DAMMIT! I STOMP TO THE BACK and into my office, collapsing into my chair. Ooh, that man unnerves me. I can’t believe he asked me dinner. Worse, I can’t believe that for a split second, I considered it. He may be an arrogant ass, but I can’t deny my intense attraction to him. Now what am I supposed to do?
The door jingles, and I pray it’s not him again. As I walk back out, I see Melissa and relax.
“It was so exciting!” she exclaims. “Did you see Antonio Russo? He shook my hand!”
“Yeah, I saw him. He came in here with the director. Did you know most of the filming will be done in the store?”
“No way!”
“The movie is about a guy that falls in love with a bookstore clerk. How did I not know this?”
“I don’t think those details were included.”
“Clearly, they weren’t.” I rub my forehead. “What do you know about him?”
“Besides the obvious?”
“Yes, of course. I need intel.”
“Why?” She grins. “You interested in him?”
I frown. “Get your head right, Mel. He’s going to be in my store for six weeks. I want to know what I’m dealing with.”
“Oh right. Okay, well there’s this thing called the internet. You can find out anything you want about him.”
“Har Har. Fine. I’ll use the internet.”
“Oooh, she’s here!” Melissa points out the window. I walk closer to see outside. A man opens the door to a black limousine and a long legged woman steps out. Yasmin, I think it’s safe to assume. All I can see from here is her mane of blonde hair and the full length fur coat wrapped around her body. A crowd quickly gathers again. The excitement is far less frantic, but present just the same. She smiles as though a flip was switched on, waving and meeting everyone. I watch as the door to Antonio’s trailer opens, and he peeks out. When it quickly closes, I’m curious, but only for a moment. When it opens again, he steps out wrapped in a long, wool coat and scarf. He’s even more attractive now than he was before. He walks toward her and kisses her on both cheeks as the townsfolk swarm around them. Antonio waves to the crowd and then ushers the woman into his trailer.
“That’s Yasmin?” I ask.
“Yeah, that’s her. They say she’s a total diva, and that if things aren’t exactly the way she wants them, she has a total freaking meltdown and threatens to walk off the set.”
“Gee, why does anyone deal with that?”
“Because when her name is on a movie, it sells. Combining her and Antonio is double box office gold.”
“Hmm, so she’s a good actress?”
“She is. I really liked her in the two movies I’ve seen.”
“Well, good. If they’re gonna make a movie here, it should be great.”
“Agreed. I wonder how things are between them now.”
“What do you mean?”
“The last movie they did together, her jealous boyfriend kept coming on set and causing problems. He was escorted off by law enforcement when he came in during a kissing scene between her and Antonio. Lost his shit. She broke up with him, and it got even worse. Antonio ended up punching the guy one day, and he got arrested. The guy, not Antonio.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of drama.”
“Yep, she attracts it. The gossip mags say they had a fling and the boyfriend was right to be jealous, but who knows.”
“You shouldn’t believe anything you read in that stuff. It’s all lies.”
“Sometimes it’s true.”
“Yeah, sometimes.”
“True or not, he has rumors flying around him all the time. Any girl Antonio is seen with is guaranteed to be photographed. He’s a hot ticket to fame, and he gets around.”
“I imagine he does.”
“He’s been quoted as saying he’ll never marry, because there are too many beautiful women in the world to be with just one. He goes through them so fast, I can’t keep up.”
I glance at Melissa. “You seem to know a lot about him.”
“Oh, I do. I follow him on all his social media outlets. Can you imagine what a thrill it is for me to meet him?”
She would shit her pants if she knew about my interactions with him.
“So, he’s a womanizer with a massive following, a toxic costar, and a pretty face. Guess I didn’t need the internet after all.”
Melissa laughs. “Touché.”
“I’m gonna close up early tonight. No one is shopping, and I’m tired and hungry.”
“Want to grab a bite to eat at The Pub? I think Antonio and Yasmin will be there later.”
“No, thanks. I want to go home where it’s quiet.”
“And boring.”
“And just the way I like it.” I start walking to the back.
“Okay,” Melissa calls out. “But this could be the only time in your life you are this close to Hollywood royalty.”
I pause for a moment. She doesn’t know how wrong she is. “I’ll live.” I smile. “Go on and go. I’ll lock up.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. Go.”
“Okay. See you tomorrow.”
“Yep. Night.”
“Night.”
After closing things down, I wrap myself in my coat and scarf and tug on my gloves. Turning off the lights, I stop and think for a moment how crazy things are going to get around here. Sighing, I step outside and lock the door.
Walking down the sidewalk, I hear the noisy gathering at The Pub. I try to pass by unnoticed, but fail as I hear my name called out by several people. Sammy pushes open the door and drags me inside by my arm.
“Just where do you think you’re going?” he asks.
“Home. I’m tired, Sammy. Let me go.”
“Come on,” he whines. “Just have one drink with us, and I’ll let you go.”
“I don’t want a drink.”
“Please?” He pops out his bottom lip and looks ridiculous. I can’t help but laugh.
“Maybe just one.”
“Yay!” He lifts his hand to the bartender. “One round for the boss, Max.”
“Coming right up,” he yells back.
“Sit with us,” Sammy says, tugging me towards the table where Melissa, Sheila, and several others sit. I have a firm rule about being too social, but I can’t exactly come up with a good excuse not to be at the moment.
“You made it!” Melissa exclaims.
“For one drink, and then I’m going home.”
“We’ll take it.”
“So,” Sheila says. “I saw on the news this morning that people from all over New England are planning to come here and catch a glimpse of the movie’s stars.”
“Ooh, really?” Melissa asks. “Hopefully, they’ll buy stuff.”
“It’ll be good,” Sheila continues. “My husband is already rearranging the inside of the store to make the aisles wider.”
“Good idea,” Melissa says.
“Hey.” Sheila pats my arm. “How lucky are you that they’ll be in your store almost all the time?”
“Super lucky,” I say, sarcastically. “Remember, I wasn’t excited about this whole thing. Talk about disruption.”
“True,” she agrees, “but I bet once it’s over, your store will be a huge tourist destination.”
I nod. “I didn’t think about that.” My drink arrives in front of me. I sip it slowly, listening to everyone tell stories about their favorite Antonio and Yasmin movies, then favorite movies of all time. Before I know it, one drink turns to two and then three, and then I’m drinking tequila shots and pulling off my coat. We’re all laughing and having a great time. I’m starting to feel really good when the door opens and in walks the movie star. Just the sight of him feels like a kick in the gut and that can’t be good. He is so fucking hot, it’s annoying. Who the fuck is he to walk around like he’s God’s gift? Even if he is.
I turn away and look down at my empty glass. It’s definitely time to go. I stand up, and try to grab my coat, but sway so badly, it makes me feel nauseous. Wonderful. Now I’m drunk.
“I gotta go,” I stammer. Picking up my purse, I dig around for my wallet to get money out.
“I got it,” Melissa says. “You sure you’re okay to get home by yourself?”
“I’m fine. The fresh air will do me some good.”
“Okay. See you in the morning.”
“Yep.”
I grab my stuff and head straight for the door, avoiding Antonio and his glamorous costar. She hangs on his arm, and I feel a ridiculous pang of jealousy sear through me. Our eyes meet, but I look away and push through the door.
When the cold air hits my face, it’s instantly sobering. I try to hurry home down the sidewalk, but it honestly feels as though my legs aren’t even moving. I stop and lean against a building for a moment, attempting to regain my composure. I start walking again, this time slower as I breath in the cold, crisp air. It was so stupid to drink so much, but it was fun while it lasted. I really should try to go out more.
“Giovanna?”
I hear my name and swing around, frozen in place.
“Antonio! What are you doing here?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, why?”
“I noticed you looked pale back at the bar, and then you left in such a rush. I just wanted to make sure you got home safely.”
I smile in spite of myself. “Everyone knows everyone here, and almost everyone in town is in the bar you left. I’m safe.”
“Ah, true.” He looks back at the bar, and then walks closer to me. “I’m used to LA where women definitely should not walk home alone at night.”
“Go on back to the party. I’ll be fine.”
“Let me walk you.”
“Not necessary. And I’m not drunk enough to take you home with me, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I don’t take advantage of drunk girls, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
He steps towards me again, and I put my hand out to stop him. “Good to know. Anyway, I’m fine. Go back to your friends.”
Instead of leaving, he continues to walk closer. “Those people aren’t my friends. They’re my coworkers.”
“I don’t really care, Antonio.”
“I think you do, Giovanna.”
“Well, you’re wrong. You don’t know me or what I care about.”
“I’d like to find out.”
“Ha! I know about you. You’re a player. I bet all you want to find out is what I look like naked.”
He grins, and suddenly I don’t feel so sober anymore. “Is that an offer?”
“What? No!” I shake my head. “It’s not gonna happen, Mr. Movie Star. I’m not gonna be some notch on your bedpost. Not this girl.”
He wraps his hand around my arm and pulls me close, so close I can feel his warm, minty breath on my cheeks.
“You sure about that, Beautiful?”
Realizing that I’m holding my breath, I slowly exhale, before pulling my arm away.
“Listen, I know you’re used to girls falling over you with stars in their eyes, but you are seriously barking up the wrong tree.”
“Unless you’re in a relationship, I don’t see how I am.” I start to open my mouth, but he interrupts me. “And don’t try to lie to me. I already know you’re not. In a town like this, that isn’t exactly difficult to find out.”
“You asked people about me?”
“Sure did.”
“Why?”
“Why do you think, Giovanna? I’m interested in you, and you won’t talk to me. I was forced to do my own research.”
I cross my arms trying to think of a good comeback. “Who says people in town know everything about me?”
“Look me in the eyes and try to lie. I bet you can’t.”
I try to meet his challenge, but the more I gaze into his deep blue eyes, the more woozy I start to feel. Who needs alcohol around this guy?
“I don’t have to explain my reasons.” I take a step back. “Your interest in me is flattering, but entirely unwelcome. There are plenty of pretty girls in town that would gladly go out with you. Pick one of them.”
“I don’t want anyone else. I want you.”
We stare each other down. I feel like I won’t win this, so I decide to end it. “Have a good night, Mr. Russo.”
“I’m not done with you yet, Giovanna.”
“Well I’m done with you.” I turn and stomp off with as much confidence as I can summon. I want to look back, but resist. Just as I turn the corner to my street, I glance back and see him standing there, in exactly the same spot, watching me. He nods his head as I disappear from his view. This is going to be a lot more trouble than I anticipated.