Chapter Twenty-Three
TABITHA
Iscroll through the comments to one of the latest posts from the brand. Several of us have been quietly reacting to the occasional comment—the brand’s idea. They haven’t officially announced the partnership or what is planned, but they’re hoping it will get people questioning things.
Considering I’m being tagged in someone’s story within minutes, as well as others, it’s safe to say their plan is working.
I bite back a smile. This is exciting. Everyone wants to know what’s going on. There will be a dozen influencers at this event. Most of them I’m already friends with online, but I’ve only collaborated with a few of them.
It’s a welcome distraction to put work first again. Something to keep me busy. Even on this direct flight. I’m not sitting next to Archie or any of the bodyguards, they’re sort of split in two groups on the flight. I’m sitting next to Max, who is also working on his phone.
“Is it true the brand is paying for the extra security?” Max whispers next to me. He doesn’t even look up from his phone.
“I think they hired additional security.” I keep my voice low. “My house got broken into again. It was while we were at the premiere two weeks ago. I haven’t set foot in my house since. I’ve basically been under twenty-four-seven security.”
I don’t bother telling him where I’ve been.
“How are things going with your bodyguard?” He teases.
“He’s just my bodyguard.”
“Ouch.” Max turns to face me and gives me a look that says he doesn’t believe me.
It feels wrong to comment on my relationship with Archie when I don’t even know what’s going on between us.
Although talking to a friend might be helpful.
“We were friends growing up, but now? Now, we’re basically strangers.
He’s only here to do a job. As far as we’re both concerned, there’s nothing more.
” The last part sounds like a lie, even to myself.
Max’s eyes soften. “You know we can talk about it. If you want.”
“We sort of got into an argument. We haven’t been close since we were kids, and life happens.” Max nods for me to continue. “We’re not the same people we were. There’s nothing there.” Because there can’t be. It would never work.
I know I’m lying to myself, but if it’s what I need to do to stay focused on the future, I’ll do it.
Before the divorce, I’d made the mistake of opening up about my childhood crush to Max.
We’ll blame it on too many glasses of wine.
I became an open book. It’s easy to talk about the past when it has nothing to do with the present.
I can’t live in the past anymore, though.
No regrets. I have to keep moving forward.
“Do I pretend he’s not even here?”
“No, you can talk to him. You can interact with any of them. I don’t see them having to do much other than stand around and watch us dance around in costumes.” I laugh. “All four of them.” I shake my head.
The brand hired more security, not that it’s a bad thing.
It just means Archie really won’t be like my friend, not while we’re around others.
Back at my house or the clubhouse, things were different.
But with how we left things, I don’t know if we can even be friends.
Maybe this is for the best. We can’t be anything other than what’s going to happen for this weekend.
I plug my headphones in and zone out to a podcast as I wait for the rest of the flight to be over. It won’t be much longer now, and I can distract myself with the others.
Everyone’s flights were arranged so we would arrive around the same time. After several shouts of excitement and hugs in greeting, we were on the way to the house being provided for the weekend.
It didn’t take long for all of us to be together before we were capturing pictures and videos. We’re not allowed to share anything yet. Nothing that shows behind the scenes of what we’re doing until the official announcement from the brand this evening. We could—however—be discreet.
It’s already resulted in a few funny clips floating around the internet of our shoes on the same carpet or tile at the airport. A few people have guessed correctly, we just can’t confirm yet.
“Welcome! Welcome!” We’re greeted as we step out of the limo.
The mansion is expansive. Good God! I was expecting a large house, not this towering building that greets us. It’s a far cry from our early collaborative efforts when we’d be in hotel rooms of conventions and tiny houses we would rent.
As we make our way inside, I’m not sure where to look first. My boots are quiet on the shiny marble floor.
Huge windows let in natural light in every room, most of which also have high ceilings.
One room is set up with a large table with boxes of makeup and accessories.
Another table is set up with chairs that have our names embroidered on the backs of them.
There is so much swag, I can barely contain my excitement.
This is going to be an epic and memorable weekend; I can already tell.
“Upstairs, you’ll find all the bedrooms. We put your names on the doors and dropped off extra goodies inside of them.
The kitchen is stocked with drinks and snacks; dinner is being catered this evening.
For now, we’ll leave you all to unwind and visit.
” A lady in a navy blue blazer smiles before turning to the obvious security and speaks quietly.
“Your rooms are labeled BG upstairs. I put one next to Ms. Grimaldi’s; the others are spread out near both ends of the hall.
There’s also an extra office down here that has access to the security system and neighborhood security.
You all are welcome to set up there. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
I’ve left my number in the security office.
” Her smile lingers a little too long on Archie.
I shake the thought from my mind. It’s probably nothing. I turn and walk to the kitchen where a few others are digging into snack trays and pouring drinks. I grab a bottle of water.
“Tabitha Grimaldi.” A warm voice speaks from across the counter.
I smile. “Luke Keller.” I move to walk over to him.
Even though we saw each other on the ride over, it’s been a lot to take in.
We hug and I’m surprised how much shorter he is in person.
Luke is barely an inch taller than me, I thought he’d be taller.
He has gorgeous red hair that curls a little at the top.
A dusting of freckles across his face bring out his boyish charm.
His bright green eyes widen as he looks at me through his glasses.
“Wait, is this the first time you guys are meeting?” Jill asks. She brushes a piece of her brown hair behind her ear. “As many times as you guys have interacted online, I seriously thought you already knew each other.”
“We seem to keep missing each other.” I laugh.
“Until now.” Luke’s smile is warm and friendly. “It’s so good to finally meet you in real life.”
“Same.” I grin.
Luke is one of the few I’ve interacted with regularly. We have some of the same online friends. We have also worked with the same brands, just never at the same time—until now.
“Archie who?” Max mutters under his breath.
I ignore his comment. Luke and I are just friends—coworkers. We get flirty when in character, but it’s just an act. Sure, he’s good-looking, but I don’t even want to think about getting into another relationship. I’ve got enough going on.
“I have an idea—” Eric enters the kitchen with a handful of wigs.
We take turns as we put on wigs, spinning around as the lens zooms in and captures split seconds of our faces. It’s the start of many videos that are made before we finally settle in for dinner.
The brand posts the official announcement after dinner. Laughter is heard all around as we share and spread the news. It’s going to be a fun weekend. It’s just the thing to take my mind off both my ex and Archie.