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Ha-ha…]

[Vadim

Didn’t Kate tell you? Something came up, and she can’t make it to the auditions for French Kiss, so you’re replacing her.]

I glance at the guests on my couch and start to panic.

[Alma

Seriously?]

[Vadim

Dead serious.]

Breathe, Alma…

[Alma

Well, I’m thrilled to be Plan B… How many days will we be away?]

[Vadim

No idea.]

[Vadim

And you’ve never been a Plan B, Lancaster. Just a… thorny plan.]

[Alma

You love my thorns…]

[Vadim

Yeah, maybe.]

[Vadim

I’ll be there in 28 minutes.]

Shit!

“Is there a problem, darling?”

My parents are staring at me from across the living room.

This is going to get complicated…

Of course they had to choose this evening to show up at my place unannounced. Officially, they came to see Lily, their big baby who still needs someone to hold her hand, but I suspect they’re really here for me. To make sure their perfect little girl doesn’t get eaten alive by the big, bad millionaire now that she’s returned to King Productions.

“Change of plans,” I announce. “I have a suitcase to pack.”

“I can help!”

Lily leaps up from her armchair, delighted to escape her conversation with our father.

“Where are you going?” my father asks.