Page 59 of How to Kiss a Movie Star
Audrey:ONLY to follow my parents. And watch cute dog videos.
Flint:*Makes note to self about sending Audrey cute dog videos*
I smile and bite my lip. I like flirty Flint, even if there’s a possibility it’s onlyfakeflirty Flint.
Flint:What about college roommates?
Audrey:My freshman roommate was awful, but after that, I lived with my lab partner from my first biology class. We’re still friends. We talk on the phone once a month.
Flint:Old school.
Flint:I like it.
Flint:Sometimes I wish I didn’t have social media at all. But I do love seeing all the pictures my siblings put up of their kids. I have a private account that I use with my family. It’s nice.
Audrey:With a family as big as yours, I can understand the appeal. That’s a lot of people to keep up with.
It’s another minute or two before another message pops up, and this one nearly makes my heart stop.
Flint:So, are you ready to talk about movies? I’ve been doing my research, and I’ve got a couple I want you to try. Maybe we can watch a few together?
I lean back into my pillows and smile, positive I won’t actually be able to sleep anytime soon.
Audrey:Bring it on.
Chapter Sixteen
Audrey
“OHMYGOSH,HE’SIN A LIMO!” Lucy spins around from where she’s spying out the front window, her eyes wide. “Audrey, he’s picking you up in a limo!”
I press a hand to my stomach. A limo is fine. A limo isno. big. deal.
Seconds later, a knock sounds at the door. I nudge Summer out of the way and open it with trembling hands. It isn’t Flint on the other side, but a serious-looking man in a dark suit with a thick, white envelope in his hand.
“Audrey?” he says.
When I nod, he hands over the note. “From Mr. Hawthorne. Regrettably, he’s unable to join you this morning, but he hopes this will make up for it.”
I ignore the disappointment blooming in my heart and yield to the curiosity urging me forward as I open the envelope and pull out a gold-edged notecard.
Beside me, Summer whispers, “Do you see that? Even his stationery looks rich.”
I roll my eyes and tilt the card so onlyIcan read it.
Audrey, So sorry I’m not there this morning. Something came up—an urgent production meeting for my next project—and since I’m signing on as a producer for this one, it seemed risky to ignore it. In the end, the women in my family assure me it’s better this way, and you’ll enjoy what I have planned more without me tagging along. I hope they’re right, but I still don’t want to spoil the surprise, so if you’ll allow me this one indulgence, will you trust Charles and get in the car with him? (Older, balding, wearing a dark suit? If anyone else handed you this envelope, do not, under any circumstances, get in the car.) If your sisters are free, they’re welcome to join you. If they already have plans, don’t worry. My sisters are waiting for you at your destination. I hope it’s a great day. And Audrey—please don’t protest. After all you’re doing for me, this is the least I can do in return. — Flint
I look up and meet Charlie’s eye. “You’re Charlie?”
He nods.
I look at my sisters, nervous excitement making me trembly and unsteady. Lucy’s eyes drop to the quivering notecard. She steps forward and reaches for it. “Can I?”
I nod, and she pulls it from my hands. Summer steps up beside her, and they read it together. “Oh, wow,” Lucy finally says. “How are you feeling, Auds?”
“I don’t know.” I press a hand to my stomach. “Overwhelmed?”
“K, listen,” Lucy says, slipping an arm around my waist. I’m not generally great at surprises, something that has been true long enough for my sisters to have seen me freak out more than once. It’s not a huge deal. I usually just need a minute to adjust. “It’s a surprise, yes,” Lucy continues. “But it looks like Flint has done every possible thing to make sure you’re comfortable.” Summer appears on my other side, bracketing me like my sisters so often do.
