Of Course, It's You

Chapter 33

Carmen

For once in her life, Carmen felt almost at ease in front of the cameras. She was never the one that everyone came to see, no that was for the actual stars. The people that were represented by her company. But it was preferred that she and her father show up to these events and make it known that they cared about them and the paths their careers took. She wanted to maintain that front. Let everyone know that she was not just in this because it's her family's job, but because she cared about the people that signed with them.

Occasionally she would look off to the side to find Hannah watching her. Even though she wasn't standing next to her, she didn't feel alone. And, when she looked for about the hundredth time to find that Hannah had removed her jacket and slung it over her shoulder, she wished they were alone.

How Hannah didn't know how breathtaking she was, was an anomaly.

Then, the photos. God, they were going to be everywhere. For a heartbeat she silently regretted that final kiss they shared. If they hadn't, then Hannah wouldn't have had to fix the smear. There wasn't much they could do about it now.

She thought, maybe they could let it pass as just a friend helping a friend. Because really, who would allow their friend to go get more photos taken of them when there was a lipstick stain.

Carmen could see the headlines now.

"Carmen Mills, Head of New Company Merger, Finds Love with Out-of-Town New Fling."

"Love Blooms in the City of Music for the Music Label's Daughter."

Jesus.

She had been asked to step forward for a few interviews, almost grateful for the distraction. She spoke about the addition of the new location and how the merger was proceeding and if there would be any major changes to stocks and artist contracts. She could feel Hannah standing to the side, happy to be silent and not answer anything that was asked. But then the interviewer must have noticed her, and redirected his questions to the two of them.

"So, tell me. What is it like to date the daughter of one of the biggest record labels around?" The question was for Hannah, but she wasn't ready for it. Hadn't even realized he directed the question to her.

She jumped slightly, realizing all eyes were on her. Carmen was about to cut in, her mouth parted, but Hannah spoke up.

"Oh, I'm simply here to hold Miss Mills' possessions and help out when needed."

A simple, to the point answer. However, the interviewer didn't buy it.

That is, not until Hannah looked over her shoulder, to watch people walking around them and she placed a hand on Carmen's back. High enough to look professional and she said with a curt nod, "Miss Mills, I think it's time to continue." She held up a hand in front of them to point forward.

She must have picked up this stern professionalism from being around so many in the military, Carmen thought. Because she stood tall and looked like regular security with her jacket back on and buttoned. Aside from looking chic as hell in that tight tailored suit, sheer camisole, and strappy heels.

"Smooth." Carmen said as they walked out of the eyes of the cameras.

"Heh, I try." Hannah said with a shrug as they walked up the stairs to the building. They made sure to keep a decent distance, but Carmen knew she had to send a new email out regardless. She still wasn't sure if she should just tell them outright that they were seeing each other, or that the press was going to simply run with it.

At the top of the stairs, in between the doors, Hannah stopped short and was reaching into one of her pockets. "Hold on, one of us is getting a call." But it wasn't Carmen's phone she pulled out to look at. "Mike's calling me. One sec. It might be Lyv."