Page 61 of Paparazzi Perfect
After paddling out, we floated over the rolling waves and waited for the next clean break.
16
SIZZLING HOT
IVY
When Sass arrived home from work, she wanted to know why I was back so early, so I filled her in on how the contract had blown up in my face.
“It’s totally ridiculous, Ivy.” Sass stared at me. “Karson’s dad is friggin’ crazy. It’s no wonder Katarina caved. She’s no match for him. Mind you, she’s no angel and probably wouldn’t have taken too much coaxing.”
“He left her with little choice. She was pretty freaked out… and no wonder. She doesn’t even know the full extent of who she was dealing with,” I replied, my shoulders slumping.
“Are you sure you don’t want to apply for some other modeling jobs?” she continued hopefully. “Maybe that Veronica was full of it. Surely you can get another contract.”
I looked at her miserably. “I’ve already called a few places. As soon as I told them my name, it was game over. One agency disconnected the call, another just laughed openly. I’m untouchable now.”
“That was such a dick move she pulled.” She arched her perfectly shaped eyebrows. “I know how important that contract was to you. But maybe this could create a new opportunity? You told me that before modeling, you were dead keen on being a pro surfer. It’s not completely out of reach, is it? This could be your chance to rediscover your old dreams.”
“Yeah, before modeling that was the dream, but building a career in surfing is a slow burn. It’s a good idea, I just don’t have the luxury of time right now.” Tears stung my eyes. “And I’ll—” I cleared my throat. “I’ll need to find a cheaper place to live.”
“Ivy, no! I don’t want you to move. We’re family, we’ve got your back. Stay here as long as you need,” she said.
The knot in my stomach sat heavy, but I’d decided. I needed somewhere cheaper, and I wanted to avoid using the money Karson had given me. He may need it later, and who knew what was coming next? Karlos had shown he’d stop at nothing and was capable of anything.
Swallowing hard, I pushed my hands into my pockets. “I don’t want to go,” I said softly. “But I can’t stay here and let you carry me. Thanks for the offer though. You know you’re the best, right?”
“Well, yeah, obviously, babe.” Sass smiled cockily.
We burst into a fit of laughter, barely coming up for breath for a good minute. Then, when she grinned at me again, we dissolved into another round of giggling.
“Girl.” She drew in a breath, suddenly serious. “I’ll miss yousomuch.”
“Same, babe.”
“You know, maybe I can help. A friend of a friend works at a bar called Sizzling Hot. She mentioned the other day that they’re looking for staff. If you’re interested, go in and ask for Miki. She’s about this tall,” she said, holding her hand level with her mouth, “and has long dark hair. It’s not exactly the dream job … but it’s better than nothing, I guess.”
“Thanks so much, Sass. I’ll check it out.”
Suki and Olivia came out of their rooms and sat with us. I’d told them both the news earlier. Suki cried with me, and Olivia threatened to go find Veronica and teach her a lesson.
I laughed and thanked her before explaining that having Olivia behind bars was not on my bucket list. My arms hung slackly at my sides. That morning, my dreams had been coming true.
Now Karlos had taken that from me I had no idea what to do. For so long, my focus had been on making it as a model.
That seems impossible now.
With a flick of his hand, he’d crushed me, molding my life as if it were clay, then turning the heat up to furnace level.
But once clay comes out of the fire… it can be glazed and polished into something beautiful. I had to believe that somehow, some way, I’d find my path again.
“I wish you didn’t have to go, Ivy,” Suki murmured, running a hand through her hair.
We all fell silent until Olivia spoke. “Guys, come out tonight. I’m meeting Lila a bit later.”
It sounded like the perfect distraction. The last thing I wanted, or needed, was more bed-rotting. I was done with that.
As I caught Sass’s eye, we nodded in silent agreement.
