Page 38 of The Fake Script

She removes her oversized cat-eye glasses and sweeps her gaze over me. “Emma, it’s so nice to finally meet you,” she exclaims. “I’m Marlene.”

It’s not the first time I’ve seen Auston’s mom. I remember glimpsing her from afar, back in Kinston, and she hasn’t changed one bit. Same long curly hair, only shinier, and brown eyes that remind me of Auston’s.

“I think I’ll get going,” I say, tugging on the hem of my shirt.

“Oh no, dear,” she says with a beaming smile. “Don’t leave on my account. This is the first time my son has ever brought a girl home.” She winks, then looks around. “Well, in a manner of speaking. Anyway, I’mdyingto get to know you better. I’ve been so busy these past couple days, I was barely on set.”

“Emma is busy too, Mom,” Auston cuts in, saving me. “But you’ll have plenty of time to get to know her later.”

“Yes.” I nod. “Absolutely.”

She gives me another warm smile, then takes a seat on the couch. “I’m looking forward to it.”

I wave awkwardly. “Bye.”

As soon as the trailer door closes behind me, I release a long breath. Meeting Auston’s mom was weird, but my mind is stuck on what happened just before. What was that about, him asking me if I found him attractive? Why does he care? As if it was even a question. What woman on this planet wouldn’t find that man as hot as the sun? With his glossy dark hair, magnetic gaze, natural charm, and the body of a Greek god. And that smile—that smile can knock me off my feet like a gale-force wind.

I tug on the collar of my T-shirt, sweat beading on my skin. I hate summer. Why can’t it be freezing cold outside? That would make my life a lot easier when I’m around Auston. The guy is like a walking furnace. Who was I kidding, pretending it would be fine to fake date him?

16

Surprise Field Trip

Auston

As time wears on, Emma seems to open up to me more and more. I’m still on the receiving end of her sharp tongue—especially when it comes to my acting skills or my love of movies—but her body language is more relaxed, and I catch her smiling more often. I think I’m starting to see the old Emma again.

Madison and I just finished our last scene of the day, and it was torture. She kept messing up her placement, getting on everyone’s nerves.

“So, what’s theverdict?” I say, walking up to Emma afterward. She wasn’t a fan of that scene on paper.

She rolls her eyes. “Fine. You made it work. It’s different from the book, but I like it.”

I flash her a bright smile. “Hallelujah.” As I speak, I make a mental note to read the book as soon as I have a chance.

“Auston,” Madison says, sashaying up to us. “Are you excited for our field trip?”

I ignore her, assuming she’s just trying to mess with me again.

She sips her drink. “I know how much you love the coast.”

Then, it catches up with me. “Oh, right. Massachusetts.”

“Massachusetts?” Emma frowns. “Isn’t it Maine?”

“It was too far of a trip, but Clarence said they found the perfect location.”

“Oh, sorry. I thought you knew,” Madison says, narrowing her eyes at Emma. “Aren’t you coming? It’s not like you have to work, after all.”

“Of course I’m coming,” Emma says, taking a step forward. “I wouldn’t miss it. I just thought it was going to be in Maine, that’s all.”

“Absolutely,” I say, taking Emma’s hand. And as always, it sends a shiver up my arm. “We’re making a trip out of it, actually. I’m going to drive us there.”

Madison plasters on her best fake smile. “Great. I look forward to it. The scene on the beach is my favorite one in the movie.” Then, she spins on her heel and struts away.

“Is the scene on the beach . . .?” Emma starts, and I nod, my face warming.

“Yup. The big make-out scene.”