“Well, it sounds like a big deal to me. Maybe you could tell that woman you’ll take another job if she doesn’t pay you more.”

Time to choke back a hysterical laugh. “Mom, I’ve published two articles. I’m not getting a raise at Du Jour.”

“Your mother’s got a point, though. You never know what’s going to lead to a new opportunity,” her dad said.

“Exactly.” Her mom sounded satisfied. “Keep your eyes open, and maybe you’ll get out from under her thumb sooner than you think.”

Jules’s breath caught as she tried not to think about Vivian’s thumb and a certain spot on Jules’s body where it could apply just the right pressure.

“Maybe,” she croaked.

“You sound stuffed up. Coming down with something?”

A mild to moderate case of insanity, yes. “I’m fine, Mom. I just wanted to tell you about all this.”

“You don’t sound that excited,” her dad pointed out. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

Dammit, she was slipping. “Oh yeah, totally! I really am excited. Super excited!” Jules forced a laugh, but it came out weak. “It’s just been a long week, that’s all. And London’s coming up soon, so I’ll be busy every day.”

“Like I said,” her mom replied grimly, “keep your eyes out for something better.”

“Yeah.” Jules took the opportunity to turn around and lie flat on the couch so she could stare at the ceiling. Nothing better seemed to be up there, so she closed her eyes again. “Of course I will.”

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

London Fashion Week was on. This time, there was no relaxing downtime in Vivian’s townhouse, no chance to take a nap before the next big social engagement. The Du Jour group went to the hotel, except for Jules and Vivian, who headed for the townhouse.

They didn’t stop for longer than it took to freshen up and change. Jules got out of her wrinkled clothes and threw on a new outfit, washed her face and reapplied her makeup, and combed her hair. There. She almost looked human again. Then she clattered downstairs toward the kitchen. Hopefully, the temporary staff had stocked it exactly as she’d told them to.

Vivian strode into the kitchen just as Jules stuck her head inside the fridge. “What are you doing? It’s time to leave.”

“I know.” She pulled out a bottled smoothie. “But it’s four hours until dinner, and I thought you might want one of these.” She offered the bottle to Vivian, who already looked as fresh as if she’d never set foot on an airplane. “It’s a protein and soymilk something. Mango flavored.”

Vivian looked skeptical, but she took a sip and then nodded. Which meant she loved it and Jules should make sure she got more of them.