Page 31 of Barron's Second Chance
The next day she was in a decidedly better mood until she checked her phone and saw a text from Barron.
Eden, I'm sorry I made things awkward last night. I didn't mean to upset you. I just really wanted to talk to you and apologize for everything that happened between us. However, I realize last night wasn't the best to corner you. I'll give you some space, but I hope one day we can sit down and chat. Take care.
Yeah, she really fucking regretted calling him now as it meant he had her number. She left him on read and called Sofia instead. She felt a little groggy and gross after eating and drinking so much.
She rarely overindulged in alcohol, but the times she did, the only cure for her was to sweat it out.
Sofia had a "bring a friend" pass attached to her gym membership, so after borrowing it from a very grumpy Sofia who shoved it at her through a small gap in her apartment door, Eden proceeded to the gym for a kickbox class and to lift weights. She usually wouldn’t partake in such a grueling workout after a heavy night, but her energy was pumping after seeing Barron last night and reading his text.
She needed to do something a tad more violent.
Sofia was in a rage over Barron's audacity and threatened to "kick his ass." As much as she appreciated her friend's gumption, Eden assured her that she could handle her ex. Ryan shrugged, telling her he had a feeling that Barron would try something that night.
"He was eyeing you like a prime piece of meat. You didn't notice, but he kept trying to move closer to wherever you were in the house, hoping to join your conversation. And when you went into the house to use the bathroom, I saw him follow you."
She flicked him with an incredulous stare, and he put his hands up in defense.
"I didn't know for sure he was going after you. He could've been wanting the bathroom. You're big enough to take care of yourself, and I saw his face after you came downstairs. He looked gutted. He left not long after you did."
The beep of her alarm brought her out of her musings, and she immediately silenced it before standing to address the girls. She pushed aside her somber thoughts and concentrated again on why she was here.
"Okay! Everyone ready?" She asked, trying to sound jovial despite her annoyance.
At their eager nods, she pointed at the first group of pairs. "Okay, let's start with you two."
As they went around the room, she listened intently to each girl and put aside the negative start to the day.
These were the future generation, the next group of innovators and influencers; she was keen to hear their thoughts and opinions and was earnest in her desire to share her own experiences with the group.
"This is Bailey Carter; she's fourteen years old." Eden's body jerked at the soft voice of Hannah as she had been introduced to the class, who was currently gesturing towards the blonde girl on her right. "She loves reading, playing soccer, and listening to music. She uses TikTok the most and lovesStranger Things. Um, she wants to do something in publishing when she's older."
Bailey, who had a soft blush on her face at the attention, turned shy yet familiar blue eyes up at Eden. A wave of emotion flowed through her as she conjured up a memory of a cute as-pie, pig-tailed little girl.
"You're Gavin and Kelly's niece," she finally said, her eyes moving over the pretty teen's features.
Her Dad, Kevin, was Gavin's brother. She remembered speaking to them briefly at the barbeque, but Bailey had been at a sleepover.
Bailey adored her older cousin, Barron, and the feeling was mutual. Eden recalled many nights when they both willingly babysat the little girl. She had flashbacks of baking cupcakes, watching Peppa Pig, reading bedtime stories, and picturing doing the same with her own daughter one day. A daughter who would have her Daddy's hazel eyes and love of soccer.
Bailey's eyes lit up at her words. "Yes. Do you remember me?"
Eden had to stop herself from striding over to the girl and enveloping her in a hug. She had missed Bailey a lot, and it almost killed her when she could no longer see her. Eden always knew that she would grow up to be a stunning young woman.
"Of course I do," she warmly said. She waved her hands at the waiting class, who were enraptured at their exchange. "Sorry, I used to babysit Bailey many moons ago," she explained. "Let's move on, but Bailey catch up with me after class?"
The girl readily agreed, smiling at Hannah, who excitedly elbowed her.
Eden tried to concentrate on the rest of the introductions, but her mind was swirling with long-forgotten memories. Although the images of little Bailey popped into her head a lot over the years, seeing the seemingly sweet and pretty girl again, who happily acknowledged her, was a relief and filled her with sentimental joy.
After introductions were made, Eden chatted a bit about herself and her family. They were surprised to learn that Eden had been a quiet and shy girl growing up, blending in with the crowd a bit at school. She was neither popular nor unpopular, but she was well known. Everyone knew Barron's girlfriend, and usually, where Barron was, Eden wasn’t too far behind. Or right there with him.
She didn't tell the girls she had a boyfriend in high school, though. She didn't want to disillusion the poor girls too much about young, high school love.
As time wore on, they got into a spirited discussion about her career in modeling. A few were eager to know how to break into the industry. She was candid in explaining that what happened to her was a rare occurrence. Most models these days were either scouted through social media, where brands reached out for collaborations based on their number of followers and from there, their careers took off. Or, they had started young and built up a portfolio and a name for themselves by attending many go-sees.
"It's honestly not up to who's the tallest, prettiest, who can walk the catwalk the best," she explained.
"Certain designers have certain looks that they’re seeking each season. You either have the look that they’re after, or you don't. Some models will have an amazing season, walk all the shows, be the belle of the ball, and then nothing will come of it. Models, especially in this day and age of social media, earn their bread and butter through beauty contracts. Unfortunately, there are only so many beauty brands out there and an excess of models vying for them. I won't sugarcoat it for you all; it's a tough industry to break into and stay on top of. If you are one hundred percent serious about it, you will have to take responsibility for your health and your money, and you will have to be prepared to leave home."
