Forgotten

Part 68

Alexis' POV:

I walked into the head of the agency's office.  It was on the 3rd floor, where all the other executive offices were.  Where all the big wigs hung out.  All the important people.  The people who had all the power and made all the decisions.  

So, it goes without saying, I'd never even been to the 3rd floor.  

I gulped nervously, as I entered the director's suite and made my way over to the secretary's desk.  

She looked up as I approached.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes", I said, shyly.  "I'm here to see Mr. Marcus."

"Do you have an appointment?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am.  He's expecting me.  I have an appointment."

She glanced down at her schedule.  "Alexis?"

"Yes ma'am."

She smiled warmly.  "You can go back," she said, pointing down the hallway.  "He's expecting you."

"Thank you", I said, as I turned away and began walking down the long hallway.  I was so nervous my hands were sweating, my heart was pounding.  

And yes, I was nervous.  More nervous than I could ever even imagine.  But for more than one reason.  

This was the moment.  The moment when I would find out if the agency had decided to use me for the cover of the magazine.  

And yes, I was nervous.  Extremely.  But for two reasons.  One, of what he would say.   And two... of what I would say.

My hand trembled as I knocked on his door, and within mere seconds, he opened it.

He smiled as soon as he saw me.  "Ahhh... Alexis.  I've been expecting you.  Please come in", he said, gesturing me forward.  

I smiled shyly and entered his office and sat down in a chair opposite of his desk.

He sat down as well, now facing me.  

I looked around the huge office, full of fancy things.  And for what I could tell,  very expensive things.   Antique furniture everywhere.   A collection of Impressive art work, some of which I recognized, as I was an art major.  It was fancy.  Too fancy.  In fact, I hated it.  I didn't like things too fancy.  It just wasn't me.  And suddenly, all I wanted to do was to get this over with.

He smiled warmly.  "To get right to the point, Alexis.  After much consideration...", he said, pausing.

I held my breath in anticipation.  Because I literally had no idea what he was going to say.  None whatsoever.

Then he continued.  "The agency has decided... to extend you the offer of the cover of the magazine.  In fact, we would love to not only have you on the cover but to feature you in it, as well."

I looked at him, overwhelmed with honor and gratitude.  Honestly I was.  I mean, it was a chance of a lifetime.  Something that anyone would have been grateful for.  A fantastic opportunity.  Something most models would only dream of.   And wasn't that I wasn't grateful.  Because I honestly was.  Honestly.

"Is everything all right?" he asked, looking at me confused, as I sat there completely speechless.

"Mr. Marcus.  I am honored beyond belief to be given such a wonderful opportunity.  My appreciation to you and the agency can't be understated enough.  There's absolutely no words that can describe how much I truly appreciate this offer."  I then paused, because what I was about to say was so hard, that I didn't even know if I could do it.