16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
June
T heres a reason I avoid the diner on Saturdays, and I have to resist the urge to wrinkle my nose when I step through the doors and am bombarded by the noise of what feels like half the town crammed into the small space. I feel dozens of eyes on meIm not known for joining town traditionsbut I do my best to ignore them as I make my way to the counter to put in an order to go.
Just as I hoped, a large group of teens have gathered in the corner as they often do.
Fancy seeing you here on a Saturday, June, Peg says by way of greeting. She looks a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of people she and Karina are waiting on, but she smiles at me, which is unexpected. I heard you were out sick yesterday.
I nod, trying to look tired. Easy enough, considering how much I wish I could go back to Jonahs trailer and spend the day sleeping in his arms. Weve only been apart for a couple of hours while we try to get everything ready, but I miss him. A lot. Yeah, Im still not feeling great, which is why Im here to order some soup to bring home.
She looks over the bursting tables and sighs as she picks up a pot of coffee. Sure thing. Give me a minute?
Ill give her all the time she needs so my plan can have the best effect. Before I can tell her Im happy to wait, the bell over the door jingles, and I look over as Dexter comes inside looking like a man with a plan. Ignoring the whispers that start up as people recognize him, he comes over to where Im standing.
I need to get a lunch order for my boss ASAP, he tells Peg.
Pegs friendliness vanishes in an instant. Youll have to wait your turn.
Dexter rolls his eyes and pulls out his phone as Peg heads out to check on her tables and refill coffee mugs.
I chuckle. Is Jonah James being difficult?
Feigning surprise, Dexter looks over at me. Oh, June. Hey. Didnt see you there. Feeling any better? Jonahs been asking about you since you stopped coming around the set, and he was worried when he heard you were sick. For not being an actor, he sounds entirely natural. Maybe some of Jonahs skills have rubbed off on him.
Shrugging, I lean against the counter and turn so Im facing the group of teens. Theyre all suddenly very quiet and pretending not to listen, which fuels my conviction that theyre behind everything. Ive been better, but I hope Ill be on the mend soon. Ive, uh, had some things going on.
You and Jonah both, Dexter says, his eyes on his phone again. Hes starting to get paranoid about the things happening on set, and its messing with his head. I dont think hes had a good nights sleep since he got locked in the prop trailer.
I wince. Yikes. But things always go wrong during filming, right? This is just normal stuff?
Dexters lips twitch, and its a good thing hes not facing the teens because he looks like he might crack. This is beyond normal, he says darkly. People are really starting to get freaked out, and the director has been hinting he might move filming back to Hollywood if another thing goes wrong. He looks around and starts tapping his foot impatiently. Where is that waitress? Jonah needs something to eat before he starts filming at the school in an hour.
I cough to cover a laugh, wishing I could applaud Dexters delivery. Clear and to the point. I like it. Im sure shell be back in just a minute. Im in no rush, so you can order ahead of me. Wouldnt want to keep the high and mighty Jonah James waiting.
Peg does indeed return a moment later, and as Dexter places an order for a Caesar salad, the teenagers filter out of the diner one by one.
Im almost disappointed that every sign is telling me I was right.
Now that were here, Im not so sure this is going to work. I watch the crew put their finishing touches on the set at the high school, though Beckett was only willing to send half the team he would normally use on a scene. Apparently Jonahs persuasive power only went so far to convince the director that my plan would lead to an end of the sabotage. Things are looking a little sparse, and there hasnt been any sign of the kids around the school.
Everything is going to go great, Jonah says, though hes mostly focused on the phone he borrowed from Richie. When I got to the school after setting the trap at the diner, Jonah said he got a script to look over, and I cant decide if its a good thing or a bad thing. Jonahs expression is nothing but a mask, though that could be because of Katie styling his hair. Were trying to make this setup look as authentic as possible, though Katie seems to be enjoying herself a little too much while Dexter stands by and offers commentary from a post he just put on Instagram for Jonah.
This is Jonahs lifereading scripts in between takes. Being swarmed by hair and makeup. Getting constant comments from his assistant about messages and social media. Its illuminating to see this side of him, real scene or not, and I try to picture him in this situation all the time when he goes back to California. Jonah likely wont get the chance to give me his full attention very often, and I will have to be okay with that if I decide I want this thing between us to continue after hes gone.
Now that were almost at the end of all this sabotage nonsense, the future is coming at me faster than Id like.
Jonah glances up at me and smiles before returning to Richies phone. Its brief, but its the kind of smile that warms me inside and out.
Ive never been one to need much attention, but I want it. From him. Am I ready to share him with the rest of the world? Do I have a choice? He has implanted himself in my heart, and Im pretty sure hes there to stay.
Oh, your publicist wants to video chat in the next day or two, Dexter says while typing on his phone, making Jonah look up again. His eyes jump to me for a second before turning back to Dexter. And your agent wants that audition sent to her before the end of next week, but I told her
Hold that thought. Jonah gently waves Katie away, pats Dexter on the head, tucks Richies phone into his pocket, and then hes suddenly right in front of me, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me into his chest. You look worried, he murmurs in my ear. Why? Your plan will work.
I sigh and melt against him, letting him hold up the weight of my worries. How did he notice that when he barely looked at me? And if it doesnt work? I think Beckett really will move filming to Los Angeles if things keep happening.
Thats not the end of the world. Weve gotten a lot of the exterior shots already, and
And you would be in California.
Jonah has helped me feel confident again. Valuable. Desired . Hes brought life to my world that I didnt realize was missing until his goodness illuminated the empty corners. And Im not ready to lose that yet.
His arms pull tighter around me. Yeah, I would.
Suddenly wanting to change the subject, I slip from Jonahs hold and ask, Hows the script you got? Is it something youre interested in?
He frowns, though Im not sure if its because of my question or because Im not at his side anymore. The script is okay. Not my favorite, but He shrugs.
But what?
Ill probably take the gig anyway. I generally dont say no to opportunities.
But it kind of sounds like he wants to. Are you sure?
Why would I say no?
I find myself smiling, suddenly wondering how many of his movies have been projects he disliked. I mean, I know you want to keep yourself relevant, and I get that, but if you dont like the movie, then dont act in it.
His expression shifts into a mixture of surprise and appreciation, and that is a look I could absolutely get used to. How often does he have someone to talk things through with? Or is he out there making career decisions on his own all the time? Its not that hes not capable, but I know all too well how stressful it can be to make choices without having someone to bounce ideas off of. Before Hank and I became friends, I was on my own when I moved here, and it sucked. My parents, supportive as they are, usually just agreed with anything I said.
I wouldnt be surprised if Jonahs team are the same way.
Its up to you, I say when he remains silent, but I think you should do things you want to do.
I talked to my dad last night. Jonah grabs hold of my hand.
I have no idea how that relates to this conversation, but I am all for hearing more about his family. Oh?
He nods and shifts closer, bridging the gap I put between us only moments ago. He got after me for helping pay for stuff on the farm, and he said some things that His eyes jump to the film crew in the room, and something sparks in his eyes. Come over here.
Tugging me with him, he moves to the back of the classroom, near an open supply closet and far from any of the other people bustling about the room. Once were alone, he takes hold of my other hand and breathes in deeply, as if to steady himself. So I talked to my dad, he says again, and for some reason, something he said has stuck with me all day, and you just reaffirmed what he said, which makes me think its something I should pay attention to. What if I dont have to cram my year with projects? What if I found a way to give myself some bigger gaps of free time?
Alright, people! Becketts voice booms through a megaphone, which feels unnecessary given the small space. Someone forgot to bring the props we need for this scene, so lets break for lunch and pick up again in half an hour.
My heart rate kicks up a notch. Hang on, I whisper, is the trap being set right now?
Jonah nods, watching everyone filter out of the room, Beckett included. Richie pauses at the door, his eyes on us, but disappears after a few seconds. Well need to make ourselves scarce too, but Jonah doesnt seem to be in a hurry. Security must have noticed someone coming into the school who shouldnt, he mutters. Looks like the cameras are rolling and ready to go.
We should go.
Wait. Jonahs hands tighten around mine. I might chicken out if I dont get this out now. If I figured out how to take some months off during the year, could I come visit you?
My breath catches in my throat, and I feel like I just ran an ultramarathon. My hearts pounding so hard that I can hear it in my ears, but Ive never been this excited in my life. Visit? I breathe.
He leans in until his nose brushes mine. Date, he amends. I want to come date you, June. Not just for a couple of weeks. And I know I said I didnt want forever, but I feel like He stops, eyes jumping to the ceiling as a scratching sound fills the silent space. Is that?
One of the speckled tiles tilts, slipping from the ceiling, but a hand grasps it and pulls it upward, leaving a gap in the ceiling. A second later, a pair of pristine Nikes appear, followed by two skinny legs that dangle from the hole.
Panicking, I pull Jonah into the closet and grab the door, shutting it as quickly and quietly as I can. Oh my gosh, are they seriously coming in from the ceiling? Wishing I had left the door ajar, I press my ear to the door, trying to hear whats happening outside as the lights of the classroom go dark.
Katie, you go write the message, then watch the door, a young man says, too loudly for someone whos supposed to be sneaking around. I roll my eyes but keep listening. Herman, you and Nick move all the desks so theyre in a circle or something. Ill get the windows.
The sounds of desks and chairs shifting cover up any other conversation that might be happening, but now I know for sure I was right. Katie is Glens daughter, and Im pretty sure Nick is Phils nephew. Disappointment sinks like a rock in my stomach. Im glad to get to the end of this, but I wish the kids wouldnt have gotten themselves into trouble like this. I sort of understand their logicin their eyes, the movie has brought the town nothing but frustrationbut theres no way they could have ever gotten the production crew to leave with this half-formed plan of theirs. And what if someone had gotten hurt?
It only takes a few minutes before the room goes silent again, though I still wait a bit in case they come back. When Im positive the room is empty and the kids have gone, hopefully to be caught by the security guards before they get very far, I grab the door handle.
It doesnt budge.
Uh oh, I mutter, trying a little harder.
June, Jonah says. Hes been quiet up until now.
Maybe its just stuck.
June, please dont tell me were locked in here. Jonahs voice sounds almost strangled, and its only now that I remember hes claustrophobic. June.
We might be locked in, I admit, as much as I dont want to.
Jonah groans. Then he swears. Why do you never charge your phone, Richie? he growls. June, do you have
I left my phone out in the classroom.
He swears again, and it sounds like he collides with one of the shelves, though its too dark to see him. In the next second, hes at my side and banging on the door. Help! he shouts, sounding truly terrified.
Jonah.
Were stuck! Help !
Jonah! Finding his shoulder, I run my hand up until I can press my palm to his cheek. Jonah, everyones going to be gone for at least another fifteen minutes.
He groans, pulling away from my touch and disappearing into the darkness. Fifteen minutes, he says breathlessly. Do you have any idea how long that is?
Youre okay, Jonah.
He swears again, and then theres a bang and it sounds like several books and various objects tumble to the floor. Hes going to hurt himself if hes not careful, but I dont know how to help him. Turning back to the door, I feel along the wall to the right of it, hoping to find a light switch. Theres nothing, so I try the other side, growing more desperate the longer I hear Jonah struggling to breathe. There has to be a light in here, right?
When my search comes up empty, I take a chance and move toward the middle of the tiny space, my hands above my head in the hopes that the school is simply outdated and theres a chain I can pull. My toes collide with something, stopping my forward movement, but I keep waving my hands around untilfinallysomething cold brushes my fingers. I grasp hold and tug, and a dim orange glow washes over the room.
Jonah is sitting on the floor, elbows on his knees and his arms over his head. Notebooks and binders litter the floor around him, but my focus is on him and the way he seems to be fighting for air. If he panicked after getting stuck in the props trailer, I can only imagine how hes feeling right now with only a few feet of space around him.
Hey, I say gently, kneeling in front of him.
He doesnt move.
I tuck my hands behind his elbows and pull his arms from his head so I can at least see a part of his face. Jonah, focus on me, okay? Dont worry about the room. Just look at me.
He peeks up, and though his eyes dart to the door behind me, at least he is in control enough to return his attention to my face. You make that easy, he mutters, his breathing still erratic. But I need to get out of here, June.
I know. And you will. Now that hes looking at me, I grab his ankles next, stretching his long legs out. He barely fits. But until then, maybe I can distract you. Though he doesnt respond to that, he does seem more focused as he watches me shift forward, putting one leg on either side of his so I can settle myself on his lap.
This isnt how I imagined finally getting a moment alone with Jonah James, but Ill take what I can get.
Youre already doing a great job, he murmurs, moving his hands so one rests on my waist and the other brushes my cheek. His lips twitch up in a smile. But I could use something a little morediverting.
Now Im the one whos nervous. I might have shared a couple of quick kisses with this man, but the way hes looking at me right now is not going to lead to anything quick and simple. Am I ready to fully let go of my fears and open my heart to Jonah? Because if I kiss himreally kiss himthat will open a door I wont be able to close. Reaching up, I brush shaky fingers through his hair. He closes his eyes and shifts his hand from my face to join the other at my back, like hes giving me all the power in this moment. Despite his anxiety, hes still willing to let me go at my own pace.
Its that surrender that gives me the courage to close my eyes and press my lips to his.
Jonahs lips are soft. Warm. And though his hands tighten their grip on me, he does nothing else but meet my tentative kiss with his own. It is gentle and beautiful and not nearly enough. June, he whispers against my lips.
Whats your real name? I whisper back.
I feel him smile. Are you sure you want to know? I told you youll be disappointed.
When it comes to you, I dont know if anything can disappoint me.
He kisses me again, then pulls back slightly, his eyes dancing when I look at him. My name is John.
John, I repeat, tangling my fingers in his hair again. Thats not all that different from Jonah.
Maybe not.
John Martinwhat? Im guessing its not James.
He shakes his head, his smile growing. No, its not. If I tell you my last name, will you let me kiss you properly?
That wasnt a proper kiss? I dont need him to answer that question. Every kiss with Jonah has been amazing, but they have been as tame as kisses can get.
He chuckles. If that was all I got with you, I would be happy. But no, it wasnt. His hands slide more around me and pull me closer. I am so ready to really kiss you, June Harper.
I bite my lip. First tell me your full name.
John. He brushes a kiss against the corner of my mouth. Martin. Kisses the other corner. Smith .
My gasp is swallowed up as he captures my mouth with his, not with a sweet, simple kiss but with the kind of kiss that leaves me breathless. His hands jump to my head, pulling me in as his mouth moves against mine, over and over again in the most delicious way. But I can tell hes holding back, and I am not going to walk out of this closet regretting what could be my best chance to fully kiss Jonah James. John .
Mr. Smith, I say with a little laugh, then claim his mouth for my own, tucking my arms around his neck and taking command. Jonah responds eagerly, matching everything I do with leashed enthusiasm, letting me decide each step in a way no one has ever done before. The level of respect and adoration is enough to completely silence my thoughts and worries.
But Im ready to set him free.
Kiss me, I whisper.
With a breathless laugh, Jonah does as I ask, tugging me closer and kissing me deeper until I really cant think straight. His hands are on my waist, in my hair, running down my back, while I explore his chest, his shoulders, anywhere I can touch. He kisses as confidently as he does everything else, and I will never get enough.
Jonah?
I gasp and break away from Jonah at the sound of Richies voice, though Im surprised I heard it. The closet door is still closed, but light spills from underneath.
Jonah! Richie calls again, sounding frantic now.
I move to get up, but Jonahs arms tighten around me, and he gives me a warning look. What happened to wanting to get out of here? I ask with a chuckle.
He shakes his head, a flash of fear warring with the desire in his eyes. Not yet.
I think he knows as well as I do that as soon as we get rescued, it could be a long time before were ever alone again. Surely this cant be the only chance we get, can it? A lifetime of always having Richie or Dexter or a stranger right there to keep us apart? It would be hard enough for me to be in the tabloids like Hank, but can Jonah really live in the spotlight for the rest of his life? I dont think he minds that part, and it comes with his job, so Reality is never going to change, even if he does cut back on projects. Choosing to be with him means choosing to sacrifice the quiet life Ive built for myself.
Jonah buries his hand in my hair, pulling my head down until my forehead rests against his. We can figure this out, he says, as if he read all my worries on my face. It might not be easy, but we can make it work.
How? I whisper, curling myself up against him and burying my face in his neck. JonahJohnwhat do I even call you now?
Though a commotion starts up outside, probably the production team realizing no one can find Jonah, Jonah tucks his arms around me in the most protective hold Ive ever felt. Honestly, I prefer Jonah. Its been my name almost as long as John was. And its the name that brought me to you.
Okay, I love that. But I still need to know how were going to go forward. Jonah. As much as I want to say Id be fine, I dont think I can live in Los Angeles.
I know.
And you cant live in Laketown.
He hums and runs his hand up and down my back in a soothing motion. Not all the time, he agrees. And I would hate it every time I had to leave. But I would keep coming back, June.
Thats crazy. You cant spend your life in two different places, always on the move.
For some reason, that makes him laugh, and he presses a kiss to my forehead. The sounds in the classroom have grown quiet, and Im going to guess everyone is out looking for us now. Thats already how I live my life, June. And for you, I would do whatever it takes to make it work. You have grounded me in a way nothing ever has, and suddenly I dont feel like Im drifting aimlessly and reaching for something I cant even see. I feel like I have aa reason , you know? You have no idea how important that makes you.
Goodness, this man knows his way around words. Sniffling, I press a hand to his chest, feeling the way his heart beats so steadily when mine feels erratic and uncertain. Jonah has always been a confident man, but I cant fathom how hes so confident about us.
Look, Jonah says, his hand at my back growing still. It wont be easy. For either of us. Youve had it rough, and Im nowhere near perfect. I will never do what your ex did to you, but Im bound to be an idiot now and then.
I let out a little laugh. That I believe.
But Im not looking for something temporary.
My breath hitches.
And Im not afraid of hard work.
I lift my head to look him in the eyes.
His expression is full of determination. June, well take this thing one day at a time, but Im in this for the long haul. As long as youll have me.
Theres so much I dont know how to navigatethe distance, his fame, my realization that Im not as tied to Laketown as I thoughtbut right now, I want to follow Jonahs lead and take things one step at a time.
Okay, I whisper, brushing my fingers through his hair. Lets see where this goes.
Jonahs face lights up in the most beautiful way, so much brighter than the pitiful bulb above us. Hes always been a happy guy, but this is next level. June Harper, he says before pressing his lips to mine.
Who needs to get out of this closet? Not me.
The strangest sound pulls us apart again, and while Jonah groans in frustration, I turn to look at the door, as if I might be able to see what in the world made that noise on the other side.
There it is again, I whisper as a yowl comes through the door. A second later, a fuzzy orange paw pokes through the crack at the bottom, and my jaw drops. No way.
Is that Samson? Jonah asks, peering around my shoulder. In the high school ?
Samson yowls again, his paw wiggling around like hes trying to figure out how to get the door open.
How? I ask and climb off of Jonahs lap so I can inch closer to the door. Hey, kitty kitty. What are you doing here? His yowling changes to the softest, sweetest, meow Ive ever heard, like hes suddenly a different cat. Though Im likely to get stabbed by his massive claws, I reach out and touch a finger to the pink pad on his foot.
His claws retreat at the same time his toes curl around my finger.
I gasp at the feel of his fur, so much softer than I would have expected from a stray cat. This is the first time hes ever let me touch him, and while its likely because he doesnt realize its me, I still feel like the universe has made a shift in my favor.
I only get to hold his paw for a few seconds before his arm disappears, but then the handle to the closet jiggles. My eyebrows shoot high as I stand. Is that the cat trying to open
Hey! Jonah says, scrambling forward until hes at my side. Were trapped in here!
Jonah? Richies voice is filled with relief. Right. Of course it wasnt Samson trying to open the door. The door is locked.
The key might be in the teachers desk, I say, hoping Im not giving Jonah false hope by saying something that isnt true.
Except, now that hes next to me, Jonah doesnt seem all that concerned about getting the door open. His eyes are fixed on me, dark and burning, and he snakes his arm around my waist to pull me flush against his body.
This could be your last chance to kiss me without an audience for a while, I murmur, gripping his strong biceps.
Not if I have anything to say about it. He twists us around so Im pressed against the door, and then he kisses me with renewed vigor, his exploration thorough and filled with heat.
The door opens behind me. I stumble and fall, Jonah coming with me, and land on my back with an oof as his weight settles over me.
Jonah?
Jonah lifts his head and playfully scowls at his bodyguard. Richie, we seriously need to work on your timing. You couldnt have waited thirty more seconds?
Five more minutes? I breathlessly counter.
Laughing, Jonah gets to his feet and helps me up. As soon as Im on my feet, he pulls me into his arms and holds on tight. I promise, he whispers into my ear. Well get time.
Time together, time alone, time in the future. I want it all.
Something brushes against my leg, and I look down in surprise. Sure enough, Samson is rubbing himself against me like its the most normal thing in the world.
Looks like someone finally came to his senses, Jonah murmurs.
Is the cat part of the prank? Beckett asks.
Thats when I realize just how many people are in the room, though Im guessing there are still a few out looking for us in the school. Most of the crew looks unsure about what they should be doing, which means theyre all just staring at Jonah and me.
What in the world? Jonah says, his eyes flitting about the room.
As I look around, I fully understand his confusion. The kids idea of a high school haunting was arranging the desks so they all face the camera at the back of the room. Someone wrote LEAVE in capital letters on the chalkboard, the lines harsh and messy, and the windows are all open to let in a breeze. And one of the overhead lights is flickering more than before, but not in a creepy way. Just an annoying little blip every couple of seconds.
That last bit probably isnt part of the prank at all.
Did we catch them? Jonah asks, mainly to Beckett.
The director sighs and folds his arms. Got them on their way out a back door, and were sending the footage to the mayor as proof. All four of the kids had clear shots of their faces within the first thirty seconds. I thought this whole idea was stupid, but apparently the kids were stupider.
I think in this case they were desperate, I say and turn to Jonah. Hopefully this means the rest of the movie will go without a hitch.
Theres no such thing, he replies, kissing my cheek. But I think things will be smoother.
Lets get this set fixed now that our leading man is no longer missing, Beckett says, waving to the crew. As they start rearranging the desks again, he shifts closer to us and drops his voice as he speaks to Jonah. Then everyones getting a few days off. Bonnie wont be back until Tuesday anyway, and I need to spend some time in civilization. Im going to turn off my phone, drive to Sun City, find a real restaurant, and then take the worlds longest nap.
That sounds like a great idea, Jonah says. You could use a break after all this. But then his eyes shift to me, his expression turning heated. I think we could all use a few days of alone time.
Yes please . I slip my hand into his and take a deep breath, letting the last of my worries melt away as I exhale. I dont know what my life is going to look like after the next few days, but I dont really care. Right now, all I care about is enjoying my time with Jonah James while Ive got it.