Chapter 1
On a reality show, I called my arch–nemesis to screw with him.
“Can you lend me $300,000 to buy a dress?
His response: “…You can peel my skin off and wear that.”
A second later, a notification popped up on my phone.
[Your account ending in 8975 received a wire transfer of $1,500,000.00 on Sep 11 at 08:13 AM 1
1
The game on the reality show was simple: call a friend in the industry and, without revealing you’re on came
ra, trick them into saying a specific phrase!
The phrase was determined by a random draw.
I unfolded my slip of paper and my vision went dark.
[Prompt: Is there something wrong with you?]
What a bizarrely specific phrase. It felt as random as a listening comprehension question on a test.
“Oh no, that’s so hard! Director, please give my dear Lily a different one!”
Chloe, another contestant, suddenly leaned in, grabbing my arm and shaking it sweetly.
What a little actress. We’d known each other for all of thirty minutes, and she was already playing the devot
ed best friend.
I forced a smile that didn’t reach my eyes and declined. “It’s fine, I don’t need a new one.”
The live chat was already buzzing.
What’s with this Lily girl? Chloe is trying to help her and she just gives her the cold shoulder?!
Poor Chloe, she has to deal with bullies even on a show like this.]
Ugh, she’s one of those girls. Cold to women but all over the guys. It’s so obvious.]
I’ve been watching her for a few episodes. She’s all laughs with Ethan Holt, a total pick–me girl!
Chloe, just ignore her! You treat her like a friend, but she’s just using you!]
lowered my head, ignoring the stream of comments and wracking my brain for who to call. Most decent
people wouldn’t say something so rude. Except for….
But if I failed the task, I’d be forced to team up with Chloe for the rest of the day.
sighed, glancing at the girl who was now waving and blowing kisses at the camera. “What are you guy
Chespre 1
talking about? Lily and I are super close! I love Lily, and she’s always so good to me!”
Right. A minute of cringe versus a full day of it. I knew which I’d choose.
16.45 M
As the phone rang, the high–definition camera zoomed in, perfectly capturing the contact name I had for the A–list actor, Andrew Vance.
[Andrew “Nice Ass, Vicious Mouth Vance]
Shit. How could I have forgotten about the contact name?!
A wave of complicated stares washed over me from everyone in the studio. I managed a weak, awkward laugh.
“Ah, that. It was from a game of Truth or Dare. I forgot to change it back.”
His ridiculously flashy ringtone seemed to go on forever. I figured it would go to voicemail in another ten seconds. The air in the studio grew thick with a strange, tense anticipation.
Chloe patted my shoulder reassuringly. “It’s okay, Lily. Andrew was shooting a night scene yesterday. He’s probably still asleep.”
Oh, and you would know, wouldn’t you.
