Chapter II

It's been three months since the hoodie hero and the canine trio saved me from a

horrible fate. I have neither seen nor heard from either of them again. I

almost lost a contract over that bullshit because of a few bruises on my ass and

accusations of drug use. My agent said he would personally punt my shapely well-

muscled ass to the curb if I ever put any of that shit in my body. Well, all's well that

ends well. I've got my money and three new gigs My agent has been on

it. A few more months of this and I am going to buy a condo or a penthouse.

I have been to five cities on two continents since the initial contract. Despite minor

setbacks, My agent said that my body of work was the deciding factor as well as my

trademark smirk and my eyes. My agent always said that "my eyes and thighs were

sublime". There has even been talk of grooming me to attract a campaign as well as

doing a few seasons in fashion week as soon as possible. If I am going to do this I'm

aiming for high fashion.

With that in mind, I pulled out my phone and perused my messages. Then I made a few

calls and confirmed some engagements. Then I prepared a light lunch and decided to

run a few errands before going to the gym. I wanted to get a good workout before the

big crowds overran the place. I grabbed my keys and rushed out the door.

The trainer showed me how to maintain the musculature that was my preferred look for

my modeling career. Neville was a relatively new trainer at the gym. He

was also very enthusiastic about anything concerning fitness. Justin, another trainer at

the gym, joked that Neville "comes alive" when it's time to get fit. Everyone

including me chuckled at that because you would forget he was in the room until it was

time for his favorite subject. Two hours later found I was in the showers after working

with a personal trainer approved by my agent.

Grinning, I removed my towel without hesitation and began to moisturize myself from

head to toe. I had several appointments to keep today and many

regimens to maintain in order to be camera-ready. It was a little known secret but it

should be very obvious that male models had to wear make-up too. Male models

may need to have their hair and make-up done prior to arriving at a gig, therefore

either you had the hook-up with a hair stylist and a make-up artist or male models had

to learn how to properly and effectively apply make-up. So today I have to go see both

stylists after getting a manicure and a pedicure. At first some of the other guys

at the gym teased me about my manicures but I didn't have too much trouble with them

after some of my friends pulled me off those name-callers.

I was pretty easy-going until I wasn't since my dad had always emphasized how I

needed to be more masculine in some places to avoid trouble. When I

would visit my father's family, my grandfather would teach me more fighting skills and

encourage me to find my own balance and sense of masculinity. Thinking of

defending myself caused me to have a flashback to that night. I hadn't realized that I

was so deeply entrenched in my own mind so I over-reacted when I felt a hand

on my shoulder.

"Whoa!" One of the trainers from the gym retreated with his hands in the air. "What is

going on with you?"

I slowly blinked and came back to myself. It seemed as if I have stopped mid-rush

towards Evan, another trainer.

I can't keep doing this shit!. This can seriously eff up all I have worked for.

"I'm sorry man. Just got lost in my head. Won't happen again."

"I would believe you, but this isn't the first time."

I flushed and opened my mouth but nothing came out.

"I don't know who you talk to and it's not my business. Luckily, you haven't lunged at

the wrong person or hurt someone, yet. And on that note, you have to get a grip man."

My mouth dropped open.

"Are you saying that I have to leave?"

"Noo. What I'm doing is damage control. I don't know you but I do know the rules for

this gym. I'm saying if you need some help, get it. If you don't and mess

up bad enough, then you may have to find-"

"I almost got mugged," I mumbled quietly.

"What?"

I repeated myself and continued speaking without waiting for a response.

"They were big. I got in a few good jabs but they were fucking huge and I couldn't

break that hold," I stared straight into his eyes for a minute. "I was at their

mercy. Luckily, I got rescued."

"Oh. Damn. Not to get in your business, but did you report it?"

Evan stopped him before I could say a yeah or nay, "Not my business," Evan lowered

his palm after making the universal stop motion.

"Is that like your personal anthem?"

Evan raised one brow.

"Not- my business. Not-my business..."
.

"Oh! You got jokes. You're going be alright."

I almost smiled.