“He recognized me. From my pictures. I’ve been a clothing model since I was a kid. But I’ve quit all that now. I never liked the life. So I’m trying to just enjoy being a student. I couldn’t go anywhere in New York without people wanting my autograph, wanting money, wanting me to use my influence to get them or a friend a photo shoot, wanting to hit on me. I’ve had it with all that. It’s the price of fame, as they say. It was a way of making a living. The only way I’ve ever had to make a living.”
He pushed the plate of fries toward Ray. After Ray had helped himself, Jesse took one. They munched companionably together for a moment. Then Jesse continued, “Now I can afford to get an education. And that’s what I’m doing.”
“Wow! So you’re a celebrity.”
The waiter came back with their beer. I
