Chapter 31
Lauren
“Look at you,you’re glowing. Girl didn’t I tell you that a good bad boy would rock your world?” says Arabella via our FaceTimechat.
I couldn’t resist calling her as soon as I walked into my office. I even danced in the elevator. I’m that happy. Spending the weekend with Jaxson was like adream.
I rub my cheek, as if I can remove the flush from my skin. “He is not a bad boy. He’s sweet, patient,loving—”
“Girl, how many times did he make you scream his name? By the looks of that glow, I’d guess at least a dozen times.” She laughs, knowing I’m the last person to talk aboutsex.
“Arabella, stop. You know I’m at the office. Anyway, sorry I haven’t called this weekend. I was…a little tied-up.”
Her mouth flies open. “Is he one of thosetypes?”
I shake my head. “You need to stop. Now tell me, how was your weekend? You said Parker had planned a dinner for you two, so fill mein.”
Arabella rubs moisturizer on her face and blinks into the screen. “He dumpedme.”
“What?” I sit up in my seat, eyeswide.
“Yep. He said he now has political aspirations and really can’t be involved with a socialite anymore. He needs someone who is less in the spotlight and more into being ahousewife.”
My shoulders sink, “Arabella I amso—”
She gives a dismissive wave of her hand. “Honey, please. For some reason, I am so damn relieved. And I thought I really wanted him to ask me to marry him. Turns out, deep down, I’ve been dying to tell himBoyBye. Anyway, now with the relationship over, I can spend my free time focusing more on my brand image andRoyaleBeauty.”
“Speaking ofRoyale Beauty, I forgot to mention I have saved a spot for you in the magazine. A full-page, sweetheart, so just let me know if you want to advertise your clothing or make up line…orboth.”
Her full lips curve into a smile and she squeals, “OMG. You are a freakin’ doll!! I wish I could just hop through the screen and hugyou!”
But instead, she settles for throwing me a parade of kisses before she finally tells me she’d like to feature clothes andmakeup.
“You got it, love,” I say. “And since you’re not here for an official photo shoot, please email André a mockup page spread of the items you want featured. Include the buy link info so readers can click items and be directed to your onlinestore.”
She brushes her hair into a high ponytail, winks at me, and says, “Sure thing, love. I’ll be sure to do that in the morning. I’m off to bed now. And don’t call me tonight via FaceTime. You better get yourself some more of that man. We will talk soon. Luvya.”
With never-ending photoshoots and meetings, this day has dragged on. Not only is preparing for a magazine launch exciting, it’s alsoexhausting.
André, Daniella, and I have been designing the entire magazine layout. Every page has a purpose whether it’s tied to an article or relevant to what readers will see when they turn the page. It tells a story, so to speak, cover-to-cover.
Still, two things hover over my head, undecided. Who will be on the front cover, and whether or not Antonio Michaels has secured the face ofALLMe.
I’ve removed myself fromthatprocess since I don’t want to sway Jaxson into doing something he doesn’t want to do. I understand him having no interest in re-hashing all of the Dixie Lane drama. What he doesn’t know is, if Antonio pulls the exclusive reveal ofALLMefrom the campaign, I may lose my publishing deal. And I won’t dare share that caveat with Jaxson. I need his decision to beunbiased.
But now, I sit in the conference room, my brain drowning in ideas for thecover.
“Boss, since the theme of the first issue is Paris in the Rain, why not have a couple kissing in the rain?” suggestsAndré.
I ponder his suggestion for a moment. “Sounds nice, but I kinda envisionHaute Couturemagazinecovers featuring one single face. The face of a high-fashion model, a stylish politician, aprincess—”
“Why not you?” chimes inDaniella.
Andrés eyebrows shoot straight up and his mouth goes wide. “Oh, my gosh, boss. She is totally right. Why not have your beautiful face on thecover?”
I lean back in my chair, shocked at thethought.
“Yep, it’s your magazine, and my gosh, Lauren, you are so fucking stunning. You’re literally the face ofHaute Couture Magazine.It’s only natural the first issue has you on it,” beams a very giddyDaniella.
