Nina is next.

I paused briefly.

"Oh, no; I completely understand," I told her honestly. "I'm a total stranger, but Brooklyn is a coworker and a friend. You have to be sure she's safe if there's ever so much as a question."

Nina said nothing, but nodded.

Even though I got the feeling that we BOTH felt better, the next few minutes were full of nothing but an awkward silence.

Luckily, Nina broke it.

"I have an idea!" she said, raising a finger, and showing me a bright smile that I can only assume was natural. "Since you have told me that Brooklyn is busy tonight, why don't you give me some time, and we can have dinner somewhere together?"

There was another brief awkward silence, as I honestly couldn't believe that one of the models had suggested spending time with me, in a public place, when NEITHER of us would be making any money for it.

However, I immediately told myself that I would have to be some kind of idiot to turn that down.

"Sounds good to me," I said honestly.

"Great," she said, and the smile returned.

"I'll make the reservation, and call you with the info,... Since I already have your phone number," I told her, hoping that the ending didn't frighten her.

"Right," she said simply, chuckling.