Star Power by Kelli London Page B

liked something. Nia took off the shades, then tried to set them back on the cart. Charly pushed her hand away before she could. “C’mon, Nia. Have fun for a change. You know there’s nothing wrong with cute,” she said, digging in her bag to retrieve her wallet.
    The sunglass man waved his hand, refusing to take payment. He pointed to the cameras and the vending cart’s sign, then smiled. “Are you kidding me? You just gave me free publicity. No way I’m taking your money. Why are you here, anyway? I can tell you girls are famous.”
    Charly smiled, then elbowed Nia. “See, even he knows there’s a hot girl hiding somewhere behind all of this don’t-look-at-me façade,” she teased, and to her surprise Nia almost smiled, then slipped the shades back on. It wasn’t a bonafide grin, but she could tell it made Nia feel good, just as Trent had.
    â€œSo, what’s up with you and this Trent guy?” she asked, walking away from the sunglasses stand.
    Nia shrugged, keeping pace with her. “I don’t know what you mean.” She opened her purse, then took out the car keys.
    Charly stopped in the middle of the mall, flipped her hair, then rolled her eyes. She couldn’t believe Nia’s nerve. “Are you kidding me? Do you think I’m blind or numb or just plain dumb? I just wanna know what kind of fool you take me for.” Her words came out flippant, but she couldn’t help it. She didn’t like anyone playing on her intelligence.
    Nia’s whole face seemed to stretch in shock, and Charly could tell she wasn’t used to someone being so blatant. “What do you mean? And why are you talking to me like that?” Her question was just that, an inquiry that held no ounce of guts.
    Charly’s hand was on her hip while she tried to turn down her attitude that was beginning to rise. She couldn’t just be flippant with Nia, could she? After all, the girl was her project, not her friend or someone off the streets, so she couldn’t just handle her. But that’s what she was there for, she reminded herself. She was supposed to bring Nia to life, and no one said she couldn’t give her a backbone. If life was just fight or flight, Nia had most definitely chosen flight. She’d given in and caved to whatever, while her sister did the opposite. Charly shook her head. She wasn’t having that. “Nia, if we’re gonna be friends, we’re gonna have to respect each other. That means don’t play me.”
    Nia shook her head. “We’re not friends, Charly. You’re here to help my dad. After that, you’ll be gone.” Her words were final and held no feeling.
    Charly’s attitude dwindled. Nia was right, and she had to respect that. The girl did have good sense, she’d give her that. But she wouldn’t give her a pass on everything. Her finishing what she’d come to do didn’t allow for passes or excuses. “You’re right; we’re not friends, and after this, I may never come here again. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re trying to play me. If you don’t want to admit that you’re interested in Trent, that’s cool. It’s not my business. But, and I stress but, let’s be clear. Anyone with vision can see you think Trent’s hot, and would’ve been able to feel your attraction to him—including him,” she began, then felt her pocket vibrating. “One sec.” She removed her phone, and saw Liam’s name register on the screen. “I was just going to help you snag him, that’s all,” she said, then turned her attention away from Nia and answered Liam’s call. She walked as she talked.
    â€œHey, love, are you free?” his delicious voice asked. His English accent seemed thicker, and drew her in with each syllable.
    She felt herself blush, and she gulped. Why am I suddenly feeling you? Charly