Beneath the Noise

A Deal Unwanted

Living in New York City was a dream I never thought I'd have the privilege of calling reality. My penthouse overlooked the skyline, a glittering sprawl that seemed to stretch forever. Sometimes, I'd just sit by the windows, soaking in the view, grounding myself in how far I'd come. From a young girl with big dreams to one of the top supermodels in the world, an actor, and the proud owner of RV Beauty. Music was my therapy, my way of letting go, expressing the emotions I kept hidden from the world. Life was hectic, but I loved every part of it-well, most of it.

But the life I loved could sometimes feel isolating. Tonight, I was getting ready to unwind with my friends-a rare break from my intense schedule. I was just finishing my makeup when my phone buzzed. It was Carter, my manager. I almost ignored it, hoping for one night free from work. But curiosity got the best of me, and I glanced at the message.

---

Carter: Hey! I have something really important that I wanted to discuss with you. Meet me at your office tomorrow.

Me: Important? About what?

Carter: About a PR relationship.

I read it twice, then again, certain I'd misunderstood. A PR relationship? No way. This was not the kind of news I wanted to hear right before a night out.

Me: What!!! With who?

Carter: Gabriel Mendoza. The Spanish actor.

Gabriel Mendoza. The name hit me like a ton of bricks. Cold, aloof, and a constant fixture in the tabloids. I could practically hear the press cameras flashing in my head at the thought of being linked to him.

Me: Carter, I've told you before, I'm not interested in any PR relationship.

Carter: I know you have your thoughts about this, but let's just discuss it tomorrow at your office. Please, Raina. I need you to listen to me.

I clenched my jaw, frustration simmering beneath the surface. But I didn't want to start a huge argument right now. I had dinner plans, and I wasn't about to let Carter ruin my evening. Still, this wasn't over. Tomorrow, I'd put my foot down.

Me: Fine. Meet me at my office at 10:00 am tomorrow.

I tossed the phone aside, trying to push the frustration away. I didn't want to think about it right now. I had a night to get through. Dinner with my friends was my escape, my break from all the craziness of my life.

I grabbed my bag and pulled on a pair of comfortable sneakers, trying to let go of my anger. I had to stay calm, at least for now. Tomorrow, I'd deal with Carter.

"The girls need to know about this," I muttered to myself, slipping into my coat before heading out the door.

---

I drove to Emily's place to pick her up. Emily was my first friend in New York, and she had been with me through it all. She was fierce, loyal, and one of the most supportive people I knew. A fellow model and businesswoman with her own clothing line, Emily was smart, funny, and could always make me laugh when I needed it the most. She was also the kind of friend who would fight wars for me-someone who always had my back, no matter what.

As I pulled up outside Emily's place, I saw her waiting at the curb, tapping her foot with a grin that practically screamed "finally!" She hopped in, pulling me into a hug before I could even say hello.

"Oh, thank goodness, my chariot has arrived!" she said with a dramatic sigh. "I was beginning to think I'd have to eat pasta alone. And you know how tragic that would be."