up on love, sweetie. Talk to you later."

Bliss: "I promise you I will be positive. And, thanks again."

******

Well, it looks like I will have to come back to New York in December for the fashion show. That's okay, though. I am excited to walk a runway but also nervous.

I sent a mass text to everyone about my good news and asked them to come. I got a text from everyone.

*********

Adrian: "Congratulations, sweetie! Brently and I will be there. He said to tell you congratulations!"

Julian: "Absolutely, I will be there!"

Carly: "You know I will be there. We are sisters, Bliss. I don't want to bring up sad emotions, but I can't stand Shane for what he did. You deserve to be happy. You will always have my support. Count on it."

Mason: "Congratulations, Bliss. Count on me being there. My parents said congratulations, and they will be there also."

Andrea: "Woohoo! My sis got her first fashion show & fashion week! Congrats, Bliss. We are so proud of you! Absolutely I will be there! Julian already gave Carly and me the time off."

Jessica: "Yes! I knew you would be good at modeling. Congratulations. I will be there! We love you, Bliss. Don't ever doubt yourself. Remember that song from Madea's Family Reunion by Chaka Khan? Always keep your head up."

Layla: "Congratulations, girly. I am happy for you. I am looking forward to it. And we get to model together. So is Braelyn. She is really excited."

Ryan: "Of course, I will be there. Got to keep the riff-raff away, just like in college. Congratulations."

Austin: "Congratulations, Bliss. My schedule is clear, and I will be there. You are the talk of New York. You deserve it."

Kam: "Congratulations, Bliss. I knew you would blow up in Modeling. Cris is going to let me and Devin come. He is going to stay with the rest of the kids. We will be there in December and Milan in February."

Cris: "Congratulations, Bliss. I'm sorry I won't be able to come to see you. But Marco says he will have it recorded. You deserve all the happiness in the world. My parents said congratulations as well."

Marco: "Didn't I tell you that you are becoming popular? Congrats, and I can't wait to work with you again. You should have seen Mikayla whining on the news. It was hilarious and embarrassing at the same time for a grown woman to act like she did."

Noeli: "Congratulations, Bliss! I will be there! We have seen some of the billboards here in Miami. They even had a news segment about who was the beautiful woman posing with Marco."

Grayson: Congratulations, Bliss. I'm looking forward to working with you again in December."

***********

It is weird not talking to Shane anymore. Shane warned me about Grayson, but Grayson has been been nothing but nice and supportive to me.

Am I stupid to miss Shane after what he did a month ago? I guess I am stupid because I miss him like crazy and love him. I need to get out of the house before I start crying again. I am going to take a shower and go shopping.

*********

I had a good time splurging while shopping. I went to a Coach store, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Michael Kors, Chanel, Dooney & Burke, Burberry, Armani, Tiffany & Co., and Moschino. I even made several trips to put some of my bags in my Escalade. Needless to say, I had a ball.

In some stores, I heard people say, "That is the lady in the ad with Marco Fiore." Some people even tried to let me go ahead of them in line. But I couldn't do that. I just waited like everybody else.

I even saw some of the billboards that Layla and Andrea discussed earlier. I can't stop blushing about the fact that I am a model. Some people even approached me to say hi and congratulations.

While walking out of the Chanel store, I saw Grayson.

"Hi, Bliss."

"Hi, Grayson. What are you doing in New York?"

"Shopping for gifts for Raquel. She would love to meet you one day."

"I would love to meet her too. I'm going on vacation. So I will be in New York in December for the photoshoot. How about we plan something for January?"

"I'll put it on my calendar."

While Grayson and I started walking and talking, we were approached by an older lady.

"Excuse me, are you the pretty young lady on the billboard?" She asked me.

"Yes, ma'am. That's me."

"You are even prettier in person. Congratulations, honey. Keep up that beautiful smile. Just looking up at your billboard puts a smile on my face." She pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back.

"Thank you so much for your kind words."

"You're welcome, honey. You're a cute couple."

"Aww, thank you. But we're not dating."

"That's a shame. You're still cute together. Have a good night." She walked away. No one could tell that I was blushing at the moment. Who knows? It could possibly happen in the future.

"She's right, Bliss. Your smile could brighten anyone who is having a bad day. Your billboards with Marco are all over Texas. All I have to do is glance up, and my bad day is gone."

I playfully jabbed Grayson's arm. "Thank you. Now, I am blushing."

A small group of both men and women approached us. I texted Mason to meet me on Fifth Avenue, near the Starbucks across the street from the Build-A-Bear store. He told me he was on the way.

"May we have your autograph?" The group asked.

"Sure. What would you like me to sign?"

Grayson and I started signing autographs for the group. Some of them handed me napkins, t-shirts, cups, food bags, etc. One guy even opened a pack of boxers he had just bought from the store, pulled a pair out, and asked me to sign them. Talk about weird.

I asked Grayson, "Have you ever autographed anything weird?"

"I sure have. Some women even wanted me to autograph inappropriate areas of their bodies. I'm sure Marco gets some weird requests too."

Some even asked me to take pictures with them, and I did. One little girl said, "Thank you for being nice and taking a picture with me."

"Aww, you're welcome, sweetie."

Then, her mom says, "Thank you for taking the picture with my daughter. It means a lot to both of us. She has been really down lately. She gets teased a lot in her class because of her glasses."

I knelt at her height. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mason approaching. "What's your name, sweetie?"

She looked at her mom for permission. Mom nodded then the little girl said, "My name is Lauren."

"That's a pretty name, Lauren. My name is Bliss. Sweetie, there is nothing wrong with wearing glasses. Guess what? Sometimes I wear them."

She started crying. "You do?"

"I sure do. I have a pair in my bag. How about we take another picture with our glasses on? Hey Mase, can you take our picture?" Lauren's mom gave Mason her phone, and he snapped our picture.

"If it is okay with your mommy, would you like to go to the Build-A-Bear store?"

"Can we, mommy? Please?" Lauren reminds me so much of Braelyn. She is a cute little girl.

"Sure. Thank you so much for your kindness."

"You're welcome. Lauren and mom, this is my friend and bodyguard, Mason. He is going to make sure we stay safe, okay? And this is my friend, Grayson."

Lauren waved her hand, "Hi, Mr. Mason. Hi, Mr. Grayson."

"I'll come with you guys. It's been a while since I've done something fun."

"Thank you, Grayson."

As we crossed the street, Lauren held my hand and her mom's hand. "Thanks, Mase. I felt myself getting overwhelmed by fans. Marco told me some fans could be crazy. But not the ones I met today."

"You're welcome, Bliss."

"Will you be able to come with me to the airport tomorrow? My flight to Barbados leaves at noon."

"Actually, how would you like company? Andrea booked two tickets for us to join you. Julian gave her a week off. And I think it is the same flight as yours."

"I would love the company! I love you guys. Thanks."

***********

Narrator's POV

Everyone built a bear and added eyeglasses as an accessory. Bliss even took Lauren and her mom out to dinner for pizza. Lauren's mom thanked Bliss for spending time with them. Grayson, Mason, and Bliss ensured Lauren and her mom made it safely to her car.

Then they walked to Bliss' Escalade.

*****

Bliss's POV

"I'll see you later, Bliss."

"Thanks, Mase. Could you tell Andrea I said hello?

"I sure will." Mase then walked away. It was just Grayson and me.

"Thank you, Grayson, for walking with me to my Escalade."

"You're welcome, Bliss. Do you have any plans?"

"I was only going home." Is Grayson about to ask me on a date? He is hot. "What do you have in mind?"

"How about going out with me for a coffee or something? If you haven't noticed, you're beautiful, and I would love to get to know you better."

I knew it. What have I got to lose? I've got to hand it to Grayson. He is highly confident and not shy. "Sure. I love Starbucks. You can put your gifts for Raquel in my truck."

"Thanks."

After Grayson placed the gifts in my trunk, we walked back to the Starbucks up the street.

I ordered my usual - Cinnamon Dolce Latte and a slice of banana bread. Grayson ordered his drink too. "I'll wait for the food and drinks if you would like to find a nice spot for us to sit."

"Okay." I saw a nice cozy spot by the window for us to sit. About five minutes later, Grayson came over with our drinks.

"I know you said you have a flight to catch tomorrow, so we don't have to stay out too long. I'll go first. What would you like to know?"

"Okay. You said I'm attractive. So, what is a confident, super-attractive guy like yourself doing single? During our photo shoot, I couldn't help but admire how confident you appeared while taking your individual pictures."

"I'm picky when it comes to women. My last relationship was complicated. So, I'm taking a break until I find the perfect woman for me."

"That's understandable. Before dating Shane, I was independent. I didn't want any part of a relationship. As you can see, that was a disaster."

"I'm sorry that happened to you. And congratulations on your first runway show."

"Thank you, Grayson. I appreciate your support. My friends suggested I take a break from dating and focus on my goals."

"What are your goals?"

"I am on the verge of owning my own makeup line. I'm allergic to ingredients in commercial makeup, so I make it myself. The only thing I need now is a location for my store."

"That's incredible. You're an amazing model. You'll be a great business owner."

"Thanks. So, what did you want to know about me?"

"What are some of your likes and dislikes?"

"As far as dislikes, I am allergic to seafood. If I eat it, I could potentially die. I love dancing, bowling, and having a game night with my sisters."

"I had fun when you invited me over. Your sisters are funny."

"We have a blast when we get together and play games. Do you have any siblings besides Raquel?"

"It's just Raquel and me. Our mom passed away about five years ago."

"I'm sorry about your mom. I lost my parents five years ago. It still stings."

"I'm sorry about your parents. Your parents would be proud of how successful you are."

"Thanks, Grayson. Your mom would be proud of you too."

Grayson and I talked for another hour. He told me some of his likes and dislikes. I couldn't help but stare at Grayson while he was talking. I love his blue eyes, and he has dimples too. I may give him a chance. I glanced at my phone and saw that it was almost midnight. Not one fan bothered us the entire time we sat in Starbucks.

"I better be getting home. Thanks for the coffee and chat. Where are you staying?"

"You're welcome, Bliss. I'm staying at the Grandiose Costal Hotel."

"Okay. I'll drive you there. But first, we have to take a selfie."

Grayson and I stood up. I stood in front of him and snapped a selfie. After that, Grayson threw our trash away, and then we headed to his hotel.

********

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019

Shane's POV

I'm glad mum talked to Jimmy because he isn't talking to me either.

My father drove me to the plane, which was on the runway in position to take off.

"Shane, relax this week while you are in Barbados. You are over-stressed. Learn to relax, and we will see you in a week."

After boarding the plane and taking my seat, I buckled up.

"Buckle up. We are ready to take off." Then, we took off for Barbados.

********

Bliss' POV

"I am so glad you both are coming with me. And we have the same flight. Thank you, guys. You will be the first to see the house with me. And you will never believe what happened last night."

"You're welcome, Bliss. We are excited to see it too. You're right. I won't guess. Spill the beans," Andrea said, causing me to laugh."

"After Mase left last night, Grayson asked me out. We went to Starbucks and got to know each other. We sat there for two hours."

"I knew Grayson liked you. I could tell when we invited him to our game nights. Whatever you decide, we will support you."

"Thanks, Andrea."

I am so glad to be getting away from New York for a few months. Plus, I get to spend time with my family. I'm not thrilled to see Chloe. I will smack her if need be.

Grayson definitely had me smiling last night. Maybe I can smile again. And move on with my life - without Shane.

******

Thank you for reading chapter 36.

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