Total pages in book: 149
Estimated words: 151384 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 757(@200wpm)___ 606(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151384 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 757(@200wpm)___ 606(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Wow. Just wow.
Had she really just said that?
Immy wished she hadn’t told her that she looked good now.
“I didn’t do that.”
“No?” Lauren tilted her head to the side. “Are you sure?”
“I never pretended to be sick. I told him that I was fine. He was the one who insisted on checking on me.”
“Jenner is cute. Famous. Talented. I wouldn’t blame you for wanting him.”
“He’s not cute.” Jenner was handsome, gorgeous, attractive. Cute didn’t come close to describing Jenner. “He’s far more than cute.”
When Jenner was around, everyone else faded into the background. It wasn’t just his looks; it was his superpower.
“Uh, right. He’s not cute. But we still need to speak about your relationship with him. Listen, Immy, the thing is that you’re just not good for his image.”
“I’m his friend and his assistant.”
“Yes, yes.” Lauren waved her hand through the air, looking impatient. “I’m working hard to get his career to the next level. And in order for Jenner to reach that next level, he needs to be available.”
Immy didn’t get it.
“Available for what?”
“Available as a man. Most of his fans are females aged twenty-five to forty. We need him to be free.”
Okay. Now Immy got it and she wasn’t sure she liked it. “He’s not a sex object.”
“Of course not. He’s hugely talented. But things like doing VIP party appearances will boost his popularity with the public. He just doesn’t need any distractions at the moment. He has to concentrate on his career. And I don’t want to be mean—”
“So don’t,” Immy said quickly.
“What?”
“If you don’t want to be mean, then don’t be mean.”
It was a simple concept to understand, she thought.
“But I just need to tell you this,” Lauren said.
“I thought you said you didn’t want to be mean. What you’ve got to say is obviously gonna sound mean, so don’t say it.”
“But it’s my job.”
“Glad I don’t have your job then,” Immy told her fervently.
“It’s just . . . I don’t want you to be hurt.”
“You don’t want to be mean and you don’t want me to be hurt, but you’re gonna say this anyway, am I right?”
“Uh, right.” Lauren appeared startled. “Jenner can’t get distracted, by anyone. I understand you probably have a crush on him, but you should find someone else. You’re very pretty and lovely, you’ll soon find someone. And Jenner can remain free for his fans before he finds someone more . . . on his level.”
Ouch.
Pretty and lovely, huh?
Those words should be complimentary, but the way she said them sounded so condescending. Especially when she’d followed that up by saying that Immy wasn’t on his level.
“I was wrong,” Immy said.
“I know.”
“You aren’t beautiful. Not anymore.”
The other woman’s eyes widened and she swallowed heavily. Instantly, Immy felt bad. This wasn’t her. She wasn’t mean.
“I take it back,” she said quickly. “You’re still beautiful. Just a bit mean.”
“I know you think I’m the bad guy and that’s fine with me. Do you know how hard it was to get to where I am? I had to fight. Every day. But I’m good at my job and I know what I’m doing. Jenner hired me for a reason and I’m going to give him what he wants. To do that we need to project a certain image. And Immy, you are cute and sweet, but you don’t fit with him.”
Immy worked hard to keep her hurt from showing. “Right.”
She wasn’t saying anything that Immy didn’t already know.
But that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt.
“It’s not enough anymore to be talented. It’s a harsh world out there and you have to be the whole package. You really should move on and find someone else. Someone who will have time and attention for you and won’t be surrounded by beautiful, single women all the time. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Uh-huh. Sure.”
“I knew you’d want to do what was best for Jenner.” The other woman stood. “And this is what his career needs. He told me it was his dream to be famous and rich, I’m sure you don’t want to get in the way of his dream.”
No. That was the last thing she wanted. All she ever wanted was for Jenner to be happy. Immy watched as the other woman walked to the door, turning back.
“I think you’ll thank me. Better than him breaking your heart. The way all men do.”
Right.
Immy knew about heartbreak. It was splintering right now. After Lauren left Immy knew she couldn’t stay in her office. She needed a break from this house.
When they’d first moved in together, she’d loved it. They’d lived in a crappy apartment in a terrible neighborhood and the guys would never let her walk around on her own.
She hadn’t been able to work much, so she’d done most of the cooking and cleaning.
She’d loved taking care of her guys.