All About Yves by Ryan Field

designs. Frazier and Jasper always took care of choosing the other models. He knew the business well, from the designers to the showroom staff, but there was never a need for him to know any of the other models, because he didn't see them until there was a shoot or a show.
    "Your back-up model is leaving the company,” Edgar said. “He's getting married and moving to the West Coast to go back to school. He's tired of the business and he wants a life change...whatever that means."
    Marco looked down at the kitchen floor and smiled. He knew what this meant better than anyone. Evidently, this model was tired of the competitive world that had always been Marco's life. “I'll be more than happy to be there,” Marco said. “I'll even look forward to it. I've never actually been asked to help with this sort of thing before. What time?"
    "Next Wednesday at one in the afternoon."
    "And you'll see what you can do about getting my wonderful assistant a new job at your agency?” Marco asked.
    "Of course,” Edgar said. Then he pressed his palm to his stomach and let out a loud belch that almost rocked a line of martini glasses on the edge of the kitchen sink.
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    Chapter Nine
    When the party was almost over, Marco found Frazier, Jasper, Edgar, and young Avi standing in the center hall discussing the impact male models had on the fashion industry and pop culture in general. Marco leaned into the wall and stood there listening, trying not to yawn out loud. He was too drunk to care about anything serious. They were talking about the dedication it took to be a famous model, and how most people didn't have what it took to compete. Marco rolled his eyes. Harris was speaking with a pretentious academic tone. Blah, blah, blah. All he needed was a pipe and a pair of thick eyeglasses. Frazier and Jasper were disagreeing with him about something, but Marco wasn't sure what it was. And Avi, the poor simple soul, just stood there leaning against a table tweeting or twitting something into his cell phone. Marco laughed; it was probably past the poor young boy's bedtime.
    "Would you like another drink?” Edgar asked Avi. Edgar couldn't take his eyes off Avi's crotch.
    Avi smiled and tilted his head. “I'd just love another drink, Mr. Dupree."
    "Then come with me,” Edgar said. “I'll take good care of you."
    Marco smiled, because he knew how much old Edgar loved taking care of good-looking young men who ran short in the brains department.
    Harris turned and stared at his young date. “You sure do know how to work them,” he said.
    "He's a very nice man,” Avi said, “and I'm thirsty.” Then he stood up and followed Edgar to the bar.
    When they were gone, Molly and Yves came walking down the hall. Molly was wearing her jacket and she was ready to go home. She was laughing and joking with Yves as if he was her new best friend. It made Marco's stomach turn to see her treating Yves so well. He wanted to grab Yves by the back of the neck and toss him right out the front door.
    When Yves saw Marco, he left Molly's side and raced into the hall. “There you are, Marco. Can I get you another drink? Would you like anything?” His voice was soft. He leaned forward and pressed his palms together and smiled.
    "Would you please stop treating me like I'm royal Prince Albert?” Marco said, pointing at Yves. “Give me a fucking break already."
    Everyone stopped talking and stared.
    Frazier squared his shoulders and said, “Unless you're referring to tobacco in a tin can, Marco, there's nothing royal or dignified about the way you've been acting all night.” His voice was deep and stern and he wasn't smiling.
    Marco raised his eyebrows and put his hands on his hips. Frazier protecting Yves twisted his stomach. “I'm sorry, Frazier,” he said. “I didn't mean to frighten our poor boy, Yves, with the F word. I know how delicate he is.” He knew he sounded like a jealous lover, but he felt so disconnected from everyone