Page 57 of Worth the Scandal
The Next Night—Media Event
The launch is everything I hoped. It’s bold, polished, visible. The venue is swarming with media and press and doing exactly what we want for a preseason launch. Justin is working the crowd like a professional and his media training has him acting on his best behaviour. Sassy, flirty Justin is lying dormant and professional next superstar Justin is out in full force. The event was solely planned by Maroon Management and has been months to the lead up; it’s a season launch taster for the whole of the Basketball League. I feel warm and cosy inside and my face is lit up in awe of what I’ve achieved tonight—I’m so proud of the work I’m doing and the woman I’ve become these past few months. Something that is truly mine, Maroon Management is a force. Justin is surrounded by press, another bonus for the night. Photos flash every second. He looks delightful to say the least, his cream suit compliments his tanned complexion and fits like a glove wrapping around his broad frame. His smile nodoubt has been the product of swooning hearts and why so many of his “fans” here this evening are women. I’m just about to take a few behind the scenes snaps for his socials when—
“Scarlett!” he calls, waving me over. “Get in this one. Let ‘em see the brains behind the brand.”
I laugh and slide in the shot beside him, it’s harmless. We pose—his hand is low on my back but respectful, warm against the silk of my dress. I’m wearing a maroon silk floor length dress with a cowl neckline; it hugs all the right places.
“Smile,” he whispers, “you’re about to be the face of every sports media reel for the next week and you deserve it.”
We laugh. He leans in, says something about a shoe deal he has coming up with Adidas. Absent minded he moves a hair out of my face that has found itself caught in my dark red lipstick.
Flash.
And just like that—
The photo goes viral.
Headline: “Blurring the Lines: Who is Scarlett Walker and Why Is She Cosying Up to Her Clients?”
Subhead: “New Female Agent Under Fire for Unprofessional Conduct with Rising Star Justin Moore”
Comments: “This is why women shouldn’t be in men’s sports” “Manager? More like mistress.” “Guess we know how he got that sponsorship.”
My phone vibrates.
Asher Kingston:
Interesting press strategy. I know we aren’t exclusive, but I thought that’s the direction we were headed in Scarlett. That just how you do things?
Scarlett:
What?! Asher, it’s not like that. It was a photo. Taken out of context. We were talking work.
Asher:
Right. Just like the kiss with me was just a kiss. When we were talking coffee and work. Why was he touching his agent like that…
Scarlett:
Are you serious right now?
Asher:
Guess I’m not the only one you blur lines with is all. I didn’t need to be led on Scarlett. I’m taking a chance on a lot here.
Shell (over my shoulder): “Oh, hell no.”
Chapter Twenty Three - Asher
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I slam my phone onto the bench and pace the dressing shed, furious.
The image is burned into my brain. Justin’s hand, too low. His mouth, too close. Her laughing. Him rubbing a thumb over her lips,mylips.
Every part of me screams mine. And that’s the damn problem. Look, I’ve probably overreacted but I saw red when that photo popped up on my feed.How well do I know her you know?
“She’s your agent now,” I mutter. “Not your girl.”
Except… she was. Sheis.
