Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
My phone rang, and I saw my dad’s number. I answered, forcing my voice to sound light.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Pumpkin. How are you?”
I rolled my eyes. “Let me guess. Andi called you.”
“She said you passed out.”
“I was nervous. I didn’t eat, and I’d had too much sun the day before. I’m fine. Feeling perfectly normal today,” I lied.
“Are you sure?”
“Dad,” I murmured. “I’m fine. Honest. Andi shouldn’t have called you.”
“I made her promise me she would if anything happened.”
“Well, you can stop worrying. It was the first incident in a long time, and I’m sure it will be the last. I got lazy,” I said, trying to brush it off.
“Was it meeting the cast? Andi said you and the lead seemed to strike sparks.”
“I was a bit overwrought,” I admitted. “But they were all so nice.” I ignored the remark about Nicholas, but Dad didn’t let it rest.
“And the lead?”
“I was shy,” I said. “I pushed for him so hard, and it was a big moment.” I laughed lightly. “I tossed my coffee at him by accident, so no doubt that made a big impression.”
“Are you sure? Mom and I can come down. Richard could be there this afternoon.”
“Dad, no. I am fine. I promise. Really, I wish you wouldn’t worry.”
“We’ll never stop worrying, Mila. You’re our baby girl.”
His words took away the annoyance I was feeling. I knew they worried. They did about all of us, but especially me.
“I know, and I love you for it, but really, I’m fine. I slept like a baby, and I already had a big breakfast. I plan on staying upright for the whole day.”
He paused, and I held my breath, hoping he bought it. I had slept like crap and hadn’t eaten anything so far.
“If you need us, we’ll come.”
“I know.”
I heard a knock, and I headed for the door. “Andi’s here. I have to go.”
“I’ll call tonight.”
“Okay.”
I opened the door, and Andi came in, studying me. “You’re still pale.”
“I’m fine.” I put my hand on my hip. “Do not call my dad again. Now he’s worried.”
“He made me promise.”
“I’m giving you a direct order. As your client.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Well, well.”
“I mean it. Unless I pass out and end up in the hospital, no calling my parents. I’m an adult.”
“Okay, kiddo. I hear you.” She smiled. “They love you. You’re very lucky to have them.”
“I know. But I am going to have this the rest of my life. I hate them fussing.”
There was another knock, and I opened the door, frowning at the room service waiter. I was about to tell him he had the wrong room, when he handed me a note. It was short and sweet.
Shortcake,
Eat. Wear a hat. I’ll have long sleeves on today.
I look forward to seeing you later.
Nick
I managed to hold in my grin, and I dug in my pocket and tipped the waiter. Andi watched as I lifted the lid, smiling at the toast and bacon. I had told Nicholas how much I loved both bacon and toast last night. He obviously remembered. I piled the bacon onto the hot bread and covered it with another slice and took a bite.
“I’m glad to see you eating.”
“You want some?” I indicated the plate that still held a small pile of bacon and the extra toast.
“Were you starving when you ordered this?” she asked, picking up a piece of bacon and chewing it as she poured a coffee. “And what was the note?”
“Oh, ah, just a recommendation I asked the kitchen about.”
She sipped her coffee, staying silent as I ate my bacon sandwich and drank a cup of coffee. “Okay, we have a meeting with the cast at ten. You’re okay with that?”
I felt the flutters in my stomach at the thought of seeing Nicholas again. I tamped them down and nodded. “Yes.”
“Both leads and Bradley will be there. You’re prepared?”
“Yes. Really, I’m fine.”
She studied me. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look…different.”
“Different?”
She nodded. “I can’t put my finger on it. But something is different.”
“You’re seeing things.” I stood. “Let me brush my teeth, and we can go.”
“I like the outfit again.”
Today, I wore a skirt and a loose blouse. It was feminine and lacy, and I loved the creamy color with the bright material of the skirt. Andi’s gaze focused on my neck, and she frowned. “Did you scratch yourself? The side of your neck looks red.”
My hand flew to my neck. Nicholas’s scruff had left some marks. I thought I’d covered them up and even wore my hair down to hide them. “Blow-dryer got too close,” I mumbled. “Not used to using one.”
She laughed. “The things we go through for beauty. Okay, you get ready. I’ll make sure the car is coming.”
I escaped to the bathroom and added more concealer to the offending pink patch. I tugged on the neckline, doing up another button on the shirt. Andi was right. I did look different. Brighter. My lips were still a bit red, maybe even a little swollen from Nicholas’s mouth.