"It's a big surprise, even for us." I tossed the now-empty laundry bag over my shoulder. "I think they're afraid we'll tell everyone, but I'm hoping it's in the next couple of months."
"Doug just opened a mobile detailing company," Elizabeth said. "You know, maybe you could mention something about it on the show or give him a shout-out on social media?"
"Elizabeth-"
"What?" she said as she looked at her boyfriend. "The girl's about to be super famous-she practically already is. Can you imagine what that could do for your business?"
Another thing I'd noticed about this town: no one was afraid to ask for favors.
"Give me one of your cards," she said to Doug.
He reached into his wallet and removed a business card, and she came over and handed it to me.
"All of his info is on there. We'd really appreciate whatever you can do for us."
I checked out the logo and website, and when I glanced up, she hadn't moved, her expression telling me she was expecting an answer.
"All of the products mentioned on the show are paid placements," I told her, tucking the card into the top of my yoga pants. "But I'd be happy to send your info to the studio, and they'll get in touch."
She laughed like I'd said the stupidest thing she'd ever heard. "We can't afford what they're going to charge. What about your social media?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "Or are you going to connect me to your publicist, so she can tell me how much your fees are?"
Is this what celebrities deal with every day?
I was just an entry-level reality star, and I still couldn't believe what I was hearing.
I turned to the washer again, pouring in the fabric softener I'd set in between the machines, and when I faced her, her hands were on her hips.
"So?"
I took a deep breath. "I'll see what I can do."
I was walking toward the door when she said, "Can you give me an approximate date?" She smiled. "I'd like to keep an eye out, so I can make sure to share your post."
When I glanced at her boyfriend, he looked appalled, silently apologizing for her behavior.
"Congratulations, Doug," I said to him from the doorway. "Starting a business is no easy feat, and I wish you the best of luck. When I have a minute of downtime, I'll reach out and book you for a detailing. My car could certainly use it."
Before Elizabeth could say another word, I went back to my apartment, phoning Charlize the moment I got inside.
He answered with, "Morning, sugar."
"I have a question for my LA expert."
"Talk to me."
"When you have the tiniest bit of fame-I'm talking miniscule amounts, like myself-does everyone and their mother come out of the woodwork and want something from you?" I slumped into the couch, kicking my feet onto the coffee table. "I just got cornered in the laundry room by a not-so-nice girlfriend who would have given her soul for an Instagram plug. P. S. I haven't even brushed my teeth yet."
"One, don't ever walk out the door until those suckers are polished and minty. And two, yes. Be prepared to hear it all. People have zero shame in their game."
"Ugh." I buried my head in the fluffy throw pillow. "I liked it much better when people asked for favors because they genuinely needed them. This whole what can you do for me because you have social media followers is too much."
"It's just getting started, baby."
My eyes rolled. "Everyone keeps saying that, and it's somewhat terrifying."
"We'll get through it, promise. How was the club last night? I tried to make it, but I was so tired when I got home from the photo shoot that I took a bath and climbed my perfect ass straight into bed."
I laughed. "It was fun-drank, danced, the usual. I wish you had been there. I certainly missed you, and the girls did too. They love you." I peeled myself off the couch and went into my room to make the bed.
"Now, I really wish I had gone. What's on the agenda for this evening, Miss Fabulous?"
I finished pulling back the comforter and fluffed the pillows, heading into the bathroom to clean the counter. "Nothing. Doesn't that sound glorious?" I tossed a handful of makeup-coated tissues into the trash. "I'm going for a long run, finishing up my laundry, going to the grocery store, and cooking something yummy, followed by a Netflix marathon of something worth bingeing."
"I'm coming over."
I paused, the trash bag half-tied in my hands. "Really? That would seriously make me the happiest."
"Then, why didn't you just ask, silly girl?" I heard a honk in the background. "I just hit all kinds of traffic. I've got to run. I'll see you around seven."
Before I hung up, I said, "Can't wait."
A few hours later, I was on the couch, folding the clean laundry on my coffee table, when my phone rang. Frantically searching for my cell, I found it on the kitchen counter, Dominick's name on the screen.
He'd said he would have my sunglasses contract reviewed by Monday, but it was Saturday, a little past eleven in the morning, and my gut told me this had nothing to do with work.
"Hello?"
"What are you doing right now?"
I glanced around my apartment as though that would help answer his question. "You mean, this second?"
"Yes."
"I'm deep in the trenches of laundry and cleaning."
"Come downstairs."
My chest tightened, the tingles sparking in my stomach. "Downstairs, downstairs? As in … my lobby?"
He laughed. "Yes, Kendall. I'm parked outside."
He'd seen me the morning after an all-night sex session, and I'd probably looked a lot worse than I did now. But still, I wanted to shower and brush my hair and put something on besides workout clothes.