Natasha

The bright sun and clear skies are one of the many reasons why I prefer California over Lakefront.

The cool breeze from the water hits my skin as I lay on my towel. Me, being pale all the time, needs this tan.

This is way better than sitting in a classroom and listening to monotone teachers.

Headphones in my ears, I blocked off all the surrounding noises of the beach.

My music stopped as an incoming call came up.

Dad

I groaned. What does he want now?

"Hello, dearest Father!" I said with fake enthusiasm.

"Natasha, how's California?" I furrowed my eyebrows. Okay?

"It's great. I'm at the beach."

"I can tell. Those pigeons are very loud." I snorted.

"So...?"

"Did you learn new things during your tutoring session?

Hell no. "Yeah, yeah, yeah." I said quickly.

"I hope so. Each person who is getting tutored has a monthly checkup."

I sat up. "Monthly checkup?"

"A quiz."

"What?! Did you set this up?"

"No. Why are you getting mad at me? It's not going to affect your grade. It's going to show your progress that will help the tutor know where to help you."

"But you didn't tell me!"

"Natasha, stop whining. You're giving me a headache." I can imagine him rubbing his temples.

I rolled my eyes. "Maybe you should take some Advil."

He sighed. "Just video call that Oliver boy so you can be prepared."

"But you said it's not going to aff-"

"Do it." He said sternly.

"Okay, Dad."

"Bye." He hung up the call.

I turned to see my model friends, Riley and Ella, face down on their towels, sleeping. Nah, I'm not going to wake them up.

I grabbed my wristlet and phone and started walking. A biker who was around his 20s glanced at me and smiled before passing by. I bit down a smile in confidence. I'm glad I wore this swimsuit. I got it from the Tori photoshoot yesterday. This was for their summer collection next year and each model was able to take two home.

It was a light blue one piece, with cross lacing on the sides. My back was bare up to my ass, and in the front was a low v-neck cut. My auburn red hair was in two braids as it swished by my shoulders.

A stand was nearby with a line. I got behind a group of people.

15 minutes later, and the line barely moved. But this was the closest stand from where my stuff was, plus I didn't feel like leaving.

After the large group got their food, I was next.

"Hi! How can I help you?"

"Yeah, can I have one scoop of vanilla ice cream?"

"$3.36."

I gave the lady a $5 and left with the cone.

Should I go back? No, I'm good here.

As much I like Riley and Ella, they can get a little annoying. All they talk about is gossip among the other models. But, that shit gets old and I'm not here for it.

I sat at a bench and started licking the cold sweetness. My tongue cooled down as it melted in my mouth.

Speaking of gossip, I got my phone out. Let's see what the tea is today...

The #1 site for model gossip was @ShadyModels. No one knows who owns the account, or how they know everything, but most of the things that are posted are true.

Taya Easton's interview with Fawcett, talks about Luxury Line

I clicked on the article.

Taya is very excited to be one of the youngest models ever to be apart of Luxury Line. She claims that it will be the turning point of her modeling career.

"How do you feel about the competition for the last couple of spots for the fashion show?" The interviewer asks.

"Umm, I'm surprised that I even got here, so anyone that makes it here would be as lucky as I am." She laughs.

"Anyone that makes it here would be as lucky as I am." I mimicked. "Yeah, right."

I know damn well she isn't surprised because her father, who owns Palmetta, the biggest hotel franchise in the world, made some phone calls. He probably knows one of the judges, who are not even announced yet.

Roman Antonio cozying up with Fiona Klein in Venice Beach (new girl?)

I took a double take and read the title again. Yeah, that's what I thought it said. This can't be true.

I clicked the pictures.

They were on a launch chair, their legs tangled together. Even though he was wearing a hat and sunglasses...I know that's Roman.

The next picture, him and her were laughing and pointing to God knows where.

The last picture, Fiona was smiling as he was behind her, his arms wrapped around her body. He was probably telling her how beautiful she was, or how he was an amazing chef, or calling her princesa.

Lydia was right. I followed my heart and hormones and not my brain.

It all makes sense. Not answering my phone calls, ignoring my texts. Wow, I'm a damn fool.

I started laughing. Hard. People walking by gave me strange looks.

"I'm okay! I'm not crazy!"

I called his phone. He didn't answer, of course.

Hola! Ese es Roman, sorry I couldn't pick up, and I'll get back to you. See ya!

I waited after the beep.

"Hola, you little fucker! If you were going to cheat, don't be so obvious by ghosting me and FYI, do it inside where you won't be seen. Bye!"

Am I being petty? Yes. But, that felt so good.

I got up from the bench and threw away my napkin. I put on my sunglasses and walked back.

Off to more important things.

-

The girls decided to go to a party. They asked me to join, but I wasn't in the mood. They were oblivious to what happened.

I mean, Roman and I were exclusive, and people rarely knew about us, but word travels fast.

I took a shower and changed into a Joyner sweatshirt and shorts. I tanned a bit, but not enough. Too bad I'm going home tomorrow.

I sat at the desk. Do I really wanna video call Oliver?

But the monthly checkups. Ughhh, damn you, Dad and the school system.

I clicked the button. He picked up on the first ring.

"Hey."

"Hi."

The awkward silence was very uncomfortable.

"Okay, look. I'm sorry for what I said on Wednesday. I was way out of line."

My eyes widened. Oliver apologizing? That's a first.

"Yeah, you were. You had no right to judge me when you don't even know me." I crossed my arms.

He raised his eyebrows and I sighed. "But, I can't be talking because I did the same to you, so I'm sorry too."

"Wow, is this some apology session or something?" He laughed.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Truce?" He held out his hand in front of the camera. I looked at him in confusion.

"I'm doing a virtual handshake." Oh.

"You're such a dork." I held my hand to camera. "Truce."

We pretended that we were shaking each other's hands.

"So, about this monthly checkup..."

"It's literally 10 questions from all the stuff I tutored you. It's not that bad."

"But monthly?"

"Yeah, I don't know why the school has that. It's honestly stupid."

"Wow, Oliver not agreeing with the school? Who are you and what have you done with the teacher's pet?"

"Hey! I'm not a teacher's pet! I wouldn't want to be kissing some teacher's ass for better grades when I can just study."

"Alright, alright. Go off."

He shook his head and laughed again. I've never seen him laugh in my entire life. He's always so serious or never around. But it's very...nice.

Nice?

He squinted his eyes and came closer to the camera. "Are you wearing a Joyner sweatshirt?"

"Yeah?"

"You know their band?"

"Yeah, they're my favorite. Why is that a shocker?"

"I didn't think that you...you were into that style of music."

Joyner was the first rock band that I've gotten into. When I heard their song on the radio for the first time, I immediately stanned them. I like how the lyrics of the songs have meaning, and they're just not about parties and sex. They're coming to Manhattan this winter and I really want to go.

"What do you think I listen to?"

"I don't know, bubblegum pop?"

"Bubblegum pop? I feel so offended." I put my hand over my heart and faked looking hurt.

"I listen to them, too. They're pretty tight."

"What's your favorite song from them?"

Oliver sat back on his chair. "Um, School Year is pretty good."

"Everyone likes School Year. That song was overplayed everywhere."

"You right. What about Legacy, Can't Say No, and Sober?"

"Now those are good songs. Glad to know where you stand as a Joyner fan."

"Pssh, I've been a fan. Since Day 1"

"Says the one who says their favorite song is School Year. Could of mistaken you for a bandwagon."

"Don't compare me to those group of people. I'll never be a bandwagon."

"At least we got that in common."

"Who do you like more, Mariah or Charlie?"

"Charlie, hands down. Do you see his skills on the bass? That man is talented."

"But Mariah's voice is so soothing and unique!"

"I like how we didn't acknowledge Gabe or Levi."

"Because Gabe is piano and Levi is drums! They're irrelevant!" That's a whole lie. They're my favorites.

"Because everyone one, I mean girls, think Charlie is hot."

"So what? He is." Sometimes, he goes shirtless when they're on tour and girl...

"You must think Mariah is too. She's so gorgeous."

"Umm, we should get started on tutoring."

"No! Don't ignore the question!"

"Well..." He smiled.

"You're blushing, dude."

"Whatever, she's attractive."

"You probably have a little shrine of her in your closet."

"No I don't!"

"Yes you do! Why did you answer that quickly? Ollie..." I tsked and shook my head.

"Shut up."

We never got to tutoring.

-
A/N

School just ended for me *happy dance*. Sooo, more updates from me, by me.

Lets hope we, as in I, finish the book before the break ends. Fingers crossed, guys!

Now, let's get into the book.

So we know Roman is player and cheated on Nat. I mean, WE BEEN KNEW SIS. But at least she's not crying about it. My girl is a strong, independent woman!

And Nat and Ollie getting along? Finally. We've been all waiting for this moment. You're welcome guys.

They're going to have more things in common other than a band... the foreshadow is strong.

What do you think is going to happen between Nat and Roman after?

Feel free to comment, vote, or share!

Also check out my cover page! megbrocovers

-the main hoe, mb