Page 15 of Exposed

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Taking your number down and programming mine in, just in case you need me.”

“I have Emmanuel’s number,” I said.

Dominic handed my phone back. “Now, you have mine. I’m heading out to run a few errands. Call me when you’re ready to leave for the day,” he said and walked out.

“He seems friendly.”

“Josslyn, the man is aggravating. Come on, let’s go to the conference room.”

I locked up my office, chatting with Jossyln about the ideas for the launch party. We entered the conference room, and I noticed a woman sitting down, talking on her phone. She smiled, then held up her hand, waving at me to wait a minute.

“Do you need me to stay?” Josslyn asked.

“No. I’ll be fine.”

Josslyn strolled out, closing the door, and I sat down at the conference table, waiting for her to finish.

“OMG. So sorry, Lauren, I can’t believe how busy it gets when the news cycle is all about who’s dating who. I’m Jacinda, the reporter for Maven magazine. We report on everything from fashion, music, film, celebrities, and more.”

“I’ve heard of you guys. Some articles have gone a little overboard, but for the most part, I read your work.”

“Cute. How old are you?” she questioned.

“Why do you ask?”

“No reason. I wanted to speak with you for a few minutes about your work with Raven Cosmetics, and what’s in store for you next.”

“We started a few weeks ago, and things are running smoothly. Danielle, the CEO, listens to me and takes my opinions in with certain discussion promo or design aspects,” I replied. She took notes and recorded our conversation.

“That’s great; I know most companies pay you a check and expect you to just smile and post.”

“Danielle is different, and it’s one of the reasons I signed with them. Did you get a chance to talk with her?”

“No, she was busy when I came and couldn’t talk. How has your fame been affected since you’ve blown up even more?”

“I’m still the same Lauren Armstrong from New York and I’m still humble. My parents weren’t on board, but slowly over time, I know they’ll come around. My brother loves the limelight.”

“What about your boyfriend, Raymond?” she questioned.

“My ex-boyfriend.”

“According to him, you guys broke up because you recorded a sex tape and stole money from him,” she said, looking through her notes. I jumped out of my seat.

“What! That’s a lie.”

“I’m sorry, Lauren, I have it on record here.”

“What sex tape? Raymond is a no-good bum.”

“Giving you the heads up, my magazine is going to run the story soon. You probably want to get ahead of it before it becomes a huge problem,” Jacinda said, standing up, grabbing her notepad and tape recorder.

Storming out of the office, looking around for Danielle, I bumped into Ben.

“Woah, is everything okay?” Ben asked. When he let my arms go, I began pacing back and forth, my anger steadily rising.

“That son of a bitch!” I screamed.

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