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Emma peers over. “At least they spelled your name right this time.”

I scroll down, yawning until something bright blue catches my eye.

A check mark.

I freeze.

Wait.

“Okay, either I’m losing my mind or…” I tap the message and squint. “Nova just messaged me?”

Emma pauses mid-sip. “Who’s Nova?”

“Jack Calloway’s manager.”

Her eyes go wide. “Nova Chambers. Wait. What?!”

I spin the phone around. “It says—‘Hi Mia, I represent Jack Calloway. I’d love to speak with you about a potential partnership. Please let me know when you’re free to chat.’”

Emma snatches the phone. “Blue check. Verified. Oh my gosh, this is real. Mia. This is actual Hollywood.”

“I thought it was spam!”

Emma scrolls quickly. “Look! She even said they’ll cover your flight and hotel.”

My stomach flips. “Nope. Absolutely not.”

Emma lowers the phone with a frown. “What do you mean nope?”

“I mean, I’m not flying to L.A.”

“Why not?” She looks like she’ll cry. “This is an amazing opportunity.”

“Opportunity for what?” I ask. “I’m a florist. I sell flowers. What partnership could she possibly want from me? They’re in freaking Hollywood, Emma. Are you saying there are no florists over there? Does she want flowers? What?”

“It clearly says she’d like to discuss this partnership with you. You won’t know what she wants until you go there.”

“What if they kill me? Or kidnap me?”

“Sure. The famous Nova Chambers is a serial killer,” she answers sarcastically.

“Emma, I’m serious!”

“She’s not,” Emma laughs. “She has a reputation to protect.”

“Sure. Like she’s protecting Jack’s reputation.”

“Low blow, Mia,” Emma huffs. “What’s with you this morning? Jack’s reputation has nothing to do with Nova. She’s a great woman. Besides, this partnership will surely come with a lot of money. I know you need money…”

She stares pointedly at me, and I know she’s referring to the charity organization that I’m passionate about. The one very dear to my heart because I’ve lived it. Lately, we’ve been low on funds, and it’s not funny. The kids need us. The kids needme.

I stare at the message again. That blue check might as well be a portal to another universe. A glamorous, expensive, probably chaotic one I have no business stepping into.

Still…

“They said everything’s covered?” I ask cautiously.

Emma grins. “Flight. Hotel. Probably room service, too.”