Model Attraction. Sharon C. Cooper

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       Chapter 3

      Macy handed Janna a few more hairpins. “Thanks for attending the End Depression fundraiser with me since Derek couldn’t.” They were riding in a chauffeured car while Janna pinned her sister’s hair up.

      “I’m glad you told me about it,” Janna said, anchoring another one of Macy’s curls in an updo.

      “Me, too, especially since you were willing to donate to the silent auction.”

      Janna was passionate about working with young girls and teens on self-esteem and self-care. When Macy told her about the silent auction, Janna couldn’t wait to put together a package to auction off. A theme—a day in the life of a model—immediately came to mind. The winner, between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one, would receive an opportunity to spend at least two days with Janna, who would give tips on everything from makeup to personal style. They would also receive a pampering day, including a makeover, as well as a mini shopping spree.

      “I’m sure there will be a lot of bids for your donation.”

      “I hope so. I love what the charity is doing, and if my small token can help them to their goal, all the better.”

      Janna removed the last pin from between her lips and stuck it into her sister’s long hair, hoping they would hold the updo in place. Macy had missed her hair appointment and Janna was attempting to create a hairstyle that would show off the gorgeous jewelry her brother-in-law had bought for his wife.

      “Oh, by the way, I saw that Phoenix is going to be in a made-for-TV movie with R.J. Tulane,” Macy said.

      Anger boiled inside Janna at the mention of her birth mother’s name and she pushed the back of Macy’s head forward.

      “Ow!” Her sister turned and glared at her. “What’s your problem?”

      “Why do you always do that?”

      “Do what?” Macy rubbed the back of her head.

      “Ruin a conversation by mentioning that woman! We weren’t even talking about actresses and you manage to bring her up,” Janna ground out between gritted teeth. “What she does has nothing to do with me. I hate it when you and Iris mention her.”

      “Janna, you have no idea how painful it was for me to find out that even after I was grown, my mother wanted nothing to do with me. You have an opportunity to—”

      “No. I already know what you’re going to say. Just because Phoenix wants a relationship with me, that doesn’t mean I want anything to do with her. The day she signed away her parental rights is the day she stopped being my mother. Mama Adel is the only mother I have and the only one I need.”

      They rode in silence. Janna hated that she’d snapped, especially knowing this was a sensitive topic for Macy. The three of them might have lived in the same foster home, but their backgrounds were very different. Iris had been fourteen when her mother was killed, while Macy’s mother had been in and out of jail. She had forfeited her rights when Macy was very young. And then there was Janna. She’d been the only one of the three to actually be adopted by Mama Adel, their foster mother, after Macy and Iris had gone off to college.

      “Janna, honey, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

      Janna sighed. “I know. I shouldn’t have gone off on you. I just don’t want to talk about her.”

      For the past few months, Phoenix had been showing up at different events where she knew Janna would be. So far, Janna had been able to avoid her, but she had a feeling that the rumors she’d recently heard were true. An A-list actress, Phoenix had been approached to do a reality show, and Janna had a feeling that her birth mother might try to get her involved. The media didn’t know their connection and Janna wanted to keep it that way.

      “Can we forget I said anything?” Macy bumped shoulders with Janna playfully, a stupid grin on her face.

      Janna shook her head and smiled. “Yeah, yeah, I guess. Let’s just go in here and have some fun.”

      The car pulled up to the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown.

      “Hmm, there’s a lot more media here than I expected,” Macy said when the driver opened the car door and they stepped out.

      “Janna!”

      “Janna, over here!” Paparazzi called out her name, snapping photo after photo.

      “Why do I have a feeling they knew you were coming?” Macy murmured. “I’ll meet you inside.”

      Janna stopped, smiled and posed without responding to her sister. She was sure Nelson had leaked to the press that she would be there. He never missed an opportunity to keep her in the media, claiming it was great for business. She just hoped Phoenix didn’t show up.

      Turning from left to right, she indulged the small group of photographers, knowing that it was all part of the job.

      “Who are you wearing this evening, Janna?”

      “Valentino,” she answered a reporter who held a small recorder out to her. She glanced down at the red, one-shouldered gown, loving the way the satin material gathered on her left side and fell in waves to the floor. She responded to several additional questions regarding her jewelry and the fundraiser.

      As part of her agreement with the designer of the gown, she needed to get as much exposure as possible. She had a contract with them that stated that she would wear at least three of their evening gowns this year and so far, this was gown number two.

      After posing for a few more photos and signing a couple of autographs, she made her way into the building. This was her first time at the arts center, and it was as impressive inside as it was outside.

      The event was being held in the galleria, the main entrance for the symphony hall. The two-level space with high ceilings and art deco fixtures looked more like a ballroom than a foyer.

      “Ma’am, would you like a glass of champagne?” a waiter walking around with a tray of long stemware asked when he slowed.

      “Yes, thank you.”

      Janna sipped from the glass as she strolled around the open area. Round tables filled the center of the space, while the items for the silent auction were set up on eight-foot-long tables along the perimeter of the room.

      “Hello, beautiful.” Janna turned to find a handsome gentleman with greenish-gray eyes and a large smile surrounded by a well-groomed mustache and goatee standing next to her. “Has anyone ever told you that you look like that model?”

      Janna tried not to laugh, especially since she’d been asked that question often.

      “Yes, I’ve been told that on a number of occasions.” She participated in small talk, noticing immediately that he’d had too much to drink. She discreetly looked around for her sister.

      “I’m Timothy Cowden III, by the way.” He placed СКАЧАТЬ