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VIPs don’t scare me or impress me.

I’ve worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and on Broadway. I’m prepared for divas, dismissive attitudes, over-the-top personalities. And if whoever it is has enough clout, he or she may very well bring her own wardrobe and makeup people. It wouldn’t be the first time.

Sitting at my desk, I pull out my phone and text Cash.

MAYA: Hey—have a good practice today.

He replies right away.

CASH: I just got up. You already at work?

MAYA: Yup.

CASH: Don’t work too hard, beautiful. I’ll check in later.

MAYA: Don’t get hurt.

CASH: I’ll do my best.

I put my phone away just as my door flies open and a tall, beautiful blond comes walking in.

“Maya Jamieson?”

I blink.

Why does she look so familiar?

“That’s me.”

“Alexa Humboldt told me to come find you. She said you have a fun new line of clothing and that I should check it out.” She has a bright smile and her eyes twinkle with mischief.

A sinking feeling washes over me as her name clicks.

Shandy. Freakin’. Harless.

Oh. My. God.

“I’m Shandy, by the way,” she says, extending her hand.

I have no choice but to get up and slowly shake her hand.

“Nice to meet you,” I say quietly.

“Alexa sang your praises,” she says with a grin. “I’m looking forward to seeing them.”

“I’ve been revising them,” I say quickly. “I wanted to⁠—”

“Oh, I know! Alexa told me all about them. I want to see what you have. I was thinking about investing in something new and edgy. Alexa thought we might work well together, assuming I like your ideas.”

I don’t even know how to respond to that. I had no idea Alexa was looking for an investor for me. I already have Noelle for the trial run so I wasn’t thinking that far ahead.

“I’ve got about thirty minutes before I have to be in the makeup chair,” Shandy continues. “Can we look at them?”

“I’m so sorry,” I lie, grimacing. “I don’t have my sketchbook with me. I had no idea you were coming today.” Because I forgot to ask if she was really going to appear on the show. Dammit.

She blinks, as if confused. “Can you go get it?”

“It’s about forty minutes each way,” I say. “More, this time of day. But I’ll bring it tomorrow.”