Page 4 of Kiss My Crown
I mean, come on.
I don’t care what those stupid romance books say. There is no way that shit tastes good.
Maybe I don’t want sex.
I just want more alcohol.
Walking into the park today, I try to pretend like I’m not completely hungover. As I walk around I have to make sure I don’t make eye contact with any of the spinning rides. It’s so hot today that it’s making me feel ten times worse. I’m reminded of why I usually don’t get drunk the night before I have work. All of this is usually too much to deal with on a normal day. Once I add in the fact that all I want to do is pass out and drink eighteen bottles of water, this place might as well be my own personal hell.
Today I have to do the huge parade and I pray that I’m done with my hangover by then. It would so not be cute if I puked all over the pretty flowers and statues of woodland animals.
“Hey, Kate!”
I turn to see Danielle. She lives with Melanie and me. She’s also a fairy. I don’t know how she does it. Dani actually has a brain, but it’s the only position they had open.
“Hey, you’re back. You missed an interesting time yesterday.”
She rolls her eyes. “I heard. Mel said she was surprised you were even able to function today.”
“Yeah, well, she always underestimates me. By the way, I almost killed one of the minions in your group yesterday. Make it known that the next one of them who comes at me with some glitter will have their wings shoved up their asses.” I smile and wave at a little girl who just squealed at the sight of me. “Being nice sucks ass.”
“Yeah, you’re totally the nicest person ever. Maybe you do need some fairy dust.” She shakes the little pouch she’s holding.
“I’ll kill you.”
“Now, Princess, that’s no way to talk.” She laughs.
“You know, if I could flip you off right now I would,” I say through a half closed mouth as I wave at a large group of girls walking by. “Fly away before I clip your wings.”
“Whatever. Maybe you do need to get laid.” She shrugs before leaving.
As I walk toward the castle for our first show today I can feel everyone’s eyes on me. It’s crazy because just a few days ago I was their hero. I might have been drunk as I was explaining it last night, but there is a definite hierarchy to the park.
At the top you have your princes and princesses, since they are basically loved by everyone. After that come the villains because everyone loves to hate them. Then it’s the dancers. They get to dress in regular clothes and don’t have to worry about acting any certain way. Next you have the fur characters. They all hate us because we get paid more. When no one can actually see your face your value goes down some. They would probably be at the bottom if they weren’t such whores. There are a mix of guys and girls, but I swear it’s like one big Noah’s ark orgy. The fairies come next. Except for Dani, they are all brainless. I think it’s because they snort too much of that damn fairy dust. At the very bottom are the pirates. They’re just disgusting. They might as well be the homeless people of our little city. It’s still a big debate as to whether they shower or not.
The way everyone is looking at me right now, you would think I was one of the damn pirates. The sideways glances and snickering aren’t going unnoticed. I take a deep breath as I walk up the castle stairs and see Jeremy standing there, waiting for me.
“Lily, can we just—”
I hold my hand up. “Let’s get something straight. This is a job, and if I were allowed, Princess Lily would dump your ass after making sure you’re celibate for the rest of your life. Also keep your hands where they belong or next time I’ll beat you with a real sword. Last, my name is Kate. I know that might be a lot of information for your tiny brain, but let it sink in and shut up.”
The announcer begins our intro as I smooth out the obnoxious dress I have on.
I can totally do this.
Jeremy and I step out onto the stage and move through our performance without any mistakes. Being this close to him sucks. It was nice when I was stupid and thought I loved the idiot. Now it just blows.
I hate that he made me look like such a fool. Everyone knows that he was screwing around and since he’s a man that makes him a hero. God forbid if it were me. I’d be the biggest whore. Damn double standards.
Once we’re done I walk away from him without a word.
“Kate, you can’t leave yet. You have a meet and greet together today. It’s on the schedule.”
I look up at my manager.
Shit.
I simply nod to keep anything unladylike from leaving my mouth. As much as I can’t stand it here it pays really well and I need the money. I stand there, waiting for Jeremy to catch up to me.
