Chapter 84 - OH NO! PLEASE NO!
SIENNA/
“We should totally kiss,” Lauren suggested, grinning mischievously. “And you have to give me a heads-up the next time you see a paparazzo so I can make a move on you.”
“No way am I doing that just so you can sneak into the VIP section!” I shouted, drawing curious glances from people nearby. “Why don’t I just promote your stuff on my social media?”
“Because I want people to ask for my autograph, too,” Lauren grumbled, clearly frustrated.
“Lauren, there has to be a better way,” I said, trying to keep my voice down. “Kissing in front of paparazzi? That’s just asking for more trouble.”
“I know it sounds ridiculous, but look at how much attention you’ve gotten,” she argued. “A little scandal never hurt anyone, right?”
I sighed.
“Now really, there’s got to be another way to get you noticed without resorting to this. What if we did a livestream together? You can show your photos and I’ll talk about your work on my social media.”
Lauren thought for a moment.
“I guess that’s a start, but it’s not as exciting as getting caught in a dramatic moment.”
“Excitement isn’t everything,” I pointed out. “What you need is a genuine interest in your art, not fleeting tabloid fame.”
“Okay, okay,” she conceded. “But you have to promise to really hype me up. Make me sound like the next big thing in photography.”
“Deal,” I said, smiling. “And who knows, maybe we can come up with a fun way to make it engaging. Like a photo-taking challenge or something.”
Lauren’s eyes lit up.
“Now that sounds like fun! Maybe we can even involve our followers, get them to vote on their favorite pieces.”
“Exactly,” I agreed. “We can make it interactive and entertaining with no need to kiss in front of a camera.”
Lauren laughed.
“Alright, you win. No paparazzi stunts. But you better make me sound like the hottest photographer on the planet.”
“Consider it done,” I said, relieved. “Let’s start planning this out.”
I smiled. She didn’t wanna be watched so closely, and besides, she didn’t know what Aiden would do if he found out someone had trespassed on his property, even for a promotion.
“Do you need lubricant?” Lauren asked with a grin on her face.
“Lauren!” I exclaimed, mortified, as a few heads turned in our direction.
“Just curious. You can’t be sure. Maybe you might need help,” she teased, strolling over with a mischievous grin.
“Oh, please,” I retorted, trying to keep my voice down. “I think I’ve got that part covered, thank you very much.”
Lauren laughed, clearly enjoying my embarrassment. “Hey, just looking out for you. Better safe than sorry, right?”
“Yeah, well, your concern is noted,” I said, rolling my eyes but unable to suppress a smile. “Seriously, though, we need to focus on getting your work out there without causing a rumor.”
“Fine, fine,” she sighed dramatically, still smirking. “But you’ve got to admit, it would be kind of thrilling.”
“Thrilling for about two seconds until the reality of it hits,” I countered. “Trust me, you don’t want that kind of attention. Let’s stick to our plan.”
Lauren crossed her arms and looked thoughtful.
“Okay, but we need to make sure this livestream is really engaging. How about we do a Q&A segment where people can ask me anything about my work?”
“Great idea,” I said, relieved she was taking this seriously. “And we could also do a demo where you show off your techniques. People love seeing the process behind the art.”
“Perfect. And maybe we can have some fun challenges, like you trying to develop some of my photos,” she added with a grin.
I laughed.
“I’m pretty sure my attempt will be a disaster, but it could be entertaining.”
“Exactly,” Lauren agreed. “People love relatable content. And it shows that art can be fun and accessible.”
Suddenly, Lauren looked at me with a mischievous grin, and I sighed, lowering my head.
“Hey, those tabloids are selling like crazy. Somebody has to keep you in the limelight,” she mumbled close to my ear.
“I’m doing well, thanks. All I need right now is this nice cup of coffee,” I replied, taking a sip.
“Alright, then let’s start an autograph session right here in front of the pub,” she teased.
“No problem,” I mocked her, taking another sip. “But I don’t have a pen on me. Maybe you could lend me one, or perhaps the guy who served us has one.”
Lauren laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“Always so practical. Maybe I should start carrying a bunch of pens around for you.”
“Yeah, just in case my adoring fans show up unexpectedly,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Seriously though, I’m not looking to be the next tabloid sensation.”
“Well, you’re already halfway there,” she quipped. “Might as well enjoy the ride.”
I sighed again, but couldn’t help smiling.
“You know, I never expected my first taste of fame to come from a scandal.”
Lauren shrugged.
“Hey, fame is fame. You just have to spin it in your favor. Like we’re doing with the live stream. Positive attention is just a click away.”
“You’re right,” I admitted. “And it’s actually kind of fun planning all this out with you.”
She grinned.
“See? I knew you’d come around.”
“Let’s go check out The VIP and see who’s on the front page. Could it be some poor bastard who’s been blowing his dad’s dirty money? Or is it you, the one caught in the act with the sexiest billionaire alive?” Lauren teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Lauren, stop it. I mean it!” I snapped, feeling my face heat up.
“What? Everyone seems to know about it!” she retorted, raising her eyebrows in mock innocence.
I tried to act like I didn’t know her as I took another sip, but my cheeks were burning. I let my eyes wander over the colorful tabloids I was seeing on the shelf on the counter, scanning the covers nervously. When I saw that none of the photos were of me, an enormous sigh of relief escaped me. Thank you, God!
Just then, something—or more accurately, someone—caught my eye. I scowled in confusion and reached out to grab one of the tabloids. In the upper right corner was a face I recognized. That familiar face belonged to my mother.
“Oh my God, look at this,” I muttered, showing Lauren the cover.
She took a quick look at it, then looked back at me with a surprised and curious expression.
“Is that… your mom?”
“Yeah, it is,” I confirmed, my mind racing. “But why is she on the cover?”
Lauren snatched the tabloid from the counter and flipped to the page with my mother’s picture. Then she showed it to me.
“Oh God, no! Please no!” I stumbled to my feet as Lauren approached me, her face full of concern.