Page 65 of Paparazzi Perfect
“You’ll learn how everything works around here in no time,” Miki said. “The main thing Dan insists on is that we make the customers feel welcome, so they’ll come back again.”
“Got it. I’ll just get changed.” I started for the bathroom, then stopped and turned back. “Oh, and Miki? Thanks. I really need this.”
“All good.” She took a few steps, then glanced over her shoulder and gave me a thumbs-up. “I like you already.”
I gave her a grateful smile.
At least she seems nice. And this job is better than nothing… until I can figure something else out.
I took in the worn interior, clutching my new uniform and headed toward the bathroom.
17
TROUBLE
DIARY ENTRY
Things have been bad with Karson’s out-of-control father.
He threatened Katarina into accusing me of cheating in the contest, now I’ve lost my modeling contract. He destroyed the most amazing thing that ever happened to me. Honestly, who the hell is this guy?
With my name ruined in the industry, and no prize money, I had to get a job in a bar, Sizzling Hot. It’s not the dream job, but I’m grateful to have it.
Sass helped me get it. She knows a girl who works there, Miki, who’s become a good friend. I told her about all the crazy stuff that’s been happening.
I wasn’t sure what to think for a while after one of the other girls at work told me to watch out for Miki. She said she wasn’t always what she seemed.
I asked Miki about it, but she said the two of them had a spat a few months ago and the girl just had it in for her. But Miki’s been good to me, so I’m not going to judge her based on gossip.
Like me, Miki was scraping for cash and needed a cheaper place to live. When she suggested we look for something together, I jumped at the chance. We’ve just moved into a studio together.
The place is so tiny it’s not ideal—there’s basically zero privacy. But it’s way less rent than either of us were paying before, so it’s a win!
I miss Karson. Talking on the phone isn’t the same. I’ve got no clue when I’ll see him again. His father watches everything. Karson’s like a prisoner.
I hope he figures out a way for us to be together soon, and we can finally be safe from his toxic father.
Time for work.
Ivy x
KARSON
Day one of the two-week semester break arrived. With a scowl, I pulled on the suit that Karlos had instructed me to wear for my first day working at SolStar. I was playing along, obediently.
After he’d so ruthlessly sabotaged Ivy’s modeling contract, I knew I had to be extra careful not to anger him further. He had zero respect for me or for what I wanted. I was nothing more to him than a puppet he controlled.
Like a pawn, I was there for him to use to his own advantage. He was clearly comfortable doing whatever it took to keep me in my place. But I couldn’t live like this forever. I needed to be free to make my own decisions and escape his grip before he caused any more carnage.
I aimed the lens at the mirror on the back of my door and took a selfie.
KARSON: In costume for my first day. Miss you Firefly xx
I stared at myself glumly in the mirror until my phone pinged, snapping me out of my rut. A selfie of Ivy in her new uniformflashed up on the screen, my gloom shifted into delight.
IVY: Hot! At least you won’t have customers staring at your boobs all day. Miss u too, gotta get back to work or I won’t have a job!Good luck today xxx
I replied with some laughing emojis and hearts, then slid my secret phone into the inner pocket of the new designer briefcase that Karlos’s driver had delivered to the house. It was full of documents for me to read to prepare for my holiday stint in the office.
