Page 171 of Damaged Mogul

“Snow is the loser in this story,” I say. “I’m sure this never crossed her mother’s mind because she was motivated by greed, but her daughter’s credibility also took a hit. She can pretty much kiss her chances of becoming a violin star goodbye. Industry people are going to stay far away. By running her mouth, Blanche put a red X on her daughter’s forehead.”

“I have a puppet master as a parent.”

She does.

“Speaking of your father, hecontacted me about the media drama.”

“He called you?”

“No, he texted me.”

“I see,” she says. “If it’s okay with you, I’d rather not talk about him. I’d rather forget all about my puppet master until I’m back in New York when I have no other choice but to face him.”

Message received loud and clear.“No skin off my back since that’s not why I called.”

“Can I be honest?”

“Sure.”

“Had Mikki not told me about the nightmare you and yourshow host were going through, I would’ve thought you were avoiding me because of something I did.”

“Why would you think you did something wrong?”

“You were sending mixed messages. One minute you ask me to extend my trip, the next, you forget I’m in LA. I understand you had prior commitments with your family––and I’d never expect you to put me in front of them––but it’s been radio silence on your end for days. Not even a quick text message. It’s almost as if you regretted asking me to stay. I thought I’d made a mistake by pushing back my departure.”

Lily’s frank talk is sobering.

I let out an audible sigh, raking my hands through my hair. “I was avoiding you.”

“Oh.” The disappointment in her voice is unmistakable.

“It’s nothing you did and it’s nothing you said. The onus falls squarely on my shoulders.”

“What do you mean?”

“Five days ago, I didn’t even know you. I was doing your father a solid. I figured I’d accompany you to the gala and that would be that. I was planning on having dinner on your last night before waving you goodbye––”

“At least you’re not lying about it.”

“I might’ve been a dick for not being in touch, but I’m not a liar,” I say. “I stayed away because I needed time to sort things out in my head.”

“Where do we stand?”

“That’s a bold question.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to––”

“I like you bold.”

She lets out a little giggle. “It’s your fault.”

“Are you saying I’m rubbing off on you?”

“I’m saying you don’t try to manipulate mewhen I stand up for myself… that gives me the courage to say what’s on my mind without pussyfooting for fear of retribution.”

I let out a whistle. “There’s so much in that statement. But delving into it further would imply involving your puppet master… and we’re not talking about him.”

“We’re not.”