Page 43 of Beautifully Scarred

I head back down the trailer steps and out into the sunshine. Now all I have to do is get in touch with the bank and sell off some of my investments to get the cash for the payment.

Hopefully after she has her money, my mother will be the same way she was before—a distant memory.

Chapter Eighteen

LILAH

Acouple of days pass without me seeing Jimmy. He’s working constantly, but I think he’s avoiding me too. Not that I care, with me drowning my anxiety and memories with alcohol and pills anyway. Yesterday I woke up on the couch at nine at night and couldn’t recall how long I’d been there.

Darla’s reappearance into Jimmy’s life set off a string of reactions in me—panic, fear, self-loathing, and guilt. I trust that Jimmy will handle the situation, but a small part of me worries she won’t go away.

My phone rings and I pick it up off the table, my vodka soda almost knocking over in the process. My phone fumbles in my hand. “Hello.”

“It’s Mina. Have I got news for you!”

Through my haze, I register that she’s excited. “What’s up?” I attempt not to slur, but I’m not sure I pull it off.

Shit.I’m more fucked up than I thought.

“The House of Carlisle called, and you got the job. You’re their new rep for next year!”

“Really?” I sit up, my head circling until I zero in on the television to set myself straight.

“Believe it. They said they liked everything you had to say and want to be a part of launching you into the next phase of your career.”

Her excitement should be intoxicating, and I’m excited, but that self-loathing side of me knocks down the happiness. Guilt arrives to our party right after. I owe Jimmy—again. I couldn’t have done it without him prepping me.

“That’s great.”

“Listen, I can tell you’re not clearheaded right now. You need to cut that shit out. You’re representing the House of Carlisle now, and they won’t put up with your antics.”

“I got it, Mina. Jeez, relax.” She’s such a dictator. This is money in her pocket too.

“Lilah, this is a turning point for you if you let it. It’s an amazing opportunity.”

I stick my tongue out at the phone and raise my hand as if it’s talking nonstop. “I said I got it.”

She blows out a long-annoyed breath. “Well, make sure you do. Be at my office at nine a.m. the day after tomorrow to sign the papers.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.”

“Smartass,” she mutters, and the line dies.

I toss my phone on the couch and lie down, a slow smile crossing my lips.

I did it. I’ll be representing the new line of one of the fashion world’s most prestigious houses. Tears spring to my eyes and my hands cover my mouth in disbelief. Is this how Jimmy felt when they asked him to be The Regulator?

I pick my phone up off the coffee table and click on Jimmy’s name. He’s the only one who will be as excited as me.

I hit the green circle and wait while it rings.

“Hey,” his smooth timbre answers.

“You’re not going to believe this. House of Carlisle chose me for their campaign!”

“Really? That’s amazing! I told you you could do it.” His smile comes through his words and spurs a happy dance inside me because, for once, I’m the one to bring him happiness.

“Thanks. You’re always my biggest cheerleader.”

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