Page 15 of Hawaii Can Suck It

I resist the urge to snort. This from the woman who once made me reshoot her “natural” wake-up routine because her morning breath wasn’t “authentic enough.” Yes, that’s a direct quote. No, I have no clue what it means either.

“I just couldn’t do it anymore.” Astrid’s voice trembles perfectly. “That’s why I’m having a freedom sale!” Her emotional U-turn gives me whiplash. “Fifteen percent off my entire Bad Ass Bitches collection because no queen should have to pay full price for—”

Reece’s thumb stabs at the screen, cutting off Astrid mid-pitch. “How bad is it?” he growls, his voice low and dangerous.

Gordon tugs at his tie so hard, I’m worried he’ll actually strangle himself. “Well, you’re hemorrhaging followers. We’ve lost two major sponsors, and Astrid’s fans are organizing an online takedown. I won’t read you the comments, but her army of queens wants your head on a rhinestone-encrusted platter.”

I peek over my laptop as Reece leans back, resting against the headrest and closing his eyes. For a moment, he doesn’t say anything, and I swear the pressure in the limo could pop a tire. Then he exhales sharply, his hands balling into fists. “She’s controlling the narrative.”

“Exactly,” Gordon says, snapping his fingers. “Which is why you need to get ahead of this. Hawaii is perfect for damage control.”

Reece’s eyes snap open. “I’m not going to Hawaii.”

“The fuck you aren’t. You’ve got a contract, Reece. They’re paying big bucks for you to promote the resort.”

“Another goddamn contract.” Reece’s laugh sounds like shattered glass. “I’m so fucking sick of contracts controlling my life.”

Gordon slips into his smooth-talking persona faster than I can say “sponsored content.” “It’ll be good for you! We’ll film some healing-your-broken-heart videos. The fans will eat that shit up.” He waves his hands as if he’s conducting an orchestra of bullshit. “Get a massage. Fuck a few locals. Really lean into that wounded-but-still-fuckable energy.”

I feel Reece’s eyes burning a hole in the side of my head, but I maintain my best statue impression.I am one with the editing software. I am invisible. I am definitely not thinking about him getting massages or fucking locals or—

“I should stay and handle this mess,” Reece argues.

“That’s what I’m for,” Gordon counters. “I’ll manage the companies. You’re the face of the brand, and thatfaceneeds to be in Hawaii making our sponsors happy.”

Reece leans forward, his elbows on his knees, dragging his hands through his hair with a heavy exhale. “Goddammit.”

“And we’re here!” Gordon announces.

I follow his gaze. A private airfield looms ahead, complete with sleek jets parked like overgrown toys for billionaires.

Reece lets out a sharp laugh, a cackle with zero humor behind it. “I never had a choice, did I?”

“Come on, superstar!” Gordon claps like a seal demanding fish. “Shake it off!” Then his attention is a precision drone, locking onto me. “Camera girl! Is that video ready or what?”

I keep my headphones firmly in place, focused on my screen. Two years of dealing with influencer drama has taught me when to play deaf.

“CAMERA GIRL!”

“Sorry, I was editing.” I slide my headphones down around my neck.

“The video done?”

“Ready to upload. Only thing left is a title.”

“Wedding Shocker: Groom Gets Ditched—See His Epic Meltdown!”

“Yeah,” Reece says, shoving open the limo door. “Make sure the video’s monetized. We wouldn’t want my public humiliation to go to waste.”

“Great, there’s Wi-Fi on the jet. Time to go, you two!” Gordon says.

“Wait.” I jolt up. “You’re not dropping me off at LAX for my flight?”

“You’re skipping TSA today,” Gordon snaps. “G-Thorne needs you on that plane. Keep editing promo pieces. We need Reece to be seen as either a victim or a hero… or both.Comprende?”

I step out and the blast of LA heat hits me like a hair dryer. My camera bag weighs heavily on my shoulder as I grab my suitcase—the one packed with dreams of beach sunsets and tropical cocktails just this morning.

Gordon pulls Reece’s suitcase as they walk toward the jet. “Plenty of places to pull stunts in paradise! We’ll make it a whole heartbreak series!” His eyes spark with inspiration. “How about: Eating My Feelings Challenge!”

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