Page 12 of Billionaire's Fantasy
In hindsight, I am glad I didn’t tell him that the main reason I couldn’t join him for a swim was because I was scared of getting my hair too frizzy. I am scared to think what reaction he would have had to that.
And just when I had begun thinking that we could be friends, or at the very least, friendly, here he is again, being all judgmental. I watch his retreating form sullenly. I didn’t even get to admire his impeccable body or to explore the gorgeous tattoos scattered over his arms and chest. Like a bad fairytale retelling, the man had turned into a beast before I had my fill of him.
Why couldn’t we just get along? We just had a civil conversation without him bursting into flames. Why does he insist on making this so freaking hard?
I pick up my book from the spot where it had fallen, pack up my tote bag, and without taking any selfies, trot back to my room.
I hate that all interactions I have had with Jackson have ended up soured despite how well they start. I can’t seem to figure him out at all.
Before turning in for the night, I make sure my camera batteries are all connected to chargers.
***
I wake up in the luxurious king-sized bed at the Sands Resort in the Caribbean, feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep. The gentle, rippling surface of the pool casts a dreamy, pattern of lights across the ceiling, like a million sparkling diamonds. The sun is out and all I can see is blue sky and palm trees. Today is going to be a beautiful day.
Screw yesterday. I am Amber freaking Scott. I built a brand from nothing.
I am rebuilding it after losing it because of things beyond my control. I can do anything. I don’t care what Mike thought of me. I don’t care what some entitled, biased pilot thinks about me, either.
But one thing I do care about is my followers.
The first thing I do is reach for my phone to check my social media notifications. As an influencer, I need to stay connected with my followers.
I quickly realize that I forgot to charge my phone overnight, so I plug it in and decide to start my morning routine. In my hurry, I remembered to charge my camera batteries and forgot my phone.
I turn on my camera and vlog my morning routine, as I always do. First, I head to the bathroom and wash my face with a gentle cleanser. I love how the scent of lavender fills the room. I follow it up with a hydrating serum and moisturizer to give my skin a healthy glow. Not only does it look great on my skin, it also feels amazing.
Next, I move on to my hair. I brush it out and use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying it straight. As I’m filming, I notice a comment from one of my followers about my frizzy hair. I can feel my mood shift, and I start to feel self-conscious. I quickly apply some anti-frizz serum to my hair, hoping that it will tame the frizz.
After my hair is done, I move on to my makeup. I opt for a natural look, using a tinted moisturizer, bronzer, and mascara. I want to show my followers that I don’t need a full face of makeup to feel confident.
Sometimes I struggle to be myself. With all those followers watching my life, I feel a certain pressure. Deep inside I wish sometimes, I could just be who I am, without thinking what my followers will think. I shake the thought quickly, every job in this word has a downside. And in most professions, you pretend to be someone you are not. We all juggle between lives. Life at home with the family and life at work.
Once I’m ready, I head out of my room and take a stroll around the resort. I make sure to have my camera ready, streaming the beautiful scenery and showing off the resort’s amenities. As I’m walking, I see Jackson, but I choose to ignore him.
Last night proved that he indeed has no interest in being civil with me. Maybe staying out of each other’s way is the easiest and most guaranteed way we will both get to enjoy this trip.
Suddenly, I am seized with thoughts of how his body glistened after a dip in the pool, or in his case, several dips. I remember how the water droplets glided down his well-sculpted chest and arms and how the pool water reflected in the blue of his eyes.
I can already feel myself getting flustered, so I shake the thought away and briskly move on.
After my walk, I head back to the resort’s restaurant for breakfast. I order a healthy bowl of fresh fruit and yogurt, along with a green juice. I love starting my day with a healthy meal, and I want to show my followers that taking care of your body is important.
As I’m finishing up my breakfast, I receive a message from the resort manager, Mr. Rodriguez. He’s seen my vlogs and wants to do an interview with me about my stay at the resort. I’m thrilled and nervous at the same time. Even though I should be used to interviews and talking in front of the camera, I still get nervous every time. I actually love that part; it is a little adrenaline kick each time I turn the camera on. This was all supposed to happen yesterday, but I had to cancel because my camera was dead. The fact that he made it back this early is simply thrilling.
I quickly touch up my makeup so I can be camera ready and head to the designated meeting spot.
When I arrive, Mr. Rodriguez greets me with a warm smile and leads me to a private lounge area. He begins by asking me about my overall experience at the resort. I gush about how amazing everything has been and how impressed I am with the service and amenities.
He then asks me about my favorite part of the resort, and I can’t help but rave about the infinity pool. It’s simply stunning, and I’d spent most of my evening there, skipping the long nap part.
“This is such a beautiful place. It is a place I would like to be visiting again soon,” turning to the camera, I add, “You should, too.”
My string of nervousness is gone the moment I start talking. The rest of the interview goes smoothly and by the time we part ways, I have been reminded of why I create content for a living. It is all about meeting people and making connections.
Two hours later, my bags are all packed and I am dragging my belongings back into the airport ready for my next adventure.
As I am waiting for my go-ahead from Olivia, whom I am just now seeing since we landed, I receive a call notification. It is from my father.
