Love in the Mix (Love in the Mix #1)

Chapter 38

thirty-eight

RUBY

S he went fucking viral. Are you fucking kidding me? I’ve been staring at the screen for days, watching the stream count on Luna's new song climb higher and higher. One million, two million, ten million... She is a nightmare, a sick joke. How dare she? How dare that talentless freak steal my spotlight again? She had to know my full length album dropped the same day that she dropped that horrid fucking song. Just two days after Xavier and Sebastian humiliated me. She just can’t handle that I’m better. She always has to outshine me. My fist slams down on the desk, empty bottles and rolled-up bills scattering.

"Can you believe this shit?" I snarl, glancing at Tiffany and Dahlia as they lay sprawled on my couch, barely conscious amidst a sea of empty bottles and white powder.

A new notification pops up on my phone, alerting me to another review of my album, Celestial Reign . I open it, hoping for at least something positive, but another scathing review appears. "Uninspired." "Boring." "Where did the talent go?" Each word is like a knife to my gut, shredding my insides. A scream tears from my throat. How stupid are they? Do they not know music?

I hurl my phone across the room, savoring the sound of shattering glass. "How fucking stupid are they? I paid good money to have that album made!"

Mavis, curled up in an armchair, speaks up softly. "Ruby, maybe it's time to stop obsessing over Luna. This rivalry isn't healthy?—"

"Shut up!" I snap, rounding on her. "You don't get it. That blue-haired hobbit stole everything from me!"

Mavis stands, her voice stronger now. "Luna didn't steal anything. She worked hard for her success. Maybe if you focused on your own music instead of tearing others down?—"

"Get out!" I scream, grabbing an empty bottle and brandishing it threateningly. "You ungrateful bitch! After everything I've done for you!"

Mavis's eyes flash with a mix of pity and disgust. "I'm done with this shit, Ruby." She grabs her purse and storms out, slamming the door behind her.

I need a drink. I need a line. I need something to numb the pain of my failure. Attempting to open the bottle of vodka in my hand, the harsh reality of my situation crashes down on me.

I'm broke. I'm washed up. I'm a joke. The money, the fame, the adoration, it's all slipping through my fingers. All I have left is a 160 pound bag of weight that wants my money and sex all the time. It’s all because of her. That stupid fucking bitch who couldn’t leave well enough alone.

The bedroom door creaks open and I whip around, ready to unleash my fury on whoever dares to interrupt us. But it's just Dylan, his face etched with concern. "Babe, you okay? I heard?—"

"What's going on is that fat, conniving bitch stole my career!" I snarl, shaking an empty bottle at him. "And now even Mavis has turned against me!" I scream louder with every word, finishing off my sentence by throwing the empty bottle at the wall. The shattered pieces hit the floor, and a slight amount of tension relieves.

Dylan takes a tentative step towards me, his hands outstretched. "Ruby, this obsession is insane. She’s not out to get you," he attempts to reassure me. Rage burns brighter in my veins, like I need him to tell me how amazing I am.

"You're just like the rest of them. A user. You're holding me back! You're the reason I'm failing!"

"What? Ruby, no, I love?—"

"Love? You don't love me, you love my money! Well, guess what? It's drying up and it's all her fault!" I say, grabbing a new bottle of vodka from the table, taking a swig.

Tiffany stirs on the couch. "Tell him, girl. Men are all the same." Dahlia giggles, too far gone to contribute anything meaningful.

"Whatever! You can't help me anyway! You’re fucking useless!" I spit, my words dripping with derision. "No one can. I have to make her pay. Dahlia, it’s time. Post it. If she thinks she can fuck with me with no consequences, she’s got another thing fucking coming."

I shove past Dylan, ignoring his protests and pleas for me to stay and love him. How pathetic! Love is something to be traded in return for security or advancement. It doesn’t actually exist.

Luna thinks she's won, but she has no idea what's coming for her. Who does she think she is? Taking everything that should’ve been mine, then having the audacity for a comeback? When I put you down, fucking stay down.

That’s fine. She’s simply forgotten who she’s messing with! I’ve already taken everything once—the love, the money, the fame. I can do it again, and if I can’t ruin her, Xavier and Sebastian are a good consolation prize.

Mix Tape Mayhem

May 18th, 11:36 PM

Mix Tape Mayhem

What’s up Mixers?! Your girl Dahlia is back with the hottest gossip in the club scene and let me tell you… I. Am. SHOOK!

Remember the anti-Valentine’s Day showcase I reported on a while back? Featuring DJ Bas & DJ Xav, current club royalty? That was the show that left us all going… huh? The DJ duo, for reasons unknown, decided to give some spotlight time to DJ Luna Sparks.

I know, Mixers. You’re like, “DJ who?” DJ coattail-riding, untalented, washed up! That's who. Now last I reported, we were all trying to figure out what posed the DJ Bas to pick the heifer up and kiss her. Now it seems we have a bigger mystery to solve

This past weekend me and my girl, DJ Ruby Knight, attending the amazing Neon Dreamscape opened by none other than our favorite DJs but here’s where things get spicy Behind the scenes sources say DJ Xav & DJ Bas were more than a little cozy backstage. But you know your girl Dahlia always has the hottest tea

Cozy you say Dahlia? But they’re BFFs so of course they’re cozy! Well Mixers, to that I say… there’s cozy and then there’s COZY.

An exclusive source sent me this photo, snapped just after the boys took the stage following Ruby’s innovative set. Darlings, I don’t see cozy do you? Is it possible these DJs share more than a booth? My source says yes! And it would explain that ridiculous kiss because let’s be honest Mixers, who would you rather kiss? A bronze, built, sex pot who can take you over the edge with a sexy smirk… or a washed-up user that could use a FULL BODY makeover?

But this juicy development has left me wondering… Should we dance down memory lane and do a deep search into past performance pictures? Sound off in the comments darlings!