Page 163 of Damaged Mogul
I purse my lips together, suppressing a snappy remark from spilling out.
I hated all the bells and whistles his tech team added to my old phone. No way are they getting their hands on this one. I’ll conveniently forget to do what he tells me.
“You should’ve told me sooner you had lost your phone,” he says.
I was tempted not to tell him at all, but I had no choice when I decided to extend my stay in LA. Even though I hadn’t heard a word from my father, I figured I’d warn him since he’s footing the bill. Four extra nights at the Pompadour Hotel don’t come cheap.
“You made no effort to text or call. You didn’t even call the hotel to find out if I had landed safely and if I was still alive. I was the last thing on your mind. As usual.”
“Things have been extremely busy.” He booms his response in his don’t fuck with me voice. “Chandler requires my attention. We’re organizing a party at the house out East in the next few weeks.”
“The Hamptons? You’re pulling out the big guns.”
“It’s the perfect setting to fan excitement around your brother’s candidature for the mayor’s position and get people enthused at the idea of backing him up.”
Funny how Chandler is mybrotherwhen it’s convenient.
“In order to convince people to part with their money, it’s best to warm them up in advance.”
I roll my eyes. “Is that your way of confirming I was the last thing on your mind?”
“Consider yourself lucky, you’re top of my mind now,” hesays, turning my words against me. “What’s this about you delaying your return?”
“There’s a long list of great film schools in LA. I want to see what they have to offer.”
“I’ve vetted the best schools. You’re going to a school of my choosing. End of story.”
I hate when he’s high and mighty… which is most times.
Yes, Father, you hold the purse strings. No need to remind me.
I need to come up with a better lie. “I also want to explore the city to make sure I want to live here. It’s a different vibe from New York.”
“You’re not going to be in Los Angeles for years. It’s a six-month program. You can suck it up for that long. Your job is to soak in the knowledge and use it when you head your own PR company.”
“You mean when I becomehead puppetat your public relations company.”
“Lily.”
“We both know that’s exactly what’s going to happen.” I refuse to take back my words.
“So, you’ll be back in New York on Friday?” He ignores my comment. Of course.
“Yes. Since it’s a red-eye, I’ll be back early Saturday morning New York time.”
“Let’s hope nothing or no one prompts you to change your plans.”
My eyebrows drop. “What do you mean by that?”
“Your sudden interest in Los Angeles wouldn’t be because of Gage Hollingsworth?”
I proceed with caution. “What makes you say that?”
“Someone I know saw you.” He’s being vague.
“Few of your friends and contacts know I exist––”
“You weren’t walking hand-in-hand in Malibu with Gage on Saturday?”
