Skye grinned. “Had to come check on you, lay my eyes on my favorite client.”
When Paige discovered Julius’s affair with Catherine Davis, who’d worked as Paige’s publicist for years, she’d promptly fired the woman. Jax Starks, president of Pure Talent, had immediately sent Skye to her aid. It turned out to be the best thing he could have ever done. Skye had stepped in to fill the vacant role on Paige’s team seamlessly.
They exchanged quick but sincere hugs. “I’m okay,” Paige told her. “Just relaxing on the patio.”
“Sounds like heaven.”
“Come on out. Glass of wine?”
With a wide grin, Skye said, “A big glass, thank you.” Once Paige had poured the wine, they retreated back to her oasis. Skye sat on the matching chaise. “So tell me . . . how are you really?”
Burrowing into the cushion, Paige took a sip from her glass. “It’s been hard.”
“I know it has. Julius is an asshole on his best day.”
Paige giggled. “You’re so right.”
Paige and Skye had bonded over failed romance, but they’d quickly discovered other shared experiences in life. As biracial women, they’d spoken often about the challenges growing up and finding their identity. They both considered themselves to be black women, even though Skye had embraced her Filipino culture. On the other hand, Paige had struggled to identify with her white father and his family. She suspected that had more to do with their absence in her life than her willingness to try.
“I’m sure Demi has everything under control, though,” Skye added.
“She’s pretty awesome,” Paige agreed. “Thanks for referring me to her.”
They spent a few minutes talking business, upcoming appearances, new interview requests, and future events. Paige appreciated Skye’s ability to cut through the clutter of her life. She never had to worry much about her career because she’d hired an amazing team—from her manager to her publicist to her . . . agent.
Swallowing hard, Paige admitted, “I feel tired, like I need time away. But I don’t know how to make that happen.”
“It’s definitely something we can discuss. If you want, I can reach out to Andrew and set up a meeting.”
“I don’t think so,” Paige grumbled.
Skye blinked. “Okay, that didn’t sound good. No meeting with Andrew?”
Shaking her head, Paige said, “No. I don’t need him. Vonda has been doing a great job in his stead. I’m actually thinking about staying with her.”
Her publicist’s mouth fell open. “Wow. I didn’t expect that.”
“Well, when your agent can’t be bothered to call you back, what else can you do?” Paige finished her wine and set the empty glass on the ground beside her. “It’s obvious his attention needs to be elsewhere right now.” Paige didn’t bother to mask the bitterness she felt in that moment. Because she fully intended to embrace her take-no-shit side for the foreseeable future. “And I’m shifting my focus to me, my health, my well-being.”
Skye bit down on her bottom lip. “Sounds like a plan. But . . .” She sighed. “Somehow I don’t think it’s what you really want.”
Paige averted her gaze and traced the pattern on her caftan. “My mother once told me that I would never get everything I want.”
“True, but you can have some of what you want.”
Meeting Skye’s gaze again, she said, “Sometimes I don’t even know what I want anymore.”
“Because of Julius?”
“Because everything I thought I wanted is nothing that I need. If that makes any sense.”
“It does.” Skye reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’ve been in that space, not knowing what I want, not believing I could ever feel happiness again. But let me tell you . . .youcan.”
“Skye Palmer-Starks, when did you get so mushy?” Paige laughed. “Wait, I know. Garrett just melted all that ice inside you.”
“Girl . . .” Skye smiled. “I love that man.”
Paige had celebrated Skye’s recent engagement to Garrett Steele a few months ago. It was a happy occasion, and a much needed reprieve from the drama of her own life. And she couldn’t be happier for her friend.
