Page 69 of The Fake Script
“I’m flattered.” She smiles.
“Well, then. Should we resume shooting?” Clarence asks, and everyone nods or murmurs their agreement.
“I’ll watch from over here with Emma,” Melissa says, winking at me, and I almost melt on the floor. What a shame that the girls don’t come back until tomorrow! I wish they’d had the chance to meet her.
Melissa and I move to a spot behind Clarence, then wait as everyone gets settled in. I finally regain the ability to speak and begin chatting with her normally—ish. I spot Mari lingering a few paces away and wave at her. She hurries toward us, her eyes glowing.
I angle myself to face the world-class author standing beside me. “This is my friend, Marissa. She owns the coffee shop across the street. And she’s a frequent customer at our store.”
Mari beams. “Hi. I’m a big fan.”
“Nice to meet you,” Melissa says, shaking her hand. “Your street is so cute. It’s like you have a small-town situation right here in the city.”
Mari chuckles. “It does feel like it.”
I grin. “Definitely. My two best friends—and co-owners—both found love on this street. One with the other friend’s brother, and the second one with the bar owner next door.”
Melissa laughs, clasping her hands. “I knew it.”
“And what about you, Emma?” Mari prods, giving me an insistent look. “How’s everything going?”
I steal a glance at Auston, who’s getting into position in front of the store. “It’snotgoing. Things are weird. I don’t know. Nothing is happening.”
“Oh,” Melissa says with a smirk. “It’s definitely not nothing.” She steals a side glance at Auston. “I knew I was catching a vibe.”
“Wow. You’re good,” Mari breathes out, bobbing her head.
“Really?” I quirk an eyebrow.
“You and Auston?” Melissa tilts her head. “No doubt. If there’s one thing I’m never wrong about, it’s relationships. That is my specialty, after all.” She winks.
Mari bumps my shoulder with hers. “See? It’s her specialty.”
Another swirl of emotions barrels through me, and I feel like a human tornado. Spinning and spinning without any control over where I’m going to land. Melissa Fortner, the Queen of Romance, just said there was a vibe between me and Auston. I can’t ignore this thing anymore. It’s too big.
Yes, I feel like a raging twister right now. And even if I have no idea where I’m going, I know I’ll take down everything in my wake. The big question is, will I survive this, or will I self-destruct in the process?
The rest of yesterday went by in a flash, and I spent most of it hanging out with Melissa and Mari. After a while, it almost felt like we were just three ordinary friends chatting about life and love. She really is the best. I’m thrilled I got to meet her in person.
She was also beyond excited about the movie. Clarence showed her more footage on his screen, and she declared it was exactly like she envisioned it—the best compliment she could bestow on Clarence and his team.
She also signed four copies of Velvet Kisses for me so I could give one to each of the girls. We even took a few selfies. Best day ever.
I still haven’t processed my emotions, and I’m hoping to seek my best friends' help when they get back. I’ve been pacing for over an hour, tugging at the hem of my pink No Shelf Control shirt. Their plane landed a while ago, but they’re not here yet.
Mr. Darcy raises his head from where he’s sleeping in the reading nook, and I perk my ears to listen.
There’s definitely a clamor coming from the street, and since they’re not shooting today, it can only mean one thing—my best friends are back.
I hurry to the front door, holding my breath. There they are in the staircase, bags under their eyes and in their hands, but finally home.
“You’re back!” I yell, struggling to rein in my joy.
They both give me their biggest smiles. “We’re back!”
I help them haul their things upstairs, and we fall into the longest group hug we’ve had since we’ve known each other. Dang, it’s good to have these girls back.
“We missed you, Emz,” Alice says, taking my face into her hands.