Page 74 of Reckless Storm
I open my mouth to say yes, but pause, remembering my conversation with my agent. “Actually, no. I’m having a night in. I have a big week coming up and need my beauty sleep.”
Luke groans and it doesn’t take a genius to know this is more about Amelia than me. “Come on,” he whines. “If you’re not coming, I’ll have no chance of convincing Amelia.”
And there it is. Always.
“He’s right.” Amelia laughs. “But I’d only be able to come for an hour anyway. I need to pick up Juliet soon.”
“Okay, fine.” Luke pouts. “It pains me to do this, but Lainey?”
Lainey and Luke argue in their true sibling fashion while Reed eyes me curiously. We have a lot to talk about before we officially become a couple. Namely, the details surrounding my need for a fake boyfriend—or rather my need to haveReedspecifically as my fake boyfriend—and I will tell him. Just not tonight.
Flashing him a smile, I shake my head when he opens his mouth to speak. Now is not that time. Tonight is about celebrating his win.
“Looks like it’s a boys’ night,” Luke says reluctantly and I laugh at his sour expression.
“Stop whining,” Amelia jokingly chastises him. “You love the guys. Go and have fun.”
After chatting for a few more minutes, the guys head off while the rest of us make our way to the parking lot, and the second we’re out of earshot, all eyes are on me.
“Is there something you’re not telling us, Hayley?” Paige asks, her expression shrouded in suspicion.Maybe they do care who I’m friends with?
“I was thinking the same thing,” Lainey adds just as Keeley runs out to catch up with us.
Saved by the media liaison.
“Paige, I’m glad I caught you. Do you have a minute to talk about the spring fundraiser? I have to sign off on the food.”
Paige’s eyes flash to mine and I shrug innocently. “You better go. Food is important. I’ll wait here.” I’m getting a ride home with her and her driver anyway, so I can’t escape her for too long. Who knows, maybe she’ll forget.
“I want answers when I get back.” She points at me before following Keeley inside.Or she might remember.
I sigh as I turn back to Amelia and Lainey. Since Amelia already knows what’s going on, it’s only Lainey I have to catch up, but instead of questioning me, she surprises me, holding a hand up in front of my face, stopping me from talking. “Is it better if I don’t know?”
I doubt it would matter because she doesn’t know Bria and likely doesn’t know the producers of the feature film I’m striving for, but before I can respond, Amelia does it for me.
“Let’s just say we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Hayley and Reed. And I, for one, can’t wait to see it unfold.”
I roll my eyes and she pokes her tongue out.
“Good to know.” Lainey laughs before her expression turns thoughtful. “I can see it,” she muses.
“See what?”
“You and Reed. It’s perfect.”
I rush out a laugh of my own, while inside, a tension overwhelms me.Does she mean fake dating, or us?Because if it’s the latter, I’m not sure how I feel about that.
The topic changes to Amelia’s beautiful daughter, as she fills us in on her latest milestones, and when we’ve been standing in the parking lot for forty-five minutes, Amelia and Lainey rush off, leaving me alone, wishing I’d gone out with the guys.
Wishing things were different.
My face drops as I draw in a breath. Am I really about to change who I am? For a role. Yes, I can be a handful at times. I’m loud and in your face. And yes, since moving to the US, I’ve had my fair share of sexual partners, but I’m not the type to shove that in people’s faces or brag about it to anyone that will listen. Not to mention…I haven't been with anyone in months.
I should be standing up to them… Shouting from the rooftops that if they don’twantme as I am, they don’tgetme. But like I told Amelia, the reality is, this happens all the time. And after my last awful audition, what if I don’t get another opportunity like this one?
That part ismySuper Bowl. The part you get when you’ve truly made it. I want it. Ineedit.
And I think I just answered my own question.
