Page 80 of Wicked Truths

Chapter Twenty-One

FRANCESCA

My office door swings open,catching me off guard. I jerk in my seat, stubbing my toe against the back of my desk as I quickly exit out of the internet browser, like I’m watching porn or doing something illegal, despite only being in my email.

Alexandra bounds into my office without knocking on the door. “Are you ready for your interview with Raven?”

My gaze wanders to Alexandra leaning against the door frame before returning to my screen. “Almost. I just need to reply to one email, and then I’ll be out there.”

“Great. I’ll let them know to hurry up setting up the table and camera.”

This interview is the last thing I want to do right now, but a promise is a promise, so I just need to get it over and done with. “It’s not a rush, really. I’ll be a couple more minutes.”

“I know you’re probably nervous about your first live interview, but you’ll do great. Just be yourself and be honest.”

“Thanks, Alexandra.” I give her a friendly smile before she turns around and walks away.

She’s been a great asset to havearound. She not only keeps Dad on schedule, but she keeps Joey in line. She also eats lunch with me when she’s not fielding phone calls.

When I’m sure she’s gone, I open the internet browser and log back into my email.

I look over the email Angelica just sent. She hasn’t been able to get close to the Rossi house, and the people she has followed this past week. All of them were men.

There’s no sign of Mom.

My heart leaps for a few moments.

I’m not sure if I was actually hoping Angelica would find Mom alive and living in New York, or if I was hoping Jax was lying to get a reaction out of me.

What kind of asshole would say something like that just to get a rise out of someone they used to date?

Jax would.

But that’s part of his appeal. He’s an asshole, and I never knew what he was going to say or do. Life was exciting.

I type out a quick reply, thanking her for spending her week following men and searching for mom before closing out of the internet and turning off my computer.

With nothing else to do, I head downstairs to the interview.

Alexandra meets me at the bottom of the stairs and walks with me to the section of the concourse that is sectioned off for the interview.

“Remember, just be yourself and everyone will love you.”

“What about not answering the questions and having everyone hate me? Is that an option?”

She laughs and shakes her head. “No matter what you say, you’ll do great.”

She opens the rope and allows me to step closer to the table where we will be seated for the interview.

I take my seat and wait for Raven to join up.

Glancing around the concourse, I sit up straighter as soon as I catch a glimpse of her fiery red curls.

She plasters on a fake smile as Alexandra opens the rope for her. “Sorry I’m late. I hope you weren’t waiting long.”

“I just got down here and settled.”

“Oh?” she asks, as if I’m trying to cover up a scheme that I was just taking part in.

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