Page 66 of The Fake Script
“You too,” I peep.
Without sparing a glance back, I unlock the front door and hurry up the stairs to my apartment.
27
Converted
Auston
The next day, I’m stuck at press junkets, answering questions about the new movie and promoting it. Then, it’s back to shooting in soundstages, and I’m certain Emma is avoiding me again. We’ve barely seen each other since the premiere. Even though we both had fun, my plan fell flat. There was never anything beyond friendship for her, and I have to come to terms with that. As soon as the shoot ends, I’ll fly back to LA and return to my life as it was before.
Who am I kidding? It’ll never be the same now that I’ve found Emma again. And it wasn’t much of a life to begin with. Sure, on paper I have everything. But the way my heart stutters when Emma smiles at me? That’s living. Really living.
“Are you okay, honey?” Mom asks as she massages my shoulders, the bangles on her wrists jingling. She got back from LA today, and she’s staying here while Robyn is in California with her boyfriend.
“I’m fine.” I smile. “Any intel on that secret project? I could use some good news right about now.”
She shakes her mass of curly hair. “Not yet. But I’m working on it. Where’s your girlfriend? I thought she’d be hanging out here with you all day.”
“Oh.” I look away. “Her friends are coming back from vacation tomorrow, so she’s home cleaning. You know?”
“Cleaning?”
It wasn’t a good excuse when she used it. Still isn’t. “Uh-huh.” I pretend to be absorbed by my phone when really, I’m just doomscrolling on Instagram.
Her hands fall away from my shoulders. “Well, I’m heading back out. Melissa Fortner will be here soon, and I want to give her a warm welcome.”
That gets my attention. “The author? She’s coming?”
“Oh, heavens yes!” She claspsher hands together. “Isn’t it exciting? I absolutely adored the book.”
“It was really good. I feel bad that Robyn’s missing out. Hopefully, there’ll be another opportunity.” And speaking of opportunities, this is my chance to see Emma again. “I’ll come with you.”
“Hold on. You read the book?” she asks, her eyebrows disappearing into her curls.
“I did. It’s one of Emma's favorites.” Plus, I wanted to feel close to her, especially since she’s ghosting me. But now I know why she loves it so much. The book is a masterpiece.
Mom narrows her eyes at me, peering over her glasses the way she always does when she studies me, then smiles. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get out there.”
The street is buzzing with crew members preparing for our next shot, so we worm our way through, trying not to disturb them.
“I’m craving a cup of coffee,” Mom says. “Do you want one?”
I shake my head. “No thanks. I’m going to go get Emma.”
My pulse is pounding in my head as I approach her front door. I know I’m just torturing myself when it’s obvious she’s not interested, but I can’t help it. I need to see her.
I’ve been operating on hope most of my life. Hope that my mom and I would finally catch a break and live comfortably. Hope that I could provide for her. Hope that I’d make it as an actor. So far, my spark of hope has worked out in my favor. Why not with this? After everything Emma has been through—and I hold my share of blame—she might just need more convincing. Maybe I have to show her that I’m here, that I won’t let go this time. Because after reuniting with her, there’s no way I’d make that same mistake twice.
Full of hope, I press the intercom button.
“Yes?”
“Emma, it’s me. Auston.”
She pauses. “Oh, hey.”
“If you’re not busy, I thought you could come on set today?” I ask, trying not to sound too desperate.