I smiled at my reflection. This dress would teach Mike a lesson.
“Alan!” I yelled. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah, I thought we were- wow.” Alan said, stopping dead. “You look really. . . wow.”
“Thanks, I think.” I laughed. “No one knows we’re coming. It’s going to be great.”
“You’re very good at making an entrance.” Alan replied. “Who’s house is this party at?”
“Alex’s. He invited me, but I told him I didn’t know if I’d be there. This is going to be badass. We make quite a team, Ashby.”
“Let’s do it.” He winked at me, walking to Alex’s front door. We entered the party; music was booming, people were dancing, and my presence did not go unnoticed.
“Charley! I swear, you got hotter while you were in New York.” Jack called.
I threw my shiny hair back and laughed. “I hear things have been awful without me.”
“Aren’t they always?” He asked.
“You’re a lifesaver, Charley. You really are.” Vic said.
In that moment, several things happened at once. For starters, Mike approached us with Charlotte on his arm.
“Babe.” Alan returned to my side and put his arm around my waist. “Drink?”
“Thanks.” I beamed, turning back to the guys, who were gawking at me. “You were saying?”
“Austin’s here. I better go say hi. I’ll see you in a bit.” Alan kissed my lips and walked toward the door.
“You and Ashby?” Jack raised his eyebrows. “Damn.”
“Why on earth are you staring at me so, darling?” I asked Mike. “It’s quite rude.”
“That was fast.” He replied.
I looked at Charlotte. “Not compared to you.”
“Cut the bullshit, Charley.” He rolled his eyes. “How does Luke feel about it?”
“Mike, you don’t know what you’re talking about and you ought to shut up.” I said quickly.
“Take your boy toy somewhere else then.” He replied.
“Take your wannabe somewhere else then.” I mimicked him.
“I am so not a wannabe! You’re the wannabe, Charley Carlile!” She said in a high, annoying voice.
“On the cover of seven magazines read worldwide, six American ones, four Canadian, two Australian, three English. Not even going to mention Asia. Spokesperson for Seventeen magazine’s body peace campaign, endorse Essie nail polish, guest model for the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Post-eating disorder, might I add. So no, I believe I am the opposite of a ‘wannabe’.” I said, making quote marks with my fingers.
She stormed off and Mike glared at me. “You can be a real bitch sometimes, you know?”
I raised my eyebrows. “Sometimes?”
“What the fuck ever.” He followed Charlotte and the guys stared at me again.
“Would you all quit looking at me like that?” I sighed. “Also, do me a favour and make sure Austin doesn’t go anywhere near Mike, alright?”
“Why? They’re friends.” Vic said.
I bit my lip. “Austin was kind of pissed off the other day and he did say some rather. . . threatening things.”
“You really think he’d try something?” Jack asked.
“He’s done a lot more for a lot less when it comes to me.” I sighed.
“We’ll keep an eye out. And Charley,” Vic added with a smile, “it’s good to have you back.”

Notes

So goodbye for a week. Won't be able to update until next Sunday at the earliest! Reading y'all's comments is the best. Leave me some feedback to return to! Thanks for reading. You guys are awesome.
Also a couple of people have asked what Charley's body type is like. Before recovery and after. FYI, Charley doesn't look like the models, just their body type.