Chapter 2

Two

HARMONY

“Mom, stop, what do you mean they broke in?” I'm trying to pay attention, I really am, but when my mom is telling me about a new romance she's reading while I'm in the middle of rushing for an audition, I tend to miss a lot of the details.

She continues on for a little longer and I'm so lost. “Okay, send me the Amazon link and I'll download it. You've convinced me, but I really have to go.”

“ Okay sweetheart. Good luck today. Break a leg.”

Hanging up, I grab my egg sandwich and keys, then run to my car. Out of all the days to tell Luis I don't need a ride, I could really use him.

I hope the traffic isn't awful. One thing I miss about my small town. You could get from point A to point B with only three stop lights.

The most traffic we got was on Sundays after church. Now I'm in this big city that I get lost in half the time.

Passing the Hollywood sign never gets old though. I don't mind living in Beverly Hills.

My Bluetooth cuts off the music I was belting to the roof of my convertible, informing me that Janet is calling.

Pressing the button on my steering wheel, I start apologizing.

“I know. I know. I swear I'm on the way,” I rush out, and she laughs.

“I may have lied and told you your meeting was at ten, but it's at noon. I know you Harmony.”

“You bitch!” I gasp then giggle. “I have flip flops on because I can't drive in my wedges and don't even get me started on my eyelash extensions. I'm a hot mess express this morning.”

“That's why you pay me the big bucks. Swing by a coffee shop drive thru, take some deep breaths and I'll meet you in the parking garage. I have Marco with me to do your makeup, and we have an outfit for you too.”

God, I would be so damn lost without my amazing team.

I end the call with her then swing by Mocha Dream, one of my favorite places to grab a cold brew. I order Janet and Marco something then wait in line.

One thing about being all over the gossip rags is I can't just pop into a Starbucks anymore and perch at a table for a pick me up.

I spent hours at the one back home while I did my homework.

Don't get me wrong, I'm loving Hollywood and being America's Starlet, but I miss the autonomy some days.

“Oh my God! You're… you’re….” the barista stammers, and I give her a sweet smile before reaching into my glove box for some signed swag.

“I am. Here,” I hand her the small tote bags Janet and I made just for these occasions and she hands me my tray of drinks.

“Wow, thank you!” she squeals, and I quickly pay using my phone and get the hell out of there.

I may have an extra hour now due to Janet's scheming, but I don't have time for the paps to track me down.

Pulling into the parking garage, I give Dennis my badge and he signs me in before opening the fence, letting me in.

I wave to some paps who are snapping pics of my car, then drive down to Janet's SUV.

She used to have the smallest car ever and after I had to do a wardrobe change in the backseat, we decided to get her an upgrade.

“Baby!” Marco shouts, running over and opening my door. He gives me air kisses, then lifts a strand of my damp hair, with a cringe.

“It's okay we can fix this. I have my cordless hair dryer and curler. We have forty minutes to turn you from shab to fab,” he says and I pull him into a quick hug.

Janet opens the passenger door and grabs our drinks and my bags. “Are you ready for this, honey. I know reality TV isn't your true dream, but who can say no to that man candy.”

Laughing, I follow Marco to the backseat of the SUV, quickly change from my sundress into a mini leather skirt and cropped band tee, and switch out my shoes for my favorite studded pumps.

“Damn, I am loving the rocker chic,” Marco mutters over the sound of the hair dryer. I am going to be a static mess in a moment, but he's never steered me wrong.

“I'm sorry we couldn't meet at your place. I had to deal with some Niko drama early this morning,” Janet says while typing on her tablet with one hand and sipping her latte with the other.

She blows my mind at how good she is with multi-tasking.

“No worries, this works. Won't be the first or the last time we do something like this.”

Marco finishes my hair and rubs some cream into the locks to make them shiny, and silky smooth.

“Miracle worker.”

“You flatter me. Okay let's touch up your eye makeup and we are good to go. God, Harmony if you get this, you need to tell me what Maddox smells like,” he says with a sigh and I snort.

“Deal, but I doubt I'll get the role.”

“I'm sorry, you want me to do what?” I screech not even caring how rude I am being to the producer and writers right now.

“You will go undercover at a California all boys college. Maddox will be by your side every step of the way. You will record for research purposes. I'm sorry we told your PA this was a reality show. It's actually going to be a movie franchise based off the famous novel by Alana Rose.”

“Oh, I loved those books, but why me? I mean don't get me wrong, but I'm not very boyish.”

I have a tight body with curves. How would we even hide them?

“That's what our makeup team is for. Maddox and you will join the college, go to classes, make friends and live there for three months.”

“I'm still filming. When are we supposed to start this?” I ask as if I've already accepted this assignment. I must be out of my damn mind.

But I mean three months side by side, living with Maddox Daniels. I think I would even accept this role free of charge, but I'm not going to offer.

“You have a month to wrap things up. This will be an amazing opportunity for you, Harmony.”

I nod, because to get the franchise… that would be a dream come true.

I have always been an avid reader, and I'd love to play the role of Marley.

I look over at Janet, and she has a smile wider than the fields back home.

“I will need to discuss this with my agent, but if all the paperwork seems to be in line, I accept.”

“Great news! We look forward to working with you, Harmony.”

I stand and shake their hands, trying to stay in the moment but all I can think is ‘shit I hope this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass’… Though I wouldn't mind if it was Maddox doing it.