Page 214 of Ashley & the A-Listers

River nodded. “I finished it. And if you want to do this project, continue our art—it’s in your hands.” From the raw expression on River’s face, this wasn’t the only thing in Cameron’s hands.

“When you get a break one day from the franchise, maybe you can return to indie films, like you want. If this only serves as a reminder, that means it’s served its purpose.”

Cameron flipped through the pages, catching a few names and lines.

Aster

(stepping from beneath the awning)

“Dance with me!”

Ren

(glancing at the sky in disbelief)

“What? But it’s raining!”

Aster

“That’s what makes it fun!”

—

Aster

(pointing overhead)

“We want the stuffed bear. The big one.”

—

Ren

“Here, try this.”

A shared spoonful of fudge and ice cream. A swipe of a thumb across a lip, a lingering glance.

He flipped to the end, ever a sucker for spoilers.

And they lived happily ever after.

THE END.

It had all of Cameron’s favorite silly romcom moments—dancing in the rain, winning the most ridiculous item at a fair, sharing dessert.

This was a fucking love letter, in the form of a whole-ass script.

While Cameron reeled, his head spinning and heart pounding, River cleared his throat and stood, taking a step toward the door. “If you hate it, I’d really rather not know, so I can just fuck off and?—“

“Don’t—“ Cameron blurted, reaching for him.

He loved River. Hadn’t stopped, even while he was hurt and mad and confused.

“I love you,” Cameron said. “I’m sorry I was so scared to tell the world about us.”

River shook his head. “I hate being a secret.”

“If I had loved you right, you wouldn’t have felt the need to…“ Cam closed the distance, cupping his face, which was reddening by the moment. Was his heart thumping like Cam’s was? “I miss you. Please give me a second chance. Give me an opportunity to tell the world about us.”

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