Chapter 4

4 The sun beat down, giving everything an Instagram-worthy glow as I pedaled towards the art studio. My back was a sticky mess of sweat, but honestly? Didn’t even notice. Before me stood an easel, draped with the tell-tale white of a canvas. But like every predictable plot twist, underneath? Total blankness. The young assistant by my side was lowkey freaking out. I could tell she was on edge, probably thinking, "Omg, is this the part where I get cancelled?" But me? I LOL-ed. It took a sec to find my words. "Um, where's my masterpiece, sis?" She bit her lip, took a deep breath like she was about to drop some major tea. "I don’t know," she barely whispered. "And how much did that woman Venmo you?" She hesitated, her face pale. "I'm sorry." I smirked, "So, you apologize knowing you played me, but like, why even?" "My mom's super sick! Bills are off the charts! I needed the cash. But like, no guarantee you'd win that contest anyway. With the Vanderbilts in the mix? Total setup, everyone knows that," she rambled. I kept my face poker-straight. "You're not just hustling me, right? Bet you sold out to her more than once." She clamped up. I mean, duh. "Just be straight up if you want cash, don’t play the damsel card." I sighed, feeling that familiar lump. "Wanna talk tough life? My mom’s gone." The feels hit hard. Every mention of them was like an unexpected subtweet that brought back the pain. But here? With her? I had to keep it cool. She, on the other hand, was suddenly all fiery, "No cams, no proof! Think you can drag me? Try it." Grabbing her tote, she dipped out, leaving me in a whirlwind of emotion. Everything got blurry as memories flooded back.