Page 19 of The Small-Town Seduction Plan

“They only see what you want them to see,” Suze says perceptively.

I nod. “Building a career in Hollywood, your social media image and following is almost as important as your acting chops. More, sometimes.” I confide with a wry smile.

Which is why this onslaught of tabloid gossip has the power to destroy everything I’ve built.

“I think there’s a word for it,” Suze muses, breaking off a piece of muffin. “Parasocial relationships, that’s it. I see it all the time with the kids in school. Last week, they spent a half-hour explaining to me all the details of some big friendship bust-up going on, before it turned out they didn’t even know the girls. They were fashion influencers they followed on social media!”

I laugh, relaxing—but then Linette bustles into the kitchen. “There you are!” she beams at me, cornering me by the counter. “Those quiches are delicious. Did you get the recipe from Selena?” she asks, moving closer.

I take a step back. “Well, actually?—”

“It’s so great you two are friends,” she exclaims, advancing with a thrilled look in her eyes. “Is she still with that Italian fellow? I know some people say she’s too good for him, but I always think it’s better to have a man who knows he’s lucky to have you.” Linette peers closer at me. “Is that your natural eye color? I could have sworn they looked greener up onscreen–”

She reaches out to grab my chin steady, like some grandmother with zero personal boundaries.

“All natural,” I reply politely, trying to wriggle out of her grip. “Maybe that was just the lighting?”

“And look at your pores,” she coos. “Flawless!”

“Umm, thanks.” I take another step back. “But I should really go?—"

CRASH!

My elbow catches a serving platter on the counter, sending it crashing to the floor – along with a whole stand of antique glassware.

Oh God.

“I’m so sorry!” I blurt, quickly skirting around Linette.

The glassware sits in a smashed heap, with sandwiches scattered all over the kitchen tiles.

I gulp. “I forgot, I have to go take a call. Tell Tessa I’m sorry I had to duck out,” I add to Suze. I know I should stay, and help clean up the mess I just made, but I can’t deal with another moment of Linette’s wide-eyed questions – or ruin everyone else’s night, having to listen in.

So, I turn on my heel and flee out the back door, before Linette can come after me.

Outside, the sun is setting, and the sky is a dusky pink. I set off, walking slowly back up the winding coastal road towards town, as I try to ignore the pang of regret in my chest that my big social evening turned into a disaster zone.

It’s not Linette’s fault. This is what I wanted, after all: to be famous. Extraordinary. To have strangers all over the world know my name, and envy me, just a little; wishing they could have a taste of my amazing life. And if the price of fame is always being in the spotlight, never getting to enjoy normal hangouts or making casual new friends?

I can live with that. Normal is overrated.

That’s what I tell myself, anyway.

I hear the sound of an engine approaching behind me, and step aside onto the sandy shoulder to let it past. But the vehicle slows.

“They still didn’t fix that tire?”

It’s Duke, leaning out the window of his mud-stained truck.

“They fixed it just fine,” I reply, keeping on walking. “I just figured I’d take a walk, that’s all. It was crafting night, at the Sandpiper.”

He snorts with laughter, driving at a snail’s pace alongside. “Yeah, you better not be behind the wheel with Linette’s famous punch around. That stuff could strip paint.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. So… goodnight,” I tell him, but Duke keeps idling along beside me.

“Hop in, I’ll give you a ride home,” he says.

“It’s fine, I’ll walk.”

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