CARMEN
Carmen never expected to feel at ease in front of the cameras.
She wasn't the star. No, that was for the artists their company signed. But she and her father always made appearances at these events. It was a PR gesture to show they cared about the careers they managed. Carmen did care, deeply. But tonight, for once, she felt oddly centered and grounded.
Maybe it was because every so often, her gaze drifted to the sidelines. Finding Hannah, standing with her jacket draped over one shoulder. A quiet presence among the absolute chaos around her. Even from a distance, Carmen didn't feel alone.
Hannah had no idea just how breathtaking she was. The way she stood there, simply watching and absorbing it all. Waiting. And Carmen hated herself just a little for that last kiss. Not because she regretted it, but because it had left a smear. One that Hannah had wiped off, in full view of the cameras.
She could already see the headlines.
"Love Blooms in Music City for the Music Label's Daughter."
"Mills Label Heiress Sparks Romance Rumors Amid Merger During Award Show."
God.
A reporter called her forward for interviews, thankfully snapping her out of her spiral. She answered questions about the new merger, The recently acquired Nashville branch, and what the future has in store for their artists. But she could feel the shift even before the reporter glanced over at Hannah.
"So... What's it like dating the daughter of a music label mogul?" He asked far too casually.
Hannah blinked, caught off-guard at the shift of attention. Carmen opened her mouth to intercept, but Hannah beat her to it.
"Oh," she said smoothly, "I'm just here to hold Miss Mills' possessions. And keep her makeup in check."
A simple, to the point answer. But the reporter chuckled, seemingly unconvinced. Until Hannah stepped closer, hand resting lightly on Carmen's back, pointing them toward the entrance.
"Miss Mills, I think it's time to continue."
The professionalism was impressive. She was stern, subtle and effective. At that moment, she played the part like hired private security. Except, far more stylish in a tailored suit, camisole, and heels that somehow didn't slow her stride.
"Smooth." Carmen whispered as they climbed the stairs.
"I try," Hannah replied with a smirk.
At the top, Hannah paused and reached into her pocket. "Hold on. Mike's calling. It might be Lyv."
"Of course. But can I have my phone to send that email?"
Hannah handed her phone over with a knowing smile before stepping aside to answer the call.
As Carmen typed, a pair of polished shoes stopped in front of her. She didn't need to look up to know who it was.
"Alone again I see? Couldn't lure a new model tonight?" Her father sneered.
She hit send, then finally raised her gaze. "Irina couldn't make it?"
He scoffed. "That bitch."
Her jaw tightened. Even if Irina had broken her heart, Carmen wasn't about to let her father spit venom like that.
"That's not necessary."
He raised a brow. "You knew what she was like. Don't act surprised."
"I never called her that. And, frankly, it's uncalled for."
YOU ARE READING
Of Course, It's You
Romance[Book 1 in the Of Course series] The only reason Hannah made it to this wedding, was because her friends asked for her daughter to be the flower girl. After the death of her wife, Hannah resigned herself to a life devoid of love and she's determined...
