Chapter 57
Kirsten
@redheadsrockkk, TikTok
Is it just me or is Ella Hart’s later content way cooler than all those embarrassing dance routines she did before? #findElla
As I read the new message from Blake, I imagine a door opening, and a glimmer of sunlight shining through the gap.
Sorry, totally my bad. Crazy busy with Berlin Fashion Show. I can’t remember where we left things. Is Maple still keen to meet in Vegas?
So Blake had forgotten about my request. I obviously need that information before Maple can meet her in person (especially with Maple being so demanding about that), but I don’t want to sound all officious by repeating the question straight away.
Maybe I should suggest doing our first meeting virtually, like Maple said, and get those details more organically. I start to type.
Maple would LOVE that, but she has a sinus infection at the moment and can’t fly. Could we do a Zoom thing instead?
The response is instant, but it’s not what I was hoping for.
Sorry to hear that, please give Maple my best. And there’s no hurry – we can arrange something when she’s better.
Dammit. I click my tongue so loudly that the bartender looks up.
He must think that I’m trying to get his attention, because he nods at my now-empty glass, and for some reason I nod back.
I watch him place a third vodka and soda in front of me.
This will get me drunk. There will be consequences if I drink it.
But Maple and Garrett have already caused terrible consequences for me, so why should I hold back?
I take a gulp and refocus on my phone.
I need to get Maple in front of Blake, somehow.
And Jesus, my daughter owes me after all the trouble she’s caused.
But it looks like it’s going to take time, especially with all this Ella Hart drama going on, which means I need to keep Blake sweet.
I type again, the new message looking blurrier than the last.
That’s kind, thank you. Hopefully she’ll be better soon. I’ll be in touch, but do let me know if there’s anything I can help with in the meantime.
Blake doesn’t respond so quickly this time, and I wonder if this is it. If she’s already lost interest again. I stare at my phone and sip my drink and pray for it to light up. And finally, it does.
We would like some insight into how Maple’s bone structure will develop in the next few years. Could you possibly send some photos of Maple growing up? Unfiltered, natural. Holiday snaps would work. Thanks.
Bone structure? Wow, modeling is so scientific these days.
And holiday pictures are easy; I’ve got albums for all our different trips.
I switch to photos and choose a selection.
Camping in Zion National Park when Maple was seven and eight, Oak Creek Canyon at nine, then Bear Lake when she was eleven and twelve.
I send them over to Blake, a little giddy now, or drunk maybe.
And I get a two-word message back – Thank you.
I sit back, pleased with myself. For taking the initiative.
But suddenly I remember that I still don’t have the name of Blake’s modeling agency. I quickly type another message, my fingers more slippery on my screen now, and wait.
But it seems that Blake’s gone dark on me again.