Page 8 of One Pucking Chance

I nod. “Oh yeah, you definitely spit on me.”

“Seriously. Again, very sorry. That’s not how that was supposed to go.”

He reaches for one of the black permanent markers set on the table between us. His arm is covered with a sleeve of colorful tattoos. A quick glance shows me that both his arms are covered in ink that stops at his wrists. I wonder if his back and chest are covered. I steal a peek at his neck to see if remnants of tattoos are evident beneath his shirt collar.

What am I doing?

I plaster on a tight smile and avert my gaze, looking at the line of fans heading toward us.

Truthfully, I’m not a fan of tattoos anyway.Once again, not that it matters.

This is awkward, and I kind of wish I was sat next to that Miles guy. At least he and I would have something to talk about, seeing that I know nothing about hockey, and Miles seems to be the only one who knows anything about my line of work. But it’s fine, I guess. There won’t be much talking anyway with all the fans coming in.

“How what was supposed to go?” I question.

“Meeting you,” he says.

I retrieve a permanent marker and set it next to the tall pile of my photos on the table. The stack is quite thick and has me thinking that we might be here longer than two hours. “Oh, so you knew you were meeting me? Because I kind of felt like you were caught off guard.”

“Oh no, I was definitely caught off guard. I had no idea I’d be seeing you tonight, but I’ve always dreamed of meeting you. In fact, we actually have met.”

“We have?” I turn to look at him. Admittedly, I’m not always the best with names, but I have a memory for faces, and I swear I’ve never seen his before today.

“Yeah, almost every night in my dreams.” He gives me a wink.

“Oh no…” I sigh and hold my hand to my chest. “Please tell me you did not go there.”

He shakes his head, lowering his chin to his chest. “Why did I go there? I’m sorry. God, once again—not how this is supposed to go.” His voice is filled with frustration.

“So I’m assuming you know who I am?” I ask.

“Of course, I know who you are. Who doesn’t?” He chuckles. “I love movies, especially your movies,” he says.

“Uh-huh.” I press my lips together in a line and nod.I’m sure he’s a fan of my last movie.

As if reading my mind, he states, “I saw your last movie five times in the theater before it was available on the streaming services for purchase, which, of course, I did the second it was available.”

“I bet you did, and I’m sure I can guess what your favorite scene was, too,” I deadpan as I look around for Miranda. I need her to come up with a reason for me to be moved away from this guy. After the shitty day I had on set, I’m not in the mood to deal with him.

I’m pretty good at reading people, and I can tell that Jaden is decent. To most people, I’m sure he comes off as friendly, likable, handsome, and probably even funny. His vibe isn’t what I’m in the mood for tonight, and I can’t spend the evening forcing a smile in response to his idiotic conversation.

“No, actually, it wasn’t.” He surprises me.

“Then what scene was it?” Hope foolishly rises in my chest, and I wonder if he saw me for more than my body.

I know that modern conventions deem me as attractive. My appearance checks the boxes for what society feels is beautiful. I get that, and I’m not trying to throw myself a pity party…Oh, poor little pretty actress. But looks fade. They’re temporary. Not only that but they also don’t define character or talent. I want to stand out as someone who cares about others and is fiercely good at her craft. More than anything, I think my life has been a constant struggle to matter for something that matters.

“I’ll tell you, but not today.”

I furrow my brows. “Well, then you’ll never tell me because we only have today.”

The corners of his mouth tilt up into a grin. “See now, that is where I disagree. I just think this is much more suited to a second date kind of situation.”

I huff out a laugh. “Second date. What makes you think this is a first?”

“Well, maybe not this.” He motions to the room. “The first date will come after.”

I open my mouth to argue when a little girl steps in front of the table to speak to me. With that, my conversation with Jaden is put on hold.

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