AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Suddenly, security appears out of nowhere and steps between the guy and me.
I pull off my sunglasses. “It’s fine. He wasn’t hurting me.”
“If you say so, Miss Madani.”
The guy’s eyes widen as he looks between security and me. “You’re her.”
“Sorry about that,” I say. “And thanks for, ah, promoting my show.” I toss the cards into a nearby recycling bin and continue down the street.
Elle lifts a brow as we return to the hotel to drop off Barney. “This security a new thing?” she asks under her breath.
“Nope. Harrison’s been traveling a lot. He says he sleeps better at night knowing someone’s watching my back.”
Except with Mischa gone for good, it’s unnecessary.
This proves how ridiculous the situation is. I’m not some A-list actress. If I don’t act famous, no one looks twice. At least, not until security makes a big deal out of it.
“So, you’re cutting the guy loose?”
“He’s from an agency, so they have lots of other business. But I’ve been waiting until the residency was done to tell Harrison I don't want protection anymore.”
He’ll get it. He has to.
We drop Barney off, and Elle surveys my security guard one more time. “Too bad. I was hoping you could lend him to me. I’d like someone who looks like that watching my back.”
* * *
“You’ve been in the top twenty DJs in the world the past two years. How does it feel to be a woman at the top of her game?” the interviewer asks.
Top Women in Music has rented the penthouse at the MGM to conduct their interviews. The artists they’re featuring include me and Annie, who’s not only performed but written her own musicals, plus another eight women.
“I’m nowhere near the top of my game. Every day I’m listening to music or working on it in my head. Every night I try something new. It’s only getting better from here.”
“A woman who doesn’t apologize for what she wants. I love your edge.”
“It’s not about being ruthless. You can be successful and want others to succeed too. That’s why I’m glad to help young women who are questioning their place in the world and what their ceiling might be.”
She makes notes on her pad despite the recorder sitting between us. “What do you like to do for fun? In your time off?”
“I like nature. It’s easy to get up in your head between being on the computer, the publicity of social, and traveling a hundred days a year. It’s a privilege, but when you turn off all the notifications and walk out into the ocean, or a field, or the desert, you remember how small you are.”
Though now that I think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve had the chance.
My residency is finished, and I have a few weeks before my next gig. The pair of unworn hiking boots plus the pair I ordered for Harrison as a surprise are calling from the back of my closet.
“If you could take a look at wardrobe for tomorrow’s photo shoot on the way out?” she asks after we wrap up.
I promise I will, then head back out into the waiting area and drop onto the chair next to Annie just as Elle returns with a tray full of Starbucks cups.
“You’re the best,” I groan.
“Sure, sure. Stick the dollar tips in my back pocket.”
Annie laughs as she accepts her drink. “So, why were you asking us about sticking around? You want to tear up the Strip with your favorite girls before heading back to LA for the summer?”
“Actually… it’s for a wedding.”
“Whose?”
