Dream Date Read Free Page B

working on. I’m sure you’ll find the results pleasing,” Clark said, and then turned. He spotted Marissa and turned back to the men. “If you excuse me, gentlemen. It was a pleasure talking to you,” he said, and the men nodded once before walking away.
    “How are you, Mr. Rhodes?” Marissa greeted when he faced her.
    “Fantastic, Ms. Velásquez. You look stunning, if I may say so,” he replied. Clark Rhodes appeared to be in his early forties. He had short salt-and-pepper hair, blue eyes, and white skin. He was wearing an elegant dark tuxedo and glossy loafers. His voice channeled that of George Clooney, which Marissa found attractive. Clark was also a little taller than the three of them.
    “Thank you,” Marissa replied, and then remembered she and Clark weren’t alone. “Mr. Rhodes, these are my best friends. This is Nathan Ferland.”
    “Honor to meet you, sir,” he said as he shook hands with Clark.
    “And this is Ashton Robards,” Marissa continued.
    “Pleasure to meet you,” Clark said, smiling. “Tell me, what are you studying?”
    “I’m aspiring to become a corporate lawyer,” Nathan said. Clark nodded, looking impressed.
    “Fantastic. Business is important for our nation,” he remarked, shaking his index finger twice.
    “And I’m majoring in mechanical engineering,” Ashton answered. “I find electric cars fascinating, so I’d like to work at a factory that builds them.”
    “You three will definitely have great futures,” Clark told them. He then looked at Marissa. “Are you ready for the show, Ms. Velásquez?”
    “You’d think I’m showcasing my designs, nervous as I am,” Marissa joked. “I’ve never attended a fashion show of this caliber.”
    “This one is definitely among the most prestigious in the world. It’ll be a great learning experience for you.”
    “I’m looking forward to it.”
    “Imagine my anticipation. I’ve been preparing for this for months.”
    Marissa let out a soft laugh.
    “Okay, I’ll have to leave you now. I have matters to attend to. Do make yourselves at home. There are more people here that you’d be interested in meeting,” Clark said to Marissa. He then waved at the three of them and walked away.
    “Let’s meet people,” Marissa said, leading her friends. She introduced them to more people that she knew. There were also others that Marissa didn’t know but had been looking forward to meeting. Apparently, Clark Rhodes had talked about her to plenty of people.
    Moments later, a young woman called to Marissa.
    “Hi,” the woman said, stopping in front of them.
    “Rachel! You made it.”
    “Yes. Thank you, thank you for the ticket! This is such a big event. I’m flattered to be here.”
    “Guys, this is Rachel Edwards, a friend of mine. She’s a photographer,” Marissa said. “These are Nathan and Ashton from Ithaca.”
    “Nice to meet you,” Rachel greeted, shaking hands with both of them.
    “What kind of photographer are you?” Nathan asked.
    “I shoot both people and places, but I specialize in the former. Particularly the famous. I want to be a fashion and celeb photographer.”
    “Paparazzi?” asked Ashton. Marissa rolled her eyes.
    “No!” Rachel said. “I don’t want to be one of those vultures. I’ll work for a magazine, not some lowly tabloid.”
    Marissa shot Ashton a stern look.
    “Do you know which models will be in attendance?” Rachel asked her.
    “I’m not sure about the full roster, but Clark Rhodes told me that a few well-known names would be here. Among others, Doutzen Kroes and Nina Agdal will be taking to the walkway.”
    “You’re serious? I can’t believe I’ll see them in person,” said Ashton, who looked like a kid in candyland. Both Marissa and Nathan laughed at him.
    “Let’s go find our seats, then,” said Marissa.
    “Yeah,” Rachel agreed. “See you around.”
    Marissa and her friends took their places on the seats after talking to a few more people. They noticed that