The Come Up

Chapter 64 - Power 103

  The mall incident is all interviewers have been asking about the past few weeks. I've told the stupid story 120 times already and if I hear anything about it ever again, I'm flipping tables and punching walls. My fans love me more for continuing the signing. It turned out to be good publicity for how they view me which is great because I pulled that PR move without any advice or direction. This is getting a little easier for me but I still hate red carpets and I was invited to another award ceremony tonight. Mac is with me, he scrolls through something on his tablet with his Gucci reading glasses on. I text Trevon who's show I happen to be missing for this award ceremony.  

Me: Make sure Trish is taping it. Please.  

Trevon: Okay, for the 15th time babe

Me: I know I'm being annoying, I just hate not being there

Trevon: I know, I will call you as soon as it's over. I love you, princess. 

Me: You have to stop texting me right this moment? You don't go on for another hour. 

Trevon: I have to greet people and network baby, come on. 

Me: Right, my bad. I love you more. Kill em. 

Trevon: Copy 

I begin texting something else but Mac taps me on the shoulder. 

"The cameras keep getting you on the phone, pay attention to the ceremony." He whispers. I turn my phone off and stuff it in my shiny red purse. 

I win another 'New Artist Award' and bring Mac up to accept it with me. As I sit back down in my seat and turn my phone back on, text messages roll through like wildfire. Congratulation texts accounting for most if not all of them. I look for the important ones like Mom or Devin and respond. I am happy for the award and extremely happy for the exposure but something in me hurts. 

Trevon was probably killing the stage right now and I couldn't even see. I am proud of him though, immensely. 

The award show ends and I am grateful. To sit properly poised and monitor my facial expressions, to be aware that you are being watched at every moment by SOMEONE important around you was exhausting. The hardest part to remember was keeping my stomach sucked in, no matter what outfit I am wearing and even though I don't have much of a stomach, when I let it go and someone snaps a picture, I immediately begin to panic. 

A few stars ask to take a picture with me and I try hard to mingle and be friendly with as much people as I can. I don't know if I'm good at faking it or if Hollywood is just fake in itself and constantly  ignores the pain people carry around on their face. 

As soon as I climb into my limo with Mac and close the door, I hear a small tap on the window. I turn my head, only to see a full pair of caramel boobs in my face with golden curls brushing her dainty shoulders. She bends down and smiles. 

With all the cameras flashing and reporters around, you would think Mila would pick a different time to stop by. I look to Mac and he looks just as confused as I do. 

"Driver can you wind down the window?" I call to the front. The window comes down and Mila bends down so that her face is only inches away from mine. Her boobs are too visible. I move my head back. 

"Yes?" I question with all the attitude I can muster. 

"I just wanted to apologize for like, everything that's happened. It's so fucking childish you know?" She shouts over the noise of roaring people so that I can hear her.