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I had sent a picture of the necklace to Scarlet and she approved. She even said she had started watching Dark Storm to see what he was like. It meant a lot to me if she approved. Probably more than if my parents approved. How did people have fun and protect their hearts at the same time, because it was a skill I had never managed to perfect.
I had received a couple of texts from Flynn, but he said they were busy and sometimes out of range. Oregon looked so beautiful, especially the coastline. I would love to go there one day. It seemed the crew had made lots of friends in the town as well. I needed to push thoughts of Flynn to the back of my mind. We had a presentation to do today. Bec could not help as she was in Pine Creek, but I would cope with painkillers on board and wide-leg pants so no one could see my patched-up knee.
The driver was here to take us to a mall on the outskirts of LA. I still loved looking around at the sights and what people were wearing. Melbourne was pretty cosmopolitan, but I adored some of the outfits I saw here. This was our first demonstration since the fire, and I had been protected from fans and paparazzi. No one could get near me at Declan’s house. Today I would have to take a deep breath and go for it. Callie had warned me some reporters could be a bit ruthless.
We parked and got a trolly for our products. The presentation area would be all set up inside, and we just had to put out our merchandise. It took about half an hour to get ready, and Julie, Bec’s friend was there to help us. She would be the model, and I would try and do everything while I sat on a high stool. My knee would probably look like a balloon by the end of the day, but we would get through.
We had a competition box set up at the front. Whoever could come up for a reason why they loved our products the best would win a color palette. The crowd was building up already when I saw flashes going off. I looked to see two guys taking pictures and another with a recorder.
“Avery, is it true you caused the fire at Flynn Foley’s house?”
“What?” I answered before I pulled myself in. I should not react or they would get worse. But where the hell had that accusation come from?
“Is it true you were having a pregnancy test at the hospital?”
Patrick walked over to the three guys.
“If you don’t leave, I will ask security to remove you.”
I adored my friend at this moment. I was sure whatever I said would be taken the wrong way. These guys were just trying to push my buttons. They took the hint and left but not before they had taken more pictures. I just hoped this kind of publicity would not affect our deal with Luxe and Love. If it did, I would be going after these guys myself, and they would be talking with high-pitched voices from a kick to the nuts. Then again, they would probably catch it on film and get me in more trouble.
Once I knew they were gone, and the security lady stood by, I started our presentation. Everything went well and we had lots of people interested and taking brochures. The competition box was filling up too. I thought we could use the winner’s comment online as a promo if they were happy. Julie looked fantastic with the final makeup done and said she was going out and would make sure she told anyone who asked that we had done it.
We packed up and I had to admit I was ready to go. My leg was aching, and I couldn’t wait to put my feet up. There was one woman who had been there since the beginning who came over. Patrick went to speak to her, but she made a beeline for me. I immediately wondered if it was a fan of Flynn’s, but she looked about my age with blonde hair, was wearing expensive clothes, and was pregnant. Not your typical fan, I thought.
“I loved your presentation. I was wondering about the use of your products when you are expecting?”
“They are all hypoallergenic and would be fine. We work closely with a laboratory that does quality tests. We tend to use all natural ingredients in our products so you should be safe.”
“That’s nice to know.”
“Congratulations, by the way.”
“Thank you. I’ll make sure the father buys your products for me.”
She left, and I shook my head as she walked away. That was a bit odd. Why would she say the father and not the dad? Oh well. I didn’t have the energy to worry about it now. We loaded our products in the trolly and headed out to our driver. There was still one photographer outside who took pictures as we loaded the car. They would have to be desperate to get any money from them. I felt like saying get lost but bit my tongue. It wasn’t worth the hassle.
Back at Declan and Callie’s, I collapsed on the couch. I would get some more painkillers in a minute.
“How did it go? Callie asked.
“The demonstration went well, but some photographers and a reporter were there. They asked if I started the fire and if I was pregnant. Really, what the hell?”
“They do it to get a rise out of you. Trust me I know. I’ve been there.”
“The security got rid of them, so it was okay. I didn’t know you had to put up with that.”
“It was crazy at first, but then you become old news and they are onto something or someone else. I have a meal cooking so you can just relax now.”
“I think I will have an early night. We have another presentation tomorrow and then a few days off. Have you heard from the guys?”
I know I was a bit desperate, but I liked the idea that Flynn might be thinking about me. At least when he was not on set biting people’s necks.
“I did get a message from Declan saying they will be out of range all day but would try and call tonight.”
I ate dinner, sat, and watched a movie with Patrick and Paul, then took a shower and hit the sack. There was still no message on my cellphone. I was just about to go to sleep when the phone pinged. It was Flynn, and I could not keep the smile off my face.
Flynn: Hope you had a good day and missed me like hell.
