Page 1 of Unmasking Secrets
CHAPTER ONE
TABITHA
“You’re not selling naked pictures, are you?” Mom rounds the corner and passes me a bottle of water. Her eyes are wide as she waits for my reply.
I shake my head. “First, we don’t shame others for how they choose to live their lives. Second, no.”
She shakes her head and purses her lips. “I just don’t understand how you make money from this. Explain it to me again.”
“It’s a marketing technique. I create content for brands and companies. Most of the time I’m dressing up in costumes and I take pictures and videos. I get paid to help advertise.”
“So when people ask what my daughter does for a living?” She pauses.
“I’m an influencer.”
“But you wear costumes.”
“I’m a cosplayer.”
“I still don’t get it.” She shakes her head.
“Okay.” I wait for her to focus on me. “Say a superhero movie is coming out, I put on a costume for that movie. I might wear a certain brand’s costume or wig. Or I could use a certain brand of makeup. Then those companies get the content for social media to advertise.”
“Is that why you asked if we kept your comics?” She smiles. “It’s all still in your room. We didn’t want to get rid of any of it. We were just waiting for you to ask for it.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I give her a hug but hesitate to let go. “I’m excited to finally have a place of my own. It was nice sharing with friends recently, but some peace and quiet will be nice.”
“Are you sure that’s safe? You can always move back home.”
My mom has been on edge ever since she found out about the reasoning behind the divorce—well—part of it. I could never tell my parents about what really happened between me and Ryan.
“Yes, I have a security system, and security officers guard the gated community I’ve moved into around the clock. Not to mention, it’s miles from him.”
“It’s not just that, honey. You’ve got a big following online, and some celebrities end up with stalkers. There are some crazy people out there, Tab. We just want you to be safe.”
“I’m not a celebrity, Mom.”
I will not admit to her it’s the same thing my agent said. The agency wants me to get a bodyguard. Not happening. I’m not some A-list celebrity; I don’t need that kind of help.
A knock sounds on the door and halts our conversation. The front door opens.
“Hello.”
That’s a friendly voice I haven’t heard in years. I turn to see Gracie, my mom’s best friend. She walks in with her husband, Lee. I hold my breath for a moment. I half expect Archie to walk in, probably with his wife.
“Oh, sweetie!” Gracie pulls me in for a hug.
“Hi.” I hug her back. She still smells like lavender and eucalyptus, and it instantly calms me. Gracie always felt like a bonus mom growing up, and gives the best hugs. I needed this.
“Well, don’t hog the girl!” Lee laughs behind us as he waits for his turn.
When it’s his turn, I glance at his vest before hugging him. He looks rough on the outside, like many of the men in the motorcycle club. Lee is a giant teddy bear of a man, though. I haven’t been around the club in years.
I instantly feel more at ease than I have in a while. There’s something about being back in your childhood home with the people who you know will always have your back.
“We’re going to take care of that bastard,” Lee mutters under his breath.
“You’ve already done so much. I can never thank y’all enough—seriously. The papers were signed last week, and now I can finally move forward.”
