Page 3 of Fabricated

“What the fuck did I sign up for?” I mumble.

Tucker sits on my lap and a breath leaves me from his weight. “A roller coaster of fun, Strawberry.”

He grins, plants a kiss on my cheek—unsanitary as hell—before hopping off and running upstairs.

“Well, from this moment forward, everything will be recorded. Welcome to The Edge of Nobility.”

The rest of the group begins to leave as an arm loops through mine. “Come on,” Kalisha says, dragging me to the back deck.

Chapter 2

@RayneMarshall: “Coffee was God's way of apologizing for giving you insomnia.”

Rayne

After Kalisha took me to the back deck so she could smoke and get to know me, I went to my room. Locked my door. Cried. I wasn’t going to fit in here. I knew that, but these people, they have no regard for everyday struggles. I was everyday struggles. If anything, I’ll just be the odd one out.

So, I did a full investigation and stalked all their TikToks. Branson Lexington was a toxic man thirst trap. Tucker Ashford was the cute guy who did all the dances with overly excited facial expressions. Justin Wilson was the workout hype man. Dante Marino was another thirst trap. Shocker there. Kyler Pierce did the slow motion running on the sand or surfing videos. Nailed that one. Kalisha Hart was the super peaceful stoner.

Josefina Rivera did voice-overs that made people laugh. Surprised with this one. Tori Bancroft did woman thirst traps. Of course, she did. Emerald Lexington did art. Like amazing art, her paintings jumped off the page. Her drawings looked like photographs.

They all had little checks next to their names. And me? I had to freaking make a TikTok account since that helps promo each show that premiers on Saturdays. I had no clue how they got the show edited by then, but whatever. I was here to get paid and nothing else.

I’m sitting at the counter bar eating cereal and drinking my coffee peacefully when Tucker hops up next to me. He goes to speak but I hold up my hand, silencing him. No talking until I have had at least one cup of coffee. He chuckles before pulling his phone out and waiting patiently. After my last sip, I turn to him.

“You may speak.”

He grins, his white teeth flashing. “Come do this TikTok dance with me. It’s a great way to get you exposure.”

I shake my head. “I just downloaded TikTok last night. There is no way I’ll be able to know what dance you’re talking about.”

His eyes widen, mouth drops open. “You never had TikTok?”

“Nope.” I look him up and down.

“Impossible.” He scoffs.

“Not when you work three jobs and are a full-time student.”

“You worked three jobs and go to school?” The doubt in his voice is very clear.

“Went. I had to drop out.” I shrug, going for indifference, but I think he picks up on my disappointment.

“This is rather depressing. Tell you what, I’ll teach you the dance and pay for your college so you can re-enroll.”

“I’m not a charity case,” I snap, shoving fruity pebbles in my mouth.

Tucker throws his hands up. “Whoa, I didn’t say you are. I’m just trying to help.”

I sigh. “I appreciate that, but I’ll figure it out. Now, how about you show me these moves so I can help your follower count go down.”

He throws his head back and laughs before grabbing my hand.

* * *

It took about an hour, but I finally got it down. 1 million followers in thirty minutes. After twenty-four hours, I had 13 million followers. That’s how I got my check. All because I was featured in Tucker Ashford’s video. Do these people have nothing better to do? Seriously. Even my Instagram skyrocketed. Cameras rolled around us as we danced. Talked. Swam. They were distracting and I had to work hard not to stare at them.

Today we also did our theme introductions. Everyone was dressed up in sexy elegance. Was that a thing? Could you be both sexy and elegant? I suppose I had never heard the two words together before, but I was all for breaking social norms.

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