Sighing, I look at myself in the reflection of a window. I've been stuffed into a skimpy dress and pounded with flawless makeup, courtesy of my boss.

I wanted to go casual, with skinny jeans and a nice bodysuit, but Daffodil claimed that I can't look like that at an event where I'm associated with her. She still thinks Eleanor only talked to me because of the Victoria Secret show, when that's not the case at all. I don't care enough to clarify our past relationship though. So, she dolled me up, claiming that it'll be a high-class function and not an improv show.

Deep down, I should be thankful. I'd be so underdressed compared to Eleanor's model friends. Sometimes working with Daffodil is cool. Only sometimes.

The wind whips my curled hair and snaps me back to reality. I tug on the hem of my dress and stare at the lounge that's in the distance. There's a huge sign that reads Phoenix in bold letters. That's about the flashiest thing about it. Other than that, it looks pretty lowkey. And if there's one thing to know about California, it's that the more rundown something looks, the more exclusive it is.

I silently pray this isn't some weird hippie place as I pull open the doors. I'm transported into a very small room with wood accents. All it has is a podium and a door behind it.

I approach the man at the podium. "Hi, Ellie Marsh. I'm with Eleanor Calder's party." I silently hope my name isn't on the list. Daffodil can't fire me if I couldn't get in, right?

No. She'd want me to seduce the host.

He looks down at his sleek iPad as he searches through the guest names. I pretend that I'm not intimidated by the place and tighten my grip on my clutch. He looks up at me and smiles, making his extravagant mustache move with him. "Yes, I have you down right here. Do you need an escort or would you prefer to walk in alone?"

I snort at the idea of being escorted but I realize it shows just how ostentatious this place really is. "Is it big enough to get lost in?" I lean in and ask.

He laughs, not finding me weird at all. "A little."

"Escort, then."

He nods and presses a button on the podium. I allow my eyes to wander around the cozy room once again. There isn't much. To an average onlooker, they'd see the small room and flee because it just seems so... unimportant.

It makes me nervous to see the main area.

Seconds later, a girl comes out in a penguin suit, minus the jacket. "Hi, I'll be escorting you to your table."

I nod and thank the host before following alongside the girl. The air is awkward so I decide to joke it out. "You know, when I asked for an escort, I expected a male."

She laughs and the tension immediately dissipates. "Sorry to disappoint."

As soon as she opens the door, I marvel at the surroundings. I try not to make it too obvious that I don't belong but with the way my eyes drink up every detail, it isn't hard to tell.

The eating area is a huge open space. The wood walls give it a summer cabin vibe. The tables are also wooden, but look like tree trunks rather than smooth surfaces. The seating areas are very spaced out for a sense of privacy, yet no one feels isolated. The name Phoenix comes from the fact that there's fire everywhere. There are multiple fireplaces warming up the air. There are lanterns in replacement of lights. Even the tables are candlelit. I'm sure if we were outdoors, there would be fire pits as well.

"Your party's in a more closed off corner," the escort informs me. I nod, my eyes flickering around like the flames. "I'm sorry if I'm overstepping, but you seem nervous. Is everything alright?"

I wildly stare at her, confused as to how I was so easy to read. I swear I did everything to hide my nervous ticks, yet she knows.

Her warm smile encourages me to go on, so I do. "A little. I'm not used to the crowd."

"I can tell. You're already funnier than those brainless bimbos."

I cover my laugh with my hand. "That's mean but I'll take the compliment." She smiles, relieved that I'm so easygoing. "But let's just say, I'm being forced to be here. I'm already counting down the seconds until I can leave."

We stop right before a ledge, which leads to an extended part of the lounge. It isn't necessarily isolated, but more private than the rest of the seating. She turns to me with a concerned smile. "Hey, if you need an out, order a double cherry whisky and I'll whisk in with a made-up emergency."

My heart warms toward the girl and I have a sudden urge to hug her. I refrain myself though. She already thinks I'm weird, no need to prove her right. Instead, I flash her a thankful smile. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."

"Do you need me to walk you in?"

I pretend to contemplate, tapping my chin with my index finger. "Yes, and introduce me before I come in, like how they did with lords in the olden days."

She warily eyes my face with her big eyes. "I can't tell if you're joking."

"I am," I chuckle. "Also stalling. I don't want to go in."

I'm already late as is. It started at eight but Daffodil insisted that I should be fashionably late. She also said that no one would be here that early. So now it's nine and I'm standing out here, dreading to go inside.

"Hey! You've managed to get me to like you, and I'm a stony bitch. You'll be fine," my escort laughs. The urge to hug her increases.

"You're right." I flip my curls over my shoulder. "I'm Ellie Marsh. I've dealt with them before. I can do it again."

She lets out a low whistle. "Confidence is sexy."

"Remember that," I say seriously as I point a finger in her direction. "Aw fuck, I've gotten motivational. I'm really stalling."

"I can wait out here with you, pretend that we got lost or something."

"No, I'm already an hour late. I should go in." I attempt to take calming breaths but a ball of anxiety is settled in my stomach and isn't planning on leaving anytime soon.

Ugh. The things I do for Daffodil.

She smiles one last time before backing up slowly. I take a few more breaths before stepping over the ledge. The sound of my heels clicking against the wooden floor echoes in my ears. I almost debate running back to call my escort but then I remember who I am.

I am Ellie Marsh, PA and PR to the great Daffodil. If I can get groped by random strangers for my job, I can sit through a cocktail hour with an old friend and her friends. Surely, it can't be bad, right?

Nope. It's bad.

Apparently some of Eleanor's 'friends' consist of her very own boyfriend and my very own ex-boyfriend.

Eleanor notices me first. She abruptly stands up from her spot on the couch and runs over, nearly twisting her ankle. Her hair is pin straight down her back and sways against her open back dress. "You came!" Her eyes are wide with excitement and surprise.

Suddenly I feel guilty for taking so long.

"Hah, yeah, I did," I awkwardly laugh as she pulls me into a hug. I hug her back but only for a few seconds. She doesn't notice when she pulls away and immediately tugs for me to join the rest of the group.

"Eek! I'm so excited to introduce you to everyone!" she squeals, pulling me to the couch full of girls. They're a diverse group for sure. "So we have Kimmy, Jen, Mia, Claire, and Lola." She points as she lists each girl. They all smile or wave as they're called on. She then turns to face the couch she was sitting on earlier. "And of course, you know Lou and Harry. We also have Thomas, Noah, and Tony. They're also models." She playfully nudges me a little.

I smile at the guys, more interested in the girls only because they're potential clients.

In a way, I'm relieved at the way she's not making Harry a big deal. Her nonchalance to the whole situation is refreshing. That way, I can handle things the same way. It makes things easier for me.

I keep that in mind for the rest of the night.

One of the men, Noah I think, grabs my hand and kisses the back of it. It's skeezy and gross. I flash him a polite smile before rubbing the back of my hand on my dress to rid the germs.

"Oh, let's sit with the girlies."

"Are you sure? You can sit with your boyfriend, I don't mind," I reply honestly.

She's already pulling me back to the couch with the girls. "Nah, they're just talking about sports anyway. I want to talk about girly things for once."

She pulls me down onto the burnt leather couch while she initiates conversation with the girls. My eyes skim around the area, thoroughly impressed. It's similar to the rest of the lounge but we have our own private things like a fireplace and table if we were to eat. Framed black and white pictures line the walls. They're mostly focused on the Gold Rush era, which is a little funny to me. We also have one of those medieval chandeliers that are lit by flame.

I wonder how long it takes to light every individual wick.

"So Ellie, which agency are you from?"

My head whips up. "Pardon?"

The Asian girl laughs like I've said the funniest thing ever. "Oh El, you're right! She is a delight! Where'd you find her from?"

Eleanor smiles proudly. "She's an old friend. She's not in the modeling business, although I don't think it would harm her to put her pretty face to use."

Now I gush, even though it's the last thing I want to do. "Oh El, you're so kind. But, no. I'm actually more of a behind the scenes type of girl."

Another girl perks up. She's dark-skinned with super curly hair. She leans in over the other girls to get closer. "Behind the scenes? What does that mean?"

"I actually work as a personal assistant! It's great, really. I'm more of an observer, so I get to experience different things without having to participate. For example, I went to Bali recently to accompany her in a shoot."

Their eyes are wide with fascination, even though I'm sure their lives are much more interesting to talk about.

"Argh, I hate talking about myself," I laugh. "Please, tell me how you beautiful ladies got into the modeling business!"

Charm? Check.

And just like that, the flattered girls start chatting away about their stories. I listen with pure interest, soaking in their stories. It's one of the best parts of my job.

"Ladies!" one of the guys calls out. Our heads snap up to the group casually lazed on their couch. "Drinks, anyone?"

"Yeah!" the girls call out. I don't, obviously.

He laughs and waves the waitress over. She eagerly takes everyone's orders and then gets to me.

There's one thing I've learned about the industry, it's that people get offended when you don't drink. I think it's lowkey ridiculous but that's how it is. If I want these girls under my wing, I need to drink. Lucky for me, I can nurse the same glass all night and not have to worry about criticisms. I order a red.

When she floats over to the boys, I turn back to the girls.

"So, Ellie, who do you work for?"

I open my mouth to answer but Eleanor does it for me. "Oh my Gosh, only like the best makeup artist ever! You girls remember my V.S. show? Wait, of course you do," she pauses to laugh. "Well, anyway, Daffodil is the newest upcoming MUA! She's the one who did my makeup and she's Ellie's boss too."

I smile, hiding my annoyance. Normally I like to do the talking when it comes to promoting Daffodil. Eleanor doing it for me ruins it.

I try to recover from it. "Oh guys, come on. Let's not talk about work! I'm sure you're so sick of hearing about up and coming artists."

"No, no, wait! I'd love for Daffodil to do mine," a blond girl with a hint of an accent says.

"Me too!" the Asian one adds.

I should've paid attention to their names.

"Oh guys," I wave a hand and lean back a little. "You're too kind. Seriously, you don't have to pretend because of me. I'm just here to have a good night with some lovely ladies." The beating against my ribs reminds me exactly how nervous I am at that moment. I can only hope I seem relaxed right now.

"No! Seriously! Eleanor's makeup was so stunning, I just assumed it was her usual artist! I had no idea it was someone new. It explains why she was glowing on stage," the blond says. The more she talks, the more I realize that she's Australian.

"Yes, yes!" another one says. This one's British. "Oh Ellie, you must give us her contact information!"

When they all chorus their agreements, I let out a silent sigh of relief. It worked. It worked, again.  At times like this, I wonder why I ever doubt my abilities in the first place. There's a reason Medusa hired me in the first place.

With a wicked glint in my eyes and a polite smirks on my cherry lips, I say, "If you mention Elizabeth, you'll get a discount." They all squeal from delight while I internally cackle maniacally.

It's the little things.

When I have a moment to myself, I find myself texting Daniel. I wanted to bring him tonight because maybe, just maybe, I could get him interested in one of these pretty ladies, but Medusa insisted that I go alone. She said something about not warding off the male clientele...

Oh.

My mouth forms an 'o' shape as I realize that maybe she wanted me to treat the men as potential clients as well.

Oops. She needs to be grateful for the ladies I got for her tonight.

Me: I may or may not have offered more discounts

Danny: Ellie!!!

Me: Can't help it! I love spiting her in the least harmful ways.

Danny: That discount is going to be taken straight out of your paycheck.

I snicker as I reply.

Me: You're right... damn. Still worth it though.

Me: Lots of hot models here tonight ;)

Danny: Not interested :p

Me: Silly, I meant for me ;)

I slip my phone back into my clutch as the drinks come out. I grab my wine and swirl it a little, not daring to take a sip. The others hardly notice, thank God.

A shadow falls over us and I look up to see Louis towering above us. Like the other guys, he's wearing dress pants, a button-up, and a blazer on top. It's a weird contrast from seeing him all those years ago in jeans and t-shirts.

"Baby, can I talk to you?" he asks his girlfriend. I don't allow myself to meet his gaze. I'm too nervous. She shoots me a glance before nodding.

As soon as she's off the couch, I scoot in her spot so I'm closer to the other girls. They're already giggling like drunk high schoolers.

"Ellie," one starts, "out of all the guys, which would you choose?" She points her champagne flute toward the boys sitting on the couch.

I don't bother even looking at them. "Well, that Noah character is off my list. He seems sleazy."

Their jaws drop at my answer. "You don't like the whole 'kissing your hand' thing?"

I scrunch up my face in disgust. "Depends on the situation I guess..." I frown, realizing they like it. The more I think about it, the more I realize that it might've once flattered me too. Not anymore, though.

The British one brushes it off quickly. "Okay, but which one is top on your list?"

I instinctively want to say Harry but it would make me sound like a crazed fan. Sighing, I angle my body so I can look at each of the guys. Noah, the hand kisser, is a handsome man but he's too baby-faced. Then there's... okay, I don't know their names. The one sitting on the end has more of a rugged look with his beard, but I kinda like it. The guy sitting between Noah and Harry has a very chic, I'm so much better than you because I'm vegan look. He has those hipster glasses, a scarf that looks like something my grandmother would knit, and a fedora.

I turn to see the girls' expectant faces. "Um..." I suddenly feel stupid that I don't know their names. "The guy sitting on the left edge."

They all look at me with ridiculous expressions.

Oh no, here it comes. The part where I've royally fucked up.

Sorry Daffodil.

"You can't be serious!" the Asian one gasps.

I play with the ends of my hair, one of my nervous ticks. "What? Wrong answer?"

The one closest to me clutches my arm. "You seriously don't know their names?"

"No," I meekly reply. This is it. The end of my career. All because I was stupid enough to not learn some names!

Then, they do the unexpected. They laugh. Not at me, but with me.

And soon, I join in their amusement.

"This is unbelievable!"

"Yeah, I can't believe it. You're one of the first girls who haven't gawked over them."

A weight is lifted off my chest as I hear their amused comments. They're not mad at me. They're surprised.

"Not everything's about boys!" I pathetically reply with a laugh. They seem to disagree with the way they sneak glances at them once in a while. "Fine, then. Who would you guys choose?"

"Harry," they collectively echo.

Thank God the guys are out of earshot. Imagine them overhearing this.

I blink, then laugh. Here I was, thinking I'd sound like a fangirl when they're just as bad as me.

"How come?" I ask.

"He's so mysterious..."

"And such a player!"

"Imagine being the one who tied him down."

My mouth forms an 'o' shape as I lean back into the couch. I understand it all now. They have 'fix it' syndrome; the thing people do when they try to date someone 'broken' in hopes of changing them for the better.

It's stupid, really.

And as much as I want to avoid it, I hate their reasons. Harry is so much more than a pretty face. He has a caring personality with a hint of possessiveness. He knows what he wants and he gets it. He also takes care of you when you're sick, even if he's the cause.

"I bet he's a good fuck-"

Nope. No. Nope, nope, nope. "I'm going to the bathroom," I blurt out.

They all look at me wildly before slowly nodding, probably weirded out by my outburst. One even asks if I want them to come with me. After reassuring them that I'm perfectly capable of going pee by myself, they let me go.

As soon as I step out of our private corner, I run into Louis and Eleanor. Neither of them has seen me but I can catch snippets of their conversation.

"...like nothing's happened!" Louis whispers frustratedly.

"I know, baby, but you have to be patient," Eleanor calmly replies.

I wonder if this conversation is about me but I don't have enough context. Eleanor's eyes meet mine first and she smiles, breaking away from Lou.

"Hey Ellie, everything okay?"

"Yeah, just going to the bathroom. Or as you British people call it, the loo." OH MY GOD WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH ME? WHY DID I JUST SAY THAT?

"Do you need me to come with?" she politely asks, ignoring my weird rambling.

"What is it with girls going to the bathroom together?" I awkwardly laugh. "I'll be fine."

Before I can sneak past her, she grabs my arm. "You're not leaving, are you?"

"Me? Oh, no. I'd be classier if I watched to ditch."

She smiles in relief and lets go of my arm. I flash her my own tight-lipped smile before things get awkward between us three.

Finding the bathroom is ridiculously hard so I give up. It's not like I had to go anyway. It was really just an excuse to get away before they said perverted things about Harry.

Dating or not, I find that highly weird.

When I get back to the room, Louis and Eleanor are cuddling on the boys' couch. Noah is the only guy that remains there and half of the girls are gone. The other half is sitting with Harry.

Keeping their comments in mind, I walk over and sit on the boys' couch.

"Hey Louis," I say as I lean back, never meeting his eyes. When I hear a choking sound I turn over to see him coughing violently while Eleanor's patting his back. I immediately sit up. "Holy shit, are you okay?"

He doesn't answer right away. Instead, he waits for his coughing to subside before looking at me in disbelief. He gapes, his mouth opening and closing over and over again.

"What?" I ask, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Do I have lipstick on my teeth? I lick my teeth just in case.

"Nothing," he croaks before clearing his throat. "Hi, Ellie."

I give him a weird look before catching Harry's eye from across the room. My breath hitches for a second. Before things can get intense, I pry my eyes away from him and gesture for the waiter to come.

Things are getting overwhelming now.

"Can I get a double cherry whiskey?" I ask politely. She nods right away and disappears to 'give my order'. Now that my job is done, there's no reason for me to stay. I have five new potential clients. This night has been a success. Now all I need to do is watch the final edit of Daff's video, mediate some brand deals, plan this week's Instagram posts-

"Hey."

I turn my head to see Hand Kisser smiling at me. He's closer than before, I can feel the heat radiating off of his thigh.

"Noah," he reminds me.

"Ellie," I fake smile.

His lips twist into a smirk but it doesn't work well with his baby-face. Poor guy. "So Ellie, can I get you a drink?"

"I don't drink." It's better to be blunt. I'm done here anyway.

His face falls slightly before he tries extra hard to look "sexy". It doesn't work. "You just ordered a drink."

My mouth opens and closes as I try to figure out how to handle this. "Exactly. So, no, I don't want a drink."

His brows raise and he chuckles. "Fair point. Is there anything else I can do to grab your attention?"

My sadistic part is begging to be let out.

No, you can't be rude to him! He's a complete stranger!

But he's sleazy.

What if he complains to the girls and you lose their business?

They'll understand. Besides, I'm dying for some mischief. It's just a harmless prank, right?

I bite my lip and lean into him. He takes the hint and pulls in closer. For extra show, I put my hand on his knee and squeeze. "Why don't you meet me in the bathroom in five?"

His brows quirk but he puts on a stoic expression real quick. "Okay, I'll go first."

I nod, biting back my smile. This is too easy.

He excitedly gets up and practically runs to the bathroom. For a second, I feel just a little bit guilty. I mean, it's so immature to lead a guy on.

Whatever. I blame it on the two sips of alcohol I had. Besides, once he realizes I'm not there, the only thing wounded will be his ego. I'm pretty sure a sweet girl in this lounge will be more than glad to help him out.

While I wait for my lovely escort to bail me out, I pull my phone out and find myself texting Daniel again.

Me: Would you blush if I said I prefer your company over these models?

Danny: Should I be flattered or insulted?

Me: Whatever makes you sleep at night.

Danny: I would be flattered but I think you'd rather spend the night in the office

Me: You know me so well!!!

"Is there a Ms. Marsh in here?"

I look up to see my escort pretending to look around the room. I straighten up and raise my hand. "Me. What's wrong?"

Her eyes land on me and I see the faintest smile tugging on her lips. "It's your brother! He's been in a terrible accident!"

I stand up and gasp, ignoring all the concerned eyes on me. "What?"

"Yes! Your... dad came in here looking for you!"

Brother?!? Dad?!? This girl is really making me laugh.

I frantically nod and gather my stuff. "Eleanor, thanks for inviting me. I really have to go." Jesus, someone get this girl an Oscar!

I don't wait for anyone's response. I begin following my escort out of the room and don't break character until I'm halfway through the open space.

"Jesus," I laugh, nearly collapsing into her arms. "We should be actors."

She giggles but maintains professionalism. "Totally."

"Oh, hey, how much is my bill?" I ask, suddenly remembering I ordered a wine earlier. I didn't drink it, but whatever.

She walks over to the bar and chats with the bartender as I watch from afar. When she comes back, she's smiling. "It's been covered already."

"Oh." I frown, wondering who could've paid. Oh God, if it was Noah, I'd feel so guilty. "Hey, there's a guy in the bathroom right now. If he comes back to the room, can you let him know I had to leave because of an emergency?" At least that'll ease the guilt a little.

She gives me a confused look. "Sure..."

"I promise I wasn't going to have sex with him. I was just playing a prank," I rush out before she can judge me, not that I sound any better now. Oh God, I'm an idiot. The word vomit is real tonight.

"Right," she warily nods.

"I'm just gonna..." I point toward the exit. "Thank you," I squeak before making my escape. I feel like banging my head against the wall. Since when I have been such a mess?

Then things get worse because I'm Ellie Marsh and I can never escape my ill-fortune.