Page 38 of Beyond the Spotlight Discreet Version

Me

Hang in there, BG

The three dots pop up, then disappear. I smirk, proud of myself for confusing him.

Hot British Guy

BG?

Me

Yeah. British Guy=BG. Remember? It’s how you’re saved in my phone

I follow up the text with a goofy face emoji and a winking face.

I leave out that I have him saved as ‘Hot’ British Guy. He knows he’s hot. Besides, Eloise and Kelly told me I’m saved as Sexy Savvy.

He sends back his favorite eye roll emoji. There’s my proper Brit.

Hot British Guy

About to start filming again

Me

Okay. Break a leg

Hot British Guy

Savannah. That phrase is meant for stage actors. Not action stars who might literally break a leg

Me

Tomato, to-mah-toe

“Are you texting my dad?” Adeline asks, scooping a big bite of ice cream into her mouth.

“I am. How did you know?”

“You were smiling at your phone like he does when he’s texting you.”

My face heats. He smiles when texting me?

Why do I suddenly feel like I’m in high school and found out my crush likes me back?

Adeline moves on from that conversation, as if she didn’t just drop a bomb on my head. She talks about her day at school, saying her dad agreed to let her learn the violin (her best friend is also taking lessons.) She talks about her art class, which is her favorite thing about preschool. She brought home a painting, and it’s surprisingly good. It’s not the usual family standing outside a home, surrounded by green grass, flowers, and sunshine. Instead, it’s of Reynold, Adeline, and me holding hands in front of tall New York City buildings. She even painted a yellow taxi on the street instead of a dog.

It’s going on the fridge as soon as we get home.

Shirley is making dinner by the time we return to the penthouse. Tonight’s menu: chicken carbonara with garlic bread and steamed veggies.

My stomach growls at the savory aroma.

Reynold texts throughout the night asking how things are going. I respond with pictures: Addy and me eating, Addy and me watching a movie, Addy taking a bath with a crown of soapsuds on her head, and me holding up the book she chose for me to read.

She falls asleep by nine thirty, and I head back to the kitchen to clean up. Then I crash on the couch, grabbingPride and Prejudiceoff the coffee table. I started it last night after he plucked it from the shelf. I was hooked from page one. While Addy was at school today, I settled into the comfy chairs on the balcony in my room to continue reading it. I have about eighty pages left.

I finish after an hour and text Reynold to let him know he was right about the book being better than the movie. The phone chirps seconds later. My heart thrashes against my chest in anticipation.