Page 46 of Paparazzi Perfect
But she lurched toward me. I flinched when her lips collided with mine. As she reeled unsteadily to one side, my arms flew up to stop her from falling. After steadying her, I stepped away.
Out of reach.
When she staggered in my direction, I placed my hand under her elbow and led her back inside. I shielded my eyes with the back of my hand, wincing as the flashes lit up the night around us.
That’s just great. Their stupid photos will be everywhere. Ivy’s totallygoing to see them.
Fuck you, Karlos.
Scowling, I sat Bella down in a chair. “I’m leaving. And to be completely clear, we’renottogether, Bella.”
She stared at the floor, a single tear trickling down her cheek, smudging the star.
“You know what, Bella?” I took a step back, then reached out and tucked a finger under her chin, tipping her face up until she looked at me. “Webothdeserve to be with someone because we love them, not because they’ll make good headlines, or because it’s what our parents want.”
“You have no idea what it’s like.” She clamped her lips shut for a few seconds. “Daddypaidmy last boyfriend, Pedro, to never talk to me again. He said he wasn’t suitablefor someone like me. Then Pedro ghosted me. I only found out what he did because my friends told me. It was humiliating… and I miss him. I loved him.” She let out a small sob.
“Believe me, Bella, I know how it feels. But I’m not giving up on getting what I want. And neither should you. The only person who gets to decide who’s good enough for you is you.”
“You really think so?” Her smile reappeared. “Thanks, Karson,” she said, wiping away her tears.
I nodded goodbye, then wove hastily through the lavishly dressed crowd, pushing open the door to the pickup area.
Gus waved at me from the car as I hurried down the stairs.
A wall of flashes erupted. “Karson! How long have you and Bella been dating? Are you going to make it official?”
“Get the camera out of my face,” I snapped, tearing along the red carpet and pushing through a sea of reporters, before throwing myself into the back seat.
“Gus!” I slammed the door behind me, almost crushing a pushy photographer’s finger as he grabbed at it. “Get me out of here. Now.”
***
IVY
I was lying on the couch, licking ice cream from my spoon and staring blankly at an episode ofFriends, “The One with the Embryos,” when I became aware of three pairs of eyes on me.
Olivia, Sass, and Suki exchanged a look.
“Ivy, this is your favorite episode,” Olivia said, “and you haven’t even smiled once, that’s just wrong.”
“Girl, you’ve been bed-rotting for nearly two weeks!” Sass added, removing the spoon from my hand. “Karson’s a total jerk for what he did to you.” She drew her eyebrows together. “But babe, you’re going to be afeaturedmodel in the Adore Designs campaign. You need to pull it together for the shoot.”
I sighed and covered my face with my hands. How was I ever going to be ready for that when I could barely get off the couch?
“She’s right,” Suki jumped in. “You deserved way better than that.” With crossed arms, she gave me a hard stare. “And you’re going to get it with your new contract. Don’t let Karson’s betrayal ruin that.”
My mouth turned up in one corner as I attempted to smile. “You’re right,of courseyou’re right—both of you.”
“Attagirl.” Sass smiled. “There’s only a few days until the shoot, so I’ve booked us in for a facial and a full-body treatment to help you get ready.”
“There’s nothing like a spa day to make you feel better,” Suki said.
“Exactly. And I’m taking you out dancing tonight,” Sass added. “Before you say anything, no isnotan option. Time to get back up, girl.” She took my hands in hers and pulled me up off the couch.
“Suki and me would’ve come with you, but we’re working late tonight,” Olivia said, pushing out her bottom lip.
“It’s all good. Thanks, guys. Maybe you’re on to something.”
