Page 64 of Drama Queens Don't Fall For Charming Boys

“Yeah, for sure. I don’t think I’ll have a normal life here.”

“Don’t you think they’ll get sick of chasing after you?”

I laugh softly. “One would hope. Don’t get me wrong—I really appreciate all my fans, but it can get overwhelming sometimes.”

She nods. “Can’t say I know what that’s like, but I don’t envy you.”

“But you have lots of fans, don’t you?”

“Yeah, but not as many as you.”

“Sorry.”

She shakes her head. “Don’t feel bad for me. The girls are crazy about you, so it makes sense that you shot to fame in such a short amount of time.”

Yeah, but when it comes down to it, she still has projects lined up while I have nothing. But I’m not going to think about that now.

She searches my eyes like she wants to ask me something, but then she must think better of it because she starts talking about a couple who are arguing over what ice cream flavor to share.

It’s actually weird that I haven’t thought about my lack of roles today. I was so busy with the play and school and my new friends.

It still stings, but for some reason I don’t care about it anymore. Maybe because I’m enjoying myself playing the role of William. I feel like I’m getting a large chunk of myself back. Even though the kids at school see me as Declan Hart and even though I can’t walk in the street without someone recognizing me, it’s still great that I’m back to doing what I love.

“What?” Mia asks. “You just got a weird look on your face.”

I smile at her. “Thanks for spending the afternoon with me.”

“Oh, um. You’re welcome. Thanks for the lift.”

I dip my head. “Anytime.”

She checks the time on her phone. “It’s getting late and I need to go home. Ready to leave?”

I drop my gaze to my outfit. “Think my brother will laugh at me?”

She snorts. “Oh, he definitely will. I’ll send you the pic I took of you and you can hang it on the fridge.”

I laugh as I follow her out of the mall and toward my car. I’m surprised when she opens the door to the passenger seat and gets in.

As we drive toward her house, I smile. I’m glad we were able to work things out. Sure, we might not be friends, exactly, but we’re getting friendly and that’s all that matters. For the good of the play.

Yeah...the play.

Chapter Nineteen

Mia

A senior at school called Jarel is throwing a party tonight, and my friends and I decide to attend. Zoey was never a big fan of parties in the past, but ever since she got together with Kade, she’s more into them. Probably because they can spend the whole night dancing together. Of course they can do that outside of a party, too, but I can imagine how fun it is. The same goes for Rylee and Mason.

Parties are a great place to find a boyfriend. Considering I’m single and ready to mingle, I always hope that someone will come over to me and ask me to dance or hang out. It hasn’t happened to me yet, but one should always be hopeful, right?

Rylee and I are meeting at Zoey’s house to get ready, and then Mason will drive us to the party. Since Kade lives with Zoey’s aunt and uncle, which is close to Zoey’s house, he’ll meet us there, too.

Zoey doesn’t own much makeup, so I’m taking some with me. I peruse my closet for the perfect dress to wear, and then settle on a short black one that’s not too fancy and not too casual. Then I gather my makeup bag and go downstairs.

My parents are making out on the living room couch while they watch one of Mom’s favorite science shows. It seems like it’s the one where parasites and other organisms hide in people’s bodies and cause lots of damage. Apparently, they’ve been watching these kinds of shows since they were my age.

“You’re missing the best part, Mom and Dad!” I say. “The big discovery.”

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