Page 103 of Beneath the Hood

And I find comfort in that.

She’s genuine in a way that I only learned people could be when Jackson came into my life, and it makes me curious to know if everyone in their small town is just as nice, or if it’s something unique to the two of them, and maybe that’s what drew them together in the first place.

For the rest of the afternoon, I bask in the relaxation that comes along with being able to hide away from the world, no one knowing where I am or what I’m doing. I try to sit down and watch something, but the only thing on is reality TV and it makes my stomach turn as their drama plays out on the screen.

None of its real.

I’m just as guilty, making people long for a make-believe world.

A few months ago, I never would have thought twice about it. I guess that’s the funny thing about life. It just takes a moment for your world to flip upside down. A shift in altitude that changes your view. Gives you a new perspective.

Sierra sits across from me on the couch, racks of clothing being brought in for me to choose from for the next two weeks. This is a routine thing. It takes hours, and usually I enjoy it. But now, just like with everything else that comes along with my job, I can’t seem to find the enthusiasm. Because really, who fuckingcareswhether I pick the crotchet crop top or the bright pink jumpsuit.The finished product everyone sees will be different than what it actually looks like anyway. A false perception, molded to trick the public, just like every other second of my life.

“So.” Sierra tucks her legs underneath her on the couch. “Let’s talk publicity.”

“Okay.” I nod, sipping from my water bottle.

“DJ Andelo’s team has been reaching outincessantly,wanting to hook something up between the two of you.”

I scrunch my nose, the memory of the handsy DJ from a few months back making me cringe. “What do you mean, ‘hook something up’?”

“I mean they want to put you two together out and about in public. Get people talking... asking questions.” She pauses. “I think it’s a good idea.”

My stomach constricts. “Like fake dating?”

Sierra clicks her tongue. “You two are both in the clubbing scene, and it would be great promo for both your careers. I wanted to run it by you first, but I’m about to call them back and say we’re on board.”

“No,” I snap. My voice comes out quick and sharp.

Her eyes narrow. “What do you mean,no?”

I shrug. “I meanno, Sierra. It’s pretty simple. I don’t want to. DJ Andelo was hella gropey the one time I shared a stage with him. I’m not comfortable doing anything that involves spending one-on-one time.”

She rolls her eyes. “Guys grope, B. That’s what they do. Especially when you wear your cute little outfits and prance around on stage with your tits and ass in their face.”

My chest burns. “Excuse me? Are you saying it’smyfault he got handsy?”

“I’m saying you should know by now what to expect with who you are and the reputation you put out to the public.” She brushes a strand of hair from her forehead.

“You’re the one that picks my damn outfits, Sierra!” I shriek, pointing to the racks of clothes. “You think I want to be seen in this shit? I don’t care about any of it.Anyof it.”

Sierra’s eyes widen and she sits back against the couch cushions, blowing out a slow breath. “Well…” she speaks slowly. “That’s something you should have realized before you chose this career, Blakely. And correct me if I’m wrong, but a few months ago you hadzeroproblems with any of this, and now all of a sudden you don’t care?”

My fists curl in my lap, wondering how we got so off track. My original plan was to dive headfirst back into the game. Make up for the lost time that was spent wasting away at my dad’s shop. But, being back doesn’t feel as gratifying as I thought it would.

“No,” I sigh. “Idocare, I just… don’t you think it’s all a little meaningless?”

“It’s that mechanic,” she spits the word.

My heart stutters, my eyes shooting to her face. “W-what?”

“Blakely.” Her gaze narrows. “Don’t play stupid with me, okay? Cut the shit and keep it real. Iknow. You really thought it was something you could keep from me?”

“No, but—” I shake my head back and forth, confusion tumbling through me.

How could she possibly know when we’ve been so careful?

I can only come up with one possible conclusion. Someone told her.

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