Page 78 of How to Kiss a Movie Star
Flint nods. “Have you heard from Jasper?”
Joni nods. “He’ll be just outside security.”
“Jasper?” I ask.
“One of the less despicable photographers in the business,” she says, looking at me. “Audrey, you’ll stay with Flint the entire time, all right?Don’tlet go of his hand, no matter what happens. Nate will stay just behind you on your other side, but people will still try to get close. Too close. Don’t stop moving, don’t make eye contact. Don’t answer any of their questions, no matter what they say.”
“Got it. Keep moving. No eye contact. No answers.”
“And don’t let go,” she reiterates. “A car is already waiting outside. Nate will stay with you until you’re safely inside the car, then we’ll both come behind you as soon as we have your luggage. But no getting out at the hotel—”
“Until you catch up,” Flint says, rolling his eyes. “Just like always.”
“I was filling in Audrey as much as I was reminding you,” Joni says. “One of these days, you’re going to be grateful for all my nagging.”
“I’m already grateful for your nagging, Joni.” Flint squeezes my hand. “You ready to go?”
“Absolutely not,” I say without missing a beat.
He smiles warmly. “You’re going to do great.”
Funny. I almost believe him.
Chapter Twenty-One
Flint
It’snotlikeIhaven’t walked through the airport before. I’ve dealt with the crowds. Listened to the questions thrown at me as I pass by. I’ve heard the click of a thousand cameras as they grab shot after shot and seen the cell phones lifted to record me.
But I’ve never done it with another person beside me.
When it’s just me, I don’t worry. I smile. Maybe even sign a few autographs. But this time? All I want to do is move. Get out of here as quickly as I can and keep Audrey safe.
Audrey is all tension. Her shoulders are tight, her steps stiff. Her hand is gripping mine so tightly, I can’t even feel my fingers anymore. We’re about to exit the terminal, and the crowd outside security will be much larger than the one here, where we’re only dealing with ticketed passengers who happen to recognize me.
Out there? We’ll find the people whocamefor me.
I have no idea how many other photographers Simon tipped off, but word tends to travel fast. And if anyone who saw us on earlier flights posted on social media, it won’t just be photographers who are waiting, but fans. I’ll never understand the lengths people will go to, researching flights, scouring the internet for any random mention that might give someone a clue about where and when I’m going to show up somewhere.
Audrey stumbles beside me, tugging at my hand just in time for me to reach over and stop her before she hits the ground. “Are you okay?” I steer her over to the wall, and Nate quickly steps up behind us, creating some semblance of a barrier between us and the passing crowd.
Audrey nods, even as she lifts her free hand, holding it up in between us. It’s trembling like a leaf in the wind. “Sure. Totally fine.”
I grab her hand and pull it to my lips, kissing it once, then again.
I never should have asked her to do this. “Hey.” I drop her hands in favor of cradling her face, urging her to look right into my eyes. “It’s going to be okay. Breathe with me.” She nods, and together we take a slow, deep breath. “I’ve got you,” I say. “I’m not going to let anything happen.”
“Okay,” she whispers. “Okay.”
We’ve only made it fifty feet outside security before the voices start. At first, it’s just people calling my name. Then the questions start.
Flint, who’s your friend?
New girlfriend, Flint?
Are you cheating on Claire?
How long have you been together?
