"Carson, there is no need to thank me. I should be thanking you. You and the models. You've done everything I've asked and then some. While it may be true that Taj works miracles, your models did the rest. I've given you a bit of a hard time here, and I need to apologize for that! I was out of line!"

Amanda paused for a moment, then called all the models over. Janeen made her way closer to Amanda and Carson, but Cameron was in the dressing room, changing and trying to get that 'gunk' off his face. They didn't put on much make-up, but he felt too much like a girl with it on, so he scrubbed hard to make sure it came off.

Amanda brought her index fingers to her lips-thought for a minute-then began.

"Carson St. Jeune is lucky to have each and every one of you working for her. I am most pleased with all the photos taken today. It may take us a few days to decide where everyone will be, but I want each one of you to work on the Valentine's issue of Brava. I'll leave Carson to fill you in on all the minor details, but we shall be seeing you again quite soon." Amanda circled the group, addressing each model personally and thanking them for their work that day.

She got to Janeen and was about to ask where Cameron was, when Janeen couldn't stop gushing.

"Miss Cory, I don't know what to say. I….I……thank you so much. I never dreamed a girl from a small town in Kansas would someday be working for your magazine."

"Janeen is it?? Like I told Ms. St. Jeune, there is no need to thank me. You did all the work. You and Cameron. By the way, where is he? I haven't had the opportunity to thank him."

"He's changing. He said he's uncomfortable in this 'get up'. That and getting his make up off. He should be out soon. Would you like me to go find him for you?"

"No need to do that, Janeen. Perhaps I'll catch him later. I have some matters to go over with Ms. St. Jeune. I hope she didn't leave already!" Amanda glanced around the room but couldn't see where Carson went.

She did spot Taj Perry and made sure to secure his services for the Valentine shoot. With that done, she looked around again but the room was practically empty. Except for some bottled water and fruit the models had been eating during takes. Amanda was about to leave when she caught Cameron coming out of the male dressing room.

"Cameron, may I have a moment with you please?" Cameron walked over to where Amanda was, and put his duffel bag down slowly.

Amanda didn't know why but the words….the words she used to thank the rest did not seem sufficient enough for Cameron. She made things somewhat difficult for him and she knew he deserved an apology. Whether he would take it from her is another matter.

"Cameron, I wanted to thank you for the work you did today. You and Janeen are good together."

Cameron smiled but said nothing.

"After seeing your work today, I owe you an apology. You are a professional. I was rude the other day in not letting you know I would be detained in my meeting a little longer than I expected. I would very much like to see you work on the Valentine's issue of my magazine."

While they were talking, the two of them edged closer to the elevator. Cameron pressed the button to have the elevator go down as Amanda explained to him her hopes for that February issue. He just continued to smile but didn't say much other than 'yes' and 'that sounds good'.

The elevator doors opened and both Cameron and Amanda got on and rode down to the first floor where she walked to her car and Cameron to a nearby cab. That's when Cameron answered her.

"Ms. Cory, thank you for the chance to prove myself to you."

Amanda smiled. "You're welcome, Cameron."

Cameron tossed his duffel bag into the trunk and was about to climb into the back seat. "And Ms. Cory?"

"Yes, Cameron?"

"The name is Mister Sinclair!" The cab left, leaving a very stunned Amanda at the curb.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of the week, Cory Publishing and the St. Jeune modeling agency worked side by side to choose the right people and the right atmosphere not only the cover of Brava, but for the inside story about love and romance. Amanda and Carson spent countless hours looking at the models' poses, and the possible links between the story to be told and the cover photo.

Amanda and Carson finally agreed that Cameron should be featured, but they were unsure in what capacity. He and Janeen would be one of several couples associated with the reporter's story on love/romance. But the cover….the cover of the Valentine's issue would be of Cameron alone.

Carson had looked at hundreds of photographs of mystery men from the past…from film..from literature…..anywhere one would think of. She was just about to 'beg' Amanda for a break, when she saw something. A photo! Why hadn't she seen this before? She called Amanda over. This was one they never thought of. Would this work? Would Cameron work in this 'disguise'? Without hesitation, they both shook their heads yes and fell back into their chairs.

This was done. Now to convince the board of Brava.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carson left Amanda's office and planned to go back to her agency, for what she hoped was an early day for once. Working with her friend was time consuming and tiring. But she felt good. This cover….would launch Brava as one of the top ten magazines of the year. It would also make Cameron Sinclair a household word, something neither he nor Carson may be ready for.

She had ordered lunch in and settled down, retrieving her messages and her e-mails when her secretary interrupted her.

"Ms St Jeune, Cameron Sinclair here to see you."

"Please send him in. And hold my calls for a bit. Unless Miss Cory telephones. Then put her right through."

"Sure thing." The secretary stepped aside and in walked Cameron.

"Good afternoon Cameron. Have you had lunch yet? I can have my secretary order you something from Mama Mia's down the street!"

"No, thank you, Carson. I was just wondering if you've heard anything yet from Ms. Cory. I mean…after the photo shoot last week, I thought maybe things were set."

"Oh, Cameron. You don't know the half of it. And you don't really want to. Amanda and I have decided on something, but I can't really say anything yet until I hear from her. You don't mind waiting, do you? Or is patience not one of your better virtues?"

"I don't think it is, no! But I can wait, for a little bit. I'm supposed to meet up with Gary and we're going apartment hunting!"

"Oh…so it's time to fly the coop? You're no longer comfortable with your brother?"

"No.That's not it at all. It's Gary's place…. not mine. I haven't had a home of my own since I was a kid. And that's a time in my life I'd rather forget. It's something I need to do. Now that my future is secure, for a while anyway, I would like to put down some roots of my own. I suppose that sounds silly to you!"

Carson walked around her desk and sat next to Cameron. "It doesn't sound silly at all. Perhaps I could make some suggestions. Have you ever thought of looking at the lofts on 13^th St.?"

At that moment, Carson's secretary buzzed her and said that Amanda was on the other line and sounded like she was hyperventilating or something. Carson laughed and said to put her through.

Breathlessly, Amanda said, "Carson, they bought it. All of it. We can start shooting the pieces for the cover tomorrow. We only have a month or so to get it all done. The issue goes to print in less than 2 months. All these ideas, Carson. They're running through my mind!"

"Amanda!! CALM DOWN!!! Let your marketing department do what they're paid for!! They'll come up with some dynamite ideas. I'm sure of it."

"I know they will too. Carson, this is it. I know it. All my hard work. All the faith my mother put in me. It's finally going to happen. It's all because of you. You and Cameron."

"Funny you should mention him. He's right here. Let me put you on speaker phone so you can tell him the good news yourself!"

Carson never gave Amanda the chance to answer. If she had, Amanda would have told her of the awkwardness between her and Cameron.

"Good afternoon Ms. Cory. You have some good news to share with me?"

"Yes I do, Mr. Sinclair."

"Please call me Cameron."

That puzzled Amanda. "Didn't you say after the photo shoot to call you…"

"Ms Cory, I was just having some fun with you, that's all."(Carson had left Cameron alone to get some bottled water from the boardroom.) " You had this attitude about you and I wanted to knock you down a few pegs. I'm sorry if I was out of line."

"You weren't. I was. Maybe now we can put this whole thing behind us and work together. Nice refreshing change that would be!"

They both laughed some and agreed things would be different from this point forward. Carson walked back into the room, carrying two bottles of water and handed Cameron one. She picked up the phone and spoke quietly to Amanda for a few moments, then hung up.

"Cameron…we need to have you at Brava tomorrow by 8. You want me to send a car for you?"

"No thank you. I can get there on my own. I have my own private chauffeur you know. The Sinclair Express."

"Ah…that brother of yours! He carts you around too? Good looking and an entrepreneur. My goodness. Do you have any other Sinclair men hiding in a closet somewhere?"

"I don't think so. Well, I hate to drink and run, Carson…but Gary must be done with his meetings by now. He promised me we'd look this afternoon for apartments. And thanks for the heads-up on the lofts. I'll be sure and check those out too."

"Anytime, Cameron!!"

Cameron shook her hand, said thank you again, and left.

Carson couldn't help it. She watched as he walked out of her office. She had to say it again.

"ANYTIME Cameron…..ANYTIME!!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cameron was excited! He wasn't sure about all this modeling business quite yet, but everything seemed to be falling into place. Just like Carson said it would. She was a beautiful woman, he thought. Maybe….

The cab pulled up to the apartments that were first on his list. Gary was there before he was. He stopped Cameron from even walking through the front door.

"Cam! You don't want to go in there. It's not fit for humans!"

"Oh great! The only other place I called that could have me come by today were the loft apartments Carson told me about. But they're right by Central Park. Won't that be expensive?"

"Little brother, you're making good money now, aren't you? Be good to yourself for a change! Get a place you can enjoy and where you can entertain. If it's near the park, fine. That's actually closer to the modeling place and Brava, which would work better for you!"

"Ok, Gar! Anything you say!" Cameron tugged on Gary's arm and pulled him to his car. Off they went!

It didn't take long for Gary to reach the Central Park West

Apartments. And for Cameron to meet Cassandra Martin, owner of Central Park West.

She was very cordial, chatting about everything-yet nothing, on their way up to the lofts. Gary's eyes were focused on the layout of the building and the going's on he could see. Some very nice looking ladies walked by, getting the once over by both Sinclair brothers. Gary thought this place would suit Cameron just fine.

Ms. Martin took them to view 426W. The door opened and all three walked inside. Cameron and Gary, both, were amazed at the size of the place. Neither of them had ever lived in a place like this before.

A series of rooms looked over a drop-dead Central Park lake view. She took them through the dining room, living room, bathroom, the kitchen and lastly, the master bedroom suite.

Cameron walked over to the window and looked out over the park. A carriage ride was going by, with a young couple inside. They were obviously in love and just enjoying being together. Cameron couldn't even remember a time when he felt that close to any woman. Then he remembered the lady in lavender, and quickly dismissed the thought.

Gary pulled him aside, out of earshot of Cassandra, who was on her cell phone with some other prospects.

"So, what do ya' think?"

"It's so big! I could get lost in here!"

"Yeah, but you deserve it. Besides, I might have to come live with you some day and this is definitely where I'd like to hang my hat."

Cassandra Martin hung up and walked over to where Cameron and Gary were standing.

"Mr. Sinclair, have we met with your approval? If so, I have some paperwork for you to look over and sign. I'd need to do a credit check and review some of your references. After that, 426 is yours!"

Gary looked at Cameron who nodded in approval.

"Yes Ms. Martin. This is exactly what we're…..I mean…I'm looking for. Thank you. Now, what did you need me to sign?

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Very early the next morning, Gary woke up to the sound of coffee perking, bacon sizzling and toast popping out of the toaster.

It was Cameron. He had showered, shaved, gotten dressed and retrieved Gary's paper before he started making breakfast for the two of them.

"Well, this is a treat. When did you learn to cook?"

"Gary, this is only one of my hidden talents. When I was working construction, the closest diner had some deviant as their cook and the food was awful. If you ate it, you could count on getting a major stomachache within 2-3 hours. So, I started to make my own breakfast at home. Not much to look at, but it was ok. Here-try some!"

Gary took a fork full of scrambled eggs, a big bite of a piece of bacon and sipped some coffee.

"Boy…that coffee was hot!! The eggs and bacon are passable."

"What???" Cameron turned around to look at him since he was pouring himself some coffee.

Gary had this goofy grin on his face. Cameron knew he was kidding.

"Nice job there little brother. What am I going to do once you move? I'll have to come over early if I expect you to cook for me!"

"Be quiet and read the paper. I gotta split!"

"I thought you didn't have to be in until 8!"

"Right. But Carson is sending a car for me and it's due here in 10! I was going to ask you, but you were sound asleep AND snoring! So I called her!"

"Oh…now we get a 'car' sent for us! You certainly are getting accustomed to this aren't you?"

"And why shouldn't I?"

Gary didn't have an answer for that, so he responded the only was he could. He threw a wet dishrag at Cameron just missing him.

"Cute, Gary. Real cute." Cameron left and Gary went back to reading the box scores of last night's games.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carson and Amanda were ready when the models got there. Everyone other than Cameron was ushered into another studio. He was given his 'costume' and instructions. He couldn't see what was hanging behind the plastic covering the outfit but he figured these two women must know what they're doing.

About 15 minutes later, Cameron emerged from his dressing room. Both Carson and Amanda were astounded. He was just as they pictured him to be.

"Wait! Something's missing!" Amanda told Carson. She had the make-up artist put the finishing touches on Cameron and voila! He was ready!

Cameron looked himself over in the full-length mirror as Taj Perry set up the film for the shoot. He looked good and felt good.

Taj took a series of pictures they were planning on using, not only for the cover of Brava but for inside shots as well as possible billboards and well-placed ads. Then it was up to Amanda and her marketing staff to decide which would go where.

The rest of the day was filled with taking group photos and individual shots as well as those of the couples they had decided to use. Cameron and Janeen would be Antony and Cleopatra much to the chagrin on Amanda. She wasn't sure why, but she felt uncomfortable watching those photos being taken.

Around 6:45pm that evening, they were done. Exhausted, the models emerged from their dressing rooms tired but pleased with their work. Carson and Amanda were also pleased. They addressed the group.

"Once again, Carson has chosen the best to work with and I can tell you I am quite impressed with what you've accomplished today. You will need to come back tomorrow for some retakes, if that's necessary. Besides, I would love to show you what we've planned for the issue and what your part in promoting it will be."

Carson and Amanda applauded those standing in front of them. Janeen, again, took this as an opportunity to thank them both.

"I know I speak for all of us when I say this has been a dream come true. Thank you for the chance to work with you both."

Amanda shook her hand but wondered when this gushing would stop-not that she didn't appreciate it. But they were professionals and used to thank yous and kudos of their work.

Amanda said her good-byes to Carson and left quickly. Carson arranged for another visit tomorrow from Taj as the models left one by one.

"Janeen, up to a bite to eat?"Cameron asked.

"I would love to." Janeen answered picking up her bag and walking to the elevators.

"How 'bout Jeckyl and Hyde's? Sounds like a fun place and it's close by to my new place. I'll be moving in soon, if they approve me, or whatever they call it."

"Sounds perfect to me. And don't worry. That apartment is yours. You're as reliable as anyone I know."

Sheepishly, Cameron mumbled thanks as they left Brava.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before Cameron even had a chance to make it in to Gary's apartment and put his bags down, Gary just had to ask.

"So how did it go today? Is the high priced model humble enough to go out to eat with his older and wiser brother?"

"Older…maybe…..wiser…that's questionable!!! Thanks but I can't. I have other plans. Janeen and I are going out to Jeckyl and Hyde's. Care to join us?"

"Who is this Janeen now?"

"She's one of the models. We hit it off from the beginning."

"Now it's my turn to say thanks but no thanks. Amanda and I are catching a show and then a late dinner."

"You really like her, don't you?"

"Why shouldn't I? She's smart….she's gorgeous, but then again, you know that…..and I enjoy her company!"

"Then she's the lucky one!"

"How are you two getting along during these 'pretty boy' picture taking sessions?"

"Knock it off, Gar! I'm no 'pretty boy'! We get along just fine…after I laid down some ground rules…..I don't get to see her much. They're busy planning and deciding-she and Carson. We're in a totally different room changing, getting made up-which I hate-and taking pictures. Amanda comes in usually at the end of a shot."

"Hearing you talk you seem like an old pro at this already. I'm really sorry I can't meet Janeen. You like her?"

"She's ok."

"Just ok?"

"Just ok…for now…and that's all you need to know. Now I gotta hit the shower. I'm picking Janeen up in an hour!"

"My brother….soon to become a star…and the envy of all ……."

"Yeah…whatever!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amanda could barely sleep at all the night before. She had all these ideas of how to promote the Valentine's issue in her head. Yes, her marketing department came up with some equally adequate suggestions but she thought hers and Carson's were better. The board agreed.

By the time Carson arrived, Amanda had the schedule of events laid out on the boardroom table. Radio spots…interviews on local television with Carson and Taj…..Well-placed ads in local newspapers promoting the issue…and her favorite…..Billboards with little 'teasers' about the issue!

"This is looking good, my friend!" Carson chimed.

"I can't tell you when I was this enthused about anything."

"Oh I can!"

"YOU be quiet about that. Now……is Cameron still going to be on the cover?"

"He is. And he'll be on a billboard nearby…….pictured only from the chin up….in the mask of course!"

"Now if that doesn't catch every woman's eye I don't know what will!" Carson beamed.

"Then in another week……we do the one from the chin down….with the sword."

"Naturally!"

"Does he have ANY idea what's about to happen to him?"

"What do you think? He's a typical man…..doesn't think. Just wait. He won't realize what hit him until that billboard goes up and people start to talk."

Just then Paige buzzed Amanda to let her know Taj and the models were ready in the boardroom.

"Shall we?"

"We shall!" Amanda and Carson linked arms like schoolgirls and ran through her office and to the boardroom, stopping just short of the door.

Carson stopped her."Once we walk through that door, things will never be the same…for you and I…for them…..you sure you're ready for that?"

"Carson……I have been ready for this for as long as I can remember. Now let's not keep them waiting."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cameron kept to himself the next week or two. Amanda and Carson said it would take that long for everything to be finalized. When Gary wanted to know what Amanda had cooked up for the magazine issue, Cameron kept his mouth closed. All he would say is 'You'll see!"

Waiting was not something Cameron did well. Cassandra Martin did call and say he got the apartment so he kept busy trying to buy just the essentials. Gary continued to nudge him into planning his first big party, but Cameron insisted that he was not into that sort of thing just yet. Besides, he knew that Brava was planning a masquerade ball to launch the Valentine's issue and didn't want to detract from that.

Gary was planning to help Cameron move some of his personal belongings to his new place. They were on their way to the apartment when they had to stop at a red light. Cameron looked up.

In front of him was the billboard……all you could see was a man in a black hat…behind a mask…….he had a look of mystery in his eyes….and below the picture were the words….."Meet me in the February issue of Brava, on sale soon."

"That's me!" Cameron whispered.