The private jet hummed softly as it soared through the skies, the cabin offering a luxurious and serene environment. Daisy sat by the window, her gaze occasionally shifting from the clouds outside to the lively conversation happening beside her.
“… and then he had the audacity to tell me that he deserved the lead role because he had better hair,” Veronica said, throwing her hands up in exasperation.
Clara, seated between them, stifled a giggle. “Better hair? Wasn’t he balding?”
“Exactly! That’s why I couldn’t take him seriously!” Veronica exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “But the worst part? He actually managed to convince the director to rewrite half of the script just to give him more scenes. Ugh, men!”
Daisy couldn’t help but smile at Veronica’s animated storytelling. Veronica Lynn was nothing short of a force of nature-outspoken, dramatic, and unafraid to voice her opinions. Clara, on the other hand, was the perfect counterbalance-soft-spoken, sweet, and eager to please.
And then there was Daisy. She preferred to listen, offering her thoughts sparingly but thoughtfully. Despite their differences, the three of them had clicked almost instantly, forming a bond that felt surprisingly natural.
“You’re awfully quiet, Daisy,” Veronica said, turning her attention to her. “Don’t tell me you’ve never had a co-star drama story.”
Daisy shrugged, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Not really. Most of my co-stars have been professional. I guess I’ve been lucky.”
“Lucky? Or just intimidatingly good at your job?” Veronica teased, nudging her playfully.
“I vote for the second one,” Clara chimed in, her wide eyes filled with admiration. “You’re like… a legend, Daisy. I’ve watched almost all your movies.”
Daisy blushed slightly. “Thank you, Clara. That means a lot.”
“Oh, she’s a total fangirl,” Veronica said with a smirk. “You should’ve seen her squealing when she found out you’d be on this show.”
“Veronica!” Clara groaned, her cheeks turning pink. “Don’t embarrass me!”
The older woman laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “I’m just saying, it’s refreshing. Most of the people in this industry are either too jaded or too fake. You’re… what’s the word? Pure.”
Clara gave her a shy smile, clearly unsure how to respond.
“So, what made you decide to join this show?” Daisy asked, steering the conversation to safer territory.
“Well, I needed a break from movies,” Veronica said, leaning back in her seat. “Don’t get me wrong, I love acting, but the industry can be exhausting. I thought this show would be a good way to unwind and have some fun.”
“And you?” Daisy asked Clara.
Clara hesitated for a moment before answering. “Honestly? I wanted to prove myself. People always think I’m just a singer trying to dabble in acting, but I want to show them I can do more than that.”
Daisy nodded, her respect for the young woman growing. “I think that’s a great reason. And I’m sure you’ll do amazing.”
“Thanks, Daisy,” Clara said softly, her smile genuine.
“What about you?” Veronica asked, her sharp eyes narrowing. “You’re already at the top of your game. Why take a risk with a reality show?”
Daisy hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “I wanted to try something different. I’ve done a lot of roles, but this… this felt like an opportunity to challenge myself in a new way.”
Veronica studied her for a moment before nodding. “Fair enough. But let me warn you, these shows can get messy. The producers love drama, and they’ll do whatever it takes to create it-even if it means stirring up trouble.”
“I can handle it,” Daisy said calmly.
“I don’t doubt that,” Veronica replied with a grin. “But just so you know, Clara and I have your back. Right, Clara?”
“Absolutely,” Clara said without hesitation.
Daisy’s heart warmed at their words. She hadn’t expected to form such close connections so quickly, but she was grateful for it.
—
As the conversation continued, Veronica did most of the talking, regaling them with stories about her past projects and colorful encounters in the industry. Clara chimed in occasionally, her comments often eliciting laughter from the group. Daisy contributed when she felt it was necessary, but mostly she enjoyed watching the dynamic between her two companions.
“So, what’s the first location like?” Clara asked, her excitement evident.
“It’s a private villa by the coast,” Veronica replied, pulling out her phone to show them a picture. “Absolutely stunning. I heard the producers spared no expense.”
“It looks beautiful,” Daisy said, studying the image.
“It better be,” Veronica said with a huff. “If I’m going to be stuck with cameras in my face 24/7, I want luxury.”
Clara giggled. “Do you think the guys will be as chill as we are?”
Veronica snorted. “Doubtful. Marcus is probably already plotting how to hog the spotlight, and Jasper’s going to be cracking jokes every five seconds. But at least Adrian and Ryan seem tolerable.”
“They all seemed nice enough at the airport,” Daisy pointed out.
“Give it time,” Veronica said ominously. “Reality shows have a way of bringing out the worst in people.”
“Not in us,” Clara said confidently.
“Not in us,” Veronica agreed with a wink.
Daisy smiled, feeling a sense of optimism she hadn’t felt in a while. Despite the challenges ahead, she knew she wasn’t facing them alone.
—
As the jet began its descent, the three women fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. For Daisy, the journey ahead was daunting, but she felt a newfound strength in the bonds she was forming.
And though she couldn’t shake the feeling that danger still lingered, she reminded herself of what Veronica had said earlier.
They had her back.
For now, that was enough.