“Look at you, you’re glowing. Girl didn’t I tell you that a good bad boy would rock your world?” says Arabella via our FaceTime chat.

I couldn’t resist calling her as soon as I walked into my office. I even danced in the elevator. I’m that happy. Spending the weekend with Jaxson was like a dream.

I rub my cheek, as if I can remove the flush from my skin. “He is not a bad boy. He’s sweet, patient, loving—”

“Girl, how many times did he make you scream his name? By the looks of that glow, I’d guess at least a dozen times.” She laughs, knowing I’m the last person to talk about sex.

“Arabella, stop. You know I’m at the office. Anyway, sorry I haven’t called this weekend. I was…a little tied-up.”

Her mouth flies open. “Is he one of those types?”

I shake my head. “You need to stop. Now tell me, how was your weekend? You said Parker had planned a dinner for you two, so fill me in.”

Arabella rubs moisturizer on her face and blinks into the screen. “He dumped me.”

“What?” I sit up in my seat, eyes wide.

“Yep. He said he now has political aspirations and really can’t be involved with a socialite anymore. He needs someone who is less in the spotlight and more into being a housewife.”

My shoulders sink, “Arabella I am so—”

She gives a dismissive wave of her hand. “Honey, please. For some reason, I am so damn relieved. And I thought I really wanted him to ask me to marry him. Turns out, deep down, I’ve been dying to tell him BoyBye. Anyway, now with the relationship over, I can spend my free time focusing more on my brand image and Royale Beauty.”

“Speaking of Royale Beauty, I forgot to mention I have saved a spot for you in the magazine. A full-page, sweetheart, so just let me know if you want to advertise your clothing or make up line…or both.”

Her full lips curve into a smile and she squeals, “OMG. You are a freakin’ doll!! I wish I could just hop through the screen and hug you!”

But instead, she settles for throwing me a parade of kisses before she finally tells me she’d like to feature clothes and makeup.

“You got it, love,” I say. “And since you’re not here for an official photo shoot, please email André a mockup page spread of the items you want featured. Include the buy link info so readers can click items and be directed to your online store.”

She brushes her hair into a high ponytail, winks at me, and says, “Sure thing, love. I’ll be sure to do that in the morning. I’m off to bed now. And don’t call me tonight via FaceTime. You better get yourself some more of that man. We will talk soon. Luv ya.”

With never-ending photo shoots and meetings, this day has dragged on. Not only is preparing for a magazine launch exciting, it’s also exhausting.

André, Daniella, and I have been designing the entire magazine layout. Every page has a purpose whether it’s tied to an article or relevant to what readers will see when they turn the page. It tells a story, so to speak, cover-to-cover.

Still, two things hover over my head, undecided. Who will be on the front cover, and whether or not Antonio Michaels has secured the face of ALLMe.

I’ve removed myself from that process since I don’t want to sway Jaxson into doing something he doesn’t want to do. I understand him having no interest in re-hashing all of the Dixie Lane drama. What he doesn’t know is, if Antonio pulls the exclusive reveal of ALLMe from the campaign, I may lose my publishing deal. And I won’t dare share that caveat with Jaxson. I need his decision to be unbiased.

But now, I sit in the conference room, my brain drowning in ideas for the cover.

“Boss, since the theme of the first issue is Paris in the Rain, why not have a couple kissing in the rain?” suggests André.

I ponder his suggestion for a moment. “Sounds nice, but I kinda envision Haute Couture magazine covers featuring one single face. The face of a high-fashion model, a stylish politician, a princess—”

“Why not you?” chimes in Daniella.

Andrés eyebrows shoot straight up and his mouth goes wide. “Oh, my gosh, boss. She is totally right. Why not have your beautiful face on the cover?”

I lean back in my chair, shocked at the thought.

“Yep, it’s your magazine, and my gosh, Lauren, you are so fucking stunning. You’re literally the face of Haute Couture Magazine. It’s only natural the first issue has you on it,” beams a very giddy Daniella.

See, I knew she’d fit team Haute Couture perfectly.

I kinda like her idea. In fact, I like it a lot.

“Okay. I’ll do it,” I say, internally beaming.

Me? On the cover of a magazine? Who would have thought?

They both jump up and down, clapping and hugging. They’re like besties now. Which is good because they are practically the same person.

“When can I schedule your photo shoot, boss? I mean, we are down to the wire. The cover and the ALLMe spread are the only two items pending.”

I think for a bit, then look at my calendar. “In three days. That’ll give me a chance to decide what I want the backdrop to be and talk with the photographer, etc.”

André looks at his calendar, circles some dates, then says, “That totally works, boss”—he bites on his pen—“and just so you know, the backdrop for the ALLMe shoot has already been done. Daniella took care of that. All that’s missing is the model. It looks like that shoot has been scheduled in three days as well.” He sighs. “Hopefully, Antonio will be able to confirm his star before then.”