Chapter 3

The moment I walked through the door, I didn’t bother taking off my shoes. I went straight to my room, threw my bag in a corner, and collapsed on my bed. I was knackered.

Out of all the people in Los Angeles. Millions, by the way, it just had to be him who ended up as my new boss.

Liam freaking Black.

Of course, it couldn’t be Jay. Jay is kind, humble, and charming. There’s no arrogant celebrity air around him, no “I’m better than you” vibe. He’s easy to talk to, If only his arrogant brother could emulate him. 

I let out a sigh and shut my eyes.

Sleep took me almost instantly.

My phone’s ringtone dragged me out of my dreams. I groaned, blindly reaching for it on my nightstand.

Lisa.

I answered, voice raspy. “Hey, girly.”

“How was your first day?” Her voice was bright, chirpy and far too energetic for how I was feeling.

I rolled to the side. “It was okay. My new boss is a jerk. It is a pity that he is so handsome. Honestly, I wish he was old, bald, lonely and ugly.”

She burst out laughing. I could picture her holding her tummy, in amusement. She always did that when something cracked her up.

“How cute is he though?” she asked with  curiosity.

I groaned. “Painfully. You should see the man. He looks like he was sculpted by the gods. It’s unfair for one person to look that good.”

She screamed loud enough to rupture my eardrum. I winced and removed the phone from my ear.

“Jesus, Lisa!”

“I can’t help it! I badly wanna be you right now. At least you are having a swell summer holiday. Meanwhile, I’m stuck here with these tiny demons, climbing all over me like I’m a seesaw.”

That’s one of the things I love about her. Like me, she’s a family girl through and through. She flew to Florida to help her sister with the kids. The third baby was on the way, and she didn’t hesitate for a second before offering to help.

“I remember how excited you were before leaving,” I teased, mimicking her voice. 

“I miss my babies so much. I can’t wait to see them!”

She giggled. “I did miss them! They’re adorable on FaceTime. But now that I’m here, all I want is to lock myself in a room and pretend I don’t exist. They’re like cute mini-terrorists.”

I laughed softly. “You’re so dramatic.”

Her tone shifted to something more curious. “So, besides Mr. Greek God Boss, did anything else happen?”

I paused for effect.

“Spill it already Em!”

I grinned. She is always impatient when it comes to gist. “I might have possibly agreed to be a video vixen for Jason Black, the singer.”

She screams on the other end of the line.Damn it! Have mercy on my ears girl. I braced myself, already regretting this.

“You did what?! That’s so freaking cool! You’re going to be in a music video with Jason Black! Girl, you are lucky! Do you know how many people would kill for that opportunity?” 

I remained silent.

She picked up on it instantly. Her voice softened. “Wait, you’re not excited? What is the problem Em?”

“I just don’t know if it is a good idea. It felt like a decision I made on impulse.”

“Crap!” she snapped. “You’re stunning, Em. You’ll be amazing on camera. Plus, it’s Jason we’re talking about. It’ll be an adventure! Who knows this could be good for you?”

I smiled faintly. “You are more excited than I am.”

“Someone has to be! Okay, fine. I’ll let you go since you’re all moody and tired. But we’re talking more about this tomorrow.”

“Bye.”

I ended the call before she could launch into another one of her rants. Don’t get me wrong. I love her. She’s my best friend. But when she starts talking sometimes, she does not stop. And tonight? I don't have the energy to keep up.

I forced myself out of bed and headed to the bathroom. After a quick shower, I fixed dinner. Chicken pasta. The nose blinding aroma filled the kitchen.

Mom and I used to sit down for meals together, talking about everything and nothing. Gossip, work, what shows we were watching. There was always laughter. Now, the silence felt louder than ever.

After eating, I cleaned up, and just as I was about to head back to my room, my phone buzzed.

Jay: Hey, Vixen! Any plans for tomorrow?

Me: Nope. Why?

Jay: Wanna come to the studio with me?

Me: Hmm. Depends. What’s in it for me?

Jay: You get to see where the magic happens. And, you get to hang out with me. What could be better?

Me: Not good enough. I’ll pass.

Jay: Ouch. Harsh. Okay, name your price.

I stared at the screen, amused. Then typed:

Me: Offer me something I can’t say no to.

His typing bubble appeared… then disappeared. Then reappeared. Then stopped again.

I'm curious now. What the heck is he typing?

Finally, his message came through:

Jay: There’s this famous Italian chef in LA. You might’ve heard of him. His name starts with M and ends in O.

My heart skipped.

Me: Marco Russo?

Jay: Bingo. I told him I might stop by tomorrow with a friend.

Me: You're evil!.

Jay: Haha I’m surrounded by business people. I learned from the best. So, Em… you in or out?

Me: Ugh. Fine. You win. You got yourself a deal.

Jay: Excellent choice. Now send me your address. I’ll pick you up at 9 a.m.

I sent him my location, a grin stretching across my face.

Marco Russo.

In the culinary world, he’s what Beyoncé is to music. He only cooks for VIPs, A-listers, royalty, billionaires. And tomorrow, I get to meet him.

Jay: Goodnight, Em. See you tomorrow.

Me: Goodnight, Jay. Sleep tight.

I dashed to my closet and started rummaging through it. I need to arrange my outfit for tomorrow.

I know I’m acting like a kid promised a trip to Disneyland, but excuse me this is my Disneyland.

I don’t know how I’ll sleep tonight. But one thing’s for sure…

I can’t wait for tomorrow.