Page 47 of Beyond the Spotlight Discreet Version

“Did I ever tell you you’re a horrible liar?”

I gasp, clutching my invisible pearls. “Why, Lana Young, I would never.”

“Actually, I took Mylan’s last name, so it’s Lana Young-Andrews now.”

My face lights up, eager to ask about the wedding and the honeymoon since we didn’t talk about it on the train ride down. She holds up her palm.

“We’re not talking about me, though. We’re talking about you lying about how you feel about Rey.”

I humph and cross my arms, slumping down in my seat on the subway.

“Did you know he called me about Brad?” Lana continues.

“What?”

She nods. “Rey called and asked if I knew anyone in Silo to keep an eye on Brad and make sure he doesn’t leave town to come up here and find you.”

“He did not.”

“He did, and I told him Chief Hallows would take care of it.”

My mouth gapes open.

“A man wouldn’t do that for just anyone. You’re special to him.”

“He wants to make sure Adeline is safe...”

She shakes her head. “Mylan says every time they’re doing a scene together, and the director calls cut, Rey rushes over to his assistant to check his phone. His face lights up when there’s a text from you. He talks about you all the time.”

“We’ve known each other barely a month.”

Lana waits for me to confess.

“Okay, fine. We’ve had... our moments.”

“I knew it. Spill.”

I tell her everything, from the almost kiss to me punching him, the flirty texts, the kitchen kiss, and the morning we woke up cuddling (and the TMI that came after).

“But it’s all happening too fast and I’m wondering if we’re making a mistake getting involved.”

“Why?”

“Like I said, he’s my boss. I need this job. What if we get together and it doesn’t work out? I’d have to quit.”

“Then Rey would make sure you’re taken care of. He wouldn’t leave you high and dry.”

She’s totally right. I’ve told myself the same damn thing.

“Is there another reason?”

I bite my lip, giving myself time to form an answer. “He’s a celebrity.”

Lana blinks at me.

“Right. You’ve been through this. It’s just... the paparazzi... I hated all the small-town gossip in Silo. The idea of it happening on a greater scale because of who Rey is... I don’t think I could handle it. I don’t think I could stand seeing my image on the internet and having assholes comment about my weight. I love who I am, but that doesn’t mean I want others to bring me down.”

Lana nods while listening. She places her hand on top of my knuckles.