CHAPTER 3

Maya leaned back into the plush headboard of her bed, with a soft blanket laid over her legs as the soothing voice of her audiobook narrator filled the room. She closed her eyes and let the richness of the storytelling take her away. The afternoon sun was warm as it came through the big bay windows, casting golden lighting across the spacious room. It felt good to be home, surrounded by familiar walls that held so many memories.

It was suddenly broken by the sound of her door bursting open and sending her into a fright.

"Maya! Emergency!" Reese chattered, almost tripping over her feet as she barreled into the room.

Maya opened her eyes and pulled out her earbuds, watching in confusion and amusement as Reese dumped her oversized bag onto a chair and immediately veered off toward her walk-in closet.

"You have to stop calling everything an emergency," Maya said, sitting up and stretching. "What is it this time? Did a tabloid make up some story about you again?"

"Worse!" Reese declared theatrically as she rifled through the rows of perfectly organized clothes.

Maya threw her legs over the side of the bed, her head tilting as she watched Reese rummage like a storm. "Worse than the press making you out to be a secret alien love child? That was a fun one."

Reese huffed, holding up a silver cocktail dress before tossing it aside. "This is serious, Maya! I've been invited to the gala tomorrow night."

"What gala?"

"Keep up, Maya. The gala. Like, THE gala." She emphasized.

Maya blinked. "That's great news, Reese. Why are you panicking?"

Because I have to, obviously!" Reese whirled around, her hands clutching the sides of her face as if in a soap opera. "You know what happens when you go to those events solo? People descend upon you like wolves. It is vicious. I need backup-somebody I can trust. Somebody that can help me avoid the landmines of high society. And that someone is you.

Maya groaned, flopping back onto the bed. "No. Absolutely not. I just got back. I am not jumping headfirst into the snake pit of fake smiles and forced conversations."

"Maya, please." Reese's tone turned pleading. "I can't handle this on my own. You've done this a million times before, and you're so good at it. You'll keep me sane.

"Why not bring one of your Hollywood friends?" Maya asked, peeking at her friend from behind a pillow. "Isn't that what they're for?"

Reese scoffed. "Are you kidding me? They'll either try to outshine me or stab me in the back. I need someone who'll have my back, not someone who'll plot to spill wine on my dress for a headline."

Maya couldn't help but laugh. "Reese, you're being ridiculous."

Reese threw herself onto her knees beside the bed and clasped her hands together in exaggerated desperation. "I'm not. Maya, I'm begging you. Pretty please. With sugar and sprinkles and-whatever else you like. Please!"

Maya pressed her hands to her face, groaning. "You're the worst."

"And yet, you love me," Reese said with a grin.

Maya watched her, huffed, then surrendered. "All right. I'll go. But only because I know you can't be counted on not to have a meltdown without me. You owe me one."

"Oh, don't I know it." Reese squealed in excitement, pouncing on her feet. "You're the best! I promise, it won't be so bad. We'll go, we'll mingle, we'll look fabulous, and then we're outta there before the vultures get to us."

Right," Maya said, dryly. "Because it's always that simple."

Reese paid no heed to her sarcasm and marched right back into the closet, attacking her search with renewed vigor. "Speaking of looking fabulous, we need to find you something to wear."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "Reese, I have a closet full of dresses. You're literally standing in the middle of them.

"These?" Reese gestured dramatically to the rows of designer gowns. "These are good, sure, but not gala good. We need to hit the stores."

Maya groaned again, sinking back onto the bed. "I just got back from Asia. Can't I have a week to wear slobby, normal clothes before I have to play dress-up?"

"Nope." Reese grasped Maya's arm and tugged her to her feet. "Gala fashion waits for no one."

Maya staggered forward, laughing despite herself. "You're unbelievable."

"And you love me for it." Reese grinned, steering her toward the adjoining bathroom. "Now go freshen up. We've got a shopping spree to plan."

"Reese-"

"No arguments," Reese cut her off, practically shoving her inside. "You have exactly fifteen minutes before I come in there and drag you out myself.

Maya shook her head as she shut the door, a smile tugging at her lips. Reese's enthusiasm was impossible to resist, even when it was bordering on chaotic. She turned on the shower, letting the warmth wash over her and dislodge the remnants of her lazy afternoon.

She emerged fifteen minutes later, in a comfortable sweater and jeans to find Reese lying across her bed, scrolling through her phone with a deep frown.

"Took you long enough," Reese teased, jumping up. "I've already mapped out our route. We're hitting all the best boutiques."

"You mean you've mapped out an entire assault on my wallet," Maya said dryly, slipping into her sneakers.

Details, details." Reese waved a hand dismissively. "Now, come on. We've got dresses to find and only so many hours in the day."

Maya sighed, grabbing her bag. "I can't believe I let you drag me into this.

"You love it," Reese said with a grin, linking arms with her as they walked out of the room. "Besides, you need this as much as I do. It's time to remind everyone that Maya Davis is back."

Maya rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips.