A note From B

I hope you all enjoyed reading this story as much as I did writing it. I am sorry the ending is so short. But fear not as her life will continue in a new story I am writing called "In Harmony".

Check out the first episode : In Harmony

The End

"Are you sure this is what you want to do, Lace? I know you had a rough time before your trip but..." I just smiled as Vi's voice trailed off. "I am sure, Vi. I had a great run as a model. I gained a lot of life experience living here with you but I want to really spread my wings. Try living somewhere other than this small town." At the sound of footsteps, we both turned.

B greeted each of us then turned to Vi. "I have to finalize the shoot for Lizzy today. Do you think you can get me the number for that empty house on the edge of town? And," B started to sniff the air, "is something burning?" 

"Aiya!" Vi's startled yell was punctuated by her quick departure and the front door slamming.

B and I started to giggle. "I think she forgets about the sun sometimes." After we controlled ourselves, I continued. "I appreciate you setting up everything for my move to Harmony. I know you weren't happy with me for quitting the agency but I really feel like this is the best thing for me."

"I understand about wanting to move on. But perhaps you would like to know that Roarke has decided to move to Harmony as well. Maybe you two can pick up where you left off. He is quite hunky." The way B wiggled her eyebrows suggestively made me break into another fit of giggles. I guess there are no secrets in the modeling world!

"I wanted to come by and tell you the results of the finale in person ... you got first!" I was so shocked that I stood there with my mouth open not saying a word. "You will get a hefty sum as well as celebrity status. I am so glad you get to go out with a bang." I mutely nodded my head.

"Well, I better go hurry up Vi. The modeling world waits for no woman." We both laughed a little. I reached out a hugged B one last time. "I wish you well, B." I watched her walk inside. So much had happened but this chapter of my life is over. A honk drew my attention to the road. The limo had arrived to take me to the airport.

Taking first in my last photo shoot was like an omen. Life from here on out can only get better. I picked up my small carry-on and my purse then walked out to the limo. As the chauffeur held the door open, I took one last look at the town house. Goodbye, Old Life. As I climbed into the limo and snuggled into the plush leather seats, I began to hum quietly to myself. 

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See Lacey's entire modeling career at a glance:

Girls

Colours

Staged

France Day 2

I was pulled from a peaceful sleep by Roarke's steady stream of French. I had a moment of awkwardness. I wasn't exactly used to this kind of thing.

"Feeling awkward, cherie?" I nodded slightly as he embraced me. "There is no need. I understand you needed me and I was glad to have been there for you as well. Come, do not be shy." He leaned in and softly kissed my lips. "Who was on the phone?" I asked as he slid his hands down my arms.

"It was B. She always seems to wake me from my sleep. She has news about your ... eh, comp, is it? Oui, comp. She has faxed your scores to the local bookstore for you to pick up." I was thrilled they had finally come in. But I really wasn't ready to share all my hopes with Roarke.

"Do you think you can give me directions?" I asked him. "Would you not rather I show you myself?" I felt myself begin to cave.

"Non, you are right. You should be alone for this journey. France is a wonderful place to find oneself." His comment surprised me. It was almost as if he could read my mind. "Thank you for understanding, Roarke."

He suddenly leaned in and kissed me. It was completely unexpected! "I shall have them send up breakfast for us and prepare a map for you. But first..." He pulled me into his grip and slowly backed me up to the bed.

Two hours later, I was finally off to the bookstore to pick up the fax that B had sent.

I found the bookstore with no problems. "Excuse me? My name is ..." I was quickly cut off. "Oh, I know who you are. You are Lacey Thibedeaux, that famous American model. I have a fax for you behind my desk." Wow, she was so eager to help me. But before I could even turn around I heard a shout from the doorway.

This sweet teenage girl rushed me with an pen and paper, begging for an autograph. When a young man walked in, he quickly joined in by asking for a photo. It was almost an hour before the people cleared out and I could get my fax!

Hope this finds you well rested. Have plans for the final photo shoot in the works. Scores are as follows: Tied for 5th, 136/150 for vehicle assignment. Tied for 5th, 138/150 for hobby assignment.  I need you to really push with this last one.     B  

After reading those scores and just sensing B's disappointment, I slowly walked out of the store and just began to meander around town.

Despite my obvious fame in this rural town, I really felt like my career was a bust.

I had started out looking for something to pass the time. Now modeling was my whole life.

I missed the quiet and simple. I missed living for me.

 I hated myself for not following through on my true lifetime want.

I wanted the joy of living back.

As the evening slowly drew to a close, I found myself on a lonely bridge that had a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower. I realized that was what I felt like. This beautiful thing everyone wanted to see but that was untouchable. I wanted to be real, to live the way I was meant to. I wanted ... to give up modeling!

I felt a sense of peace fill me. I turned back towards where I was staying. I was so preoccupied with planning my next move, I almost ran right into Roarke.

"I was beginning to worry about you, you were gone so long!" I shifted a bit, "I had some thinking I wanted to do." He quickly shook his head. "It does not matter anymore, we are almost late. Quickly, let us go."

"Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean? Where are we going?" He smiled as he took my hand and brought it to his lips, "Why, to the Eiffel Tower, of course."

Finale Photo Shoot

That night, as Roarke lay in bed sleeping, I spent time planning...

... and dreaming.