“What?” June looked completely unbothered, her blue eyes roving the crowd. She grabbed a champagne glass off a silver tray a waiter brought by.

“I think I just saw Briana Grant,” Annika hissed. “Right there.” She tried to gesture discreetly with her chin.

June waved a casual hand, causing her Tiffany bracelets to clink together. “Oh, don’t worry about all her Grammys. Briana’s really easygoing. You want me to introduce you?”

“You know her?” Annika knew June had connections thanks to her parents, but she’d always told her she hated the celebrity scene and tried to keep a low profile.

“Well, not know her, exactly—we’re more like acquaintan—”

She was interrupted by high-pitched squealing. “June Stewart?”

They both turned in the direction of the French-accented female voice. A thin, tall red-haired woman dressed in a sparkly tulle dress was making her way toward them. Annika recognized her immediately; she’d been in practically all the Vogues all over the world.

June stepped forward with her own shriek of recognition. “Lucy! Sugar! Thanks for inviting us!”

The two air-kissed and hugged, and then June turned to Annika, her eyes bright. “This is my friend and boss, Annika Dev. She’s the owner of Make Up! Remember I told you about her?”

“Oh, oui, of course!” Lucy grinned. “The creative genius!”

Oh my god, Annika thought. Lucy Bilodeau just called me a creative genius. She took Lucy’s hand and felt one of her giant diamond rings press into her flesh. Shaking her hand was worth the pain. “It’s so good to meet you. And thank you so much for the invitation. Although—June didn’t seem to know—whose house are we in?”

Lucy shrugged, her statement bell necklace tinkling a little. “I was invited by my friend Katie. I’m sure whoever it is will make an appearance at some point.” She turned to June suddenly. “Oh my god. Speaking of Katie … have you heard the news about Aidan?”

“No, what happened?”

“Oh, it’s the saddest thing! Remember that snake venom diet he saw in Vogue Italia and wanted to try out? Come with me, I’m sure Gabrielle will want to tell you more…” Lucy began to lead June away.

June turned. “Wait, just a minute. Annika—”

Annika waved her away. “No, go. I’ll be fine. I’ll just mill around and hopefully find the host so I can say hi.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep!” Annika forced an easy smile, as if milling around a bunch of beautiful, famous people was her usual Wednesday evening activity.