Page 16 of Exposed

Carol walked down the hall talking with Josslyn and from the look of things, an argument was brewing there, but right now, all I could think about was what I was just told.

“Lauren, are you all right? I saw you looked upset running out of the conference room. Who was that woman?” Carol questioned.

“Some woman from a magazine. Josslyn, did she tell you what she wanted to talk to me about?”

“She didn't, sorry, what happened?” Josslyn queried.

“It wasn’t a pleasant interview. She’s basically trying to publish some bullshit piece about me and my ex.”

“I can’t believe that. She really made it seem like she wanted to do a girl power type of day in your life article,” Josslyn replied.

“Yeah that didn’t happen. I need to go.”

Chapter Ten

Lauren

Raymond was acting like he was some perfect boyfriend. Before the article came out, I needed to let Danielle know what was going on to see if we had to do any damage control. I walked toward her office, only to see her walking out with her bag, talking with her assistant.

“Danielle, can I talk to you?” I asked.

“I was leaving for the day; can you walk with me? Kimberly, can you send out the invitations for dinner? Ben, did you need something?” Danielle asked.

“No, I was checking on Lauren, she seemed upset,” Ben said with his hand on the lower part of my back. I stepped out of his hold, and he smiled, striding off.

“What’s wrong, Lauren? You look like you… you just saw a ghost.”

“Feels like it, my ex-boyfriend Raymond spoke with some tabloid magazine. Used to be a magazine I read, now I’m for sure canceling my subscription. She said Raymond accused me of making a sex tape,” I rushed out, biting my nails, thinking back on a time I told him to record us.

“What magazine? They were here?” Danielle questioned.

“Maven magazine. Some woman named Jackie, no Joyce...shit, I forget.”

“Okay, calm down. Go home and relax. We have the dinner tomorrow and we have a lot to celebrate. I’ll call Zoe and find out if she knows anything. Don’t stress yourself out.”

“Easy for you to say, your ex isn’t trying to take you down before your career even starts,” I told her, stepping on the elevator with her.

“I’ve seen my share of drama with my friends; this will blow over in a day or two,” Danielle said, hitting the L for the lobby.

As soon as the elevator dinged, I pulled out my phone to call Dominic to pick me up, unfortunately before I could, I was surprised by some unexpected guests.

“Surprise!” my family screamed, running toward me, as Danielle stood off to the side, giggling at my fake smile.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Lauren,” Danielle stated.

I waved goodbye, thinking about how I was going to juggle my family visiting unannounced on top of everything else in my life.

“Are you surprised to see us, pudding?” my dad asked, kissing my forehead.

To Kenny Armstrong, I’d always be his pudding. He made sure everyone knew, and I used to get embarrassed growing up, but now, I’m fine with him keeping that image of me being someone he will always protect.

“I am, Pops, when did you guys get in?” I inquired, taking the bag out of my mom’s arm.

“This morning. We checked into a hotel and relaxed before coming here to see you. We talked to Novah, and she gave us the address.”

“Isn’t that sweet of Novah,” I said, rolling my eyes, pushing the door open. Hearing a car honk, I looked up and saw Dominic in a black Lexus SUV, waiting.

“I was just about to call you.”

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