Free Atlantis by Jessica Rosberg Page A

were there. They did shoots for car magazines, boating brochures, water sports magazines, an off road Jeep club, an aviator's club. And it was always the same – a photo shoot followed by some sort of private event that they were paid to attend. No one had ever propositioned them for sex, which was good. A few guys at a couple of the events had gotten a little too drunk and started to grab at them, but the men were escorted out by security before things got out of hand. It wasn't too bad.
                  During her last phone conversation with Jason, he mentioned that the Parker name wasn't as tainted as it had been a few months ago. That was an improvement. The girls were in demand, just not with the photographers they would prefer to be working with. In time, Candice kept saying. In time they'd be back on top. Sloane was starting to wonder if Candice really believed that or if she was just saying it because it made her feel better. It sure didn't make Sloane feel any better.
     

CHAPTER TWELVE
                  Candice wiped a tear from her eye when Sloane released her. "I can't believe I actually did it."
                  Sloane smiled and fought to keep her own tears at bay. She didn't want her make-up to run. "My sister, a college graduate…who would've thought?"
                  Candice laughed. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
                  "You know I'm only teasing." Sloane flung her arm around her sister's shoulders. "C'mon, we have some celebrating to do. Jason has something special planned at his place." She half expected Candice to protest and try to get out of going, but she didn't. Sloane was impressed, and hopeful that maybe Candice would start to get back to her former, fun self and not be so focused on school and work all the time. Sloane missed her sister and how they used to hang out and just talk. It was time they got that back – starting tonight.
                  "I thought Jason was coming to my graduation," Candice said, looking around for him.
                  "He was here. Then he left as soon as you got your diploma so that he could prepare for your party." Sloane led Candice through the crowds and toward the parking lot. They'd splurged for a car service today even though they probably shouldn't have. But if a college graduation wasn't a time to go all out; then what was? Besides, they were doing a little better financially. They now had steady work, even if it wasn't glamorous, and they were paying their bills with a little left over.
                  "Oh, I get a whole party?" Candice batted her eyelashes and giggled.
                  "Yes! Jason has gone all out, too. He's invited a lot of photographers, and some of our old contacts." Sloane grinned with excitement. "This could be our big break, Candice. We could get back on top after tonight."
                  "That would be nice. I hate having to worry about money all the time."
                  "Me too." They stopped in front of their car, and then got in. Sloane gave the driver Jason's address. Today, Candice graduated from college. Tonight, they would get back in the world they loved so much. Finally, things would go back to normal for them.
    *****
                  "Hey! Wake up!" Candice jumped on Sloane's bed and yanked the covers from her sister's head.
                  Sloane groaned and covered her head with her arms. "God, it's too early."
                  Candice laughed. They'd been out late last night, partying at Jason's house, and Sloane was no doubt hung over. Candice hadn't had that much to drink and was feeling just fine this morning. "C'mon, get up. I have to talk to you."
                  "So talk." Sloane yawned and rolled over.
                  "If I talk to you now, you won't remember anything I say." Candice turned Sloane back toward