“Maris!” Yanni yelled, cutting through the hustle and bustle backstage, “take care of this beauteous creature,” he snapped his fingers before charging elsewhere. “We found our replacement!”

  I mouthed sorry to the young cosmetologist, her emerald eyes looking up to meet me from her phone, in the reflection of a makeup mirror, and her long braid of dirty blonde hair whipping around to face me in confusion, as she ambled by a makeup set. She flagged me over, and I followed along, forgetting my haughty character in the grand scheme of things.

  “I'll just do some touch-ups,” she said, motioning me into the chair.

  I took a seat begrudgingly and staring at my sweaty face in the mirror. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean--”

  “It's not your fault, this happens all the time. I knew something would happen when Sansa didn't show up.”

  “It's amazing,” I said, “I couldn't imagine working with her, let alone meeting her.”

  “She's like no one else,” Maris said,”I've been working with her personally for only a year now, but she already treats me like a sister.”

  “You must be pretty bummed then,” I frowned, as she tested and reapplied foundation on me as needed. “Will you meet up with her when she lands?”

  Maris cocked her head, a furrowed brow accompanying it, while she focused on her work. “I met up with her last night, for dinner. What do you mean?”

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “Oh,” my eyes narrowed, as the cogs worked overtime in my head, grinding and clicking without oil to replenish their gears. Things already weren't adding up...but now...I shook the stupor from my mind. “I thought she was delayed,” I continued.

  Maris shook her head, as she brushed delicately across my cheeks. “Maybe in getting here,” she affirmed, “I haven't heard anything from her since last night.”

  “Oh,” I repeated, blinking in rapid succession. “I'm sure something came up.”

  “I hope,” Maris added. “She's been acting a little strange lately. Lots of looking over her should, not like with the usual fandom, different...like...paranoid. Maybe fame's getting to her,” she shrugged.

  I felt my chest tighten, as I realized I'd been holding my breath unintentionally and exhaled hard. “It must,” I said, reassuring her. Something didn't feel right. “Hey,” I changed course, “why don't we grab a drink later, take your mind off of things, two girls out on the town,” I laughed, as I did jazz hands for some reason.

  Maris let a bemused grin purse her lips. “You're an odd one,” she shook her head. “Yeah, sure, why not, got nothing else to do now.” She reached in a bag on the table, and pulled out a business card, 'Maris Taylor – Cosmetologist' and handed it to me, before waiting expectantly. “And you?” She smiled.

  “Oh, I don't have a card,” I said, awkwardly standing up to shake her hand. “I'm Ari though.”

  “Ari?” Maris said, aloof.

  DOGH! I wanted to smack my head so hard! “My cover!

  “I look forward to it,” Maris said, warmly.

  “Me too,” I sighed relief, “I'll call you when I'm done.”

  Maris nodded happily.

  “Is the Starr ready?” Yanni whirled back around.

  “You bet she is,” Maris grinned, while I grimaced, hoping the exchange wouldn't reveal my blown cover. “I'm heading out. Later.”

  “Uhm,” I said, as Yanni grabbed me and pulled me along. “The auction's been running smoothly so far, “he led me up to a broad red velvet curtain. “On my mark, just strut out there and be your gorgeous self, got it?”

  I nodded, yes...I think...though I may have been shaking my head no! I gulped hard.

  “Ms. Starr,” Yanni said, “go fulfill your namesake!”