Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Now, it’s time for another such engagement. We’re meeting with yet another merchant today, and I have to come off as peppy, energetic, and enthusiastic. My purple dress is flattering yet business-like, and of course, I have my tiara with me. It’s just another day in the life of Miss Millbrook.
Except, of course, for the fact that I have to do this with Ursula at my side. For some reason, the pageant organizers think that someone always has to be with me. As if it would be unseemly for Miss Millbrook to travel without an entourage, even if it’s only an entourage of one. As a result, my shoulders slump as I get into the Uber. Ursula is a condescending and frigid person, but there’s no escaping the uptight woman, unfortunately.
Sure enough, as I get out at my destination, Ursula stalks up to the vehicle, her heels clacking loudly on the sidewalk.
“What did I tell you about being on time?” she asks in an irate manner. Her face is pale and bloodless, and I wonder if the tight bun ever gives her headaches. But I don’t want to fight because it’s just not worth it. As a result, I apologize.
“I’m sorry. Where to first?”
She snorts derisively.
“The laundromat. They’re a smaller sponsor, but still, they’re a sponsor. Let’s go.”
She turns up her nose and marches towards a small, humble store with a big blue sign above it that reads, “Bubble-O-Wash.” Hey, that’s a good name for a laundromat, right? Plus, once we enter, I like the owner immediately. She’s a tiny, elderly Korean lady who gasps when I step over the threshold, clapping her hands with excitement. I guess I am a local celebrity of a sort, and smile before making small talk with Mrs. Kim. I even pose for pictures with her grandkids, and sign a few autographs for customers who happen to be doing their laundry. Hell, maybe I’m nothing but a small-time beauty contest winner, but I like being a part of the community.
Afterwards, I make to call another Uber, but Ursula pulls me towards a nearby coffee shop instead.
“Oh, I’m not thirsty,” I hedge, trying to escape. But she keeps a tight grip on my arm.
“A little caffeine never hurt anyone,” she says in a frigid tone.
“Oh, I don’t drink coffee!” I lie through my teeth. “I’m allergic to caffeine.”
Ursula merely pulls me in after her, her grip like iron.
“Then get a water. Besides, I need to talk to you about what you did last weekend.”
Immediately, my heart begins to race because I was in Colombo last week. But Ursula doesn’t know that because Logan made sure that the pageant organizers thought I was busy on some business for him. Yet what do I say now?
My eyes widen as I bite my lip.
“Oh, um, I was just running some errands for Mr. Michaelson. You know, pageant-related events and stuff. Michaelson Homes is a huge developer, so he had me traveling.”
Ursula snorts.
“Yeah, right. I know that you’re lying.”
I keep my cool.
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
She scoffs. “Will you stop? The Circle’s not a huge secret, at least not among a certain set. I was there, Rocky. At Colombo, and I saw you acting like a whore in front of everyone!”
I stare.
“Colombo? What’s that?”
She snorts again.
“Will you stop playing dumb, or are you actually that stupid? You never know with the girls these days.”
My heart races because suddenly, I realize that I can’t get out of this. Oh shit. I knew I saw Ursula on our last night at the beach when Logan was fucking me in the ass with the scepter. It was like seeing a ghost. One moment, I was totally focused on the sensations in my bottom, but when I looked up, Ursula’s face was there, staring at me from across the sand. Shit, we made eye contact, and even though I convinced myself otherwise, it's clear she was there. We saw each other, and that’s that. Still, it’s hard to believe that Ursula could be a member of the Circle given her sourpuss expression and harsh manners.
“You’re a part of the Circle?” I ask hesitantly.
Ursula clicks her tongue and rolls her eyes. “Yes, I’m a member. Why wouldn’t they want me? I’m a past Miss Millbrook, as you know.”
I stare.
“Yeah, but you took the title over twenty years ago. I mean, I’m just saying…”
Ursula stares daggers at me.
“You watch your mouth,” she bites out.
Immediately, I apologize.
“I’m sorry, Ursula. I didn’t mean… I’m just surprised, is all.”
Ursula sighs dramatically then, like she’s an actress.
“Believe me, I was once a pretty young thing just like you. You have no idea what it’s like to age. How your face droops, your body droops, and fuck, everything droops. You have no idea what it’s like watch yourself get older and older in the mirror and to become invisible to men.”