Page 10 of Hot Mess

I saw one woman with starfish on her breasts, only covering her nipples. No one else seemed to be offended or even noticed that all of her breasts were just out and exposed. I blinked and took it all in. It was overwhelming, to say the least.

I saw at least two other women in the same costume. Ishtaria. I felt like a fraud having not watched the show. And I definitely looked different than they did. I could really imagine what the character looked like seeing them in the costume. The effect was completely lost on me and my curves.

I continued staring at everything as Gabe met someone he knew.

“Kayla, this is Ken.”

“Hi. This party is amazing. I’ve never been to anything like this before,” I said, trying to make conversation.

“I can tell.” Ken’s gaze never left my cleavage. He made me feel even more exposed than I already was.

I pulled my hair over my shoulder and covered my chest with it.

“I’ll catch you later, man,” Gabe said before we were walking deeper into the amazing home.

“Everyone is so thin here.”

“It’s Hollywood baby. You know”—Gabe paused and looked me over— “I could probably take care of a few gambling debts I have with you.”

“What is that supposed to mean? I don’t have money.”

“You’re different around here. Unique. You could do me a real favor if I hooked you up with some guys I know. They’re the adventurous type. Probably never had a fat girl.”

Was he serious? “Never joke about selling people for favors. That’s not right.”

“Relax, Kayla. It’s a joke.”

It wasn’t funny. I didn’t want to hang around him anymore. He was being super creepy. But Jessie and her friends had disappeared into the crowd. I didn’t know anyone else here.

“Is that Marci Wolf?” I saw the blonde actress in a slinky dress that looked made of bandages. “I love her movies. She is so cute.”

“You want to meet her? Gabe asked.

“Yes! Do you think it’s her, or someone dressed up as her?”

“Oh, it’s her alright. Come on.”

The next thing I knew we were crossing the patio and Gabe was calling out to the actual Marci Wolf.

“Marci. I haven’t seen you since Brent’s yacht last spring. How are you?” He leaned in and they did that cheek kiss that I only ever saw in the movies.

Marci was wide-eyed and smiling. I didn’t think she knew Gabe, and he was just showing off.

“Don’t tell me you forgot already? Gabe, Manny’s friend.”

Marci’s eyes went even wider. She braced her hands on his arm. “Gabe, right, how are you?”

I couldn’t believe he actually knew her, knew people who went out on yachts, and I was standing next to Marci Wolf.

“Let me introduce my cousin. She’s a huge fan.”

Marci looked me up and down. “I can see that. Ishtaria, bold choice. Have you met any of the Mithrandes? I heard Nick was actually here.”

She waved her hand about. Everyone kept dropping names as if I personally knew everyone they did.

I put my hands on my chest at my collarbone. “My cousin got me this. I’ve never actually seen the show.” I confessed. “I know it’s not cool to do this right now, you’re relaxing at a party. Cute mummy costume.” I felt proud of myself for having figured out her costume while being completely starstruck.

I clasped my hands together and practically hit myself in the chin with my excitement. “I just love your movies. You are so talented.”

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