Chapter 11:

Aubrey had considered complaining or objecting to being dragged off into a closed bedroom, but decided against it. Instead she just looked at Stacie with a glare that demanded an answer. Stacie was a little taken aback at first, since she hadn't seen that face on Aubrey since the Bella's retreat in senior year before Worlds. Stacie being Stacie, winked at her and was relieved when she saw Aubrey soften. However, Stacie knew she would be required to talk soon.

Briefly she considered different ways she could distract Aubrey and not have to answer. She briefly wondered what it would be like to push Aubrey against the door and kiss her until she forgot all about her questions. However she dismissed that idea quickly. She really had no desire to do that. She wasn't even sure where it came from. Stacie hadn't had a boyfriend in quite a while, so she chalked it up to that. She also remembered a friend in high school telling her the best way to shut someone up was to kiss them. Stacie figured that the idea came from there, and went back to planning other ways to distract Aubrey.

Aubrey watched Stacie closely and realised she was thinking for too long. Realising that Stacie was trying to weasel her way out of answering the question they both knew was coming, even though neither had voiced it, Aubrey's glare turned into a frown. Without giving Stacie any more time for excuses, Aubrey went straight to the point.

"So Stacie, how exactly it is that we have this amazing place to stay, a full bar and unlimited food?"

Stacie gulped in some air, taking a few seconds to think again. She realised that the truth would be better and easier than anything else she could come up with.

"Well, it's actually all part of a deal I have with the manager of the hotel. It's my new job. I've been given this suite to live in for the next two weeks, and can have people stay too if I want. In return I am going to be the face of this hotel. The photo shoot is next Friday, and it won't be long before my face is all over this place. However I will move out before that happens.

This was my way of coming back to Atlanta where everyone was. I really missed you all. I have been thinking about doing something other than modelling for a little while now, as you may know." Aubrey nodded, still a little stunned at what she was hearing, so she wasn't able to get any words out.

Stacie continued, "I have been thinking that maybe doing some small modelling jobs would be a good idea, because I am getting lots of work still, and it is fun most of the time. However there is more to me than just my looks, and I would like to be able to show that, if only to remind myself again."

Aubrey finally had words to say, "why didn't you tell me this when you came to stay at the retreat a few days ago Stace?"

"I honestly am not sure. I thought it was because I just wanted to see you girls and see how things went. Sometimes I feel like so much of my life is public knowledge, it's nice to have some things that are private and special just to me. Being in the public eye is hard, much harder than I imagined. I guess that's part of why I'm thinking about modelling less too. I will be able to be a normal person a little bit more. You know, shop for milk without being hounded…"

Aubrey pulled her in tight, "I'm so sorry you feel that way about your life. I have no idea what you must be going through, but I'm here if you need me Stace."

"Great, thanks Bree, I need good friends right now. I know I have them, and I know that I need to talk to you girls more, I guess I just forgot. Maybe we could sit down and talk with Chloe and Beca while we wait for the food?"

"Sounds like a good plan."

After the dinner they all decided to chill on the lounges for a while and they talked about anything and everything until they were too tired. Beca was the first to move towards bed, but the others soon followed. It had been a long day, and they were both emotionally and physically tired. It did not take long before all 4 of them were sleeping soundly.