Page 383 of How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother
The flight from Asheville to Atlanta is brief; there, we change planes for a longer flight directly to LAX. We repeat the same process we went through in Asheville, hiding out in a lounge until the plane is mostly boarded, then jumping on at the last minute. Flint poses for another photo with the gate agent and another with the first-class flight attendant before we’re finally in our seats.
“Do you ever say no?” I ask him, and he shrugs.
“Not usually. Enduring fifteen seconds of posing for a photo is easier than dealing with people going online and telling all of Reddit that you’re rude.”
“People do that?”
He nods. “‘Always be polite, always be respectful, always be generous with your time and energy.’ Those are Simon’s words. Says abiding by them will make his job a lot easier and my career a lot more successful.”
Fortunately, there are a couple of businessmen sitting across from us on this flight, both of whom look like they couldn't care less about who Flint is or what movies he’s starred in. I guess technically that means we don’t have to lean into the faking, but that doesn’t seem to stop Flint.
He must touch me a thousand different times in the almost five hours it takes us to get across the country. A steadying hand on my back when we hit a bit of turbulence. A nudge against my knee when something funny happens in the movie we finish on this flight because we didn’t have time to get through it on the last one. An arm around my shoulders when the flight attendant gets particularly bold and asks if he’s dating anyone.
I mean, does she think I’m his sister or something? Has she not noticed themany, manytimes we’ve touched throughout the flight?
Flint handles it like a pro, deflecting the question with an easy, “I’d rather not talk about my personal life, Jessica. I’m sure youunderstand.” But then his arm was around me, his expression pointed as Jessica nodded and excused herself. Every time she passes by, he makes sure we’re touching, at one point even pulling me in for a soft kiss just below my earlobe.
“You know, it’s nice having you here,” he says just before the flight lands. “Normally I keep Nate beside me to help fend off overeager fans, but you’re a much more entertaining shield.”
“I’m so glad I’m useful,” I deadpan, and he grins.
“You’re a lot more than useful,” he says. “This is the best flight across the country I’ve ever had.”
The mood stays light until we land at LAX. As the plane taxis to the terminal, Flint sobers quickly. He pulls on his hat but leaves his sunglasses off. “You don’t want the full disguise?” I say, and he shakes his head.
Joni answers for him, leaning forward from where she and Nate are sitting behind us. “No disguises this time,” she says. “We need the photographers to get a clear shot of your face. There can’t be any doubt that it’s you.”
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’s not like Ihaven’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.
