TIFFIN 3

33

It was disastrous when we finally made it to the entrance in the lot. Already, there were several escalades out front, several cameras polluting the doors. 

Crap. The paparazzi.

Eli spared me a worried glance. 

"Is this... your reality?" 

"Sort of," I mumbled, "but the realness of it didn't kick in until now. Crap. How will we make it to the doors? They must have heard I'd be here." 

Cole sighed. 

"They want dirt on your relationship with Hero. Are you sure you don't want to reschedule?"

Part of me wanted to scream to the heavens and say hell yes, but the logical part of me disagreed.

I needed to grow a set of britches. This was my life now and I needed to stop running. 

"I can't. Let's just get this over with." 

It was worse exiting the car than I thought; As soon as the doors to the mustang slammed, cameras were thrust into our faces like a bright explosion.

Much to my relief, both Eli and Cole flanked me, without argument. It was a hassle trying to maneuver past all the lenses.

There were several shouts amidst the chaos:

"Over here, Tiffin!"

"Give me that smile!"

"Is it true you're expecting?" 

I cringed at the questions. Hopefully, Cole and Eli didn't believe the lies.

When we finally made it through the doors and slammed it shut, I nearly doubled over in relief.

I didn't get to ask if they were okay before some small lady with a microphone attached to her hip approached us warily.

"You're late!" She bit out.

I furrowed my brows, eyeing my phone. 

"No, the time I was sent was-" 

Without much preamble she grasped onto my arm, dragging me along the vast hall. Cole and Eli weren't far behind. When we approached an oak door, I heard the familiar sounds of hollers and screams. 

That would be the audience.

It was a different host this time thank god. Blake Gentry.

Before I could be shoved through, I bit out an order. 

"My two assistants need to be nearby-" not a total lie. "- just in case-!" 

"Fine!" The woman scoffed, holding out a hand. "But please head out. Mr. Gentry doesn't like to kept waiting."

I gulped as we proceeded through.

The only memory I had of Carrie was nothing but rude taunts. Would he be the same?

My worries were soon eased almost as soon as Blake began talking. He was more easy going and was understanding of my predicament. 

He did ask about Hero's departure, though he eased off when I said that I would rather remain silent on the topic. 

He, of course, went on to ask about the company and the future of it all, which I found easier to talk about. I was shocked at how many suggestions I had. 

Perhaps I would be good at this business thing.

What took me off guard was his demand to bring both Cole and Eli onstage. 

They were more than willing, each of them taking spots next to me on the couch. Then, to my horror, grabbed ahold of my hands. 

What the-?

Eek!

I'm so excited!!

Btw I might have another chapter uploaded today. What you think?

🤗