There was a glass runway hovering over the pool. Strobe lights changed colors to the beat of the music. Drinks were being consumed like they were the only source of oxygen.
“Here, put this on.”
Broden handed Maggie a lanyard with a badge that said, “VIP.”
“What’s this for?” Maggie asked. Broden led her to a high-top table near the edge of the pool.
“VIPs get everything free, so lucky for you… you’re with VIP me.” Broden pointed to himself proudly. “Did you ever watch American Singing Sensation?”
“Ah, I didn’t sorry.”
“Seriously? I thought everyone watched that show.”
Maggie shrugged apologetically. “Never had a lot of time for TV. More of a reader.”
Broden scrunched up his face. “Well, anyway, I made it big on that show, so now I’m just enjoying all the perks.”
“Do you just play around LA, or are you touring?”
“I toured the year after the show. As much as the revolving door of adoring women in each new city was nice, I missed LA. Born and raised here.”
“I don’t think I’ve met anyone who is actually from LA.” Maggie noticed Broden seemed distracted and followed his eyes toward a group of women entering the rooftop.
“So… when does the fashion show start?”
“Should be anytime now. I’ll go get us some drinks.” Broden’s eyes never left the gorgeous pack of girls dressed to the nines as he spoke.
Not loving this.Maggie mused to herself.Broden has yet to ask me a single question. He didn’t even ask what I wanted to drink. Definitely infatuated with himself. No wonder Chase isn’t a fan.
Maggie pulled her phone from her purse. She noticed three missed calls and a text from Chase. She read his message,Maggie, please call me back.A twinge of guilt pricked her gut, but she dropped her phone back in her purse to drown out any remaining emotion.
“Here ya go. Amaretto Sour for you and Whiskey Sour for me,” Broden said as he set down their drinks.
“Thanks.” An awkward silence settled in and her mind wandered back to Chase. She wondered how the rest of his set went and if anything happened with the big wig Hollywood Theater manager.
The music volume suddenly lowered. An elaborately dressed woman with what resembled peacock feathers jutting out of the back of her head appeared on the runway.
“Prepare to be transformed,” the woman chanted and then dramatically turned to exit.
Maggie watched, perplexed. What followed could only be described as a parade of the fanciest adult Halloween costumes she’d ever seen. First, a woman in faux snake skin with a ten-foot long tail strode down the runway. Then, what Maggie assumed was a furry monkey strutted out.Ooh she must have drawn the short straw.The show continued with models wearing clothing that made them look like an exotic zebra, a graceful giraffe, a sexy bee, and finally the grand finale—a glamorous, blue butterfly. The butterfly model was painted aqua from head to toe.Did she have any actual clothes on?Maggie felt like she should look away but at the same time was mesmerized by the model’s ability to walk in six-inch heels and balance wings that were ten-feet high.Where am I? LA never ceases to surprise me.
As the model disappeared, a woman in all black—donning cat eye frames—stood in the middle of the backdrop. She waved timidly as everyone stood and cheered. Maggie assumed that she was the designer.
The lights brightened and the loud music returned. People flooded an area near the bar and turned it into a dance floor. Maggie rotated to face Broden—only to find she was sitting at the table alone. Glancing around, she spotted him dancing extremely close to a tall redhead who Maggie recognized as the exotic zebra from the fashion show.
Well, that’s my cue to leave. Thanks Broden.
As Maggie rode the elevator down to the lobby, she shook her head.What am I doing here? Like not just at this crazy fashion show, but in LA. I don’t think I’m cut out for this place. I just paid next month’s rent, so I’ll stick it out for a couple more weeks but then… I need to face reality. It’s time to head back to Minnesota.
Chapter 19
Chase
AsChasewaswakingup he heard a ping. Rolling over, he glanced at his phone and then quickly sat up seeing a text from Maggie. Her text said, “Hey, got your text and calls. Everything okay?”
Chase responded, “I couldn’t find you after my set. Arlo said you had to leave suddenly last night. Are you okay?”
Maggie wrote back, “Yeah I’m fine.”
