Page 70 of The Fake Script
“So much,” Hayley adds, a hand on my shoulder.
And that’s when I realize something. They might have found the loves of their lives, jetting off to foreign destinations with their beaus, but they’ll always be my best friends. Our bond is unbreakable, and nothing will ever come between us. I’m certain of that now.
“Okay, tell us everything that happened while we were gone,” Alice says, dropping her purse on the kitchen chair before skipping to the living room.“Starting with Melissa Fortner!”
“Oh, yes! How was it? I’m so happy for you,” Hayley says, following Alice and plopping onto the couch.
I narrow my eyes. “You’re the ones coming back from a two-week vacation in France. Don’t you think you get dibs on storytelling?”
“Yeah. It was great,” Hayley says, nodding eagerly. “Love France.”
“So great,” Alice agrees. “I was particularly excited to have real bread again. Now, your turn.”
I laugh, ambling to the living room. “Okay, fine. I’ll tell you everything.”
I describe the day I met Melissa, then give them their signed copies before catching them up on the movie and the changes we made. I’m avoiding the subject of Auston for now, not sure how to approach it.
“Wow.” Alice’s brown eyes fly wide. “That’s a lot.”
“Right.” Hayley nods.
“What about you and Auston, though?” Alice presses. “That’s the story development I’m most eager for.”
I lift my eyebrows. “Really?”
She waves a hand in dismissal. “Okay, fine. Second.”
My mouth twists, and I fidget with the seam of the couch pillow. “Well, I’m not exactly sure what’s happening, or what I’m feeling.” My heart is now pumping a mile a minute, and I’m struggling to catch up.
“What do you mean?” Hayley asks. “Are you not faking it anymore?”
I wince. “Well, I’m not. But as for him, I don’t know.”
“Wait. You like him for real?” Alice asks, perched on the edge of her seat.
“I think so.” I bite my lip. “But I don’t know what to think.”
“Oh my goodness.” She jumps from the couch and wraps me in a hug. “That’s huge. I knew it.”
I look to Hayley for support, but she just shrugs. “She did call it.”
“Our little Emma is in love,” Alice says, clasping her hands. “I’m so happy, I could cry.”
I roll my eyes. “Please don’t. There’s nothing to tear up about. My feelings might be . . . blurry, but he hasn’t shown any romantic interest in me. At least, not that I’ve noticed. Melissa says she caught a vibe, but—”
“You discussed your relationship with Melissa Fortner?” Hayley asks, her jaw dropping.
“Oh, yeah. Only for a few minutes, but she was more useful than Beth and Mari put together. Which makes sense, I guess.”
“What is happening here?” Alice shakes her head incredulously, looking at Hayley. “Everything looks the same, but it feels like we’ve returned to a different reality. You’re the expert on fantasy and paranormal. Do something.”
Hayley purses her lips. “That concept would be more sci-fi, but you have a point. It is all very weird. And Mr. Darcy is sleeping in the reading nook. So bizarre.”
I chuckle at their antics, and they both freeze, staring at me.
“Yeah, nothing about this is normal,” Hayley confirms. “You look different, laughing and all relaxed. And that shirt . . .”
I frown, looking down. “What’s wrong with my shirt? Even if the bookstore is closed, I can still wear our merch.”