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I almost pull my hands away, but I don’t want to disrupt the beautiful work she’s doing. “You didn’t tell me! That’s so awesome.”
“So, it’s through my own brand. I still work for the other company, but I got it written into my contract that I can do my own stuff as long as it’s not directly competing. The clothes I’m releasing are department store stuff, which definitely does not compete with the runway stuff they do at my other job.”
“I’m so excited for you. I’ll buy everything.”
Malia laughs. “I’ll hold you to that. It’s awesome. Lots of really cool colors and trendy clothes. When I was younger, we didn’t have a ton of money, so these are the kinds of clothes I always wanted but couldn’t afford. My day job pays me enough that I can do this line at a low price.”
I look at my friend in awe. “You’re incredible. It’s so cool that you’re doing something like that.”
“Unfortunately, a lot of Hollywood is very stuck up. Even those of us who came from nothing forget once we get some money. I promised I never would. I don’t even like half the clothes I have to make for my day job, but the money is worth it to bankroll this other line.”
“We do what we have to. Although I did love the dress you sent me a picture of. The red one.”
Malia smiles. “That one was really cool. Sometimes I get to make stuff I genuinely like.”
“I’ll have to hire you to design something for me someday.”
“Girl, I’d do it for free. Next time Spencer has a premier. I’ll make sure I know in advance.”
I light up. “I’d love that! I’d be the talk of the red carpet. If I could actually get on the red carpet.”
“You’ll get used to it. Or you won’t.”
“I’m not sure that makes me feel better.”
“I get the anxiety thing. But I think you’ll find you start to enjoy it. The smaller ones, at least. And you can always bounce out at any time.”
“Not without getting bad press.”
Malia shrugs. “There’s always going to be bad press. Mason is big in the tech world, and at one of his app releases, I got photographed with a sour face. People talked about it for a few days, and then it was over.”
“I guess that does make me feel a little better. Thanks, Malia.”
“Anytime, girl.”
We continue our girls’ night, gossiping and laughing long into the night. It’s nice to have friends here. I’m still on edge about what might happen with Spencer, but at least I have Malia.
Unless, of course, I lose Spencer. Then, I’d lose her, too.
Chapter Twenty-Six – Spencer
Yesterday, while I was shooting the last scene with my on-screen best friend, Ben Leighton, the actor playing him asked me if I wanted to come to his brother’s birthday party tonight. Clark Leighton is a much bigger celebrity than his younger brother, having been cast in the next superhero movie being put out by the second-biggest action movie company out there. I’ve never met Clark, but Ben insisted that going to his birthday party would be fun, so I guess Leila and I will be attending.
Leila walks in the front door without knocking. I don’t mind it. I like that she feels familiar in my space.
“You don’t look ready to go,” she points out when she finds me on the couch watching some competition TV show about making knives and swords. I’m in my house clothes, sweatpants and an old T-shirt.
“I don’t know why I’m not feeling this party.”
Leila shrugs. “It could be fun.”
“There are going to be a ton of people there. You hate that.”
“Yeah, but we haven’t done something for you in a while.”
“This is more for Ben.”
“Still. I think it’s a good idea. We’ll go, mingle, and have some fun. I might even dance with you if you’re lucky.” She shoots me a wink that sends a thrill down my spine.
“Fine, I guess I’ll go get dressed. Tell me who wins.”
Leila sprawls out on the couch wearing a tight pair of jeans and a shirt with a plunging neckline. I linger in the doorway between the living room and the hallway for just a moment, wondering how I ended up with this beautiful woman.
Once I’m in something more party-appropriate, I join Leila on the couch, and she throws her legs onto my lap.
“We have a little bit before we have to leave, right?”
I check the time on my phone. “Yeah, probably like ten minutes.”
“Perfect. It’s not over yet, so you can see who won for yourself.”
I keep my hand on her leg as we’re both engrossed in the competition on TV.
“This always happens,” Leila says with a laugh. “I don’t care about making swords, but I can’t stop watching. Reality shows know how to get me.”
