No Stone Unturned

by India Lee

“Why does everyone keep hoping I ‘upgraded?”” she said with a smirk. “I don’t know many men who could live up to his level of passion if you know what I mean.” She giggled with the cameramen and tossed her hair over her perfectly sculpted shoulders.

  “Does it bother you that Queen Bee’s shacked up with him now? And touring with him on his charity? And what about the fact that she’s stealing your D Network buddies from you?” the man with the mic was pushing his luck. It was rare that celebrities actually stopped to talk to Pop Dinner’s intrusive ambushes, but this interviewer seemed sure he could make Desiree talk. Desiree’s smirk contorted into a slight scowl.

  “Queen Bee is nothing,” she said, rolling her eyes. “If I wanted Tyler back, I could make that happen in a heartbeat. Her Royal Famewhore has nothing on me.” The cameramen whooped and cheered along with members of Desiree’s entourage. Her smirk returned.

  “So, do you want Tyler Chase back?”

  “For the record, I never lost him,” Desiree whispered into the mic in a play tone of exaggerated seduction.

  Gemma sat with her mouth agape, in complete disbelief. She had figured that Desiree’s atrocious behavior at Smythe had been a one-time thing – the embarrassing result of too much drinking. She had even assumed that Desiree would never make such a mistake again, especially not for the record. Okay, this is crazy. I need to tell someone, Gemma thought eagerly, quickly dialing Zoe’s number and waiting as the phone rang. Her stomach was flipping. She couldn’t believe her timing. Had she turned on the television just a couple minutes later, she would have missed the stupid interview entirely.

  When Zoe didn’t pick up she began to dial Damian’s number but stopped herself. It would probably seem inappropriate if Nicki were to see her calling so late at night. Before Gemma could consider calling Tyler to talk about it, Pop Dinner returned form commercial break. A picture of what appeared to be Queen Bee downing shots with two strange men at a bar showed up with a slate that read “Famewhore Indeed: All The Queen’s Men.”

  Gemma jumped to her feet as they played a series of photos of Queen Bee in various bars and clubs across the country – all coinciding with the cities she visited for the media tour. Most of the pictures and grainy videos showed Queen Bee drinking recklessly and flirting overtly with random men. Other videos showed her spurning fans asking for autographs, shoving past crowds to jump into a towncar.

  “What is going on?” Gemma asked herself, purposely aloud to confirm that she was awake and not dreaming. Her hands shook as she watched in silence. She recognized many of the outfits to be outfits she had worn for some of the media appearances, but she didn’t recognize any of the locations in which the photographs were taken. To anyone else but Gemma, the pictures appeared as if Queen Bee was cavorting about town and engaging in all kinds of questionable behavior. How is this possible? Gemma grabbed her phone again, struggling to make her shaking hands dial Mira’s number. It was almost 3am in New York. She didn’t pick up. Gemma dialed Perrin’s number. Straight to voicemail. She dialed Zoe’s number again. Straight to voicemail. Even Tyler and Penelope’s phones went straight to voicemail. In desperation, she dialed Damian’s number. No answer.

  “Someone pick up!” she yelled in frustration, her voice echoing in the emptiness of the room. She collapsed back onto her couch, taking a deep breath for air. I’m just overworked. All I need is a break, she told herself. She tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling. The roof of her mouth was throbbing. Her muscles felt sore and her legs were heavy. I’m just exhausted, this isn’t even a big deal. She didn’t want to be alone anymore but she wasn’t sure she could make the drive to Tyler’s house, especially in her current state of mind. You’re overreacting, she convinced herself. Just calm down and go to sleep.

  FLAWLESS QUEEN IS FLAWLESS

  Celebstan

  Posted by Justin, the Bee Chasing Alien

  December 2

  So, did anyone else call in sick to work yesterday so they could listen to Queen Bee’s radio interview with Bryan Waterbury? Yes? Oh, okay. Did anyone else get fired because they had already called out of work twelve times in the past five weeks? No? Well, whatever, I regret nothing. That interview was beyond flawless, and in case you’re not a newsreader, Queen Bee is now being hailed across the board as pretty much the next Mother Teresa of our time. Isn’t that such a compliment?! To Mother Teresa?! I think so.

  Anyway, QB ended the program with a little ode to her BFF and my princess, Zoe Mercury. It was the sweetest thing ever, and it brought tears to my eyes because it just makes me wish that I were Queen Bee’s best friend instead (LOL JK Zoe, ilusfm). But in all seriousness, I did weep over our Queen’s graciousness (and then bottle my tears to gift wrap and send to her – not too weird, right?), because I’m just so grateful that a huge superstar is shedding her mysterious image to do good genuinely, and not just tack her name onto some charity without really caring. And I’m glad that the rest of the world is starting to see and appreciate it too. I hope now you’re all really understanding what a truly good person Queen Bee is, and why I stan for her, and that haters are all just pressed and unattractive.

  - Chapter 6 -

  A ROYAL PAIN

  Pop Dinner

  December 14th

  It’s what everyone is thinking but won’t dare to say: Queen Bee is becoming, quite honestly, a royal pain. Yes, she is doing good and yes, her charity has raised a huge amount of money to fund projects against bullying – but why do we have to hear that much about her that damned often? We’re aware of the fact that she has done a complete one-eighty since last year, but to be entirely truthful, we’d prefer news of horrendous misdeeds at this point instead of the constant headlines of incessant and repetitive praise. It gets old, and honestly, there are three other interesting celebrities involved in her charity. Why don’t we talk about them?

  Because wherever Queen Bee goes, she requires attention. Copious amounts of it. In fact, since Queen Bee has risen to the scene, stars like her boyfriend Tyler Chase have seen somewhat of a decline in popularity. Chase, now strapped down with a girlfriend, has forfeited his untarnished teen icon status to be in a relationship with a fellow singer who seems to be sucking the fame from his career to rejuvenate her own. After exhausting both him and his fans last year with her constant troublemaking, she has bounced back only to claim every ounce of spotlight in her Kick Bullying media tour – completely overshadowing the likes of Chase and Zoe Mercury, whose massive role as the latest Bond girl is going literally unspoken of because of Bee. Not only that, Bee seemed to have slyly used Mercury for some of her own good publicity during their interview with Bryan Waterbury by showcasing her exaggerated modesty and kindness when praising her friend. Is it any surprise that despite the words she had for Mercury, Bee was the one who emerged from the interview looking more saintly?

  While the majority of the world will continue to be charmed by every step the young popstar takes, we at Pop Dinner have to excuse ourselves from this insufferable shrine of worship. Personally, we need a break from Queen Bee, and it’s okay for you to admit that you do too.

  BLOG WARS: THE FALL OF “HER ROYAL SECRECY”

  Celeb-o-Matic

  December 20th

  It appears that the ups and downs of Queen Bee’s career also determine the rise and fall of the gossip blogs that follow her. For anyone who cares to remember, the alleged photos of a disguise-less Queen Bee were released by blogger and professional hater, “Her Royal Secrecy,” who has since gone MIA – much like Queen Bee did when her career was in shambles last year. Now that she’s back on the rise with smash successes in albums and charities, “Her Royal Secrecy” is nowhere to be found, with subscribers plummeting to almost half her original number.

  However, “Tara,” the writer behind the failed blog claims to be taking just a temporary sabbatical while gathering further proof that she does know of Queen Bee’s secret identity, along with other information. But now that it has been months and months w
ithout any word (and no findings from internet communities who sought to unveil her true identity), it seems safe to say that “Tara” has either given up or has always been a royal hoax (not to mention a royal pain).

  In the meantime, we at Celeb-o-Matic are guiltily enjoying the musings of Justin, the “Bee Chasing Alien who carries a Gunn” and his obsession with defending Queen Bee and her posse, seemingly till the death. Though he can get his snark on pretty often, Celebstan in one super fan that we can get behind.

  “In short, what happens is we issue a statement that you’re ‘honored that so many of your fans are expressing their support by dressing in such impressive Queen Bee ensembles’ and call it a day. It’s not worth looking into any more than that,” Perrin said, exasperated with Gemma’s prying questions. Gemma chewed on her bottom lip, avoiding eye contact. “And look, I understand why you’re upset, but this kind of crazy news is what keeps you relevant, sweetheart.”

  “But how is it beneficial for us when this person’s running around making me look so bad? It’s not like she’s out there doing something good or doing even nothing – she’s out there making me look like some horrible, cheating bitch who hates her fans.”

  “And that’s why we’re telling people it’s not you,” Perrin said slowly, arching her eyebrows. Gemma looked up, squinting at Perrin’s expression.

  “Hold on a second… you know it’s not actually me doing all that crazy stuff, right?”

  “I don’t care if it’s you or not, sweetheart.”

  Gemma felt her jaw drop. “Oh my God, you think it’s me then?”

  “No, sweetie. Listen to me. Mira painted a clear picture of the type of girl you are and I trust that woman, so do understand that I don’t actually think it’s you. I’m just saying, I don’t care in this particular case because it’s not even that damaging – just as long as we release our statement. And honestly, Pop Dinner is pure trash. Can’t you find it in yourself to laugh at them?”

  “Not really.”

  “Well. Then I don’t know,” Perrin said distractedly as she gazed at her phone. Gemma rolled her eyes as Perrin eventually excused herself to take a call. She walked out of her open glass office with her cell, smiling and laughing as she made small talk on the phone. Gemma couldn’t understand why she didn’t seem worried. There was a clear threat at hand, and she didn’t seem even slightly miffed. It made her wonder if she was overreacting, if it really was a harmless case of an overzealous fan. With her eyes still fixed on Perrin, she picked up without looking at who it was.

  “Yes?” she said, unable to hide her agitation.

  “Are you okay?” Damian asked. Gemma felt her shoulders relax a little at the sound of his voice.

  “Hi. I’m okay. I could be better. Well, no, sorry, I’m okay. Why do you ask?”

  “Maybe because I woke up to six missed calls from you this morning? I wanted to call you earlier but I had practice.”

  “Oh no, I’m really sorry about that.” Gemma covered her face with her hand, embarrassed by her behavior. She looked at Perrin on the other side of the glass, still laughing on the phone. She tilted her head to give Gemma a comforting look and waved as if to say she hadn’t forgotten about her. “Honestly, I think I was definitely overreacting, but last night there were all these stupid things on Pop Dinner about how Desiree Silver is trying to get Tyler back. And there’s also this weird girl who’s running around dressed up as me and doing all these awful things – and people really think it’s me!”

  “What?” Damian laughed.

  “It sounds funnier than it is.”

  “Who would believe that, though?”

  “If you check what’s trending on Twitter, I’d say a good amount of people believe it.”

  “I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.”

  “Yeah, that’s what Tyler said. And Perrin. And now you.”

  “Come on,” Damian sighed. “You know we’re all just trying to assure you that it’s all going to be fine. I know I’m new to this whole fame thing, but if I’ve learned anything in the short time I’ve been in the spotlight, it’s to not worry so much about what everyone’s saying. And that includes those who are completely blind and can’t tell this impostor from you.”

  “Damian, there were certain pictures where even I was confused.”

  “Okay, hold on.” Damian paused. Gemma heard the sound of keyboards typing. “Alright, I’m on Pop Dinner. And I see the post. But I don’t see the resemblance.”

  “You’re just saying that to get me to shut up.”

  “I could listen to you talk forever,” Damian said without missing a beat. “I’m looking at that video of her at a bar in Chicago and I will say yes, first glance it could be you – but only because the video quality isn’t great. If you really look, you can see that her makeup is caked on. I mean, I don’t know much about that kind of thing, but I know even you don’t wear that much when you’re in disguise.” He paused. Gemma sensed he was smiling. “And, the eyes are a giveaway. Even when you have your contacts in, yours are alive. And sparkling. Her eyes are totally dead. This girl is plain as hell.”

  Gemma sat, dumbfounded. “I think that’s the meanest thing you’ve ever said about anyone.” They laughed.

  “I’m mean when it’s called for. This girl is like a notch above Madison.”

  “Ugh, just the mention of her name.”

  “I know, I’m sorry. I’m just trying to make a point. We’ve already gone through the bullying thing with her before, haven’t we?” Damian sighed. “We’re in each other’s lives again and it has to be for a reason. You know I support you a hundred percent. I don’t want you to think I’m like everyone else, assuming that you’re overreacting, because I’m not. I just hate seeing you upset.”

  Gemma smiled. “Thanks. I just wish there was a silver lining to all this.”

  “Well, let’s think about it this way – at least this time, this person’s not a part of your everyday life.”

  ~

  “I got that for him,” Gemma whispered into Tyler’s ear. Gemma and Tyler had flown up to Oakland to see Damian play in a home game. After watching an exciting win in their courtside seats, the two drove to Damian and Nicki’s downtown Oakland apartment where the four were to prepare a cozy, home-cooked meal.

  “How very kind of you,” Tyler said, tilting his head as he inspected the autographed Walt Clyde Frazier photograph that Gemma had gotten for Damian years ago. Damian had propped up the framed photograph on his coffee table.

  “Are you jealous?” Gemma teased.

  “Jealous?” Tyler laughed and turned his nose up. “I’m a Lakers fan.” Just then, Damian and Nicki returned to the living room with a tray of drinks.

  “So, Lakers Fan, how’d you enjoy the hookup?” Damian smiled as he handed Gemma and Tyler their glasses.

  “Well, I’ve sat courtside before,” Tyler smirked. “But at like, Staples and MSG. You know, the arenas where courtside is actually something.”

  “Ouch,” Damian said with mock hurt. With Damian on the loveseat and little room next to Gemma and Tyler on the couch, Nicki hovered around awkwardly for a beat before Damian pulled her into his lap.

  “He’s just trying to look cool,” Gemma replied. “You should’ve seen him when you were hitting all those threes.”

  “Yeah, what’d he do?”

  “He very proudly announced, ‘I’ve been converted, I’m a Damian Evans fan!’ And then he clutched his heart like a little fangirl,” Gemma said. He looked at Tyler who smiled in response.

  “I did. I did do that.”

  The four burst out in laughter before raising their glasses for a toast.

  “To new friends,” Damian said. “And to hard work and passing on the good fortune that we’ve all received.” Everyone nodded in agreement as they clinked their glasses together and took a sip of their drinks.

  “Wow,” Gemma said. “This tastes incredible. What’s it called?”

  “Does it have a name?
” Damian asked Nicki, beaming with pride. “It’s her original recipe. She studied mixology last summer. Tell them how you came up with this drink.”

  “It’s nothing,” Nicki shook her head, tugging at her own ponytail. “It’s basically a mojito but I use basil instead of mint and crushed blackberries into it. Damian just thinks everything I do is genius.” She laughed shyly. Gemma watched Nicki tuck her head into Damian’s neck. He kissed the top of her head.

  “I know the feeling,” Tyler said. He squeezed Gemma’s shoulder as she caught Nicki’s eye. They shared a quick smile as if to acknowledge their luck in love. Gemma felt her heart jump at the chance to bond over something, anything.

  However the feeling was short-lived as they sat at the dining table and ate the perfectly rolled sushi that Nicki and Damian had prepared. Any conversation that Gemma attempted to start with Nicki was quickly ended with her one-word answers. Completely immersed in their own sports talk, Damian and Tyler didn’t seem to notice. Their bond was what Gemma had wanted since Damian had re-entered her life, but at that very moment, Gemma simply felt left out and lonely. Nicki hardly seemed to mind the awkward situation – she clearly preferred the silence over speaking to Gemma. I don’t get it, Gemma frowned. What did I do to her?

  “So are you girls in?” Tyler suddenly asked. Gemma looked up, the silence on her end of the table finally broken.

  “What? I missed it.” Gemma blinked, eyes wide.

  “Fooseball.”

  “Fooseball? What? Where is there a fooseball table?” Gemma asked.

  “In our bedroom,” Damian replied.

  “Are you kidding?” Gemma laughed. She gave Nicki a look of sympathy. “I would kill Tyler if he put a fooseball table in the bedroom,” she said. “How’d Damian get you to agree to that?”

  “I like it there,” Nicki said, flatly.