Page 46 of Damaged Mogul

After that, I stopped by the American Film Institute. It’s not on the list of my father’s approved schools, but curiosity won. That, and defiance.

Once that was done, I played tourist in Beverly Hills since I couldn’t yesterday, given I was on a tight schedule.

LA is so different from New York, London, or Paris. The city has its own unique vibrancy––one I’m warming up to. I won’t lie, this sunshine is making me drunk with giddiness.

Conscious of the time, I cut my stroll short. There’s still time for me to get ready for Rhys’s birthday party, but Michaela sold me on the orange blossom and honey body scrub treatmentat the Pompadour Spa. She said it’s a must to shake off the jetlag blues.

Sign. Me. Up.

I stroll across the lobby of the hotel on my way to the elevators, when Michaela approaches me, her trademark warm smile stretching her lips. “Perfect timing.”

I pull my oversized designer diva sunglasses off my face. “Perfect timing for what?” She’s about to respond, but I interrupt her. “I love your dress. You have impeccable style.” My eyes drop to her feet. “And you’re rocking those heels. Bravo for going with a bold color.”

“Thank you.” She beams. “I could’ve gone for white high heels, but these yellow ones make a statement.”

“And black would be so predictable.”

“I was thinking along the same lines.” Mikki winks. “You decided not to wear your beautiful Dior Couture secondhand shop find two days in a row.”

“Trust me, I considered it long and hard, but I thought it was a little much for afternoon visits at colleges. Not to mention, the couture would be over the top for the understated hairstyle.” I pull at my long braid.

She laughs.

I opted for something less showy—a white sleeveless top with a pair of slim fitted raw silk three-quarter pants in fuchsia, which I paired with black satin Manolo Blahnik Hangisi heels.

“I love this on you.” Her eyes are riveted on my necklace.

“Thank you.”

“What a versatile piece of jewelry. It pairs perfectly with couture or a more subdued outfit. Where did you buy it?”

I bite the inside of my cheek, unsure if I should tell her the truth or not.

I decide to play it safe. “It’s one of those lucky finds.”

“If you find another one, buy it, and I’llreimburse you.”

I contain my excitement. “Will do.”

Praise from a woman with impeccable taste stirs something in me.

Mikki checks her watch. “Our table should be ready.”

I frown.

“It’s four-thirty.Le goûteris being served right about now in theLa Belle ÉpoqueRoom.”

“Afternoon tea French style?”

“I made reservations for two.” Mikki winks. “Care to join me?”

“Absolument!”

Translation:Absolutely.

“With each passing day, I like you more and more, Lily.”

“Ditto, Mikki.”