Page 408 of How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother
“I think…I need to not call you for a few days, all right?” Flint says.
“Flint, wait—”
“No, this is good. I think we both need a minute to think. To figure out what we want.” He’s actor Flint again, protecting his heart, doing what he thinks I need in order to protect mine.
I close my eyes, tears falling freely now. “Are you still coming home?”
“I’ve got a few more things to do first. But soon. As soon as I can.”
We end the call and I crawl under my comforter, not even caring that I haven’t brushed my teeth or checked the front door lock or plugged in my phone.
I said the hard things that were sitting on my heart—the fears, the struggles, the worries—and I don’t have regrets about that. A relationship with Flint will mean all kinds of conversations about how his fame impacts both of our lives.
But I still feel like my heart is broken, and I’m not sure I can fix it until Flint is here—until I see him again.
Soon better get here quick.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Flint
Flint: So. Pretty sure I’m in love with Audrey.
Brody: WHAT? I’M SHOCKED.
Brody:We all saw this coming, dude.
Flint:For real?
Perry:You’re a good actor, man. But not that good.
Lennox:Olivia made us watch the red-carpet footage from the premiere.
Brody:It made me throw up in my mouth a little. What are you wearing, Flint? Oh, you look so handsome tonight, Flint. BARF.
Flint:I was wearing Tom Ford. Thanks for asking. Brushed wool, lined in silk. I promise it felt as good as it looked. Anyone else ever wear a Tom Ford tuxedo?
Brody:Tom Ford. That’s the bargain brand you rent from Men’s Warehouse, right? Like, for prom and stuff?
Lennox:Hahaha. Brody’s on one…
Flint:Can we please get back to the very important subject of my love life?
Perry:Yes. Right. You love Audrey.
Lennox:Does she love you back? Are we celebrating here? Or commiserating?
Flint:Not celebrating yet. Things are still…tenuous?
Perry:Explain tenuous.
Flint:She’s kinda been through it. The same photographer who accosted her in LA followed her to Silver Creek and showed up at her lab. Nate was with her. She’s fine. Just a little freaked out.
Lennox:Yeah. That’s a lot.
Flint:And maybe not sure if it’s worth it, I guess?
Flint:She said she’s worried about her life getting swallowed up in mine.
