Page 57 of Fangirl

Her eyes go huge. She looks at Genna, who nods so enthusiastically that I’m mildly concerned she’ll give herself whiplash.

Will, sensing a setup, frowns slightly as Jolene approaches, looking like she might actually pass out from excitement.

I turn back to him, all faux sympathy. “You see,Joleneadores you. It would be selfish of me to take this opportunity when she would appreciate it so much more.”

Jolene makes an unintelligible noise of pure delight, and Will gives me a look. A look that says,You little shit.

I grin.

He sighs, long and suffering, then turns to Jolene,flashing that megawatt smile. “Well, sweetheart,” he says, “looks like you’re my plus-one.”

Jolene squeals, and I bask in my victory.

Will turns back to the PR rep, all business now. “I’ll arrange everything with…” He pauses, glancing at her expectantly. “Your name?”

She blushes, visibly flustered, and I feel unexpected irritation for her.

Penis.

I roll my eyes. “Her name is Patricia,Winters.”

Will’s lips curve into a knowing half smile as he meets my gaze. “I can’t wait to see you again, Amy the Accountant.” His voice is smooth and playful—but there’s something else there. Something almost ominous, like he knows something I don’t.

Will turns, striding out of the office with Jolene and Genna practically bouncing after him, no doubt eager to bask in his Hollywood glow a little longer. I don’t even need to see it to know exactly what’s happening—photos, autographs, maybe a flirty quip or two.

And by lunchtime, half the office will have a story about theirclose encounterwith Will Winters.

I barely have time to sit before Maya levels me with an incredulous stare, her fork frozen halfway to her mouth.

“You saidno to a date withWill Winters?”

I sigh, setting my tray down. “I see Jolene got to you.”

Maya scoffs. “Obviously,Jolene got to me. She got to everyone! I heard it from Maria, who heard it from James, who heard it from Jolene.” She narrows her eyes. “Andyoudidn’t think to mention this, why?”

I uncap my bottle of water, taking a slow sip. “Because it wasn’t a big deal.”

Maya gapes at me like I just declared I hate kittens. “Not a—not a big deal?” She gestures wildly. “Amy. Will Winters. Hollywood’s favorite disaster manpersonallyinvited you to a red-carpet event, and you just casually declined like you were turning down an ASOS discount email?”

I snort. “First of all, rude. Secondly, he wasn’taskingme on a date. He just needed a plus-one and probably some good PR. I was unfortunate enough to be the nearest available woman.”

She shakes her head, stabbing a cherry tomato like it personally betrayed her. “I just— I don’t understand you.”

I shrug, reaching for my fork. “You wouldn’t have gone either.”

“No, but that’s different,” she argues. “I have Matt. And a wedding ring. You, on the other hand, have…” She narrows her eyes. “Wait a second.”

I pause mid-bite. “What?”

Her lips curve into a slow, devious grin. “Youarecommitted.”

I blink. “Excuse me?”

She leans in, resting her chin on her palm. “That’s why you didn’t go. That’s why you turned him down without hesitation.” She hums, eyes gleaming with mischief. “You, my dear Amy, are a taken woman.”

I groan. “Oh my god.”

Maya beams. “Admit it. You’re loyal to your hot nerd.”