Chapter 1
Chapter
One
If you’re like me, there are plenty of things you don’t like about yourself.
Take me, for example. I’m not crazy about how I chew on my fingernails when I get nervous—no matter how hard I try to break the habit.
Also, I’ve been known to splurge from time to time. You know … eat a pan of brownies when I’m stressed. Don’t judge.
The main thing I’m not crazy about right now is my profession.
That’s not entirely true. I love being able to write—and I especially love the anonymity that lets me say what I want, when I want. What I don’t love is the part where I make my living taking potshots at people.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s not like they don’t deserve it. Especially Axel Cox. The man thinks he’s a gift to the universe, and it doesn’t hurt my feelings to take him down a notch or two. Still, I never thought of myself as mean-spirited, but getting the scoop on him has turned me into exactly that.
If my parents knew what I write, they’d freak. Granted, they know I work for a secretive publication under a pen name. But they have no idea it’s more of a gossip column than what they would consider to be respectable journalism.
I look up from my desk as Harmony waltzes in, glossy blonde hair bouncing against her shoulders like she’s walking a runway instead of into an office.
“Good morning!” she chirps, all sunshine and sparkles.
I groan. “What’s so good about it?”
She only laughs. After depositing her designer purse and Starbucks cup—because of course it’s Starbucks—on her desk, she struts over and plops down in the chair across from mine.
Harmony’s the picture of fashion. Every outfit looks like it’s been curated by a stylist, and she’s got an effortless glow that rivals the people we write about at The See.
She’s our fearless leader—cheering us on and pulling things together behind the scenes.
I’m one of four reporters. Our team is small and lean, but we’re effective at what we do.
“So.” Crossing one leg over the other, Harmony trails her fingers through her perfect hair. “I’ve got something you’re going to be ecstatic about.”
“Really?” I lean back. “Let’s hear it.”
“You know how everyone’s dying to know why Axel Cox split from his band?”
“Yeah.” I sigh. “Don’t remind me. I’ve been shaking down trees for a month, but no one’s talking.”
“Guess who just landed the opportunity of a lifetime?”
“I’m afraid to ask.”
“Do you know Bianca Jackson?”
I search my brain. “Don’t think so.” Harmony knows everyone—or at least she thinks she does—and she assumes the rest of us do too.
“She’s Zoe Reynolds’ interior decorator.” Grinning from ear to ear, Harmony clasps her hands over one knee, showing off a candy-apple-red manicure.
I may not know who Bianca Jackson is, but you’d better believe I know all about Zoe Reynolds—Axel’s glamorous and famous blogger girlfriend. They’re often seen together at events. Zoe’s the perfect accessory—exactly the kind of eye candy a man like Axel would go for. “How does this involve me?”
She trills out a laugh. “You’re gonna love this.”
“Really? Something tells me this ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ is about to get messy.”
“You know it,” she utters in a low, bragging tone. “Bianca Jackson is helping Zoe put on a Christmas party at Axel’s house in Nashville.”
“O—kay.” I have no idea where this is headed.
She leans forward. “Guess who Bianca’s newest assistant is?”
I stare at her. “Can’t imagine.”
“You,” she trills out.
“Me?” I sit up straight.
“Yep. I called in a favor.”
My brows knit together. “What kind of favor?”
“Let’s just say Bianca owes me—big time.” Harmony grins like a cat who has cornered a mouse. “And now you’re her new assistant, which means you’ll be decorating Axel’s home for the Christmas party.”
My heart starts to pound.
Harmony’s practically glowing. “It’s the perfect setup. You’ll be in his house. You can get the inside scoop on why he split from the band. This could be huge for us. I’m talking front-page exclusive huge.” She splays a hand across the air.
I swallow, trying to process it all. “What if Axel recognizes me? We had band together, and I was friends with his little sister Cassie.” Harmony thinks my fixation with Axel came about because we grew up in the same town.
Thankfully, she doesn’t know my dirty little secret.
If Axel recognizes me and puts two and two together … it’s over.
“That’s highly unlikely. You look completely different now.”
“How do you know?” I harrumph. “We graduated five years apart.”
She lifts her chin. “I’ve seen pictures.”
Thank goodness I look different now. I hate thinking about that awkward, skinny girl with frizzy hair, coke-bottle glasses, and a metal mouth. “You know,” I hedge. “I’m not sure this is a good idea. There has to be another way to get the story.”
The corners of her glossy lips turn down. “There’s not. I thought you’d be jumping for joy. What’s wrong with you? Even if Axel does happen to recognize you, he won’t know that you’re Jovie Chord. He’ll think you’re a decorator’s assistant.”
“Won’t he think it’s strange that I just happen to be in Nashville?”
“No, not really. People move to new places all the time. It’ll be a happy coincidence. And that’s if he even recognizes you, which I highly doubt.”
“It’s just—with Christmas coming up, there’s a lot going on.
My mom’s in charge of the town benefit for the hurricane victims. You know what a big deal that is for everyone in Mt.
Pleasant. I promised to help.” Harmony’s also from Mt.
Pleasant. She knows how hard Hurricane Michael hit our little town.
She waves a hand. “Of course I know how important the benefit is … but you still have to work, like the rest of us. The sooner you get in and get the story, the faster you can go and help with the benefit.”
Before I can launch a rebuttal, she holds up a hand.
“Look, the bottom line here is that you’re being handed the opportunity of a lifetime.
Think about all the work you’ve put in to get this far.
This could be huge—a Jovie Chord exclusive.
And I’m handing it to you on a silver platter.
All you have to do is say yes.” She pins me with a look that makes me feel like a cornered rabbit.
“Fine,” I mutter. “So I’m supposed to decorate?”
“Yeah.” She waves a manicured hand like it’s nothing. “Evidently, Zoe has a thing for live trees. Bianca said they’ve shipped in over a dozen, and they all need decorating.”
“I’m not any good at decorating.”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh, please. How hard is it to string on a few lights? All you have to do is follow Bianca’s lead. You’ll be fine.”
I let out a long breath, knowing how this will end regardless of how much I fuss. Back in high school, Harmony was a cheerleader … not what I would’ve called manager material. However, as it turns out, she’s quite good at getting people to do what she wants. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
“Good.” She slaps her palm on the desk. “That’s what I like to hear. I’m looking forward to getting the full report.”
“When do I leave?”
“This afternoon. I already booked your ticket. First class. You’ll report to Axel’s house first thing in the morning.”
“Wait—what?”
“Relax. I got you an extended hotel, a rental car, and sent your number to Bianca. She’ll call you with the details.”
“I can hardly wait,” I say dryly.
“Mock all you want, but you’ll thank me when this is over and everyone’s singing Jovie’s praises.” Harmony throws me a sugary smile before sashaying back to her desk, leaving a trail of sophisticated perfume in her wake.