Page 38 of How to Kiss a Movie Star
“I have no idea what that is,” I say.
“Three days of hell,” he says, but then he shakes his head and gives me another easy smile. “Or three days of interviews promoting a movie. All the actors and directors gather together in one place and journalists file through for back-to-back interviews.”
“Sounds exhausting.”
“It is exhausting.” He runs a hand through his hair, then leans forward, his elbows propped on his knees. He fiddles with his fingers for a moment, and I get the strangest sense that he’s nervous about something. “Actually, that’s part of why I’m here.” He looks up and meets my eye, his gaze serious. “I have an unusual favor to ask you.”
I sit up a little taller and drop my feet to the floor, suddenly feeling like a serious question deserves serious posture. “Okay. Shoot.”
“This is going to sound weird at first, I’m just warning you. And you’re probably going to think—” His words cut off, and he clears his throat before he starts again. “Actually, let me give you some background information first. That’s probably going to help.”
The next five minutes are a blur as Flint walks me through the details of his new movie—and his last relationship. His co-star, Claire McKinsey. The way she’s talking to the press about him. The problem this is creating surrounding the upcoming premiere in Los Angeles.
The longer he talks, the more confused I become. Because what on earth could this possibly have to do with me? All he could want is advice, and I’m the last person on the earth who would know anything about how to navigate a situation like this.
“If I were dating someone else, this would be easier,” he continues. “But I’m not, and I don’t exactly have a lot of time to sort that out before the premiere. But after talking to my publicist, and my manager, we’re thinking that I only need toappearas if I’m in a relationship with someone else,” Flint says.
“A decoy,” I say, at least understanding this much. “That makes sense. If the public thinks you’re seeing someone else, it will only make Claire look foolish if she keeps up her narrative.”
He lets out a relieved breath, like he’s grateful I understand. “Exactly.”
“So you just need someone to pose as your girlfriend?” I tug at the drawstrings of my hoodie. “I’m not sure I understand what any of this has to do with me. Are you hoping I’ll know someone who can help?”
My question seems to take him by surprise. “No, that’s not—” He runs a hand across his face, and I notice a slight tremble in his fingers. “Audrey,” he finally says, “I’m here because I wantyouto come with me.”
Me.
Me?
Audrey Callahan posing as a movie star’s girlfriend?
And that’s when I start to laugh.
Chapter Ten
Flint
I’llbehonest.Thelaughing isn’t doing much for my ego.
Audrey practically has tears coursing down her cheeks.
I sit patiently while she presses a hand to her stomach, actual guffaws coming out of her mouth. I mean, I realize I might not be her type, but is it really such a ridiculous thought?
Audrey sniffs and sits up a little taller. “I’m sorry,” she says. “That was—” She wipes her eyes. “I promise I’m not laughing at you.”
I chuckle lightly. “Thanks for the reassurance.”
“Flint, I’m serious. I’m just—do you honestly think anyone in the world would believe you’re dating someone like me?” She holds out her hands and looks down at her sweats.
Not that it’s the only thing that matters—and Hollywood is full of attractive people, so I’m speaking from plenty of experience here—but does she not realize how beautiful she is?
I almost tell her Iwoulddate someone like her and that should be evidence enough, but I don’t want to scare her off, so I stick with something simpler. “Audrey, I don’t know what you’re basing your opinion on, but you’re beautiful. I can’t imagine why anyone would question.”
She scoffs. “I’m not—”
She doesn’t finish the sentence, but I can fill in the blank well enough.
“Flint, I’m a scientist.”
