MURDER ON A DESIGNER DIET Read Online Free PDF Page A

seen everything.”
    Max gave Hannah a squeeze, then waved to someone behind them. “There’s Christian.” The man Penelope had seen making out with Hannah in the bathroom approached the bar. He had changed into jeans and a blue dress shirt unbuttoned to his belt. Penelope wondered if he always wore clothes that showed off his intricate cross tattoo. Max made introductions all around. When Christian went to shake hands with Penelope, she averted her eyes and murmured, “Nice to meet you.”
    â€œIt’s so wonderful to finally meet you all. Max has said such nice things,” Christian said. He had the same nervous energy as Max, seeming to vibrate even though he was standing still. Penelope wondered if it was performance nerves or guilt stemming from making out with Max’s girlfriend. Penelope watched Hannah silently study her wineglass as he spoke.
    Another one of the models from the show made his way over to them, standing behind Christian and waving at the busy bartender. “Hanging at your place again tonight?” he said loudly to Christian.
    â€œYeah, man. We always do,” Christian responded. “Guys, this is Jesse.”
    â€œAre we going straight there or hitting another club first?” Max asked, finishing his beer.
    â€œAnother club?” Arlena asked.
    â€œWe’re standing in a club,” Randall said, waving at the crowd in the main room. Loud music began playing and several people headed to the dance floor.
    â€œA different club, Dad,” Max said. “Christian can get us in anywhere.”
    Randall laughed and finished his martini. “That’s nice, son, but I can get in anywhere I want.”
    Joey placed his hand on Penelope’s back and whispered in her ear, “You wanna get out of here?”
    â€œYes,” Penelope said, kissing him before turning back to her friends. “We’re going to head out.”
    Sienna floated over, dressed in a black pantsuit, long blond hair piled on top of her head in a messy bun.
    â€œI’m so pleased you were all able to make it. Max was a dream to work with,” Sienna said graciously, her British accent clipping her words.
    â€œCongratulations on a perfect debut,” Arlena said. “I’m so proud of you, Sienna.”
    â€œI appreciate that. I do think it came off okay.”
    One of the butlers sidled up to Sienna and whispered something in her ear. A brief look of alarm crossed her face before she regained her composure. “So sorry, I must run. Yet another crisis. You’ll excuse me, won’t you? Arlena, I’ll be in touch soon about that thing we discussed.” Sienna hurried off, the butler ushering her away.
    â€œAre we ready to go?” Max asked.
    â€œAbsolutely. Let’s go to Hydra,” Christian said. “It will be packed, but we won’t have to wait in line. They still owe me, so we’ll get bottle service.”
    â€œOwe you?” Max asked.
    â€œI did some free promo for them to welcome them to the neighborhood, brought some of my best faces.”
    â€œYou have to call me the next time you’re opening a club. I’ll be one of your faces,” Max said.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Arlena asked.
    â€œChristian is a club promoter. Owners hire him to bring models to openings to create buzz, let people know what the new hot spots are.”
    â€œAll bought and paid for,” Randall said, shaking his head. “Really great places earn their reputations over time.”
    â€œThey’ve figured out a faster way to get people in the door. They just follow you around,” Arlena said to Christian.
    â€œHow do you get hired for something like that?” Max asked.
    â€œThe jobs come through my agency, and then I coordinate the models. I end up going out a few times a week. Who’s coming?”
    â€œYou guys go on ahead,” Randall said, glancing over the crowd. Penelope followed