Page 24 of All That Glitters

But River asked me to meet her here, and I’ve got no choice but to go in, even when I know—

I’ve parked on the street down from the cafe, one of the last available spots in the area and a lucky find for me. With a quick breath and a mental pep talk, I force a smile across my lips and step out of the car, pushing my glasses higher up on my nose and wondering if there’s a back way in so I can avoid the paparazzi.

Should have checked before I came.

More like bolted out of the house when I heard Marcus rooting around in the kitchen.

I’ve managed to swivel one foot back the way I came when I hear my name called. “Empire? It’s Empire Stone!”

It’s a wave, a ripple effect across the crowd and one camera shifts in my direction, the shutter going off with a click, then another and another. They’ve got me in their sights, and my stomach settles coldly.

No backing out now.

No escape.

My throat constricts slightly until I latch my gaze on River, and she lifts her hand in a wave.

I don’t wave or speak or anything like I used to do.

I keep my focus ahead and get inside the cafe with my friend, who wraps me up in her loving and overly tan arms.

“I’m glad you made it. The vultures didn’t try to peck the skin off your bones, did they?” I’m sure she’s glaring at them over my shoulder, but most of them are outside of the cafe. Her fans on the inside leave little room for anyone else to get through the door, and the poor people behind the counter are racing to fill orders.

“I’m still in one piece,” I assure her, squeezing her tightly one last time before breaking away.

River leans back and stares at me, her baby blue eyes stripping down the layers of masks I keep in place. “You look like shit, Em.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

“That you’re purposely looking like shit and you went out of the house that way? There are bags under your eyes! Have you not been—” She breaks off, shakes her head. “Sorry. Stupid question. I know you’re not sleeping.”

Several onlookers push closer, reaching out to grab the sleeve of my shirt. One of the bolder ones grabs the back of my ponytail and tugs hard enough to have me turn around, wide eyed.

Too close. They’re too close, and suddenly, it’s hard to breathe.

“Is there a place we can go to be alone?” I ask. “I mean, it’s not like I’m going to be able to talk to you with this kind of crowd. Although, congratulations.” A small grin ghosts my features. “I think this is the best turnout you’ve ever gotten.”

River waves her arms at her fans, as though she’s gotten so used to seeing them around, she barely notices them anymore. But it’s not true. She’s always been the type of person who really cares about the people around her. She might have a big head at times, but not when it comes to the support she receives.

Most of the room is open, although there is a row of plants down the center and a couple of small tables on the other side, hidden behind the lush foliage. It’s not really private, but River gestures for me to follow her before she grabs hold of my wrist and physically drags me through the crowd. I hear my name being murmured by a few of the people we pass and do my best to look at them, really look at them, because it won’t reflect well on me to be seen as closed off.

It was a mistake to come out.

Then, River pushes me down in one of the seats closest to the wall and makes a shooing motion to the others.

“Come on! You know we love you, but my girl and I need a little quiet time to talk.” She blows a succession of air kisses toward the people and then waves her hand at someone. A body separates from the crowd, then two, and before I put the pieces together, she’s got two bodyguards standing and blocking off the others.

“There. This is the best I can do.” She grabs the seat across from me and laces her hands on the table. Bubbly, sunny. Everything I used to be and can’t be anymore. “Thanks for coming out today. It means a lot to me.”

“Of course! I’m happy to see you without a screen between us.”

River reaches out and touches her hands to mine. “I’m always here for you and you know it. I’m sorry I’ve been so busy. But!” She laughs. “I’ve got time now, and I want to hear all about this movie you’re doing. Did you decide to do it?”

I blush at the memory of the decision-making process. “I did,” I finally say. “Marcus is handling the contract right now, and I’m super nervous.”

“Why are you nervous? It’s going to be great.”

“Riv, it’s about a sexy teen who uses her assets to seduce the neighbor. Do I look like the type of person who could be in Jennifer’s Body? Because that’s the vibe they’re going for, without the blood and, you know, the monster.”

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