5. Chapter Five
Chapter Five
June
J onah booked out the entire diner so we wouldnt have people whispering about us while we ate. Its weird to see this place emptyits one of two restaurants in town and a popular spot at lunchtime, especially on a Friday like todaybut its even weirder to have the whole staff stare at me as I sit in a booth and wait for Jonah to show up. Dexter said the actor stopped by his trailer to change and will be here any minute, but Im counting the seconds.
Im starting to understand why Hank hates coming to town. These stares are getting ridiculous. Most people leave me alone, knowing better than to pry into my past after I spent a lot of energy shutting them down when I first moved here. But now that Im here on my own, with no other townsfolk to distract them, I seem to be a point of interest once more.
Karina, one of the servers, wanders up to me after Ive been sitting here for five minutes. Well hello there, June, she says, her smile forced as she places a cup of water in front of me. We wondered who got cornered by that actor, and I didnt expect to see someone like you walking through that door.
Cornered isnt necessarily the word I would use. Yeah, he surprised me when he asked me out, but I was too intrigued to say no. Im woman enough to admit that much. How much did he pay you to keep everyone else out? I ask and take a drink of water to give myself something to do.
Karina snickers, glancing back at the otherstwo cooks who man the kitchen and another server. Thousand dollars.
I choke on the water. What?
Yep. For two hours.
Jonah James paid them a thousand dollars for a date with me? Why would he do that? I ask out loud.
Its a rhetorical question, but Karina still answers. Id expect because he likes you, June.
Shed better lose that bitter edge to her voice. If shes jealous, thats not my fault. Its not like I wanted Jonah to ask me out. He doesnt even know me, I argue.
Well, whose fault is that?
I cant stop myself from glaring at her. Im good with water for now, I tell her. Thanks.
Scoffing, Karina catches the hint and goes back behind the counter to whisper to Peg, the other server. I dont hear much of what they say, but I do catch enough to know theyre talking about how they cant understand why Jonah would take an interest in me of all people.
Because I think youre beautiful and youre the first woman Ive met in years who makes me feel normal. Thats what he said. While I probably cant trust an actor, I do think he was being genuine. I watched a little bit of the scene they were filming after they got Bonnie downI really hope Jonah has no idea I was thereand hes good at what he does. Now that he knows hes playing the villain, he has upped the subtle creepiness of his character. Fans are going to eat him up.
I shouldnt get a tingle of jealousy thinking about his fans, but I do. If he was telling the truth, he likes that I havent treated him like a celebrity, which hopefully means he isnt as egotistical as I always imagine actors to be. Bonnie seems okay, especially because shes the only person who has ever gotten Hank to take a step toward healing after his traumatic past. Maybe Jonah is okay too.
It would be easier to get rid of that maybe if he would show up
After fifteen minutes of sitting by myself, I ask Karina to bring me a soda. Half an hour after that, I order a plate of fries and wonder if I should leave. I get that filming a movie can be unpredictable, but its not like the diner is far from the set. If he couldnt make it to lunch, he could have come and told me. Or even sent his assistant. A crew member. Anyone .
After sitting by myself for an hour, I ask Karina to bring me a BLT to go so I can head back to the store and berate myself for thinking the best of Jonah James. She and Peg both give me pitying looks that have a hint of I told you so underneath, even though neither of them told me anything, but I can guess theyre like the rest of the Laketownians who cant wait for Jonah and the others to pack up and head back to California.
Im right there with them. What a waste of an hour.
When I get outside, sandwich in hand, Im ready to wash my hands of the handsome and intriguing actor and stick to my solitary single life. But I only make it halfway down the block when I run into Dexter.
Oh hey! he says, then frowns when he looks behind me. Is Jonah not with you?
I scoff. Jonah? You mean the guy who never showed up?
To my surprise, Dexter turns pale. He didnt show up? Scrambling, he grabs a radio at his hip and says, Does anyone have eyes on Mr. James?
Nerves bubble up in my stomach, along with a healthy dose of guilt. Is something wrong?
Dexter purses his lips as he waits for a response on the radio, which never comes. Something might be wrong, he says weakly and pulls his phone out of his pocket, dialing a number and lifting it to his ear. After a few tense seconds, he swears and dials a different number. That call seems just as fruitless. Richies went straight to voicemail, he says with a frown.
Richie?
Jonahs bodyguard.
What does that mean? And is Laketown suddenly about to get a lot more attention because something bad has happened to one of Hollywoods hottest men? (Thats an internet superlative, not mine. Even if its true.) Dexter, where is Jonah?
Dexter moans and starts walking, and I stay hot on his heels, curiosity getting the better of me. The last time I saw him, he was heading back to his trailer. Richie was supposed to bring him right back for his date with you. He never came?
I roll my eyes despite the seriousness of the situation. Does it look like he came?
He climbs into a golf cart and gestures for me to join him. Though I hesitate, I want to know why I got stood up, so I decide to go along with him for now. As soon as Im settled, he hits the accelerator and heads for the field where the film crew stays. I guess we start at his trailer? Its the stupid curse He mutters that last part almost too quietly for me to hear.
I frown. Curse? Jonah mentioned something about the set being haunted earlier, but I thought he was joking. What curse?
Dexter shrugs as he drives. There are always things that go wrong with a movie, but this one is way worse than any Ive seen. People are starting to think weve upset some angry spirits.
Theres no such thing as ghosts. Unless you count the traces of trauma that never go away, of course, which is a different thing entirely. What else has gone wrong?
Dexter lists off more things than I expected him to, from missing props to spoiled food, and the more he talks, the more my gut tells me this is more than just accidents. Its not a ghostthat would be ridiculousbut someone is certainly angry.
In this town, it could be anyone. There are too many locals who think the movie is going to bring nothing but trouble when people realize Laketown exists.
Stopping outside a large trailer in the field the film crew has taken over next to the high school, Dexter hurries up to the door and knocks. Jonah? Are you in here? He stands tense as he waits for an answer.
Nothing.
Jonah! He tries the door, which opens with a little bit of stickingI wonder if they ever found a wrench to fitand pokes his head inside. Jonah, you here? He steps into the trailer, leaving me standing awkwardly in the dirt outside.
I was here not too long ago, helping Hank figure out a contract with Bonnie related to their staged relationship, and I feel even more out of place now than I did then. The few people who are walking around the tent- and trailer-filled space give me querying looks as they pass, with plenty of suspicion in their eyes.
Based on some of the things Dexter told me, I dont blame them for being wary of locals.
His phone is here, Dexter says, coming back down the steps and making me feel less like a trespasser. But he isnt.
I frown. What does that mean?
I dont know. And he clearly doesnt like not knowing. His eyes dart around the field, full of worry, as he practically cradles Jonahs phone. Jonah, where are you?
After a moment of tense silence, we decide to try heading back into town to see if he somehow passed us without us noticing. But we only make it halfway across before Dexter slams on the brakes and points to an unattended golf cart parked near a small box trailer.
Thats the one Jonah uses, he says, scrambling out of his seat. Jonah? Jonah!
Its only when we approach the trailer that I hear a reply. Dex?
Dexters eyes go wide, and he rushes to the trailer. Jonah?
Jonahs voice is muffled, but hes most definitely inside the enclosed trailer. Dexter, you beautiful man. You found me!
Jonah, you were supposed to be back in town over an hour ago!
Jonah barks out a laugh. Trust me. I am well aware.
What are you doing in the props trailer?
The door is stuck, Jonah says. And Richie is freaking out. Ow!
Dexter frowns. Jonah?
That was uncalled for, Rich. But okay, Im the one freaking out. Get us out of here, Dex. Im begging you.
Hes claustrophobic, Dexter mutters to me as he reaches for the door and tugs to no avail. He once got stuck in an airplane bathroom and hasnt been the same since.
Thatsadorable. I shouldnt be thinking thatJonahs allowed to feel fear without judgmentbut I like knowing Jonah James isnt perfect. That theres something human about him.
Who are you talking to? Jonah asks. And Id better not have heard you talking about the airplane bathroom.
Hes talking to me, I say, putting my hand on Dexters shoulder so I can take his place at the door. I doubt Ill do much better with getting the door open, but I figure I might as well try. Im going to guess its locked.
June? The tone of Jonahs voice shifts to something more desperate. June, I swear I would have been on time if not for that door getting stuck.
Ill believe it when I see it, Jonah James.
If you get me out of here, Ill tell you my real name so you can stop calling me that.
The door is going nowhere, so I step back and turn to Dexter. Who has a key for this thing?
He shrugs. Probably Myrna? Shes in charge of the props. But shes in town with everyone else. Ive never heard Jonahs real name
I snicker, even though I should focus on getting Jonah out of his predicament. If he really is claustrophobic, this is not the sort of place he should be for long, and hes probably been in there for at least an hour. Sounds like its prized information. Jonah, how did you get stuck in there in the first place?
Theres some sharp back-and-forth whispering inside, and then RichieI thinksays, The ghost locked us in.
No, Jonah says on a groan. It wasnt a ghost.
But it was! Richie insists. I heard her!
That piques my interest. Im not a believer in the supernatural, but whatever Richie heard could be helpful in figuring out what happened. You heard the ghost?
We heard something , Jonah says. Right before someone closed the door behind us. Theres no evidence that points to a ghost. Any updates on getting me out of here, Harper? Dexter? Anyone ?
What kind of something? Dexter asks.
She said we should leave, Richie says. Sounded like a banshee.
Banshees scream, Jonah says. They dont give people orders.
It was a ghost!
Leaving them to their bickering, I search the vicinity as if I might find a way to get them out of the trailer. Most likely, Dexter will need to go back into town to find this props person and Oh! I say, catching a glint of silver in the dirt. I pick up the key on its little ring and tilt my head, wondering if it was really that easy.
Sure enough, it fits the lock on the side door, unlocking it and letting me pull it open to reveal Jonah lying on his stomach on the floor, his head turned toward us and his eyes brimming with relief. Richie steps over him and makes his escape, but Jonah doesnt move.
He looks exhausted, and I wonder if Dexter wasnt kidding about Jonah having claustrophobia. Not that I thought it was a joke, but it looks like Jonah just had the worst hour of his life.
Maybe its a bad idea, but I opt for a joke. You stood me up, Jonah James.
He manages a weak smile. Sorry. Can I make it up to you? Maybe not today. Monday?
I pretend to think about it, but its an easy answer. His vulnerability right now as he lies on the dirty trailer floor, sweaty and disheveled, is a good look for the Hollywood heartthrob. I suppose I could give you one more chance, I say.
Jonahs smile is so genuine that I understand why he earned the title of heartthrob in the first place. Hes giving me all sorts of feelings in my chest, feelings I havent felt in a long time. He pushes himself up to his hands and knees and crawls over to sit in the doorway. Even in his post-panic state, hes impossibly handsome, and theres something new in his eyes that puts a crack in my shield that might be too big to ignore: remorse. Not only did he apologize for missing our date, but he genuinely feels bad about it and is taking responsibility when he doesnt need to.
My ex apologized all the time, but he never meant it.
Jonah means it.
I owe you my name, he says.
Do I get to hear it too? Dexter asks.
Oh, I forgot he was standing right behind me.
Jonah chuckles and shakes his head. Sorry, Dex. Gotta keep some secrets from you or youll literally run my life.
I already run your life, Dexter grumbles and heads over to the golf cart, flopping into the drivers seat.
You should tell him your name, I say at the same time Jonah stands and comes to my side.
He chuckles. Maybe. Eventually. But I like having one or two secrets that he doesnt know. Moving slowly, he reaches up and brushes some hair out of my face. I think the slow speed of his movement is as much from hesitation as it is from his exhaustion. Hes being so careful, for which I am grateful.
My body is suddenly on high alert, and I cant tell if Im excited or terrified. The feelings are eerily similar, and I hate this uncertainty.
If I tell you my name, he says, do you promise to keep it a secret?
I tilt my head. Is your name that bad?
He chuckles and drops his hand, shaking his head. You are determined to keep me humble, arent you?
Someone should.
Grinning, he takes a step back, which is not what I expected. Then another. You know what? I think Ill wait. Make you earn my name.
Disappointment floods through me. Wait, disappointment ? I dont care what his name is. I dont even care about getting a rain check on todays lunch. So why does my heart ache a little bit more with each step he takes? Didnt I just do that by rescuing you?
He shakes his head. Technically, yes. But something tells me I can leverage this information.
What do you want? And why am I even entertaining the idea of giving him whatever he asks for?
Ice cream, Jonah says, still walking backward as he heads toward the other golf cart, where Richie is waiting for him. An ice cream date Monday night after were done shooting.
Does he plan on renting out the ice cream parlor as well? The Laketownians might riot; they love their ice cream. What if Im busy? I ask.
Your store closes at seven, so you have no excuses.
He knows my store hours? While thats adorable, I refuse to let him know hes getting past my defenses every time I see him. Narrowing my eyes, I pretend to consider his offer like I did before. I dont know
Jonah grins and shakes his head. Nah, thats not going to work, Harper. You agreed to give me a chance, so I know youre interested. Monday at eight. Ill be the one with a dozen roses and a charming smile.
You think highly of yourself, dont you, Jonah James?
He doesnt answer, instead hopping into the cart and letting Richie drive him away.
Dang, if he isnt as charming as he seems to think. What gets me is the fact that he doesnt come across as cocky in the slightest. Its just confidence. And there is nothing sexier than confidence.
But theres no way I can let him know that.
I can take you back, Dexter says from the other golf cart.
I make my way to the cart but pause before sitting down, gazing at the key in my hand. Its extra shiny, like it was just made. Handing it to Dexter, I slide onto the seat and frown at the trailer. Why would someone lock Jonah in a props trailer? Why was he in there in the first place?
Shrugging, Dexter looks down at Jonahs phone, which he still has. Looks like Myrna texted him and asked him to grab something for the next scene because she forgot it.
Would Myrna have set him up? And what purpose would that serve outside of being a mean prank?
Nah, she loves Jonah. Everyone does.
I scoff. Theres no way everyone loves Jonah.
But Dexter shrugs again, a smile lighting up his face as he turns on the golf cart. If theres anyone who doesnt like him, I havent met them. Ive worked for a few different celebs, and none of them come close to Jonah. Hes good about making everyone around him feel valued and important. And if it makes a difference, Ive never seen him act the way he acts around you. I think he really likes you.
He doesnt know me, I mutter as we head back to town. But maybe it wouldnt be such a bad thing if I changed that fact.