Page 70 of Fake Married to the Grumps

I resist the urge to sweep back those blonde strands and meet her averted gaze.

Maybe she needs space to adjust to having me as a neighbor. I don't want to push her too fast, but I can't help missing the time when I can see her smile light up her delicate features once more.

I gesture towards the building. "Anyway, I should probably get settled in. Need any help finding your keys, neighbor?"

She blushes, realizing she's been standing there in a daze, keys still in hand. "Right, keys. I guess I'm a bit disoriented by the Hollywood star who just invaded my humble abode."

"Invaded? More like upgraded. Your life just got a whole lot more interesting."

"Why would you choose to live next to me?"

"That's no way to welcome your new neighbor."

"Right. I'm ... I'm sorry."

"But sometimes a change of scenery is just what a guy needs. A chance to experience life beyond the glamour of the red carpet."

She raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying the vague explanation. "And why here? In our quaint little building?"

I decide to play the charming neighbor card, leaning in conspiratorially. "Well, between you and me, I heard rumors ofthe most amazing homemade cookies in the building. Couldn't resist the temptation."

Her laughter rings out, and her cheeks turn a faint shade of red. I love how cute she looks. She used to make the best cookies, and I really enjoyed them.

"Cookies, huh?" One delicate eyebrow arches playfully as she regards me. "I think you're confusing our building with a bake-off competition."

"A man can dream, can't he?" My smile turns wistful. "But seriously, it just felt right. Sometimes you have to trade the glitz for something a bit more ... real."

As the words leave my lips, her expression softens. Her eyes shine with empathy, as though she truly sees me and understands me. Of everyone, Marissa has always accepted me as I am.

"I get that. Real life has its own kind of magic."

I nod, leaning against the railing. "Exactly. So, what's the verdict, neighbor? Am I a welcomed addition to the building, or should I start shopping for earplugs now?"

Marissa chuckles. "Well, I haven't heard of any wild parties yet, so you're off to a good start."

I feign innocence. "Wild parties? Who, me? I'm just a simple guy who enjoys a good cup of coffee and the occasional movie premiere. No wild parties here."

"We'll see about that. Good night, Bryce."

"Good night, Marissa."

She might be wondering about the real reason behind my move, but for now, I'm content to let the mystery linger.

A heavy stillness filled the hallway after Marissa left. It hummed with a feeling I hadn't felt in a long time.

Marissa's familiar smile and laugh had stirred something in me. It might just be the familiarity of our friendship. She's my little sister's best friend, after all. We've known each other for years.

***

The role assigned to me demands raw vulnerability, which is a stark contrast to the tough exterior I have cultivated over the years. As the cameras roll and the lines flow, I lose myself in the world of make-believe.

The set is buzzing with activity, and I dive into the intensity of the scene, channeling the emotions required for the character.

I'm aware that Marissa is watching me from the sidelines, and the thought of her being here soothes me in some kind of way.

The director eventually calls for a break, and I take a moment to breathe. That's when Marissa appears, holding a cup of coffee like a beacon of sanity in the chaos of the film set.

"Coffee break," she announces with a smile, handing me the steaming mug.

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