Page 46 of Beneath the Fame

(snatches Kami by the neck, dragging her up to him. He’s right on the edge of a rage.)

Don’t you ever imply I don’t care about that little girl. She’s blood, and I don’t know what you got going on, but that means something to me.

Kami

(pulls a gun from her waist, aiming it at Jude’s gut.)

Then cut out the bitch fit and make yourself useful. Help me find her.

Of course Shannon was fine—she’dused her cell phone and booked a ride share service to take her to the cemetery where her parents were buried. We were on location for that scene, versus the houses and businesses where sets were built out on the WAWG lot.

Going on location was always exciting.

And getting to work with Alec at the same time was just…a perfect dollop of whipped cream on top of the pie.

I went home on a major high that night—disappointed to be spending it in my own bed since Alec had an early call time and intense scenes the next day, so needed to actually rest—but still, just…bouncy.

And that bouncy mood prevailed through dinner on the phone with Teagan, relaying a bit more of what I shared with Elodie. She was excited for me too and didn’t miss the chance to tease me about the potential of “being turned into a housewife after all, no matter what the clichés say.”

I got off the phone, giggling my way into the shower,stillfeeling good as I climbed into bed.

Only for my screen to light up with a call from Annie.

Ugh.

“What the hell do you want?”I groaned,beforeI hit the answer button. Nothing was keeping me from repeating that same sentiment to her, since she’d annoyed the hell out of me the last time I talked to her.

But, I felt like it was probably better to keep the peace.

So instead, I settled for a simplehello, keeping my tone neutral.

The exact opposite of her reply.

“Van, I…think I kinda fucked up,” she blurted, sounding frantic.

I sat up, frowning. “Okay…in what way?”

“Well…I was having dinner with my contact at…well, that doesn’t matter. You know how I have to make and maintain relationships with these bloggers, right? That’s how I keep my people’s name in the spotlight.”

“What did you do, Annie?”

“It wasn’t supposed to be like, a business thing. Nothing on the record, just schmoozing, having a few drinks. Almost like friends.”

“Annie.”

“I may have,kinda…confirmed you and Alec. But like I said, it wasn’t supposed to be an official thing, I was just talking!”

“About me.About my private business,” I hissed,infuriatedby the way she was trying to downplay it. “You told them not to run anything about it, right? Call them, and offer…hell, whatever they want. An exclusive interviewmuch later,a bag, jewelry, whatever. Before it’s too late!”

Annie’s lack of response made a weird feeling creep up my spine. “Is it…alreadytoo late?”

“I’m sorry, Van, I?—”

“No, you’re not,” I said, interrupting before she could try to bullshit me. “You purposely waited until it was out already to call me, didn’t you?”

“I just got busy, and I?—”

“Oh girl, fuck you,” I snapped, shaking my head. “You didn’t getbusy. And I bet this wasn’t some accident either. Tell me the damn truth—you did this on purpose, didn’t you?”

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