บท 23: Jared becomes useful
His parents did not even want to tell him personally. Jared would simply have to comply, because the significance of the note was to show that his mother has after all been influenced by his dad.
Usually she accepted her son's point of view in most arguments about his welfare.
This situation today was serious. Jared decided that he would still spend Friday night and Saturday at Laura and Blake's place in any case. Maybe (he mused), a different outlook on life was what he needed and a married couple were sure to present that in many interesting ways.
Blake was on his way to meet his new boss for the second time. This gave Laura all the time she needed to consider her decision of accepting Gregory's offer about embarking upon a modelling career. Laura would be working for the well-known agency, Katz.
She considered the possibility that Jared could perhaps advise her when he arrived at her home tonight. Blake has not really found the time to sit down, so that she could discuss her plans with him. Jared on the other hand, had dated a model at a certain stage and Laura knew about this.
So that meant that this model would have enlightened Jared about the practical aspects of the job, to some extent. He was a quick learner and if there was an opportunity to learn something (even from a girlfriend), he would still become sufficiently informed.
So much so that he would be able to share his knowledge with a third person. Jared never seemed to mind sharing the details of his relationships with his friends.
Gregory had been home when she called him at Rene's house this morning. She now realized that he had to be on leave.
That would explain why he found the time to dedicate towards building her a career in the modelling world.
Laura did admit to herself constantly, that all this sudden attention from him was so new to her, that it all still left her gasping for breath.
It was so surprising, even to Rene, because Gregory had never really taken much notice of her before.
Laura decided that she would not dwell on the idea of him perhaps having ulterior motives, but rather upon the thought of what she could gain from the experience instead. Who knew, she thought. Maybe she did have what it took to become a successful model, after all.
Since Blake would be having dinner with his boss as he had said, Laura decided against the idea of cooking. Instead, she would take Monique and go out to buy burgers, potato chips and ice cream as a treat and consolation, since she would not be going out for the evening.
Especially not so, now that Jared was coming over. They should just enjoy their takeaway dinner and have fun.
It seemed however, as if she would have to stay in to receive Jared when he arrived.
So, she might as well make spaghetti bolognaise after all and serve it with some red wine. She was not sure about what to do now.
Monique was contented tonight, because she was sitting on the carpet in the lounge, playing with her new toy. It was a pink, soft elephant given to her today by her dad. It was the size of her head and she enjoyed the squeaking sound it made when she squeezed it. From the looks of it, she would not be a problem tonight and this should give Laura occasion to unburden herself.
Jared seemed an unlikely confidant, but Laura knew that she could trust him to keep her secrets. Even though his friendship with Blake took priority over any loyalty he felt towards Laura, she knew that he would not tell Blake anything she told him in confidence.
He would simply listen and then give some advice, or raise an opinion and it would all be out of his mind in the next instant. Jared did not walk around with other people's secrets on his mind.
Laura was excited, because she knew that modelling could bring her more independence. She would have more freedom in deciding various aspects of her work. It would not exactly all be laid out for her, as with her job as a secretary. She should gain so much more self-confidence and heaven only knew how much she needed that in her relationship with her husband, lately.
Gregory had mentioned that she should start attending the gymnasium at the modelling agency and he also mentioned that she go for regular face and body beauty treatments, henceforth.
She did not really have to go on a diet, because she was quite slim.
Food was not a weak point of hers. Laura only enjoyed the occasional slice of chocolate cake or cheesecake. This was usually due to hormonal cravings.
Tonight she would not be sitting around fretting and worrying about Blake's whereabouts. Despite his weaknesses Jared was a rather compassionate listener and his advice was usually impeccable.
***
Now that Gregory has arranged a modelling deal for Laura it was easy for Rene to feel more at ease about her future. She had told him that Blake was recently some sort of private investigator. Rene thought it wise to wait and see how that worked out, before talking to the younger man. Right now he had to fix an important appointment with the model Laurelle, in London.
Rene called his personal assistant, Barbara at her flat in Randburg.
"You may fly to London next week Friday," she said in her customary bright and excited tone. "Laurelle is ready to meet you for breakfast on the Sunday thereafter. That is everything I got from her agent. These arrangements are firm, however. I only have to confirm with you, before I go on to do the bookings and then I can get back to her agent."
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