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- Chapter Nine -

Amina

––––––––

Iwas barely recoveringfrom the huge moment of signing with Beats and Blast when Violet was dragging me somewhere else.

"I'm doing what?" I asked, alternating between staring at her and staring at the beautiful stretch of Beverly Hills outside the car window.

"Performing at a gala." She shot me a look. Was she as nervous as I was? "Bach thinks it's what will propel you forward. Get everyone chatting about you."

"Sure. They'll be talking about how I wasn't ready to do this."

She snorted dryly. "Stay positive. Most of the trick is acting like you're confident."

Touching my forehead, I massaged the tender spot where Bach had slammed into me. It wasn't visible on the outside, but the bruise went deep into my psyche. "Confident. Right." Did he really think I could do this? Maybe he was just crazy.

But what other choice was there than to try?

The building we pulled up to was gorgeous; the outside all black and silver. Wide windows showed off dresses and jeans and a number of other sharp outfits.At least I'll look good when I go down in flames.

Violet parked at a meter, motioning me to follow her. She was always a little edgy, but right then, she was all spines. I realized Bach was putting her patience to the test as much as mine.

The bell over the door jingled. The LA heat vanished, a comfortable coolness welcoming us into the store. Looking side to side, I studied the place with mounting excitement. It wasn't enough to bury the prickly part of me that was terrified of performing tonight, but... it would do.

I'm going to get to wear something really great,I thought, smiling. I'd watched those Dress for Success reality shows, and they always wowed me with their results. Could someone take my "whatever clean clothes are on hand" look and transform it into something worth talking about?

You need a makeover.

Bach's calculating comment drilled into my mind. Remembering how he'd torn me down without hesitance took the fun out of this trip.

"Can I help you?" someone asked. The woman was wearing a gorgeous dress. It flowed on the hem, the top tight and figure forming in a way that drew attention. The color popped; bright cherries and apricot yellows. It was fantastic, even if it wasn't something I'd ever wear.

Whoever this designer is, she's got guts.I liked that. I was stoked to meet someone with so muchpow!

“Hi there,” she said, extending a manicured hand my way. “I'm Alexis, the designer here. I’m sorry to say I don’t have much time to show anyone around, I’ve got an appointment arriving soon."