A Sweet Mess - Jayci Lee Page 0,25

to seem money hungry or anything.”

“This is business. We would be remiss to ignore the details, especially the money. The show would pay you in thirds. You’ll get a third on signing, before you leave for Bosque Verde. Then a third on completion of filming, and a third when your episodes air,” he said. “The bulk of the guest talent contract is boilerplate, but HR and the legal team will explain everything in more detail. And you’ll have a full week to review the contract and ask as many questions as you’d like.”

“HR and legal?” Aubrey scrunched up her nose like she’d smelled something foul. “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

She seemed so genuinely appalled, he couldn’t help laughing. “I’ll read through everything and have my personal attorney take a look as well to make sure the station doesn’t take advantage of you.”

“Who’s going to make sure you don’t take advantage of me?” Her tone was flippant, but she scrunched her eyes shut a second later. “That came out wrong. I didn’t mean it in a weird way.”

“It’s fine,” he said softly despite his beating heart. “I would never take advantage of you. In any way.”

“Good.” Aubrey nodded and lowered her lashes to the table. “Yeah, that’s good. Thank you.”

6

Aubrey could not believe it was happening. She folded a pair of jeans and tucked them into her suitcase. With the generous compensation from Aria’s show, she was able to make her second down payment and had enough left to pay Lily during the filming and close a day early for a long-awaited camping trip. She hoped her special spot had stayed the same while she was attached at the hip to Comfort Zone.

“Don’t your cheeks cramp up when you smile nonstop like that?” Tara asked from her perch on Aubrey’s bed.

“I’m just so excited.” Aubrey’s tireless cheeks held up fine even when her grin widened. “Wait, where’s my tent?”

“For the seventh time, you already loaded it in the Jeep along with the rest of your camping gear. Sleeping bag, extra blankets, butane burner, flashlights…”

“That’s right. I did.” She’d packed her camping gear last night. She just had to remember to grab her provisions from the fridge before she left. Chill, Aubrey. She blew out a long breath and glanced around her bedroom. “I think I have everything.”

“You’re only taking two carry-ons? You haven’t even packed any dresses.”

“Two is more than enough. They do have a laundry machine at the villa.” She twisted her lips to one side. “Hmm. Do you think I’ll need dresses?”

“Take a couple of your cocktail dresses and cute sundresses just in case. You still have plenty of room in your luggage.”

“Good idea.” Aubrey stuck her head back in her narrow closet and riffled through her dress selection. “Are these good?”

“Yup. You look adorable in those.” Tara pointed to the two dresses in Aubrey’s left hand, then pointed to her right hand. “And those look sexy as hell on you.”

After double-checking she’d packed everything on her list, Aubrey zipped up her bags and stood. Hot tears prickled her eyes, and her voice was thick with emotion when she said, “That’s it, then. I’m off to Sequoia, then onto Bosque Verde.”

“Think of it as a well-earned vacation, you workaholic.” Tara wrapped her in her arms. “You’re going to do great, and things will be fine here. Have a ton of fun, and keep me posted. In detail.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Unable to stop herself, she added, “I’ll miss you.”

“Of course you will.” Tara sniffed daintily. “Now go already. I have beer to brew.”

Her best friend walked her to her car, pulling one of her carry-ons. When she continued to hang on to her hand, Aubrey gently squeezed it. “I’ll be fine, you big softy.”

“I know, I know.” Her ferocious Tara stood biting her bottom lip, the tip of her nose turning red. “I’m just so proud of you, Bree. You’re really doing this.”

“Thank you.” She really had to leave before they started bawling in the middle of the street. “I’ll text you when I get to Bosque Verde.”

Aubrey jumped onto her seat and drove away, her Jeep feeling heavier with her luggage and camping gear. She checked her rearview mirror again and again until Tara was only a speck on her driveway.

It was a gorgeous, blustery day with the sky an endless blue and the air bright with a hint of chill. Growing excitement thawed her nerves, and Aubrey shivered with anticipation. Even one night in open nature would do wonders