27. Converted

27

Converted

Auston

The next day, I’m stuck at press junkets, answering questions about the new movie and promoting it. Then, it’s back to shooting in soundstages, and I’m certain Emma is avoiding me again. We’ve barely seen each other since the premiere. Even though we both had fun, my plan fell flat. There was never anything beyond friendship for her, and I have to come to terms with that. As soon as the shoot ends, I’ll fly back to LA and return to my life as it was before.

Who am I kidding? It’ll never b e the same now that I’ve found Emma again. And it wasn’t much of a life to begin with. Sure, on paper I have everything. But the way my heart stutters when Emma smiles at me? That’s living. Really living.

“Are you okay, honey?” Mom asks as she massages my shoulders, the bangles on her wrists jingling. She got back from LA today, and she’s staying here while Robyn is in California with her boyfriend.

“I’m fine.” I smile. “Any intel on that secret project? I could use some good news right about now.”

She shakes her mass of curly hair. “Not yet. But I’m working on it. Where’s your girlfriend? I thought she’d be hanging out here with you all day.”

“Oh.” I look away. “Her friends are coming back from vacation tomorrow, so she’s home cleaning. You know?”

“Cleaning?”

It wasn’t a good excuse when she used it. Still isn’t. “Uh-huh.” I pretend to be absorbed by my phone when really, I’m just doomscrolling on Instagram.

Her hands fall away from my shoulders. “Well, I’m heading back out. Melissa Fortner will be here soon, and I want to give her a warm welcome.”

That gets my attention. “The author? She’s coming?”

“Oh, heavens yes!” She clasps her hands together. “Isn’t it exciting? I absolutely adored the book.”

“It was really good. I feel bad that Robyn’s missing out. Hopefully, there’ll be another opportunity.” And speaking of opportunities, this is my chance to see Emma again. “I’ll come with you.”

“Hold on. You read the book?” she asks, her eyebrows disappearing into her curls.

“I did. It’s one of Emma's favorites.” Plus, I wanted to feel close to her, especially since she’s ghosting me. But now I know why she loves it so much. The book is a masterpiece.

Mom narrows her eyes at me, peering over her glasses the way she always does when she studies me, then smiles. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get out there.”

The street is buzzing with crew members preparing for our next shot, so we worm our way through, trying not to disturb them.

“I’m craving a cup of coffee,” Mom says. “Do you want one?”

I shake my head. “No thanks. I’m going to go get Emma.”

My pulse is pounding in my head as I approach her front door. I know I’m just torturing myself when it’s obvious she’s not interested, but I can’t help it. I need to see her.

I’ve been operating on hope mos t of my life. Hope that my mom and I would finally catch a break and live comfortably. Hope that I could provide for her. Hope that I’d make it as an actor. So far, my spark of hope has worked out in my favor. Why not with this? After everything Emma has been through—and I hold my share of blame—she might just need more convincing. Maybe I have to show her that I’m here, that I won’t let go this time. Because after reuniting with her, there’s no way I’d make that same mistake twice.

Full of hope, I press the intercom button.

“Yes?”

“Emma, it’s me. Auston.”

She pauses. “Oh, hey.”

“If you’re not busy, I thought you could come on set today?” I ask, trying not to sound too desperate.

“Um, I actually am busy. The girls are coming back tomorrow. I’ve been cleaning all morning. The place is a mess.”

I furrow my eyebrows. “You’ve been cleaning all morning, and it’s still a mess?”

“Yes,” she says in a clipped tone. I can’t see her face, but I’m one hundred percent sure she’s lying to me.

I shrug. “Okay. Well, that’s a shame. I was hoping to introduce you to Melissa.”

“Melissa,” she says, her voic e suddenly rising three octaves. “ Melissa Fortner? She’s here?”

“Not yet, but she’ll be arriving any time now.”

She pauses for an instant, then says, “I’ll be right down.”

I hold back my smile. Thank you, Melissa.

A few minutes later, Emma steps casually out of the building looking like her usual self, which tells me I was right in thinking she was just avoiding me. No one looks that good after cleaning all morning.

“Hey,” I say, giving her a side hug. Her amber perfume fills my senses, and just like that, I’m calmer than I’ve been in days.

“Hey! Is she here yet?”

I give her a pointed look. “Glad to see you too.”

She chuckles, brushing back her bangs. “Sorry, I’m just excited. But I’m equally happy to see you.” She flashes me a smile that hits me straight in the heart.

“So am I.”

“Why, hello there!” Mom announces, strutting toward us and flashing her signature bright smile. “How are you doing, Emma?”

“I’m good, Mrs. Buckley. Excited to meet one of my favorite authors.”

“Ah, Auston told me,” she says, nodding knowingly. “Sounds like you converted him too.”

Emma frowns, swinging to face me. “What?”

I rub the back of my neck. “Um, I read the book.”

“You did?” She stares at me in shock.

“Over the past few days.” I stuff my hands in my pockets. “You were right. I loved it.”

She swats me on the shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

I breathe out a chuckle. “Hey, I read a book. I don’t need to shout it from the rooftops.”

She shakes her head. “That’s exactly what you’re supposed to do. How can you just close a great book and go on with your life? You need to reflect on it, talk to people about the story, review it. A book like that sits with you for days after you read the last page.”

Mom laughs, and I smile along. I love how she gets so animated when she talks about books. “Sorry. I’m not familiar with protocol yet.”

“That’s pretty much what I do all day—read books. Talk about books with my friends on Instagram. Review books. Rinse and repeat.”

“Oh. I guess there’s a lot to it.” I nod, suddenly understanding this Bookstagram thing a little more.

Mom’s phone chimes, and she looks at it, her forehead creasing. “It’s Robyn. She says you haven’t confirmed your attendance at the Brownski wedding t his Saturday. They need your RSVP.”

I blink back. “I thought that was canceled.”

“Apparently, it’s back on. So, are you two going?” she asks, her eyes darting between us.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t,” Emma says. “It’s my birthday, so I’ll probably do something with my friends.”

“It’s your birthday?” Mom and I exclaim at the same time. Then, she shoots me a questioning look.

I shake my head dramatically, gesturing to Emma. “This one. Always hiding stuff from me.”

“Well, that changes everything,” Mom says, speed-typing on her phone. “We’re throwing you a party, dear. End of discussion.”

Emma’s cheeks turn tomato-red. “Oh, no, no. That’s completely unnecessary. I’m not really a huge fan of parties.”

She waves a hand, her bracelets jangling. “Don’t be silly. Auston’s your boyfriend now. He’ll throw you a fabulous party. Right, honey?”

I nod, casting Mom a quick smile. “Of course. I’ll make sure it’s low-key,” I add, sensing the distress lingering in Emma’s eyes.

She bites her lip, hesitant, then nods, probably realizing she doesn’t have a choice. “Okay. Thank you.”

“Of course, dear,” Mom says w ith a glowing smile. “I won’t be there but he’ll show you a good time. Hold on a second. Robyn is calling.”

She steps aside to take her phone call, and I turn to Emma.

“Sorry for the ambush. I didn’t know.”

She wears a tight grin. “Don’t worry about it. Just keep your promise and make sure they don’t go overboard, okay?”

“Absolutely. I’ll organize it myself.”

Her eyebrows draw together. “Really?”

“Of course.”

“Please, please, just keep it low-key. I don’t like big parties. Oh, and no presents.”

I arch an eyebrow. “A birthday party without presents?”

She wraps her arms around herself. “I don’t like when people spend money on me. It just makes me uncomfortable.”

I give her a firm nod. “I’ll take care of everything. It’ll be perfect, you’ll see.”

There’s no way I’m letting anyone else organize her party. This is my opportunity to show Emma how much I care about her. I know my girl like the back of my hand, and I’ll give her the birthday party of her dreams if it’s the last thing I do.