Platinum (All That Glitters #3)(27)

The Teena Hart.

Trihn couldn’t believe this was happening.

“And you are?”

“Sorry. Trihnity Hamilton, but my friends just call me Trihn.”

“That name sounds familiar. How do I know you?”

“I transferred in late last year from NYU. My mother is Linh Hamilton…with Glitz magazine,” she added.

“Oh! Linh! Of course I know her. She’s wonderful. I was aware that you were coming here, but I didn’t realize…” She trailed off. “Your talent is amazing for a second-year student. I know talent when I see it, and I’m moving you into the fashion show this year. You’ll need all the practice you can get.”

“Wait…what?” Trihn asked, dumbfounded.

“Your designs will be featured in the fashion show.”

“But I’m a sophomore,” she stammered out.

“There is no age or class requirement. I can tell you have talent. So, you’d better get to work. You’re a couple of weeks behind the other students.” Teena smiled at her. “It was nice meeting you, Trihn.”

In shock, Trihn just stared at her retreating back. What had just happened?

Teena Hart had appreciated her designs. She’d liked them enough to feature Trihn in the fashion show that was typically reserved for senior students.

A smile broke onto her face, and she did a twirl.

This was exactly what she needed. She would have a million things to do to get ready, but she could do it. She would have to get all the requirements from her design teacher tomorrow, so she could get started.

She carefully folded her work away and darted out of the studio. She sent off texts to Bryna, Stacia, and Maya, letting them know she had good news and that they needed to go to Posse tonight to celebrate. She wished that the new dress was ready, but she couldn’t risk wearing it now that it was going to be in the fashion show.

Trihn returned home to an empty house and started digging around in her sketchbook box for the book that she would need for her next project. She knew it was around here somewhere. If she was going to do this fashion show, she would need something with a bang, and she had the perfect idea, a design she’d done a few weeks before Christmas. She distinctly remembered drawing the dress.

Her heart sank.

“Fuck,” she whispered.

She remembered the last time she’d had it. She had been drawing in it at Neal’s house and didn’t remember ever bringing it home.

Trihn had been adamant about leaving everything at Neal’s place for him to toss out or whatever he wanted to do with her things. But not that sketchbook. She needed that one.

Taking a deep breath, she fished out her phone. She had responses from her friends, saying that they were going to meet her at the house to go out and were happy to hear that she was happy. But that enthusiasm was falling away as she sent a message to Neal that she’d never wanted to send.

Hey. I think I left something at your place. Can I come over and get it?

Is this some pathetic attempt to get back together with me?

I just need my sketchbook.

Come on over. I’m sure you’ve missed me.

Trihn cursed under her breath and then quickly changed. She would just meet the girls at Posse after she went to get her notebook from Neal. She didn’t want an audience for this. She doubted it was going to be pretty.





FIVE HUNDRED CARS LITTERED THE STREET in front of Neal’s place.

“What the actual f*ck?” Trihn’s eyes scanned the row of cars. She had never seen this many people parked outside of his place.

She had to drive practically a mile away from the house to find a parking spot. She trudged the distance back to his place and cursed herself for the sexy Louboutins that graced her feet. She could dance in them for hours, but one normal walk pissed her off to no end.

Or maybe it was just the anticipation of seeing Neal.

She hadn’t heard one peep from him since he’d slammed that door in her face. Now, her stomach was in knots as she was about to come face-to-face with him all over again.

Trihn took a deep breath and walked up the driveway. He was the one who had dumped her. She didn’t have anything else to say to him. She just needed her sketchbook, and then she would get out of there. She had done enough dwelling in the past lately.

She could hear music through the door and was surprised there hadn’t already been a noise complaint. She tentatively knocked, unsure of what she would find inside.

Neal had always hated the fact that she loved to party. He had his tight-knit group of friends that he liked to go out with, but he’d claimed it was nothing like her hanging out with Bryna and Stacia. She had believed him until the moment a chick opened the door in a skimpy skirt and bralette top. She had electric-blue hair shaved on one side and thick dark eyeliner.

The girl gave Trihn a once-over and then laughed. “Wrong house,” she said before starting to slam the door in Trihn’s face.

Trihn’s hand shot out. “I’m here to see Neal.”

“Really?” she asked. She seemed a little drunk or high or something. Her eyes were glazed, and she looked out of it.

“Yeah. So, if you’ll just excuse me.” Trihn walked past the girl without another word.

The house was a wreck. Everywhere, people were holding red Solo cups brimming with beer, and the smell of pot clogged her lungs the instant she stepped inside. She coughed twice and pressed through the throng of people.