I remember the day I met Lindsay like it was yesterday. Everything about our hour in that coffee shop is still so vivid—her blonde hair piled up in a messy bun, the casual outfit, the faint scent of her peach perfume clashing with the strong spices of her chai—I remember it all! I wasn't even mad at Freddie after our little chat was over. I really owe it to him for introducing us.

That was probably the most special day in my life, right next to the days I met Jason and Skylar. But now she's gone; that day is just a blip of my past like her.

I haven't found a replacement for her yet. I don't think I'll have another personal assistant because I want Lindsay! I miss her company; it's freaky not having her around all the time! I've been able to cope without her so far, but I don't know if I can take another week—or worse, month—without Lindsay. I told her before I entered rehab that I need her, and I REALLY DO! I'm simply lost without her!

The new year has been so...strange. I have neither Lindsay nor Jason now since she quit and I dumped him, so I have nobody to boss around. It's so weird having nobody to scorn or yell at when I'm so used to it. I'm not even half as terrible to Audrey as I was to her cousin!

I still have my friends. That's all anyone really needs, right? Hell, those stupid exposing rats have even vanished and now they're not around to defame me! All of these changes happened so fast, it's going to take time to adjust. New year, new era of my life.

The great thing about starting fresh is everyone wondering what'll happen next. Take Jason and my breakup, for example. Now that we're not together anymore and he's taking a break—more like retiring—from music, everyone is on pins and needles about the album. Many are wondering if there will be a Jason inspired song. Nobody will know until the album is released. People are also wondering what's in store for Jason and how he's been coping, but he doesn't matter. I could care less about how he's doing; people shouldn't be asking me about him.

"The world is your chessboard, Marquilla. All you have to do is play your pawns right and go for the checkmate," I tell myself as I gaze into my reflection.

"I can't believe you're using the chessboard analogy!" Skylar exclaims. "That's so last year, Marquilla! Come up with something more creative, won't ya? You stole that from those exposing girls."

I roll my eyes and scoff, then turn my attention to Skylar's reflection behind me. She's playfully sticking her tongue out like a child daring someone to fire a joke back. Sometimes I can't believe she's a few years older than me because she can act like such a high schooler at times, but I'll take her teenage antics over anything relating to Jason. I'm so glad I disposed of him. Skylar's loads more fun to be around and she has equal the star power!

I watch Skylar walk over to me. Her long, languid strides allow her to reach me within a few steps. She wraps her arms around my waist and devilishly smiles before kissing my shoulder. I lift her gaze to meet mine and caress her cheek while I stare into those deep blue eyes I could drown in forever. She pulls my body closer to hers without disconnecting our eyes from each other, then pushes back a strand of my hair.

"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, you know," she whispers as her gaze lingers on my lips. "I'm so glad I have you, Marquie. No more other people; it's just us now."

I impatiently plant my lips on hers, and she gasps from the sudden movement. Skylar instantly eases into the kiss, her plump red ones moving perfectly with mine as I lead her towards the bed. Once we're there, I push her into the mattress and straddle myself around her waist. I know what I want, and I'll do anything to get it.

Skylar tangles her hands into my hair while mine trace her body. I feel like she's playing a game of cat and mouse because she's such a tease. Her hot, wet kisses, racing heartbeat, and explorative hands suggest we should go deeper, but the way she swats my hands away from the button of her jeans otherwise. What does she mean when she kisses me like this, but wants to say "no?"

I briefly discontinue our makeout sesh to take off my shirt. Skylar's eyes widen as she stares at my nearly naked upper body. She's being shy, so I thought I'd show her it's okay.

"Marquilla, what are you doing?" she asks as I attempt to take her shirt off.

"It's okay, Sky," I assure her with a smile. "Just relax, okay? Let your feelings speak for themselves."

I successfully get rid of Skylar's shirt and toss it aside. I kiss her forehead, then place my lips back on hers. It's like we never stopped kissing. She groans as I nibble on her lip, then move down her neck to her body. The lower I go, the more I want a taste of her.

"STOP, MARQUILLA! STOP!" she shouts just as I unbutton her jeans.

I sigh deeply as I re-button her jeans, then look at Skylar with sheer disappointment. This isn't the first time this has happened. This happens whenever we almost go there. I'm clearly more experienced than her in this department, and it shows. This is different. I get this is her first time with another girl, but Skylar knows she can trust me a hundred percent. I would never hurt her, and she knows that.

I roll onto her left and turn her face towards me. The tints of gray infused with her blue irises make them gloomy, like storm clouds in the sky. I hate seeing her this upset; it's not a good look on her even if she can pull it off.

"You're scared," I observe as I tenderly caress her cheek. "That's why you never want to go all the way. I get it. You don't have to be scared, Sky. This is your first time with another girl, so this is new to you and I—"

"That's not it," she softly voices, her voice cracking a little. "It's not because you're a girl, Marquilla. That's not what I keep stopping you."

"If it's not my gender, then what is it?" I question, completely clueless. "Whatever it is, you can tell me, Skylar. You know you can trust me."

"What I'm about to tell you is something nobody knows," she gravely cautions. "You know how everyone thinks I'm such a slut because of all the boys I've dated?"

"You're so not a slut! They're just jealous they're not you!" I say in defense.

"Exactly!" she agrees. "I'm not a slut at all! I-I haven't even slept with anyone yet."

"Wait a second..." I breathe in disbelief, eyes widening and jaw slowly dropping. "D-does that mea—"

"I'm a virgin? Yeah."

Before I can vocally express what's running through my mind, someone's phone goes off. I swear phones can be the bane of existence sometimes because they can interrupt the most pivotal or shocking moments in life. They're like kids if you think about it. Both are necessary, but annoying in their own ways.

"It's for me," Skylar grumbles after reaching for her phone and swiftly glancing at it. "My manager and I are going to meet Danny and his representative in an hour. Can you believe each of the Infinite Way boys has their own everything? I thought they share all of that stuff since they're a band!"

"I can't believe you're going through with this," I complain. "You don't NEED Danny, Sky. You have me!"

"Hon, you know we can't go public!" Skylar reminds me as she shrugs her shirt back on. "If anyone knew we're more than friends, I'll be ruined! Besides, Danny's a sweet guy and everyone's known about us since New Year's Eve."

"I know," I sigh. "At least I know you won't be sleeping with him."

Skylar scoffs and throws a pillow at me before standing up. The pillow completely misses, so she totally failed if she wanted to hit me. I watch her walk out of the room, and collapse into bed once the door clicks shut.

How were you supposed to know Skylar's a virgin? I ponder as I stare at the marigold colored ceiling. You know how many guys she's been with doesn't mean she's a slut, but you didn't know how literal it'd be. It just doesn't make sense since she's SKYLAR ROSE! Lindsay isn't even a virgin since she's slept with Freddie, but Sky IS? Wow, what a weird world we live in.

It's such a shame Lindsay isn't working for you anymore, Marquilla. If she were more open, maybe she would have eventually given in. Ugh, you really need to think of something quick! If you don't, people won't care about you or your music anymore. Think, Marquilla. THINK!

"Hey, Aud!" I greet in my cheeriest tone when the line connects. "I need a favor from you. If you won't tell me where Lindsay is, at least give me her number. You don't want me to make your life hell, do you? If you don't, shoot me a text as soon as you can. Talk to you soon. Bye!'

***

Audrey warned me it'd be difficult to reach Lindsay for reasons she swore she wouldn't say. I don't comprehend her warning. Calling someone isn't hard at all! You can reach anyone, ANYWHERE with a simple phone call. What's so difficult when it's as easy as cake? I've said it numerous times—models are weird.

It just turned 9 PM and I'm impatiently waiting for Lindsay to pick up. She can't be that busy at this time of night! Most people are either asleep or winding down and chilling after a long day. Unless she's doing homework for school, I don't see why she can't pick up the goddamn phone so I can tell her I need her.

"Dammit Lindsay, pick up!" I mutter at my phone, which I know is useless.

As if my magic, an incredibly sleepy looking Lindsay pops onto the screen. Even when her hair's a mess and she's wearing unflattering clothes, she's gorgeous! She lets out a huge yawn and blinks multiple times, as in disbelief that she's looking at me.

"M-Marquilla?" she groggily asks while rubbing an eye. "Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me! Who else could I be, Linds? Why do you look tired? It's only nine!"

"No it's not!" she yawns. "It's like, four in the morning. Ugh, what an ungodly hour!"

That explains why she looks so sleepy. If it's 4 AM where she is, then that must mean Lindsay's...in another country? I knew she was out of LA, but I thought she moved back to Chicago. Why the hell is she out of America? Why would she want to leave America if it's the greatest country in the world?

Wait a second...maybe Lindsay quit because she knew she had a new job in wherever country she's in that was waiting for her after the holidays! That would explain a lot. That also explains why it took he forever to answer.

"Why didn't you tell me you changed your number?" I question.

"Because I'm in a different continent and I didn't think you'd want to speak to me after I quit?" she responds in a question. "I'm not famous. Why would you want to associate with me if I'm not famous? How did you get my number, anyways?"

"Audrey, duh!" I scoff matter-of-factly. "Anyways, I just wanted to check up on you, believe it or not. I actually do miss you, Linds. I'm still bummed about you quitting, which is why I haven't hired anyone yet. I have too much on my plate as it is, and that'd only stress me out more."

"That's um, sweet. Is this all you wanted to tell me? Because if it is, then I'm going to end this call because I need to head back to sleep. You have no clue how draining my new job plus classes can be. Juggling twins and classes is insane! I'm really exhausted, and it's too early to be up."

"Fine! We can talk later, Linds. Where are you, anyways? You're somewhere in Europe, right?"

"Paris," she grumpily responds. "Bon soir, Marquilla."

I immediately head to Lindsay's Instagram page once she ends the call. Why I didn't think about checking it before, I don't know, but Lindsay's new Parisian life doesn't look too bad. Her latest post is the one that catches my attention the most. Lindsay, a couple of kids who I assume are the twins she mentioned, and a very familiar looking man are at some movie theater ready to watch something.

@LindsGoodrem: We're ready for the new Avengers movie! Just hope the twins don't get a sugar rush from the popcorn and candy. #aupairlife

I could care less about the kids she's taking care of; the man in that picture is someone I have unfinished business with. He thinks he can escape me by being in Paris, but little does he know, I have a secret weapon that I'm not afraid to use.

"I wonder if Sofia knows her brother's hanging out with Lindsay," I wonder as I search for her number. "Better yet, I wonder if she knows her brother used to date Lindsay."

To Sofia: I think something on Lindsay's Instagram might interest you. Look at her most recent post. Don't you recognize the man with Linds and the kids? Doesn't he look incredibly familiar to you?

As I wait for Sofia to respond, I mosey over to my room. I sit at my vanity desk and admire my reflection. I love how everyone warned me the coke would mess with my appearance. They're so wrong! I look fucking amazing! I could probably get anyone I want now that I'm through with Jase! If Skylar can pretend to be with Danny, there's no reason why I can't also have fun.

My phone goes off, so I immediately grab it to see if it's Sofia replying to my text. Well, well, well. Look what we have here!

Sofia: That can't be Fedez! That guy looks way too comfortable around them to be him. For all we know, that could be some guy she met who's now her friend. Fedez and Lindsay haven't even met.

Me: That's where you're wrong, Sofia. That IS your brother and they HAVE met. He's actually why Linds became my PA. Freddie suggested her to me and I took the gamble. You're welcome for bringing her to your life.

Sofia: I don't get it. How do they know each other?

Me: They used to date in college. He never told her about you, which is probably why he also didn't tell you about her. It's a small world after all Sofia. Freddie fucked Lindsay once upon a time.

I laugh evilly as I imagine the look of shock on Sofia's face. I think I just broke that friendship. Oops! It's not my fault Sofia's brother was so scared of Lindsay's perception of him changing when they were going to break up, anyways. He should have kept that secret to himself. Now both Giantes are going to suffer the consequences!

Sofia doesn't reply back, which I'm assuming means she's still trying to digest the fact that one of her now really good friends used to date her brother. They'll probably have some sort of sibling blowout and he'll blame me for it all. Like I actually care. Please!

The Giantes aren't the only people you can poke fun at, Marquie. You haven't done ANYTHING about Jason yet. He still hasn't resurfaced on social media, but that doesn't mean people won't care about him when he does. He's a treasure to the industry because he hasn't done anything wrong. You need to fix that. You need to make sure Jason's seen as the evil person in the split, not you. You also need to make sure people will give him hell if he dares to return to music. You know how much his fans mean to him, Marquilla. Make them and everyone else hate his guts so he never records a single song again!

I have a few things up my sleeve that could do the trick. My only problem is deciding which ammo to use first and when. I don't want anything to happen too early or else people might question how that's being released when Jason's literally doing nothing right now. I don't know what to do. Thankfully, I have a great consultant for situations like this—Skylar.

To Skylar: Meet me at our usual. I have things to discuss over lunch tomorrow. Things involving...HIM. See you at noon?

Skylar: Noon it is. See you then, gorgeous!

***

It's a beautiful day for scheming. Not only is the sun shining, but it's not too cold for this time of year in LA. in fact, it's unseasonably warm and feels more like spring or early summer! Everyone's been going on about global warming and how it's raised the temperature during this century so far—this must be a result. We've definitely been receiving odd temperature fluctuations in recent years, but I'm not complaining about how nice it is right now.

As I wait for Skylar to arrive, I check my phone for any new messages. There's nothing so far. There hasn't been a thing to worry about since those exposing rats disappeared. Apparently Skylar scared them off because she knows their identities. If she knows who they are, why hasn't she told me yet? The blog is about ME! I think I deserve to know since they're trying to take me down, not her. It just makes sense! Why should I have to be in the dark about everything when I fuel the fire?

Just to make sure they're still dead, I check the Exposing MG site and Twitter for anything new. Nothing. They've neither tweeted nor posted since I was in the hospital last year. Maybe this really is my year. They're gone, Jason's in hiding, and I still have Reli and Skylar. Everyone bought the lupus story too, so nobody knows about the cocaine except for my nearest and dearest.

"Hey, you! Sorry I'm a bit late, Marquilla. You would believe how slammed traffic is right now! See, this is why I live in New York and not LA. It's so much easier to reach places in NYC! Everything's too far away here," a voice suddenly says.

Skylar sits across from me and pouts her cherry red lips as she brushes her bangs away from her face. She looks cute today, like she's heading to some posh tea party instead of casually eating lunch with me. She could have been at a shoot or something. That would explain her outfit, but I'm positive she didn't have anything scheduled for this morning.

"Cute outfit," I compliment as I peer over her shoulder. "I see you decided to come with an army ready for battle. Doesn't look like anyone will harm us."

Skylar chuckles and shakes her head, amused.

"Security is always necessary, Marquilla. You'll never know when some crazy might jump out of nowhere to annoy or hurt you. It never hurts to be cautious, especially when you're me."

She does have a point. If Jason ever walked around without security, he'd be dead meat by now because his fans are cuckoo bananas! They'd tear him limb for limb and probably force him to sign a marriage license because they're that obsessed with him, the poor thing! I did him a favor by telling him to quit music. Now he doesn't have to worry about his physical safety since he's not traveling around the world anymore. I saved his damn life! And they say I don't care.

"What's up?" Skylar asks. "What's so important that you wanted to meet?"

The waiter comes before I can utter a word. Thing is, he seems petrified because of who he's serving. I kinda feel bad for him, so I shoot him a smile and tell him he can take a picture with us if he wants. He immediately jumps on board and leaves our table with the biggest grin on his face. You'd think he just got laid or won the lottery because he's absolutely beaming.

"That was nice of you to offer," Skylar notes. "Did you do that because you think he's cute?"

"SHUT UP!" I yell as I lightly slap her hand. "I was merely being nice. Who says I can't give back to the less fortunate?"

"Uh-huh," she tuts. "Whatever you say, Marquie. So what's up?"

"I'll give you a hint," I offer. "What's whiny and constantly on my nerves?"

Skylar takes a moment before responding, "Jason. It's totally him, isn't it? I thought we got rid of him! I mean, you guys aren't together anymore and he hasn't surfaced from hiding yet. We shouldn't have more drama with him now! Unless...wait—is he back? If he is, then we sh—"

"He's not back," I swiftly interrupt Skylar before she can turn her questions into a rant. "It does involve Jason, but he's not back. I was just thinking about things."

"Like...?"

I sigh and run a hand through my hair. I can still see Skylar's bodyguards sitting just a couple tables away. I have security too, but I don't have them follow me everywhere I go like Skylar does. It must be weird having people follow you around like that all the time. I get they're for safety reasons, but absolutely nobody will mess with us—bodyguards or none at all.

"Look, Jason may be gone for now, but people still love him. We have to do something so that when he does come out of hiding, people will loathe him for good," I explain in hushed tones. I just don't want anyone to hear our conversation. "I need to make sure nobody will think better of him. His image NEEDS to be destroyed! I have some things on him that I can use, b—"

"Blame him for the breakup," Skylar suggests. "Say he hurt you and write a song about him. You'll get people talking and thinking he's an asshole. If you want to defame him, Marquilla, be subtle. Everyone knows he adored you. Didn't he propose?"

"Yeah, bu—"

"You can't start off too strong," Skylar breathes in a loving manner. "You don't want this to backfire. You know how his fans can get. Baby steps, Marquilla. Baby steps. Release a song. If people ask you about him, you have to convince them it was his fault. You're an actress—make your audience believe."

This is why I always consult Skylar before I do anything. I can always trust her to give me great advice. I might be the genius for her new outlook on the industry, but she's done a pretty good job with the skills I taught her. This is why Skylar Rose is one of the best singer/songwriters of this generation.

"I'll definitely keep that in mind, Sky. Thanks for the advice," I praise her. "There's something else I think we need to discuss—or rather, someone. A certain Sofia Giante."

"Wh-why?" Skylar gasps. "What'd she ever do to you besides tour with Jason?"

"I have information on her I think you'll find...very interesting," I allude. "And it involves Lindsay, too."  

A/N:

EVERYONE. IS. CONNECTED. AND. MARQUILLA. IS. USING. IT. TO. HER. ADVANTAGE. Thoughts? Predictions? Next chapter is the very first exposing one, and it's juicy!