Page 35 of You. Me. Us.

Julius.

Julius had a way of making everything feel a little bit brighter, a little bit more manageable.

Her thumb hovered over his contact, hesitating for a brief moment before tapping out a message.

“Hey, you. It’s been a day. Wish you were here to talk it through with me. Good night, Julius.”

Hillary stared at the screen, watching the text bubble disappear as the message sent. She hoped he wasn’t too busy with drinks to respond. It wasn’t that she wanted him to pick her over his friends, she just wanted one last reassurance before the world went crazy.

She set the phone down and hugged her knees to her chest, her eyes drifting to the window. The city lights twinkled in the distance, a glittering promise of the dreams that awaited her. But the path ahead felt uncertain, shrouded in a fog of self-doubt.

What if I’m not good enough?The thought whispered through her mind, an unwelcome intruder. Hillary shook her head, trying to banish the negativity. She had worked too hard at journalism and barely gotten anywhere. She couldn’t let fear hold her back now.

The phone buzzed, and Hillary’s heart leapt. She snatched it up, a smile tugging at her lips as she read Julius’s response.

“You’re right, it would be a much better night if I were there with you. But don’t worry, we’ll be taking on the world together in just three short days. Get sleep, Superstar. You’ve got this.”

Hillary grinned, feeling the warmth of his words wash over her. She could picture his easy smile, the way his eyes would crinkle at the corners as he teased her. Julius had a way of making everything feel possible, even when her own doubts threatened to overwhelm her.

She tapped out a response, her fingers flying across the screen. “You’re right. I can’t wait to see you on set. Prepare yourself for my dazzling acting skills.”

Hillary hit send, imagining Julius’s laughter when he read her message. She could almost hear his deep chuckle, the sound that never failed to send a pleasant shiver down her spine.

The phone buzzed again, and Hillary eagerly opened his reply. “I’m ready to be blown away. But seriously, Hill, you’ve got this. You’re going to be amazing. I’ll see YOU at the airport.”

Hillary’s smile softened, her heart swelling with gratitude. Julius seemed to always knew just what to say to ease her fears and bolster her confidence. The thought of working alongsidehim, of sharing this experience with her closest friend, filled her with a sense of excitement that cut through the uncertainty.

She set the phone down, feeling a renewed sense of acceptance. The road ahead might be challenging, but with Julius there, she had a feeling she wouldn’t get so lost.

Laying back on her bed, her mind drifted to the future. Three days. In just three days, she would be stepping into a new world. The thought filled her with a fluttering anticipation, a mixture of nerves and exhilaration that left her breathless.

She closed her eyes, letting the warmth of Julius’s encouragement wrap around her like a comforting embrace. With a smile on her lips, Hillary allowed herself to drift off to sleep, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the glow of her phone faded, Hillary found herself staring at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling with a newfound intensity. The playful exchange with Julius had ignited something within her, a spark that danced between the lines of their friendship. She couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more, a deeper connection waiting to be explored.

Hillary rolled onto her side, hugging a pillow close to her chest. The excitement of her budding acting career intertwined with the warmth that Julius’s presence brought to her life. She had always seen him as a constant, a guiding light in the chaotic world of Hollywood. But now, as she lay in the quiet of her room, she couldn’t ignore the flutter in her heart whenever she thought of him.

“What if,” she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the night. The possibility of their relationship evolving into something more both thrilled and terrified her. Would it risk the precious bond they had built over the years? Or would it be the start of a beautiful new chapter in their lives?

“I can do this,” she said aloud, her voice steady and strong. “I can embrace this journey, both on and off the screen.”

sixteen

. . .

Julius steppedout of the car, the warm breeze tousling his hair. He adjusted his sunglasses and tugged down his worn Yankees cap, scanning the crowd of travelers hustling by with their luggage. As always, he tried to look inconspicuous in a plain white t-shirt and gray sweatpants, hoping to avoid drawing attention.

He spotted her without even realizing he was looking for her.

Hillary stood waiting by the curb, radiant as always. Her chestnut waves cascaded over her shoulders, framing her delicate features. He enjoyed seeing her hair down, it was less guarded than the bun she wore when she worked. A dark green long-sleeve sweater dress hugged her curves, practically begging him to take hold of them. Large sunglasses shielded her striking green eyes, but he knew she saw him when a smile slipped over her lips. Even in a sea of people, Hillary shone like a beacon, her natural poise and grace unmistakable. He would never understand how she was so shy.

Julius smiled and waved as he approached her, nerves dancing in his stomach. Next to her polished appearance, he suddenly felt underdressed and scruffy in his casual clothes,stubble shadowing his jaw. He swallowed his insecurity and something he rather enjoyed she could bring out in him. This was how he traveled to remain out of the press.

“Hey you. Don’t you look like a ray of sunshine.”

Hillary beamed, letting him pull her into a quick hug. “Says the actual movie star,” she teased, eyeing his unassuming outfit. “I think your disguise needs work. The shades and ball cap can’t hide all that you are.”

“Guess I need to up my incognito game,” he chuckled, pulling the hat off and running a hand through his hair self-consciously. Her playful jab highlighted the stark contrast between their lives—her ordinary routine where she was just who she was versus his celebrity status, something he aimed to downplay.

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