It hadn't even been 30 minutes since I got here, and I'd only managed to doze off for about 10 of them. A soft knock at the door snapped me out of it, followed by Beth's voice, "Hey, Pat! You ready? We're heading out to CICY in five. Just a heads-up, the interview is going live at 2 PM local time!"
"Yeah, I'll be there! Thanks, Beth!!" I called back, sitting up a little.
As Beth's chunky heels clacked away, I slumped back into the dressing room sofa and let out a long sigh. I reached for my nearly-empty matcha latte, took a sip, and stared out the window. The sky was so blue today. Hopefully, this live interview wouldn't be a total disaster.
This room was reserved for me—the A-list star room. To be more specific, it was for all the makeup artists and designers who came here to work their magic on me. This place was just one of Mastery Entertainment's offices—yep, the management company I hired to handle my life. But honestly, it's become our go-to pit stop before every major event. Alright, time to get up! I didn't want to face Beth's "mommy mode" if I dawdled any longer.
---
The car glided down the buzzing streets of Hollywood Blvd. Even through the tinted windows of the limo, I could feel the energy of the place. It's like a tourist hotspot and a creative factory all wrapped up in one. You never know which celeb might pop up around the corner!
I glanced over at Beth, who sat across from me, her attention glued to her tablet while her iPhone buzzed nonstop. She'd been my right-hand woman for over two years now, ever since I ditched the manager my family hired. She was so much better—quicker, sharper. Sure, she could be annoyingly fussy about the smallest things, but her meticulousness saved me from way too many PR nightmares.
I remember when she first started, people jokingly called her my "poison taster." She'd follow me to every event, every set, and out of nowhere, she'd whip out a spoon to test all my food before it even touched my lips. It was over-the-top and kinda embarrassing, to be honest.
Some folks probably thought I was royalty with a target on my back! But now, it's just one of those quirky habits she hasn't dropped, and I've gotten used to it. In fact, I feel safer with her around. She's more than just my assistant—she's a superstar in her own right. The press even cozies up to her, trying to get the scoop on me!
"After the interview, we'll head back to base to get your outfit and makeup ready for tonight's event. Want to grab a quick bite on the way, or the usual?" Beth asked, not even looking up from her tablet.
"Yeah, the usual. Oh, and make sure you get me more than one packet of wasabi this time. And I'm craving a matcha ice blended."
"Got it. How about 20 packets of wasabi, boss?"
"You trying to make me cry and blow my brains out before the event?" I laughed.
Beth smirked, and we both burst into giggles.
Then she got serious. "For the interview today, maybe sneak in a bit more about your family? Honestly, the more you share, the better."
"Sure, even though I've already sacrificed enough of my personal time for the public. I haven't been home in years!" I chuckled.
"You could talk about your childhood, your communication with your family, some royal traditions, whatever. You've got loads of stories, so use 'em!"
"Got it. Wait, hold on... Am I about to spill royal secrets or something?! That's sneaky, Beth!!"
"Just be smart about it. But yeah, we need to keep the media focused on something else for a bit, you know?"
"Yep, you're right." I nodded, then stuck out my tongue at her. She shot me her classic "death glare," and I fired one right back. Our staring contest lasted a good ten seconds before Beth blinked, rubbing her eyes.
"Ha! You lost!"
"Doesn't count! Besides, we weren't even competing."
"Haha, that's exactly what losers say!"
"Right, fine. Let's just say I let you win to keep the baby happy," she sighed, rolling her eyes.
Beth's been my assistant, but honestly, she's more like the big sister I never had. We bicker, we joke, and it's just...fun. Moments like this are the best, especially when the camera crews and reporters are waiting just around the corner. Even after all these interviews, the nerves never fully go away.
We pulled up to Xiao Xian, our fave Chinese spot in L.A. I have no idea why it's called that, but the Asian food here? Chef's kiss. Their sushi is a solid 10 out of 10! Michelin stars, where you at?
"Be right back!" Beth hopped out of the car and headed toward the restaurant.
I called after her, "Hey! Don't forget…" and gestured to our driver.
She flashed me an OK sign.
---
Five minutes later, she was back. "Here you go, Steve!" She handed a bag of food to our driver.
"Oh, thanks, sister!" Steve grinned.
"No, we should be thanking you. Enjoy!" Beth said before tossing me a box of sushi and a delicious-looking matcha drink.
"Whoa! That was fast!" I was impressed.
"Well, they just added a new app for takeout orders, and I tried it out earlier. Guess it works like a charm!" Beth said, laughing proudly.
"Respect! Thanks!" I popped a piece of tuna belly avocado sushi, drenched in wasabi, into my mouth. OMG. Heaven in a bite!