A Face To Die For by Jan Warburton Page B

sadness in her beautiful eyes. Perhaps her involvement with Parker Brown wasn't quite so rosy after all?
    'Of course I enjoy modelling; especially all the places it takes me to, but sometimes I long to slow things down a bit. Of course, Norm's taught me so much and I suppose I owe him my success. I'm always expected to do what he wants. I'd so love to decide things more for myself.' She sighed deeply, studying her crimson, polished nails before lifting her head.
    'What do you mean?' I asked, sipping my coffee. I still felt a tad jealous of the amazing success she'd achieved so effortlessly, all due to Parker Brown. She really should demonstrate more gratitude in my opinion.
    She pursed her lips petulantly. 'Take these shows. Norm would normally have disapproved, but fortunately he's had to be in Milan for a few days. So when my agent mentioned this two day job for Courtney’s was up for grabs, of course I agreed to do it. This time it was for me . Sounds awful, I know, but I long to be more my own person.'
    I gazed enviously at her nails; each one so long, so red, and so beautifully manicured. 'I think I know what you mean,' I said, still mystified at her lack of appreciation for all Parker Brown had done for her. 'And of course it's wonderful that you can fit us in like this.
    She smiled pensively. 'Oh, Annabel, I'm really happy to do it.'
    I began studying a sample of vibrant deep emerald, slubbed silk. 'What do you think of this?'
    She fingered it; the crimson of her nails against it suddenly reminding me of Christmas. 'It's lovely, why?'
    'I like it too, but I'm always accused of choosing too many bright colours.'
    She laughed. 'So what! I love strong colours.’
    'That's settled then, if it gets past Edward, we'll use this for the ball gown.' I put the sample to one side. 'Incidentally, did you notice your photographs in reception from your last shoot?'
    Her eyes lit up briefly. 'Yes, I did. Jake's a good photographer, though of course Norm would probably disagree. Don't get me wrong, Norm's a genius but he's so traditional in his choice of composition. Whenever possible I adore working with different photographers. It's wonderful to have a change.' She sighed. 'Norm was commissioned for all my shoots over in Paris. It got so boring. I'm sure he fixes it.'
    As I listened, I decided that perhaps after all Norman Parker Brown was a little too possessive and controlling of her. 'I imagine it must restrict you a bit,’ I murmured.
    'It does … and more than a bit. Anyway, I'm hoping to be back in London a lot more from now on, so I hope to be able to fit in more work for you. I've told my booker that, and she knows all about you and I being at college together. It's been fab meeting up again like this, hasn't it?'
    I smiled, nodding in agreement.
    She continued, gazing intently at me, 'This job has been a great start for you, Annabel, but why on earth don't you branch out on your own now? So many new designers seem to be getting their big chances now and doing really well. You should too. You're a brilliant designer, but I sense you're not getting quite the free hand you'd like over things?' Her eyebrows raised, she pulled a face, 'Cheeky aren't I? I'm a fine one to be advising you about having more of a free hand!'
    Yes, you are, I thought, considering your own status with Parker Brown!
    'No, I agree,' I lied. 'And that is my goal ... my dream, when the time's right… and I will do it ... one day, you'll see.'
    If only I could have her luck, I thought, with someone to help me on my way.
    'And when you do, I shall most certainly model for you.'
    'If Norm allows you to!' I laughed, and she nodded with a wry smile.
    The man certainly seemed to rule her life. Taking all into account, I wasn't sure it was altogether healthy either for such a young woman to be tied to such a possessive, middle aged Svengali… simply because he had discovered her. They lived together, but I could imagine it wasn't an ideal relationship. Why