“Mom, I’ve won three Oscars. I’m pretty sureI’mboostingthem. But I’m getting paid for it, so that’s all that matters, right?”
“Yes, but don’t fall for the lead singer like you did in the past. It was a big mistake, Ria. Rockers are always users and abusers. Remember my words?”
Laughing, I shake my head. “The lead singer is in a happy, committed relationship, Mom. So no need to worry there.”
“That won’t stop him from falling for you. You’re stunning, Ria.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Mom.”
“I’m not, Ria. Just don’t break up their relationship.”
“Jesus, Mom, what makes you think I would break up a happy relationship?”
“Kade? Backlash… ringing any bells for you?”
I groan. “Oh God! One goddamn mistake means I’m always going to go for lead singers, doesn’t it?”
“Habits are hard to break, Ria.”
“One lead singer doesn’t form a habit, Mom.”
“Okay! Remember this conversation when you two are getting all cozy and personal.”
“The only time I’ll be getting cozy and personal with Danger is when we’re filming. That’s it. I swear. I’ve been spending time with the drummer, though.”
“My God, Ria! Drummers are worse. They’re dumb and drug lords!”
“Drug lords, Mom? Really?” I try to hold in a laugh, but I am not successful.
“I wouldnotlie to you, Ria.”
With a long, drawn-out sigh, I stand in frustration. “Mom, you gotta go!”
“Ria!Be sensible, be smart, be safe.”
“Yes, Mom.” I grab her shoulders and lead her out of the room to the front door. She swings the door open and steps out to the bright, sunny day.
“Ria, you know I love you and only have your best interests at heart.”
“I know, Mom. I love you too.”
Leaning in, I kiss each of her cheeks, and she turns around and walks off to her convertible. With a deep breath, I roll my eyes behind her back as she slides gracefully into her car, and I watch as she drives off in the bright red Maserati Patrick obviously bought her as some sort of gift for something.
I think back to where we came from. The rags-to-riches story of our lives. If only myAbba—my father—could see us now. He’d hate who we’ve become. Who we’ve turned into. Yes, he’d be proud of me and all I’ve accomplished in my life. But this lavish lifestyle—it’s not our way. We’re not materialistic. He didn’t raise me to be about the money the way my mother is now. He would be turning in his grave to witness such a thing.
It’s times like this that make me think about giving this all up, but Mom wants and suits this lifestyle. She’s good with Patrick. She lived a hard life in Israel growing up—practically living on the streets, begging for food for her family. Coming here andmaking a life for us was right for her. I’m not ungrateful, not at all. I just know myAbbawould most definitelynotapprove.
With a sigh, I think about how I’m going to handle the acting part of the music video with Danger. Considering my past with Kade, I’ve had a no-go zone around me with regard to rock stars.
But I like Nate.
He doesn’t exhibit the typical bad-boy, douchebag rock star persona so many of them do. He’s different—grounded, unaffected by the noise, the kind of man who doesn’t need to prove himself to the world. And maybe that’s why he unsettles me.
Dating a rock star didn’t work out the first time, but maybe this time will be different. Perhaps he could shift the narrative, not that I need help staying relevant. I am aheadliner. My name alone commands attention. My reputation, meticulously built. My career, still at its peak.
So why does this feel like a risk?
Because Nate doesn’t fit into the life I’ve crafted. He’s younger. Unexpected. A wildcard that the press will sink their teeth into, dissecting every moment, every touch, every glance, turning it into a spectacle.
