Chapter 162 - Why We Pair Up

Andrzej was eager to call Dominik, but it was early morning in Los Angeles and his lover was getting a good night's sleep. He sat down at the computer and began writing an email. He described almost everything and concluded that he had no idea what to do.

Being a model did not appeal to him. He reluctantly thought that his face would become public, but from the experience of the people at the agency, he knew that from modeling to being recognized on the streets to becoming a celebrity, there was a long way to go and he didn't have to choose it. The crown will not fall off his head if he appears in several magazines or even on billboards. In addition, such an experience could significantly enrich him as a photographer. It would be easier for him to understand the models and therefore better manage them. And the money was really good.

Andrzej sighed and left the company.

Maybe the experience won't be bad at all. Maybe we can get something positive out of him. Maybe.

Only, then, how will Dominik do with his modeling career?

***

Dominik read the email and pursed his lips.

"Something happened?" Brand Kitt asked.

For a moment, Śliwiński wondered whether to tell his older colleague about the content of the message or not to bother him? After all, even though they had met for a meal once before, they were still strangers.

Only this strangeness was what made him open his heart and mouth. He didn't even have to worry about what Kitt thought of him, since their contacts would be practically nil at any moment.

"Andrzej got a lucrative offer that brings significant benefits to the company he works for, but not necessarily in line with what he wants to do."

"Oh! Something illegal?"

"No, nothing like that," he laughed and picked up the cup of tea he was nursing like someone else would be making with a drink. "An Italian clothing and cosmetics company offered him to be her face."

Brand stirred his coffee.

"Looks like a million dollar contract," he said.

"Yes," Dominik admitted with a sigh.

"So what is the problem?"

"Andrzej is very hardworking and honest. He cannot earn money except by working hard for which he is prepared. And besides…"

"Besides…?"

"This contract is not one photo session, right?"

"It depends." Kitt took a sip of his coffee. He looked at Śliwiński so keenly that the young actor shuddered. "You're afraid of a long break, huh?"

Dominik blushed to his ears.

"Yes," he admitted, surprised to be able to do it. "My private life before I met Andrzej was ... not the best, one could say. It was Andrzej who made it change, but I am not yet strong enough to handle it alone. He knows it. He realizes how much I am dependent on him. How much… fragile."

Brand Kitt looked at him seriously.

"I think you are wrong," he said.

Śliwiński looked up at him without understanding.

"I'm twice as old as you are. I spent more years on the set than you have. I have seen a lot during this time, met a lot of different people and experienced both good and bad. I think you are wrong in thinking that you are weak and fragile. If that were the case, you wouldn't have been able to come to Los Angeles without any support. You wouldn't be performing with such naturalness and bravado on the set with only strangers around you. And damn it, you wouldn't be standing between a horny guy and his victim. You underestimate yourself, Dominik."

There was no immediate answer to such a statement. Brand's information had to be rethought. His words were very nice, but what did the man really know about him?

"I think because of the past," Kitt continued, "you're afraid to go on." You are chained by bad memories."

"These aren't just memories," he shook his head. Literally on the eve of his arrival in the United States, media ...

"You're beautiful and bloody talented, I know what I'm saying because I saw you on the set. Of course you'll be the target of unhealthy media attention. And what? Why are you so afraid of them? Due to your orientation and scandal? Ignore it! Stay in the States. Get Andrzej here. I can guarantee with my name that you will both make a career here."

It's not about a career, thought Dominik, feeling he was misunderstood. It's about life. About everyday life. About the fact that every unfavorable mention in the media hurt. If Śliwiński had been stronger, he would not have been so susceptible to these blows. He could then ignore them.

But it wasn't like that. Dominik knew that had it not been for Andrzej's constant presence, he would not have been able to cope with media attacks. He would be so hounded that he would not be able to breathe.

This dependence on Andrzej was unhealthy and unfair to Nowicki, but at this point in his life - necessary.

"I'm not strong enough yet," he said softly. "I can afford a short-term action, but it costs me a lot of energy. I can fight one battle, but with the second I don't have the strength anymore" he smiled sadly. "That's a lot. Four months ago, I couldn't even stand up to a fight."

"I think I understand" Kitt also smiled. "That is why we pair up, to support each other."

"Yes," he admitted enthusiastically.

"So you are also a support for him."

"Actually ..."

Dominik felt strangely lost. Is he a support for Andrzej? No, rather not. Andrzej doesn't need something like that. He is brave, strong, caring and warm. There is no need for anyone to support him in anything.

Only, is it for sure?

"Dominik, do you think. That you are the only obstacle for Andrzej to try something new?"

"Not the only one ..."

"From what you told me, Andrzej is a really special guy with a huge talent. Why do you think he is with you, who you do not best describe as weak and fragile?"

Instinctively, the answer came to him, "Because he promised he would protect me," but for some reason she refused to pass through his mouth. He saw all the situations in which Andrzej showed him something more than just protectiveness. Only one message flowed from Nowicki's mouth, arms and heart: "I love you."

Kitt chuckled.

"It's incredible that on a movie set you can do anything without blinking an eye, and in real life you blush so easily. You must have thought something indecent."

"Maybe a little. I do not know if I am a support for him, but I am also not a crutch. I think so. I don't know if I support him enough, but if he decides he wants to try his hand at modeling, I will definitely support him. After all, that's what the relationship is all about."

As soon as he finished saying these words, he knew they were completely sincere and he would do everything in his power to ensure that Andrzej would receive the support he deserves.

***

The e-mail that Nowicki picked up was short. Unfortunately, it did not help him resolve his doubts. Dominik only stated in it that Andrzej should do what he thinks is best for himself. If he wants or feels such a temptation, he should try his hand at modeling. After all, he does not have to remain a professional model. If any element of the contract proposed to him is not entirely clear to him, or for some reason he cannot agree to it, let him clearly indicate it and not sign the contract until it is settled. Let him remember that at this point he is emerging from the position of strength.

If he doesn't want to act as a model, that's fine too. He shouldn't force himself to do anything. The best money in the world should not make you do something against yourself. That is why every decision that Andrzej makes will be good for Dominik. Anything that will bring Andrzej happiness.

Although the e-mail did not indicate a clear solution, Nowicki felt pleasantly light after reading it. Dominik seemed more confident and more confident about both of them as a couple. He clearly wasn't afraid anymore that a break for a few days might be bad for their relationship.

Nowicki changed for the evening meeting. It was almost time to leave the house, so he reached for his jacket. His face flashed across the hall mirror. He stopped and looked at her for the first time in a long time.

He couldn't tell if his face was handsome. He knew that people thought she was so, but he was helpless in this matter himself. He was aware that he was not ugly, but he was not a beauty either. Something about her attracted people, it was a fact, but Andrzej was not able to tell for any treasures of the world, what it was.