Page 27 of Kiss My Crown
The girls and I pull into the parking lot and a part of me just doesn’t want to go in. I don’t want to play pretend. It’s not even my job, it’s the people there. I don’t want to pretend that Justin and I aren’t together. I don’t want to pretend that I’m not tempted to pry Jeremy’s eyes out of their sockets at every restaurant we’re together in. It’s draining constantly trying to be someone you aren’t.
Mel loops her arm through mine as we walk toward the employee building. “One day at a time, babe.”
“Thanks. I just don’t know how much longer I can do this crap.” I lean my head on her shoulder.
“Well, at least for today. I mean, we are already here.” Both of us start to laugh. “If you ever want to trade places, I’d much rather be adored than have little kids hate me everywhere I go.”
“Very true. At least my shins are bruise-free.” I wink at her and give her a hug before walking back to my part of the dressing areas.
My enemy is staring me right in my face.
That damn pink dress.
It’s like all the cheap rhinestones are mocking me.
I take a deep breath and slip into it, immediately twenty degrees hotter than I was before.
All the people at the park walk around fanning themselves and complaining about the heat. Part of me just wants to tell them to shut up because I’m wearing fifty pounds of tacky tulle. I have never been someone who enjoyed the hot weather.
The heat is definitely another reason I’m thankful for the role I have. I can’t imagine being one of the people wearing a full costume like the fur animals. Imagine how that shit reeks after a day in the hot sun. I don’t know what would be worse, having to work all day in it or sharing it with someone else’s stench.
I fluff my hair a little and slap on some more lip gloss before giving myself a once-over in the mirror. Princess perfect, or at least as close as I’ll ever get.
Walking out of the room, Jeremy is standing there and all I can do is sigh in aggravation. “What is it this time? Just in case you didn’t know the constant itching and redness isn’t normal.” Damn manwhore.
“Real funny. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that you need to pull your weight more, although I guess that’s hard for you.” He smirks.
Bastard.
“Are you serious? I don’t know what the hell your problem is, but last time I looked your six pack was gone and you look more like you fit into the dad bod category. Except for the fact that no respectable woman would ever touch you with a ten-foot pole.”
“Well, I can’t argue with you there. I mean, you were with me and we both know you are as far from respectable as it gets.” He smiles at me.
I’m about to lay into his Abercrombie ass when I hear a voice from behind me.
“You need to back off and walk away now.” The voice is laced with anger and it sounds as if the words were spoken through clenched teeth.
I turn, already knowing who it is. Justin is standing behind me. This whole defending my honor would be so much hotter if the guy liner and bandana weren’t already in place.
“Oh, yeah, and what’s it to you? In fact, what are you even doing over here? Your kind belongs in the back of the building where no one has to look at you.” Jeremy narrows his eyes at Justin.
“She’s my girlfriend, and there is no way in hell that I’ll put up with you talking to her like that. You need to leave before you’re not capable of making any public appearances today.” Justin moves in front of me.
Damn.
My cover is officially blown.
“Wait a minute,” Jeremy says with the biggest smile on his face. “You two?” His fingers wave at Justin and me. “You’re together?” A loud, obnoxious laugh leaves his mouth. “This is the best thing I’ve heard in a long time.” He walks away, his laughter slowly dying out.
I’m so screwed.
“He act like that all the time?”
“Pretty much. It’s engrained in him to act like an entitled prick.” I shrug. I’m trying to act like I’m not internally freaking out, but I am.
Everyone is going to know. I will be the laughing stock of the whole park, again. That is the last thing I need, especially after I’ve finally been cleaning up my act.
“Well, thanks for being my…” I look at him. “I was totally gonna say knight in shining armor, but it doesn’t fit at all.”
