Tangled Mess

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Authors: K.L. Middleton
presence to pull it all off.”
    “So, what are you trying to say?” she asked, her eyes filling with tears.
    I groaned inwardly.
    Fuck.
    “Just… think about my offer. Hell, more money and the chance to travel Europe? Come on, Taffy.”
    She turned away, and I could tell that she was brushing at tears. Her sensitivity confirmed that I was right- she didn’t have a hard enough shell for this business.
    “Taff?”
    “ I’ll definitely think about it,” she answered softly. “I mean, I’d be stupid to refuse the money and,” she turned back around, and managed a smile, “who wouldn’t want to travel around the world with a legendary rock star?”
    “Legend ary? I don’t know about that.” I stood up, and moved closer. “Listen, I’m sorry,” I said, pulling her into my arms. “You’re a sweet kid,” I murmured into her hair, which smelled like honey and vanilla. “Just don’t get your hopes up too high for winning this thing. It’s just a show, and doesn’t have to be the defining factor in your life. Hell, if I were you, I’d just drop out now, and save yourself a lot of heartache later.”
    She went rigid and then pulled away from me. “Well, you’re not me, and I’m not one to give up that easily. Besides, you won the competition, and now you’re living larger than life. Is it so wrong that I want to see where this thing takes me?”
    “It’ s only wrong if you can’t face the end results without feeling like you failed the contest. This is going to be a stressful ride. You’re going to get criticized by everyone, the other contestants are going to start getting nasty, and the world is going to be judging you. I’m just trying to save you a lot of mental anguish.”
    “I’m a big girl now, Ransom. I appreciate your advice, but I’ve got to try, and if I don’t win, so be it. But I’m not going to just quit that easily.”
    “But why even put yourself through-.”
    “I’m not finished,” she interrupted, her jaw set. “I know that you don’t want me in this contest, I’m not stupid, so don’t bother trying to talk me out of it. In fact,” she said, grabbing a broom, “my mom didn’t raise a quitter. If she was here right now, she’d tell me to keep my chin up, and not let anyone stand in my way, including you.”
    “Your mom was a strong and thoughtful woman. I didn’t know her very well, but she obviously raised her daughter the same way.”
    She smiled proudly. “Damn right. You know, she once told me that it’s not always about winning, but facing the challenges head-one with a smile, no matter how terrified you are.”
    “Sounds like she may have had to follow her own advice,” I said, softly.
    “She did and that’s why I h ave to do this. For her as well as myself.”
    “I get that .”
    “Good. So, you’re seriously not going to try and hoodwink me into dropping out of the contest?”
    “Hey, if you want to go for it, who am I to stand in your way?”
    “Just one of the judges.”
    And the only person on the show who has your best interests at heart, I thought as her cell phone began to ring.
     

Chapter Ten
     
    Tiffany
     
    “Hi, what’s up Sinclair?” I asked, recognizing her ringtone.
    “You still working?”
    “Yes, for about another hour or so.”
    “Is Ransom there?” 
    I raised my eyebrows. “Yes, but … how did you know?”
    “Look, this reporter friend of J esse’s just gave him a heads-up. The media is headed your way. Channel five, I believe. Apparently, someone called, and leaked that Ransom was getting his hair trimmed at Tangled .”
    I groaned. “Oh no.”
    “Oh no is right . They catch you two together, you’ll probably get disqualified.”
    I closed my eyes. “I’m sure.”
    “ You know, it’s kind of fishy that he wants you off of the show, suddenly decides to pay you a visit at the shop, and now the media has been tipped off. Sounds like a setup to me.” 
    I turned towards Ranso m, who was watching me

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