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Mid-way through the show, a familiar mop of blonde hair caught my attention, bobbing up and down to the music amongst the crowd. The venue was dark, but even with the strobe lighting, I could have sworn it was Melanie.
I lifted the camera to my face, squinting as I zoomed in. Sure enough, it was her. Wearing next to nothing and rubbing herself against a seedy guy with wandering hands. I inwardly cringed as she stumbled over her heels, spilling her drink on some poor guy’s shirt before attempting to lick it off.
Sliding my phone from the back pocket of my jeans, I brought up Grayson’s number.
Me: Melanie’s at Hell Fire. I think you need to come get her.
Grayson: She not my responsibility anymore.
Me: She’s wasted.
Grayson: What’s new?
I let out a frustrated growl.
Me: Forget it. I’ll text Adam.
“Trouble in paradise?” Melanie appeared in front of me, and I quickly shoved my phone away. “Oh, relax.” She laughed and pushed herself through to the bar. “Grayson can fuck whoever he pleases. I know I do.”
“You’re not angry?”
She shrugged. “Nothing a few drinks couldn’t fix.”
I looked into her light blue eyes, wide and dilatated, and knew it had taken more than a few drinks. “Maybe you should slow down a bit,” I said, hovering close behind as she ordered two martinis.
“Jesus, Josie, lighten the fuck up.” She groaned. “You sound just like him.”
As the barman passed over the drinks, my phone buzzed. I glanced down and discreetly read the message.
Adam: No need to text me. I’m with Grayson and we’re on our way.
I lifted my gaze to meet Melanie’s growing smile as she handed me a martini.
“No, thanks.” I pointed down to the camera hanging around my neck. “I’m working.”
She rolled her eyes and took a sip instead. “I’ll just have to drink both of them then.”
“Fine,” I muttered, snatching the drink from her other hand and pouring it down my throat. She really didn’t need another and I could use ten more.
Melanie stared wide eyed at the empty glass in my hand before erupting into giggles. I clearly missed the joke.
“You know, for someone who’s fucking the boss, you sure seem to work a lot,” she said, leaning back on the bar before taking a mouthful of her drink. “Doesn’t Grayson give you any special treatment?”
I clenched my jaw. “I work just as hard as everyone else.”
“Maybe your new boss will give you more perks,” she said, with a chuckle.
“What are you talking about?”
Melanie’s mouth fell open in mock shock. “You didn’t know? The magazine’s been sold.”
“What?”
“Apparently our parents were offered a deal too good to refuse and it was all signed off this afternoon.”
“And Adam and Grayson were okay with that?”
“According to my father, it was their idea to sell. Something to do with cutting losses.”
