Page 31 of (Not So) Famous in Paradise

Because I guess we’re doing this. I’m going to help the man I’m in love with plan his proposal to another woman. Not exactly the most romantic moment ofmylife, but it’s not like I’ve never thought about what kind of proposal I’d like.

“Lots and lots of flowers. And candles.” I stare out the front window, imagining how I’d want Zach to propose to me. Since there’s no chance of it ever happening, I can entertain the idea because it’s pure fantasy. It’s no different than imagining a Hollywood Chris (Evans, Hemsworth, Pine, or Pratt) proposing to me.

“Somewhere outside, near water,” I continue. “And trees with twinkle lights.”

“Candles and twinkle lights?” Zach’s lip twitches with a grin. “So at night?”

“Yes. With a picnic. But not sandwiches, something fancy.” I lean into my fantasy. As long as I’m pretending and Zach is entertained by it, why not?

“Caviar and expensive champagne?”

“Champagne, yes. Caviar, no. Fish eggs are gross. I want really good cheese and bread.”

“What kind of chocolate? I know you’ll want chocolate.” Zach waves to the crew as they walk out of the house with their cameras and gear packed up.

Ike sends us a strange look as he passes, maybe because the windows are starting to fog up. He walks by my side and sends me a thumbs up with a raised eyebrow. I return the gesture to let him know things are good.

“See you tomorrow,” he says loud enough for me to hear through the window.

I wave, then answer Zach’s question. “Adam’s seven-layer cake.”

“Good choice.” Zach nods. “I thought you’d go with cheesecake, but the cake is my first choice.”

“Oh! The cheesecake! Let’s have both!” I wipe away the condensation on the passenger window with the side of my fist.

“You got it. Anything you want. It’s your proposal.” Zach reaches across me to draw a smiley face on the windshield in front of me.

He’s close enough to touch, his scent filling my nose, reminding me that this fantasy ismyproposal. Not ours.

I press into my seat to put space between us, but Zach brushes my shoulder as he leans back into his own seat. He’s still smiling, but I can’t play the game anymore.

“But what does Carly like?” I force myself to say. “This is for her, not me.” Disappointment leaks into my voice, but if Zach notices, his smile doesn’t falter.

“I think she’d like that. Who wouldn’t?” Zach moves to his side of the window, doodling in the steam, then he shoots me a grin. “I just have to find the right spot. Maybe the lake? I could write in the sand.”

When I don’t say anything, Zach looks back at me. “You okay?”

I’m staring at what he’s written on the window:marry me. “Yeah, fine. Everything’s fine. I’m just tired.” That’s all I can take. I grab the door handle and pull. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Zach looks at me, his eyes turning deep and intense like he wants to ask me something. But his face breaks into a smile instead. “Yeah. Thanks again.”

My eyes burn on my walk to Grandma Rose’s, but I make it inside without any tears falling. Three deep breaths push back the lump in my throat, and by the time I slip off my shoes, I have my emotions under control.

Zach is getting married, and tears won’t change that.

Chapter 11

Zach

The three days that follow are as exhausting as the week before, but less satisfying. Probably because, even though I apologized to Carly and she said she forgives me, we’ve barely had time to talk since Sunday. My one consolation is every night that I collapse into bed, I’m more sure Carly is the woman for me.

We’re good together. She’s smart. She’s beautiful. We have fun.

I don’t laugh with her as much as I laugh with Georgia, but no one can make me laugh the way Georgia does.

And Georgia’s been amazing about helping me plan my proposal. I don’t know exactly when yet, but I’m ready when the time is right. A surprise proposal worked for Adam. It’ll work for me. I hope.

The relentless churning in my stomach, I’m sure, has nothing to do with Carly and everything to do with everyone on set being disappointed with how shooting went.

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