Queens

2.5: Marina

I was told to stay on the down low for today's event. It's not in my nature to stay quiet, but I'm going to try. After last night's fiasco, I can't risk being noticed. So, I quietly twirl my hair and wink at any cute boys that approach me. There's obviously a lot of them.

I somehow get roped into an interview. I know I'm not supposed to, but when a hot cameraman approaches me and asks if I would grace him and the rest of his crew with my presence, how can I say no?

"So, Princess Marina," the 30-something year old blonde lady begins, "what cause have you been supporting?"

I love these interviews. They make me feel so powerful. These ladies or men who think they're such a big deal have to approach me and beg to ask me a bunch of questions. I could make them look like a fool at the drop of a hat, and it's not like they could retaliate. I mean, I'm a princess. The second they say anything rude or lay a hand on me, they'll be thrown out.

"I've been supporting several charities that help people without a roof over their head find jobs."

"That's great, and how do you plan to do this?" the interviewer asks, looking hungry for me to slip up and give her the next viral video. Not today.

"We start with a charity called Clothing the Homeless to give impoverished people the clothes to look professional for an interview. I also support several shelters with showers, food, and beds to make sure they have their hygiene taken care of and can stay healthy during and after job searching. Then, the final piece, I support Chrysalis, an amazing nonprofit that gives the homeless a hand up in getting jobs and turning their lives around." I finish with a smile, and after noticing the cute boy that approached me smiling at me, I bat my eyelashes innocently and hold my smile.

We go through a few more formalities until an old man wearing a headset starts whipping his fingers over his neck in a horizontal motion, signaling that it's time to wrap it up. The blonde woman thanks me for being there, and I smile and thank her back.

Once the cameras stop rolling, the cute cameraman approaches me. He can't be more than 25, and his close-cut beard makes him seem professional and ragged at the same time. Yum.

"Y'know," he begins, skipping introductions and greetings, "it's my break. I'm technically supposed to stay with the rest of the crew for this half hour, but it's absurd of them to ask me to stay away from a gorgeous girl like yourself."

Most girls would blush at something like this, but I'm used to being flirted with on the regular, so I just smile and flick my eyebrows up once.

We talk for a few more minutes and I learn his name is Jacob, he's been in film school for three years and has this job to pay the bills, and he thinks he's "a pretty great guy." My opinion is that he's a bit full of himself, but who wouldn't be with a face like that?

He eventually asks why I'm staying off to the side talking to him when I should be in interviews. "Oh," I say, putting on a smile and sipping from the virgin margarita he brought me. "I was told by my publicist to stay on the down low tonight, which is so stupid, but she doesn't trust me." I say the last three words in a whiny voice, as if imitating my publicist.

"Oh yeah," he laughs. "After last night's clusterfuck, who could blame her?" I shoot him the evil eye and his expression immediately shifts to one of embarrassment with a hint of fear. Good. "I'm sorry, Princess."

"It was a joke that we took a little too far," I state, trying to keep my voice level. It's a lie, but I'm a good liar. "Excuse us for wanting to be like real people and have a little fun." I roll my eyes and pretend to act hurt as opposed to angry. Sadness is better for your image than a short temper.

He puts his hand on my shoulder. "You are a real person," he says, changing his position so he can look in my eyes. "I'm sorry I said that. I know it was just a joke. I'm sorry. I swear I'm usually compassionate and cool, I just am stupid sometimes."

I smile. I've made my decision about what to do tonight. "Y'know, my publicist did tell me to stay on the DL, so maybe I should do that. In the lady's room. In say, ten minutes?"

He smirks. "I think that's a very good idea, Princess."

I briskly walk to the lady's room and lock the door. After about eleven minutes (I like to keep the boys waiting) of touching up my makeup and ignoring the red flags in my mind, I unlock the door. The ballroom has twelve different lady's rooms in total, so there's no line, except for a lone boy wearing a black suit, a gold tie, and an impeccably groomed scruff defining his jaw line. I look around, making sure no one's watching, and once I'm sure the coast is clear, I grab him by his tie and yank him into the bathroom, a maniacal smile lining my lips. Here we go.
___________________
Dear reader,
@Marina THATS NOT STAYING ON THE DOWN LOW
As you can tell, Mar is a bit more Electra Heart than real life Marina, but it's all for the sake of the story.
Also: if you haven't listened to Mø before, what are you doing? Go listen to her album bc she's incredible.
Love,
Lo
Ps. Who's your ideal human you'd like to date? If you weren't made to feel conceded or picky, who would you date. (Sorry this question doesn't involve our lovely ace readers, I'm just genuinely curious.)