"Yeah, no thanks." She groaned. "I’d rather not go out looking like a circus clown."
I remained quiet, and she finally waved her hand in the air dismissively.
"Fine, tell her to drop by my place at seven. We can get ready together."
I beamed, running up to her and giving her a quick hug. "Thank you," I whispered into her ear. "You don't know how grateful I am. And watching out for me, too. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Babe." She took me by the shoulders, staring into my eyes. "You would be fine without me. You might even be better off."
"What do you mean?" I furrowed my brows.
"You prefer to stay in the shadows; I get it," she said gently. "But you should be the center of attention, Tins. You're the sweetest, kindest friend I've ever had, and I want the world to know it. There’s a reason you’re a superstar. And, babe... The scandals of others shouldn't shape your life. I don't care what People says. You’re your own person. Not the sins of your mother."
I managed a trembling smile, looking up at her as I muttered, "You really think I'm a superstar?"
"Duh," she rolled her eyes, giving me a wicked grin as she pulled back. "Why else would I hang out with you?"
She blew me a kiss over her shoulder and left me wondering whether I would ever really be able to move past the story that had made it to every tabloid in the world.
After all, like mother like daughter…