Page 51 of It's Not All Fake

“Maybe someday.” He chuckles. “So, romance movies are your favorite then?” He steers the conversation back to me.

“I’d say so.”

“Which one’s your favorite?” he probes, seemingly eager for details.

“Oh, easy.” I smile. “Anything with Charles Day and Lana Hartt.” They’ve made several romance movies together and they’re all drool-worthy.

“Charlie’s a good guy.” Liam nods, seeming to approve of my taste.

“Wait—you know him?”

“We go golfing together,” Liam explains.

“Oh, wow. Charlie Day?” My eyes go wide.

Liam laughs, amused by my reaction.

I knew Liam was a big shot, but I didn’t realize the extent of his A-list circle. Yet he acts like it’s no big deal to golf with the most in-demand actor in Hollywood.

“He’s a high handicapper,” Liam adds with a wink, as if letting me in on a secret.

“Any truth to the rumors about him and Lana dating for real?” I shamelessly dig for an inside scoop.

Liam chuckles. “I think they should date for real. They’re good together.” His gaze is piercing, and I read a double meaning in his subtext that makes my skin tingle.

“They do,” I agree. “From their movies, anyway.” I glance down at my half-eaten salad bowl and absentmindedly push a piece of spinach around with my fork.

“What do you like about them?” Liam inquires, genuinely interested.

“Romance movies?” I clarify, and he nods.

His question gives me pause. It’s a good one, and I realize I’ve never tried to articulate why I love romance movies.

“Well…” I begin, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. “I guess I want to believe in that kind of love.” I shrug, curious to see his reaction.

He offers a small smile. “The kind where people run through airports?”

“And kiss in the rain,” I add. Those moments would indeed be wonderful.

“Well, I’m screwed—not much rain in LA,” he jokes, feigning disappointment.

I chuckle, but as I meet his gaze, I detect a seriousness behind his lighthearted comment.

The questions creep in. Screwed with women in general? Or with me?

Just then, I hear footsteps and turn to see the waiter approaching us. This time, I’m glad for the interruption. Trying to decode the deeper meaning behind Liam’s words is dizzying.

Liam frowns as he notices the waiter’s return. Clearly, he wasn’t expecting him so soon.

“Sorry for the interruption, sir,” the waiter says, and I notice his name tag—Robert. He hands Liam a note and folds his hands in front of him, evidently waiting for some direction.

Liam's jaw is tight as he reads whatever is written. I fiddle with my fork, moving around the salad in my bowl, wondering what the note could say.

The light breeze from the ocean is surprisingly warm. Stars have appeared in the sky and there is no moon in sight.

We’re miles off the coast now, lights from the shore twinkling far away, and nothing but black with a few dots of light from other boats surrounding us. It makes it seem like we’re on our own planet.

Liam sighs as he hands the note back to Robert. “Tell her I’ll call her in the morning. I’m not available tonight,” he states firmly.

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