Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
“Well, funny you should say that,” Amber stated happily. “You know everything with The Vixens is a gimmick, right? Their look, their sound, it’s all to draw the eye without actually revealing what’s underneath. Do you think if you saw my sister without all the leather and her purple locks that you’d recognize her?”
I thought about it. “Probably not.”
“And that’s exactly what we’re going to do with you. I promise you, after the makeover I have planned, no one will recognize you.” Then she said the magic words. “Especially Connor.”
I was clearly insane. Why else would I be considering this?
My lips puckered. “How much does it pay?”
Micah reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. When he handed it to me, my eyes widened at the huge sum written there. I closed my mouth so quickly my teeth clicked.
Without hesitating, I uttered, “I want the job.”
If Connor Clash thought I’d be a simpering mess for the rest of my life, he had another think coming. After all, great wounds made for a greater glory, and this particular wound may never heal but I would not stop living my life.
I would rise up from the ashes and show the world my feathers.
Tone it down some, Emmy.
Right. Okay.
Truth was, I was not the same Emily I had been when I left home three months ago. I was braver, stronger, and smarter.
In fact, I should probably thank Connor for the life lesson. He definitely taught me a thing or two.
Amber’s eyes widened. “Excellent!” She smacked her husband in the chest with the back of her hand. “See? I told you she’d listen.”
Micah smiled, looking mildly relieved. “You’re hired. You’ll have a month to prepare and then we’ll let you loose.”
Amber blinked innocently. “Also, how do you feel about latex?”
It was a strange question. Stranger still that it didn’t freak me out as much as it should’ve. And this was how I ended up being housemates with Cherry.
The day I left Jim’s house, I couldn’t hold in my tears. And although his voice shook, he looked down at me and asked, “You’re not crying, are you?”
I shook my head but my response was faint. “No, sir.”
“Good,” he said gruffly. “No room for sissies at this table.”
And I laughed before throwing my arms around him. Jim was the only man I could rely on and I loved him dearly.
“Yo,” Cherry said and I snapped my gaze to hers. She jerked her chin. “Drink it.”
So much had happened. The memories would last me a lifetime. Many good, only some bad. I had to consider myself fortunate to have experienced so much in a short time. But overall, I was trying to move on and I needed to look after myself. For once, I was my first priority. I picked up the smoothie and sipped at it. When I spoke, I did I gently. “Thank you, for everything.”
Cherry side-eyed me then scoffed. “Don’t thank me yet. My sister’s coming over with your new wardrobe, and after you see it—” Her eyes widened. “—I don’t think you’ll feel much like thanking me.”
Uh oh. Why did my stomach hurt so suddenly?
“Why’s that?”
Cherry licked her lips, smirking. “You’ll see.”
And an hour later, I did see.
“I am not wearing that.” The words came out slow yet firm.
Amber looked down at the tiny latex dress before looking back up at me. “Why not? It’s hot.”
I blinked at her. “It’s obscene. I would never wear that.”
“Exactly,” she said with a nod. “But The Violet Dame would.”
My nose bunched. Did I even want to ask? “Who is The Violet Dame?”
“You are,” she said excitedly. “That’s your character, our gimmick. You are The Violet Dame. Badass manager of The Ultra Violet Vixens. The Dame is—” She counted them off on one hand. “—sexy, she’s witty, she’s smart as a whip, and—” Amber’s eyes widened. “—everyone is going to want to know who she is.” She put her arms out by her side. “Alas, The Violet Dame is uber private. No one knows a damned thing about her.” She smiled. “And that’s why she’s going to be an instant hit.”
The question I asked was definitely warranted. “Are you mentally ill?”
Cherry, who played with her nephew on the floor, laughed out loud. “I ask her that all the time.”
“Shut up.” Amber nudged her sister with her foot before turning back to me. “Look, we have one month to make her happen or we’re both going to be in deep shit with the label. The idea was pitched, they liked it, and it’s up to us to make it happen.” Her eyes implored. “You agreed, Emmy. Please. Give this a fighting chance.”
Think of the money. Think of the money. Think of the money.
She was right. I did agree. Now I had to live with my decision.