Page 59 of The Fake Script
As if I cared about money.
“But—”
“I’ll askStuart if two crew members can bunk together so you can have your own room,” he says with a nod. Naturally, Clarence picked up on the drama between Madison and me.
Still, I cross my arms. “I’m not leaving Emma. End of discussion. She’s here because of me, and she doesn’t have anybody. I’m not going to leave her in a room by herself, sick.”
Clarence breathes a dramatic sigh. “Fine. At the very least, wear a mask and gloves when you’re in the room.”
“Deal.”
Madison gives me a little smirk, but I don’t even care. All that matters right now is making sure Emma is okay.
When Clarence calls a break, Robyn brings me a box of surgical masks and gloves, and I hurry to the room. On the way, I spot a catering table with apricot applesauce cups and grab a couple. I remember Emma used to eat them at lunch.
When I get to the room, she’s sound asleep. She’s not shaking anymore, but she’s still pale, beads of sweat glistening on her brow. All the food Robyn brought earlier is still unopened. Sinking into the chair in the corner of the room, I wait. They can call me when they need me back on set. Until then, I’m not leaving Emma’s side.
23
Marathon
Emma
The last few days are a blur. I’ve never felt so sick in my life. But I feel better today, thanks to Auston, who’s been working tirelessly to get me on my feet again. I’m not going to lie. Having someone take care of me is a nice change of pace. I’m always the one solving crises, arranging everything, and—in the case of Alice—killing innocent spiders. Well, I guess Deacon has taken over that role now. Still, it’s a feeling I’m not used to, and it’s oddly comforting.
“Hey,” Auston says, enteringthe room. “You’re up. Feeling better?” He’s wearing a surgical mask, just as he has for the last few days. I told him to look for a new room, or even let me go to another hotel, but he wouldn’t hear of it. And I was in no mood to argue.
“I am,” I mutter.
He ambles up to me and places a hand on my forehead. A seemingly banal gesture. Nothing sexy about a man checking your temperature—especially when you haven’t showered since yesterday. Right?
Wrong. Dead wrong.
From the look of concern in his eyes to his gentle touch against my forehead, and his other hand burning into my shoulder as he brings me closer, I’m suddenly feverish again. Thank goodness that mask is creating a physical barrier between us.
“Youseembetter. Do you want anything else to eat?” he asks, and his hand grazes mine. Then, something happens. Something weird. My body becomes all tingly and warm and—butterflies. That’s it. The infamous butterflies-swarming-in-the-belly thing I’ve read about so many times. They’re here. No, no, no. They can’t be.I don’t do butterflies.
“Emma?” He frowns. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I focus back on Auston. “Yes. Much better. I was thinking of taking a shower, actually. See you later?”
Still looking concerned, he reluctantly nods. “Um, yeah. Okay.”
I wait until he’s out of the room before slumping back onto the couch. This can’t be happening to me. Why does Auston have to be here taking care of me? Why is he so perfect? I need to put some distance between us before he breaks my heart. Again.
After a shower and a bite to eat, I sit back down on the couch and scroll through the Netflix catalog. Shocking, I know. But in my defense, I’m still sick. I’m not really myself.
No matter how much I want to widen the gap between Auston and me, I still end up in the romance section, my eyes flitting between the many versions of him. Doctor Auston, Forest Guard Auston, CEO Auston, Baker Auston. Unfortunately, no Cowboy Auston yet. I really should suggest that one. Though I wouldn’t say no to a Mafia Boss Auston either. Oh, yes. Definitely the mafia boss. Phew, I’m back.
Eventually, I decide on Doctor Auston, the one we started watching the other day. I just need to see those abs again. Hey, just because I need to keep my distance in real life doesn’t mean I can’t allow myself a sneak peek. That’s one thing you don’t get in a book. Maybe movie does trump book, just this time.
The door flies open, and I glance around frantically for the remote. Where is it? I can’t let him see that I’m—
“Watching one of my movies, are you?” Auston says, wearing a full grin.
Great. My eyes finally land on the remote. Of course I find it now. “I was bored. Just needed to pass the time.”
He chuckles. “I thought you had your entire book collection with you.”