The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1582

Jossie instantly got the drift. "Lia, the timing couldn't be worse. Ms. Kiki just told me to whisk Summer away the minute the concert wraps up. You know how it is with Summer's star power—she can't even grab a bite without Ms. Kiki giving the green light. This isn't something David and I can call the shots on."

"But c'mon, it's only natural for David to grab a meal with Summer after the show, or at least have a quick meet-and-greet backstage. David could play the mediator, introduce Summer to Reuben."

Jossie could only make excuses. "Lia, we're tied up with non-disclosure agreements, plus there are time constraints and whatnot. We've got to get Summer back right after the concert, and it's not like I don't want to help, but here's the thing—if you can get Ms. Kiki's approval, I'm on board one hundred percent."

"If she were easy to talk to, why would I even be coming to you? Jossie, I've looked out for you lots, including all those red-carpet events. Whenever Reuben and David are in the mix, I always let David take the stage first."

Jossie thought to herself, wasn't that because David's more popular than Reuben? The organizers themselves wanted David to go first. How did it become her doing them a favor? Did David really need someone to let him shine?

"Jossie, do me this solid, will you? If Summer agrees to work with us, David could land an endorsement deal worth a cool hundred million bucks. It's a win-win. Kiki's just too strict, keeping a tight leash. We want to reach out to Summer directly, get her personal 'yes'."

"Lia, I'm sorry, but I'm just an assistant. I can pass the message, but whether they meet up is really up to Summer's schedule."

"Jossie." Lia was losing patience, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Everyone shines for a moment, but who shines forever? Sure, David's a tad hotter than Reuben right now."

Jossie was speechless. Just a tad? David was way ahead, or else why would he be the top dog, not Reuben?

"But who's to say? Maybe Reuben will outshine you one day, and you'll come knocking for our help. Then, I can have Reuben lend you a hand."

"What's up?" At that moment, Arabella returned from her performance.

It was like Jossie had seen the cavalry arrive. "Somebody's looking to collaborate with you."

"Don't bother, just hang up."

Hearing Arabella's icy response, Lia wasn't deterred but instead pleaded with Jossie to hand the phone over to Arabella.