16. SIZZLING HOT
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 you so much.”
“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.
Suki and Olivia squealed, and put on “Paparazzi” to dance to as we got ready.
I pulled on my short black skirt and matching top, raked a brush through my hair, and applied my lip-plumping gloss. I’d bought it as a little gift to myself for winning the contract. I wouldn’t let it go to waste.
Sass slipped into a red mini dress and leaned closer to the mirror. I watched her apply another layer of mascara. I won’t be living here much longer. This is probably our last night out as roomies.
I tried to push the sobering thought to the back of my mind, but it was like trying not to cut myself on jagged glass. Living here with these girls had been my haven after moving to a new city alone.
They’d been my rock. They’re family. And now, Karlos had threatened that too.
As I watched my friends dancing around the room, getting ready for our night out, I beamed on the outside … but inside, something felt broken.
My dreams were ground into dust.
Tonight, I’ll be dancing with a broken heart.
***
KARSON
Savoring the feeling of the sun’s rays on my skin, I leaned back onto the bench seat on The Canoe. The memories I’d made with Ivy on the boat were the best I’d ever had.
These might be my last few moments here…
But selling was the right thing to do. And if Dyson’s new venture was as good as expected, I needed to move fast so I didn’t miss out.
The broker had called that morning. He thought he’d found a buyer. Selling would give me the resources to build something of my own… Away from Karlos. The thought brought me a sense of calm.
I spotted a small, slick-looking tender speeding toward the dock. It moved closer before coming to a stop. A dark-haired man wearing a navy-blue polo, white chinos, and tan-colored deck shoes waved at me.
“Karson?” he called out, tying off the vessel. “G’day, I’m Sebastian.”
“That’s me,” I yelled as he cut the motor. “Good to meet you, Sebastian.”
With a broad smile, he climbed aboard in one long stride and shook my hand vigorously.
I gestured for him to sit with me.
He pushed his Ray-Ban sunglasses up onto the top of his head and sat. Stretching back lazily, he faced me squarely. “Right. Shall we cut to the chase?” There was a gleam in his eye.
“Please,” I replied, waiting for him to continue.
“I’ve got you a buyer,” he said, handing me an envelope. “Officially, I’m advising you to hold out for a better offer. Unofficially, it’s a slow market for luxury boats, so if you need to sell, now’s your chance.”
I reached out and took the envelope. My fingers drummed against the thick white paper as I stared at it.
“It’s not even half of what she’s worth…” His gaze wandered around the boat. “Especially with the extensive list of features this beauty has. But it’s the best I can do at such short notice. Offer expires tomorrow.”
I ripped open the envelope, staring at the figure written on the paper inside…
An even million. Enough to escape my father. A smile spread over my face.
“I’ll take it, but with one condition. The funds need to be in the account I gave you by this afternoon. If they agree to that, we have a deal.”
He rose to his feet and reached for my hand, pumping it vigorously. “You really are in a hurry, aren’t you?”
“That’s the deal,” I replied.
“It won’t be a problem. I’m authorized to act on the buyer’s behalf. I’ll do the transfer myself when I get back to the office. Just sign here.” He said, pointing to the dotted line and passing me a pen.
I signed on the line and handed him the pen, then passed over the main key fob.
“Pleasure doing business with you, Karson.” He stepped into the tender, papers and key in hand. “Leave the other key with the marina reception after you say your goodbyes.” He unhitched the ropes from the dock. “Congratulations, Karson. You have a small fortune.”
I grinned. “Thanks, Sebastian.”
The motor roared to life, and he shot across the glittering harbor like an arrow, leaving a foaming wake behind him.
Walking around the deck, I gazed at the helm, lost in memories.
Ivy and I had spent so many beautiful moments standing here on our voyage. I pictured her laughing as the wind whipped through her hair.
She’d played some of her favorite songs for me, and we’d danced around the deck. After she learned the ropes, she’d taken the helm, guiding us through the waves.
And one morning, when Dyson joined us for breakfast, he and Ivy had bonded over their mutual hatred of peanut butter. I’d take those memories with me.
The thought of making new ones together made me smile.
I stepped off the boat onto the dock. “Bon voyage, baby,” I whispered, then walked briskly to the marina office, leaving the key with them.
After making my way out onto the street, I found a cab. As the driver entered the destination, I took out my secret phone and opened Discord.
KARSON: Sold! I should be able to get the startup funds to you in the next 48 hours.
A ripple of pleasure ran through me. I hadn’t figured everything out yet, but I was getting closer.
I could hardly wait to get home and video call Ivy.
We hadn’t talked since yesterday morning.
She’d probably had a crazy busy day. I wanted to hear all about the first day of her new contract and share my good news.
The phone pinged in my hand. That’ll be Dyson, congratulating me.
IVY: I lost the contract.
My heart lurched. I gripped the phone so tightly I thought it might crack.
Loosening my grip, I hit Call.
Ivy answered and explained in a panic that someone had bribed one of the contestants to accuse her of cheating. She told me, between sobs, that they’d canceled her contract and revoked the prize money.
I let out a guttural roar as I kicked the seat in front of me.
The driver glared at me in the mirror. “Hey, buddy, watch the car.”
“Sorry, man, sorry,” I said, holding up my hand apologetically.
The mystery caller had to be my father. Who else would want to hurt Ivy?
He was a monster. A complete fucking monster.
Where will this end? A scalding heat boiled through my veins. Hasn’t he done enough to hurt her? To hurt me?
I fought the urge to go straight to his office, tear his precious painting off the wall, rip it to shreds, and take a crowbar to his supercar collection.
I wanted to burn down his entire empire. Destroy him.
But all I could do was avoid angering him. Until I found a way out, I was his prisoner. As I clenched my free hand, my nails bit into my skin—
“Karson,” Ivy whispered, “are you still there?”
“Fuck. Sorry, Ivy, I lost it for a minute. This is too much. I’m so sorry for what he’s done. I’m going to make this right. The bastard’s going to pay.”
“It’s not your fault,” she gasped. “But I don’t know how much more of this I can take.”
“I understand. But I promise I’m going to fix it, Firefly.”
“I miss you,” she breathed huskily. “I swear it wouldn’t hurt so much if we were together.” The pain in her voice cut me like a scalpel.
“Soon, we’ll be together,” I vowed. “I’ve sold the boat. I’m investing the money in Dyson’s venture, but I’m saving some as well. Ivy, use the money I gave you. Just tell me if you need more. I’m so sorry.”
“That’s great news, Karson,” she said, sounding tired. “Sorry, I’m just in a bit of shock.”
I wanted to be there, to ease the burden Karlos had inflicted. To hold her, to feel her against me. “I love you, Firefly. Don’t forget that.”
“I love you too. So much.”
“Ivy, we’re going to get through this. That’s a promise.”
“I hope you’re right. But I have to go now. Let’s talk later.” She hung up after we said goodbye.
Rage surged through me. I couldn’t take this anymore, not when he kept hurting Ivy like this. I was going to put a stop to his madness. Escape his control…
And protect Ivy from his reach.
***
IVY
A wall of sticky, French fry–scented air hit me as I pushed open the door to Sizzling Hot.
The stale heat enveloped me as I walked over to the counter, swiping hot beads of sweat from my forehead.
So, that’s why this place is called Sizzling Hot. A small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.
The staff carried trays of food and drinks through the rows of tables, wearing black hot pants and matching crop tops.
A girl who fit the description Sass gave me—dark wavy hair, brown eyes, and tanned skin—flashed me a bright smile. “Hey, what can I get ya?”
“Hi, I’m looking for Miki,” I replied, returning her smile.
“That’s me! You must be the girl Sass was telling me about. She said you might drop by. Ivy, right?”
“I am.” I nodded. “Good to meet you.”
“Same.” Her gaze rested on me as she wiped down a table. “So, you need some work?”
“Yeah, I’m between jobs right now. If you have something, that’d be amazing.”
“You sure you want to work here?” Her eyes creased at the corners as she smiled. “I don’t. I’m just here until I finish my diploma. But I get that there aren’t a lot of jobs around at the moment. There are always far too many applicants for the ones that come up.”
“Exactly. And I need to pay my rent, so if you have anything, I’ll take it.” I crossed my fingers behind my back.
“Dan, the manager here, is really nice. He isn’t in today, but I told him you might come in. He agreed to give you a trial.”
“That’s great! Thank you so much.”
“All good, babe, but one girl just called in sick.” She tilted her head. “Any chance you could start now?”
I opened my mouth to agree when she signaled me to follow her and stepped into the storeroom behind the counter.
“These should fit.” She tossed me some hot pants and a crop top. “You can get changed in the bathroom.” We walked out of the storeroom. “I’ll meet you back out here and show you the ropes. And thanks, Ivy, you’re getting me out of a bind here.”
I smiled and inspected the uniform more closely. It was tiny. But I’d walked countless runways in a bikini for a living. I could handle this.
“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.