Page 123 of The Encore’s Crown

Celeste reads my time-off request twice. I stand on the other side of her desk with my hands clasped behind my back, trying to look professionally apologetic rather than desperately hopeful that she refuses. She looks up. Her eyes return to the screen.

“This is unusually short notice.”

“It came up last minute.”

Kasia mentioned the party at dinner over a week ago. I only submitted the request yesterday because some part of me hoped the event would be canceled, Los Angeles would sink into the ocean, or I’d develop an illness serious enough to keep me home without permanently damaging my face.

No such luck.

Celeste leans back in her chair.

“We already approved Maribel’s vacation, and Suri has a family commitment Saturday.”

A tiny burst of relief opens inside my chest.

“I’ll let you know by the end of the shift.”

“Thank you.”

I leave her office feeling better than I have in weeks. Work might refuse.

What a tragedy.

I’ll have to tell Kasia I tried. I’ll sigh sadly about contractual obligations and the importance of maintaining a professional reputation. She’ll be disappointed, but she’ll understand. I won’t have to go to Los Angeles or see Kiri. I won’t have to stand in a room full of beautiful people while wondering whether Radhika Malhotra is somewhere nearby wearing silk and looking like destiny. For the first time all morning, I smile sincerely.

Naturally, that’s when Ryder walks into the store. I spot him near the fragrances, wearing sunglasses indoors. He scans the floor until he finds me. I pretend to be incredibly fascinated by wiping down my work area until he interrupts.

“You’ve been ignoring me.”

“I’ve been working.”

His gaze moves over my face, then lower, taking in the fitted black uniform and boots.

“I can see that.”

“What do you want?” I ask.

“Cologne.”

Ryder leans one elbow against the counter. He smiles like he’s being charming. The fastest way to remove Ryder from my life is to give him what he wants, take his money, and send him back into the city wearing something expensive. I lead him toward the fragrance section.

“What do you normally wear?” I ask.

“You know what I wear.”

“No, I know what you bathe in before clubs. That isn’t the same thing.”

He laughs. There are several other clients nearby. Melina glances over from skincare. Janae stops arranging lipsticks. I pick three bottles.

“Try these.”

Ryder ignores the paper strips and holds out his wrist. I spray one. He lifts his arm, smells it, then holds his wrist beneath my nose.

“What do you think?”

“I think you’re capable of smelling your own skin.”

“Humor me. I'm the customer after all.”