Page 38 of Take It Till You Make It
“Okay, well, um..” He steps dramatically around the wardrobe. “Bye.”
Unable to close my mouth, it still gapes as I nod and watch him go. Did the writers who wrote my pratfall character, Stella, just write that entire exchange for Crispin? Because that was cringe-level awkward.
Chapter Sixteen
Mom is getting up more frequentlyduring the day. We walk out to the corner almost every day to help her gain her strength back. She should be strong enough to cross the street soon, I think. Maybe even tomorrow if I feed her shortly before and we go first thing in the morning.
“So, where are you going?” she asks.
I set a plate with an omelet, fresh from the frying pan, in front of her. “I’m not sure exactly. It’s some Hollywood-themed museum.”
“Wow, Ari, this is a fancy omelet.” She stares down at the cheese omelet that I garnished with salsa and avocado.
I waggle my brows at her as I wash out the frying pan. “I’m basically a gourmet now.”
When the humor in her eyes dims, I bite my tongue. I shouldn’t say anything to remind her of her failings. She’s still very fragile, and I’m so proud of the progress she’s making.
“Who are you going with again?” Mom asks, poking her fork into the omelet, but not eating.
“Sally and Crispin.”
“Are they in the movie with you?”
“Yes, Sally plays my big sister—even though she’s a few months younger than me. And Crispin plays her boyfriend—even though he’s actually twenty-two.”
Mom was smiling until I mentioned how old Crispin is. “Should you be going out with a twenty-two-year-old boy-er, man? Is it safe?”
“To a museum? With another person? I think so.” I dry the frying pan and put it back into the cupboard. “Besides, I think Crispin might be interested in Sally. We’re going to this museum because she likes this sort of stuff. I think I’m just the chaperone.”
I set a steaming mug of tea in front of her and sit in the chair across from her just as there’s a knock at the door. I glance at my phone to see if I missed a notification of a text telling me they were outside, but my screen is blank.
“Oh, they’re here.” Mom stares at the door like it might burst open at any moment.
“That can’t be them. They would just text from the parking lot. It’s probably someone selling something.” I pop out of my chair. “I’ll get rid of them.”
But when I open the door, Crispin is standing there. And seeing him standing on my front stoop with his hands in his pockets and the breeze playing with his hair does something crazy to my insides. He was staring out at the ocean but swings his attention my way as soon as the door opens. How is it that brown eyes can look so bright? They practically glow in the shadow of the overhang, fringed on top by his long bangs. I feel breathless.
“How did you guys manage to get a view?” he asks. “Man. To be across the street from the beach. I need to find a new place. This location is excellent.”
“I guess we got lucky? The realtor did mention that, now that I think about it. Um, how did you know which apartment we’re in?”
He gives me a strange look. “You told me.”
“I did? I thought I only gave you the building letter.” I wave my hands. “You could have just texted that you guys were here. I would have run down. But, come in. I have to grab my stuff.”
He follows me into the apartment. “We still have to pick up Sally. She’s closer to the museum than you.”
“Oh, did you have to come out of your way for me? I’m sorry. I could have stayed home.”
When I look over my shoulder, his brows are pulled down, and he has a half smile on his face. “Nothing’s far in a car. As my mom always says.”
“Speaking of moms, this is mine. Mom, this is Crispin. Crispin, this is my mom, Linda.” Mom has the funniest look on her face. Almost like a rabbit who is frozen, thinking you can’t see it if it doesn’t move. But there is also—maybe awe in her expression. I get it, Mom. He’s stunning.
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Quill.”
I blink at him, surprised he knows my last name.
“Ari says you play her big sister’s boyfriend?”
