“Sounds cool. You’ve sealed the deal?”
“Not mepersonally, but yeah, her agent agreed. For a…smallfee.” The abashed look on his face vanished faster than it had arrived. “But that’s not all. For the grand finale, I’ve organized a state-of-the-art laser show to light up the night sky like never before.”
“Good to see you’re keeping it low-key,” I teased.
He elbowed me in the ribs. “You should be grateful. The laser show is your opportunity for romance. So, do your bit and persuade Ivy to come.”
“Trust me, I’m gonna give it a shot. You were so right… I’ve been an asshole, but I’m going to do my best to fix things.”
“Good lad.” He nodded. “Just what Dr. Dyson prescribed.”
“Yes, Doc.” I tackled him. “What do I owe you for shrinking me?” I grinned.
24
VIP
DIARY ENTRY
I’ve messaged Karson countless times over the weeks, but he never answers. The bubbles appeared a couple of times, then vanished.
I know I messed up.
Looking back, there were signs Miki wanted more. If only I’d known about her true feelings sooner, I could have made it clear they weren’t reciprocated.
She’s over it now, she’s dating a girl she met out one night. She passed her exam, so in a few weeks she’s leaving Sizzling Hot to open her own business.
Dan made me full-time at Sizzling Hot a while ago, the extra money meant I could move back in with the girls. It’s hard to feel totally happy right now, but it’s amazing being back with them all. They’ve been spoiling me rotten.
It might not be for long, though! Sass’s older sister, Ally, works for a modeling agency in Sydney, and they’re hiring. After Sass told her about my situation, Ally promised to give me an interview.
It would mean moving… but at least I’d be closer to Dad. I’m going to go for it, though I don’t want to get too invested in case it doesn’t work out. Besides, if I don’t try, I think Sass will kill me!
It feels good to get another chance to follow my dreams… like finding some missing piece of myself.
Things could have been perfect—IF that night had NEVER happened.
But it did.
And I don’t know if I can ever stop loving him. But I do know I need to move forward. Maybe sometimes love just isn’t enough.
But no more looking back. Time to close this chapter. I’ve promised myself…
Ivy x
KARSON
Dyson walked into the kitchen and pressed the double-shot button on the espresso machine—which looked more like a mini space station. It whirred and buzzed angrily before grinding to a halt.
“Hey, what’d you do to the machine to piss it off so bad?” I grinned, feeling upbeat now that I had a plan.
His eyes narrowed as he grabbed the two cups. “Careful, or yours might end up in the sink.”
I held my hands up in surrender. We strolled outside onto the deck, settling back on the oversized lounge chairs shaded by an oasis of fully grown magnolia trees.
“How’s Operation Ivy coming along?” Dyson asked.
“Nothing.” I stared into my cup. “I’ve been messaging and calling, but she won’t pick up or reply. She’s given up on me.”
