Page 37 of The Grumpy Actor

How many more times am I going to make a fool of myself?

This isn’t fair. He’s always so composed, yet I keep crumbling every time I see him.

“I’m fine. I just didn’t feel like staying there since I don’t really have anything in common with you guys.”

He’s not having it.

His brow is arched so high it’s almost touching his hairline. He purses his lips as he tilts his head to the side.

I know that look. He’s reading every move I make and deciphering his own answers from it. He does that a lot and succeeds every time.

“I’m serious.” I force out a chuckle, nudging him with my elbow. “Almost everyone there is an actor, director, writer, or person who has an interest in the movie industry. I don’t share the same interests.”

“But you do.”

“No.”

“You do watch these movies. So you have an interest.”

“Right.” I click my tongue. “I didn’t think of that.”

Liam laughs softly. The rhythmic sound sends warmth through me.

“Do you watchmymovies?”

I smack my mouth shut, looking away from him instantly.

“Come on,” he urges, pulling my face back toward him.

The action draws me up close to him. The playful smile in his eyes reminds me of the Liam I used to know.

And that’s the reason I can’t bring myself to look away.

“I avoid them,” I say truthfully. “My mom and Lucy are fans of yours, though, so I’ve seen a couple of your movies. Not by choice, though.”

“I can’t blame you for that.” He rubs the back of his neck, a nervous look settling in the depths of his eyes. “What did you think of the ones you’ve seen?”

“Uhm.” I take in a deep breath, recollecting my honest opinions of his movies.

It’s quite hard because of how few of them I’ve seen, especially since I watched them in anger, full-blown hatred for him clouding every frame.

“I’m not an expert, but I could tell you were an amazing actor.” I smile. “It was so easy to believe you were your characters.”

Liam grins. “I pride myself on being able to embody any character.”

“Good for you.”

Liam throws his head back in laughter at my flat tone. I find it hard to hold back my own laughter, too.

The moment is so lighthearted that I just want it to remain this way forever.

“Liam, why did you decide to become an actor?”

As soon as that question slips out of my mouth, I wish I could take it back. Liam tenses, and a gloomy look claims his features.

“I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer. I was just curious because back there, everyone kept talking about their reasons for venturing into this world.”

“Unlike them, I don’t have a grand reason,” he says flatly, raising his eyes up to the sky. “When I decided to go into acting, I only had one thing in mind, and that was to make as much money as I could.”

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