Chapter eight: Back to business

A few days had passed since Miranda and Joshua made up. The house was very tense at first, but things were becoming normal once again. Miranda still didn't trust Joshua 100%, and he didn't push it. Some days were awful and she'd cry and ignore him all day. Other times, she'd just cry and ask him why over and over. But on a good day, she'd allow him to hold her and hug her, if he was lucky he'd get a kiss in too. Miranda had decided he abrupt break from performing and anything work-related was over as well, partially because Jaq' kept begging her to come back. Today Miranda had agreed to meet Jaq' at the park.

Miranda smiled as she saw Jaq' approaching. He was her manager and they'd came in the business together. And that's what made their relationship so different. He wasn't just a manager and she wasn't any client. They were like family and both completely trusted one another. Jaq' returned Miranda's smile as he headed towards her. He sat down once he reached the table. 

Miranda: "Finally, I was just about to leave." She joked.
Jaq': "Yeah yeah, how are you?" He asked. He didn't yet know about Joshua's affair or her family problems and she wasn't ready to reveal any of that as of yet.
Miranda: "You know, hanging in there." She replied smoothly. He nodded in response. "So what were you dying to tell me?" She inquired.
Jaq' had been insisting she return to work ASAP. and he was glad when she finally caved in. They had discussed trying new things and he finally landed something for her. He just hoped she shared in his excitement.

Jaq' began clapping his hands like a little boy and Miranda couldn't help but laugh.
Miranda: "Spill it." She said.
Jaq': "Well you know how I've been saying we should branch out?" He asked. She nodded. "Well a friend of mines, a model, has this shoot coming up and he's looking for a partner." He explained.
Model? HE? Partner? Miranda thought. Jaq' noticed the shock and fear in her eyes so he continued before she could interrupt. "Here me out. He's a nice guy, you'll be comfortable around him." He said.
Miranda: "What kind of shoot is this exactly?" She asked. "I don't have to be naked do I?" She joked to hide her nervousness.
Jaq': "Of course not! You just have to show some skin is all." He said with a shrug.

All jokes were off now.
Miranda: "No." She said firmly.
Jaq': "Why not? You trust me right? I wouldn't ask you to do anything you weren't comfortable with." He said with a hurt expression on his face. It wasn't like he'd ask her to do porn. She needed to update her appearance and it was nothing wrong with that. She'd been squeaky clean for too long and in this industry, that could only get you so far.
Miranda: "If you knew me, you'd know I would not be comfortable with that. Young girls look up to me. What kind of role model would I be?" She said with a angered expression on her face.

Jaq': "Please trust me on this. Toby isn't a bad guy and it's not as bad as it sounds. You will be in your underwear, but it's for this up and coming designer. You like helping people right?" He pushed on. Miranda squinted her eyes at him. Of course she liked to help people, especially people just starting out.
Miranda: "Why can't it be pajamas at least?" She tried to reason with him.
Jaq: "Tell you what. Do this for me and I'll pay for your honeymoon." He suggested. Miranda hadn't mentioned the wedding was pushed back again and this time the new date was unknown. But since she didn't want to go down that road she agreed.
Miranda: "We're going somewhere really expensive." She said as a last minute attempt to deter him. He just laughed.
Jaq': "No problem." He replied. She rolled her eyes at him before returning his smile. Their "meeting" was over. He'd given her the final details to her photo shoot and wished her luck.

They hugged and said their goodbyes. 

Later that day

Miranda felt herself feeling a little self-conscious. She had a nice body and she knew it, but she'd be posing with a professional. And not just any model, a guy. She was definitely not running that by Joshua. All she had mentioned was she'd be taking pictures for a new designer. He didn't push any further and wished her good luck. He had offered to tag along but she quickly shut him down. Before she called it a night she spent countless hours just looking in the mirror. 

The next morning.. 

Miranda awoke early the following morning. She quickly wolfed down her french toast and left for the studio. She tried not to think too much about it because if she had, she'd be running back home. 

When she arrived she could see the photographer putting the room together. She had greeted her with a smile and directed her to her dressing room. She didn't know if Toby had arrived yet, but she didn't want to think about that. She allowed the makeup artist to work her magic and then the hair stylist styled her hair to perfection. After all was done, she was allowed to meet Toby briefly. He had reassured her that it'd be fine. Then they started..

They had done a few together and Miranda relaxed. Besides being almost nude with a complete stranger, it wasn't all that bad. It was actually fun but she wouldn't tell Jaq' that. They finished up by letting her pose alone. 

After they were finished, she put her clothes back on as did Toby. Before they left, Toby approached her.

Toby: "Thank you for agreeing to shoot with me." He said. Miranda blushed a bit, she should be thanking him for allowing such a newbie to accompany him.

Miranda: "No problem."

Toby: "You were really good. Are you sure this was your first time?" He asked. Technically it wasn't. She had posed for her album covers but never with another person. 

Miranda: "Sorta" She replied.

Toby: "Ah I knew it. You were too good for a beginner." He said and smiled at her. "This is where I'd ask if you'd like to have coffee with me but Jaq' tells me you're engaged." He says as if it was a question instead of a statement.

Miranda: "Yes I am." She replied.

Toby: "Your fiance' is one lucky man Ms. Griffin." He replied. Is he really flirting with me? Miranda thinks. She starts to blush again. Toby can sense her growing uncomfortable and decides he should go.

Toby:" You take care okay?" He says.

Miranda: "Like wise Toby." She replies.