Page 50 of Dream (Fighting Fate)

gment slide off me. “Not yet,” I said. “There wasn’t really a need for me to have one in Africa.”

“All right,” Aunt Jenny said, shooting me a look that could only be interpreted as wishing me luck. “Let’s have something to eat. I’m starved.”

Deciding to make myself busy, I started preparing some fruit and other organic snacks the girls were requesting as Aunt Jenny chatted. As much as I tried to look past their entitled attitudes, it still gnawed at me. I couldn’t help but wonder if I would’ve turned out like them if I’d stayed in Cali the last six years. Mom and Dad’s honest nature made me doubtful, but it was a scary thought regardless.

I watched them pick at the food I’d served with interest. I knew the world was filled with all types of people, and I needed to get used to those who were more focused on themselves than those around them, but it was hard to find some sort of connection with these girls that would allow me to effectively entertain them. The only things they seemed to find valuable were, in my opinion, shallow, and I wasn’t sure I could ever think that way again.

When everyone had eaten and I’d washed all the dishes (while the girls sat absorbed by their cell phones), Aunt Jenny gave me a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll leave you girls to it, then.”

The look Aunt Jenny gave me before she disappeared down to her office was pure guilt. She knew they were trouble. She was so going to owe me for this.

Turning to the girls, I smiled. “Do you want to hit the beach?”

“Obviously,” Ashley said, looking down at her arms. “My tan need some serious work.”

“Tell me about it,” Sarah agreed, pouting. “My spray tan faded so fast this time.”

I watched a distasteful look come over Ashley’s face. “Oh my God, I know, right? I’m seriously thinking about complaining. I mean, what if we were doing a shoot this week? This would never do.”

I cleared my throat. “So, you model?”

They both looked at me like I was stupid. “Well, yah,” Sarah said, scoffing. “Isn’t it obvious?”

I was quick to nod. It seemed the easiest thing to do. “Totally. I’ve just never met models before, so I couldn’t be sure.”

“Oh my God,” Ashley said, pity streaming from her every pore. “I can’t believe your parents forced you to live in Africa. You poor thing. If you need any help with . . .”—her gaze ran from my hair, to my face, to my clothing—“how to make yourself more presentable, you only have to ask. Sarah and I don’t mind helping. We’re kind of like your parents in that way. We often help those less fortunate than ourselves. It’s the least we can do in our position.”

Words evaded me as I stared at her. How the hell did I respond to that?

Pressing my lips together, I nodded in a continuous manner while I scrambled for an answer. “That’s so kind of you. I’ll definitely let you know when I’m in need of help.”

A pleased smile fell to her lips. “I really do think you’ve got a lot of potential. You just need some work, that’s all.”

“Well, thank you for that. I appreciate it. Should we get changed and head down to the beach, then?”

They both clapped their hands and bounced on the balls of their feet. “Yes!” they said in unison.

Oh boy. This was going to be the longest day in history. How long did Aunt Jenny say they were here for? Heading up to my room, I pulled out my cell to let Josh know what was going on. I wondered if he and the guys would be interested in hanging out.

Aunt Jenny brought home the OMG squad. I’m dying here.

His answer come back straightaway. Please explain

I giggled. AJ’s work colleague is here with her 2 daughters. Apparently they’re models. Good news is they’re willing to help me with my appearance bcs I have ‘potential’

I waited for his response with a grin stretched across my face. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he replied with something about the guys being excited to see these models. They were guys, after all. But his message was a little shorter than that.

Do you know how long they’re staying for?

There was nothing about his message that should’ve made me feel uneasy, but the tone seemed to be the opposite of what I was expecting.

Just for tonight. They’re heading back 2 LA w AJ in the morning

I waited for a reply, but when nothing came back for a while, I decided to get changed into my bikini. When I was done tying my hair up and applying sunscreen, I thought about texting him again, but then one came through.

OK you do what you’ve gotta do. The guys and I are heading farther nth to catch some waves. Ttyl

I frowned at his message. It felt distant and clipped. Biting my lip, I contemplated just asking him if everything was all right, but why wouldn’t it be? Sighing, I left it alone, tossing my cell onto my bed and heading for the door. It was just one day. I could do this.

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