Page 81 of The Holiday Fakers
“I …” Brody gives me a soft smile. “I never thought about it like that before, but you’re right.”
I smile back. “You’re still you.”
“That’s why I did that interview about healthy eating and fitness,” he says, and the happiness drains from his face. “But the guy twisted my words, made me out to be an out-of-touch Hollywood prick. I only mentioned the sea moss smoothie and the other stuff because I was giving a shout out to a friend’s new start-up.”
My gut twists with empathy. I knew Brody was speaking from the heart about wanting to take care of his body, but the journalist turned him into a laughing-stock.
“He was an asshole for what he did to you. I knew what you were trying to say, but it was like he was out to get you.”
“Yeah, I think he thought it would get him a date with my ex.” He sighs. “I’m sorry you’ve read about every mistake I’ve made since leaving Hideaway.”
“Hey! Hudson or Ethan would have punched that producer too. You didn’t cheat on your girlfriend, and it’s not your fault that douche of an interviewer twisted what you said. You’ve done incredible things as well. You’ve worked without a break since you left Hideaway, and you’re so talented. You need to take credit for everything you’ve achieved.”
“You’re the talented one. Always have been. I’m just a pretty face who can memorize lines. I mean, look at these. They’re incredible.”
He swipes to the next image on the tablet, then jerks like he’s been hit.
“No way.”
“What is it?”
He shakes his head. “You’ve drawn me as the Emberking of Draventhorne! FromThe Chronicles of the Sword and the Flame!”
“So?”
His eyes are alight as he looks at me. “That’s the series I auditioned for! I’m up for the role of the warlock of Zhash-Dhrog!”
“You’d be perfect for it!” I say excitedly, then swipe through to the next drawing. “I’ve drawn you as him too!”
“Wow,” he says. “Warlock me looks badass.”
I laugh. “I’m a huge fan of the books, and I read on the forums that they’re planning a series next year.”
“Yeah, the warlock’s not one of the main roles, but it’s still pretty cool, and he’s in every episode of the first season.”
My brain jolts as a memory awakens, one I know is bad.
Then it hits me.
“When do they start filming?”
Brody’s gaze is still on my drawings as he flicks back and forth through them, like he can’t decide which one to focus on. “January fifth.”
“How long will they be shooting the first season for?”
“Nine to eleven months, depending on reshoots,” he replies, his attention still on the tablet.
“And where are they filming?” My voice is barely audible.
“New Zealand,” he replies, still staring at my art.
Time stops, and for a nanosecond the full force of my foolishness hits me.
Brody has spent the last twelve years building a career as a model and actor. His life is so far removed from mine, the only point of intersection is right here, right now. And I’m just another fan with a crush who let her imagination get the better of her.
That kiss earlier? It was part of the act, just a performance to help him land a job. He might have enjoyed it, but that doesn’t mean anything between us has changed. He’s still destined to continue a life that’s light-years apart from mine, most likely on the other side of the world.
“That’s fantastic!” I say, with cheerleader-level enthusiasm.
