Page 114 of My Ruthless Neighbor

When I asked Hannah about it, she simply said that they paid me what they do to every model they hire.

I argued that I was a beginner and that I didn’t deserve such a big amount. She simply said, “You are too innocent for your own good. I’ve never seen someone hesitate to receive “extra” money.”

I don’t connect with people easily, but when I do, it’s for life. The connection I made with these kindhearted, amazing people is genuine.

Raleigh often used to invite me to his parties but I always declined. They were his friends. His team. I feared I would feel excluded, unwanted

I was so wrong.

These people, they don’t judge each other. They’re openminded. And we need more like them in our society.

They accept you as you are.

They taught me that friendship isn’t defined by the number of years.

It’s strange but I’ve felt a little less empty since I started working with them.

“I am going to miss you guys.” I smile sadly.

“Aww, come here,” Mia wraps her arms around me. “I’ll miss you too.”

“Me too!” Brielle starts to stand but Nina jerks her down on the couch.

“What?” She snaps at Nina.

“Stop clinging to other chicks as if I am not here.” She grumbles.

“You know I love her like a friend!”

“We all love Summer. But stop hugging her all the time.” Nina says with a feigned annoyance.

“I like it when you are jealous.” Brielle curls her arm around Nina’s neck and kisses her temple.

Hannah who’s sitting on Raleigh’s lap speaks, “Why does it sound like you are telling us goodbye?”

“Because I am.” My chin trembles. “Today was the last day of the shoot and I… I’ll miss you all.” A tear slips from my eye.

She scrambles off his lap and rushes to my side. Motioning Jason to get up, she takes his seat beside me. “Hey, shh…” she closes her arms around me.

“Didn’t know the girl who always made us laugh with her jokes was so emotional.” She rocks me.

Chris walks over to us and plops down on the tufted pouf across us. “Summer, look what I’ve got for you.”

I pull back and sniffle. He has a box in his hand.

“What is it?”

“See for yourself.” He hands it to me.

I open it and gasp. “Rainbow donuts with sprinkles.”

“I baked them.”

Mia, his girlfriend raises her brow, “Really?”

Chris rolls his eyes. “All right, all right. You baked them but we are a couple. So it’s the same thing.”

Mia shakes her head. Then glances at me. “Come on, taste it.”

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