Free Unrivaled by Alyson Noël

involuntarily gasped and shot a quick look at Layla, trying to gauge her reaction. But Layla just nodded, gave nothing away.
    â€œTommy Phillips—” When Ira’s gaze centered on Tommy, Aster could’ve sworn she saw something pass between them. Something she couldn’t quite read. “You’re promoting Jewel.”
    If Tommy looked upset, it was probably because he had his heart set on the Vesper. It was gaining a reputation as a gritty underground club attracting top-notch musicians—a perfect match for someone like Tommy. Jewel was sleekand modern and attracted a high-end crowd—it was out of his league.
    Ira made his way down the list, and even though she’d been keeping track, she couldn’t stop from groaning when Ira’s gaze settled on hers. She knew what was coming.
    â€œAster Amirpour—you’ll be promoting the Vesper.”
    She shook her head as her hand shot up.
    â€œProblem?” Ira looked at her.
    â€œI’d like to request a different club.” There was no way she’d fit in at the Vesper, and someone as business savvy as Ira should’ve known that. She wondered if he was testing her, testing all of them.
    Ira studied her for a long moment. “Then I guess you’ll have to find someone to trade with.” He left without another word, leaving his assistants to pass out the piles of legal forms.
    Aster shoved the forms in her purse. She needed to get to the three other people who got Night for Night that she hadn’t almost run over.
    â€œIt’s Sydney, right?” Aster approached the girl who, from what Aster could tell, was wearing a full bodysuit of tattoos.
    She was about to compliment Sydney on her septum piercing, anything to get on her good side, when Sydney snapped, “Don’t bother. I already traded with Taylor.” She turned away before Aster could react to the snub.
    She headed for Diego and Jin on the other side of the room, but when she got there, they were already negotiating with Brittney and Ash, which left only Layla.
    Great .
    And on top of that, Layla was gone.
    â€œHey—Aster?”
    She turned to find Tommy standing behind her.
    â€œI was wondering if you were up for a trade?”
    â€œNot unless you got Night for Night, which we both know you didn’t.” She raced for the door. Layla had probably already left, and Aster needed to reach her while she still had a chance. But when she replayed her words, she forced herself to turn back. She’d already made one enemy. She didn’t need to start a collection. “Sorry,” she said. “That was uncalled for.”
    â€œWon’t argue with that.” Tommy’s face broke into a grin that made his eyes gleam. Maybe he was cuter than she’d first thought.
    â€œIt’s just—I really want Night for Night.”
    â€œWell, Jewel’s a closer match than the Vesper, no?”
    Sure it was better, but better wasn’t good enough. “Can you help me get to Layla?” she asked, hoping he’d made a better impression than she had.
    He ran a hand over his chin and shot her a skeptical look. “Doubtful,” he said.
    â€œWould you be willing to at least try?” She gave him herbest grin, the one she saved for auditions and head shots.
    â€œDepends.” He folded his arms across his chest and shifted his weight to his heels, like he had all the time in the world. “What’s in it for me?”
    â€œThe Vesper.” She shrugged. “That’s what you want, right?”
    He studied her for a moment, then led her to the entry, where Layla was talking on her phone, until she saw Aster and Tommy and hastily ended the call.
    â€œCan I help you?” She frowned.
    Tommy hooked a thumb toward Aster. “I was thinking you two should meet.”
    â€œWe’ve met—” Layla turned away. “She nearly killed me in pursuit of a parking