Chapter 3
Marissa
Bryce and I go way back, back to the time when we were just kids with dreams as big as the summer sky.
I'll never forget the day I stumbled upon Bryce Alston sitting alone on a secluded bench nestled in the heart of a hidden garden. I had heard whispers about him from my best friend Cindy, his sister, and the local townsfolk—a rebellious, grumpy teen who always seemed to find trouble. But something about the way he sat there, his shoulders hunched and his gaze distant, made me pause.
The hidden garden was my favorite spot to escape the pressures of high school life, and apparently, Bryce had found solace there, too.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should approach him. Cindy had always warned me about her brother's prickly demeanor, but curiosity got the better of me.
As I drew closer, Bryce's head snapped up, his piercing eyes locking with mine. "What do you want?" he grumbled, his voice a low rumble.
I gave him a small smile, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. My heart raced as I looked into his eyes. In the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, his chiseled features looked like they belonged on a magazine cover: high cheekbones, full lips, and a sharp jawline covered in dark stubble.
No wonder all the girls at school sighed dreamily whenever he walked by.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. It's just ... I come here often to read and think. I'm Marissa, by the way. Cindy's friend."
Recognition flickered in his eyes, followed by a flash of annoyance. "So, you're Cindy's friend, huh? Figured she'd send someone to check up on me. Just perfect."
But I refused to be deterred by his gruff attitude. I had a feeling that, underneath, there was a kindred spirit longing for connection.
So, I sat down on the nearby bench, pulling out my worn copy of "To Kill a Mockingbird."
To my surprise, Bryce remained where he was, his gaze fixed on me, brows furrowed. He studied me intently, as if trying to figure out what I was doing there.
And so began our unlikely friendship.
Still a bit shaken from our sudden meeting at the elevator, I'm engrossed in my routine tasks when a message from my boss, Amanda, jolts me. "Marissa, can you come to my office?" it reads.
Releasing a soft sigh, I steer through the familiar maze of cubicles to Amanda's office, my mind racing with a thousand possibilities of what she might want. Is it a spontaneous brainstorming session? Praise for my latest project? Or worse, maybe she's finally noticed my habit of sneaking out early on Fridays and wants to call me out on it in front of the entire team.
When I step in, she looks up from her desk with a smile that doesn't entirely reach her eyes. "Marissa, have a seat. I've got something important to discuss with you."
My stomach churns with a blend of excitement and trepidation. Don't know why I'm on edge, but it feels like what I'm about to hear is something big.
"Sure, Amanda. What's up?"
Amanda leans back, her expression unreadable for a moment, before she gets straight to the point. "We've got a unique project coming up, and I've decided to assign you a special role."
My eyebrows arch in curiosity. "Special role? What's the project?"
She smirks, "Ever heard of Bryce Alston?"
The mention of his name sends a jolt through me, and my eyes widen. I shift to the edge of my seat, my hands turning slick with sweat. What has Bryce got to do with this?
"The actor? Yeah, of course."
Amanda nods. "Well, Marissa, you're going to be Bryce Alston's assistant for the duration of his new film project. Congratulations!"
For a moment, I sit frozen, my mind a whirlpool of confusion. Seriously, did that just happen? It's like a scene from one of those cheesy romance novels, except it's playing out in real life. Bryce Alston, the same guy who turned me down back in high school, and now I'm going to be his assistant?
"Wait, what?" I manage to stammer, trying to process the news.
"I know, right? It's an enormous opportunity for you. Bryce is filming in our city, and I believe you're the perfect person for the job."
"Why me? There are other assistants who have more experience and would probably kill for this chance."
Amanda leans forward, her tone serious. "Marissa, you have a unique perspective on things, and your organizational skills are top-notch. Plus, Bryce specifically asked for you."
A nervous chuckle escapes my lips.
"Bryce Alston requested me? Are you sure you're not pranking me right now?"
With how frigid he acted when we ran into each other earlier, it's hard to believe he asked for me. And if he did, why didn't he tell me? I guess Bryce will always be Bryce.
Amanda rolls her eyes. "I'm not that creative. This is a real opportunity. Now, I need you to handle this professionally. Nothing should interfere with your work, okay?"
I nod, though my mind is still reeling. "Yeah, of course. Professionalism all the way."
She hands me a folder with details about the project, including a schedule that makes my head spin.
"Bryce is a big star, Marissa. You've got to be on top of things. This is a chance to show your skills and maybe even climb the career ladder."
I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves. This is not a big responsibility at all.
"I'll do my best, Amanda. Thanks for trusting me with this."
I square my shoulders and stride out of Amanda's office. The folder feels like it weighs a ton in my hands. I can't help but wonder if Bryce even remembers how he turned me down that day or if it was just another insignificant moment in his life.
But I can't bring myself to harbor any resentment towards him, even though the days that followed were filled with a dull ache. Bryce had every right to do so, and I respect him, even if it stung at the time.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I'm determined to keep things professional.
***
The sun is high in the sky as I join Cindy and Maeve at our favorite lunch spot, a quaint café that serves the best avocado toast in town. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the lively chatter of patrons fill the air. It's the perfect setting for our midday escape from work.
"Hey, ladies! Sorry, I'm late," I greet them with a quick hug.
Cindy waves it off. "No worries, Marissa. We just got here. Grab a seat."
Settling into the chair, I order a sandwich and waste no time devouring it when it arrives.
"So, Cindy, why didn't you tell me your brother was back in town?" I say, taking a bite of my sandwich.
Cindy shrugs, sipping on her latte. "Eh, didn't think it was a big deal. Besides, I found out on social media myself."
It's not news that Bryce shut everyone out when he left.
"Not a big deal? Bryce Alston, the famous movie star, is back in the city."
Cindy rolls her eyes. "He's just my annoying big brother, Marissa. What's the big deal?"
Maeve interjects with a teasing tone, "The big deal is that your annoying big brother happens to be everyone's celebrity crush."
Cindy scoffs, "Celebrity crush? You've got to be kidding me. He's grumpy, rebellious, and an absolute troublemaker. I don't get why women go crazy over him."
My heart does a little dance in my chest as I try to keep a straight face. "Maybe they find the rebel charm irresistible?"
Cindy shoots me a look. "Oh, please. I've known him since forever. There's nothing charming about his rebellious antics. He's just a pain."
Maeve chuckles. "But pain or not, he's still a handsome hunk. I mean, have you seen his movies? That jawline alone is enough to make anyone swoon."
Cindy scoffs again, "Jawline, schmawline. He's just my grumpy brother who thinks rules are made to be broken."
Maeve raises an eyebrow. "You make him sound like a delinquent. I thought he was just a famous actor who's got a way with the ladies."
"Oh, he's both. Trust me, the trouble he caused growing up—it's a miracle my parents haven't gone completely gray."
No one, not even Cindy, knows about our secret friendship, but keeping my mouth shut becomes an arduous task when Cindy doesn’t stop saying mean things about Bryce. I get that he's raucous, but he's also sweet. I know that first-hand. I can't help but interject.
"Come on, Cindy. Bryce isn't that bad. He's got a certain ... charisma."
She shoots me a quizzical look. "Charisma? Seriously, Marissa? You sound like one of those fans. What's gotten into you?"
I shrug, attempting indifference. "I'm just saying people see different sides of him. He's not just a troublemaker. Maybe you're just seeing the big brother side of him."
Cindy scoffs, "Big brother side? More like the grumpy, annoying side. Trust me, you're not missing out on anything."
I glance at Maeve, who's trying hard not to burst into laughter. "Well, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one."
As Cindy continues listing all the reasons why her brother is far from a heartthrob, I keep defending him. I cannot just sit and listen when my heart secretly disagrees with every complaint she voices.
Bryce's chiseled jawline, smoldering gaze, and devastatingly charming smile are the stuff of every woman's fantasies. But it's the way his eyes light up when he talks about his dreams, the fierce determination that radiates from him, that made me drawn to him.
"Actually, our company is handling Bryce’s new film, and I kind of work as his assistant now," I announce, and Cindy and Maeve share a look before Cindy turns to me.
"Sweetie, working with Bryce is like dancing with the devil. He's charming and alluring, but he's also unpredictable and dangerous. You never know when he might lead you down a path you'll regret."
"Isn't that a bit harsh? It's not like he's the devil incarnate, Cindy. He's your brother, not some evil villain."
"I know, I know. But Bryce has a way of getting under people's skin, and not always in a good way. I just don't want to see you get hurt, Marissa. Promise me you'll be careful and take care of yourself?"
"I will."
The conversation drifts to other topics, and I take mental notes not to let on that my connection with Bryce goes beyond mere acquaintances.
I better be careful if I don't want to reveal my not-so-secret admiration.
The rest of the day goes by in a flash, and after a really long day at work, I drive back to my apartment. Fumbling for the keys to my door, my mind still buzzes with the exchange over lunch.
The sound of footsteps drowns out the familiar jingle of keys in my hand. I glance up, perhaps expecting another neighbor, but my breath catches in my throat when I see Bryce appear from around the corner.
What on earth is he doing here?
Someone must be playing some elaborate game of matchmaking. Or maybe it's just Murphy's Law in action—anything that can happen, will happen, especially when it involves a crush showing up unannounced.
As if on cue, he spots me and gives a casual wave. "Hey, Marissa."
I blink, convinced that my eyes are playing tricks on me. "Bryce? What are you doing here?"
He strolls over, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "Well, funny story. I'm your new neighbor."
His charming grin, the one that never fails to make my pulse race, sends an electric current racing through my body.
My jaw drops, and I'm left staring at him like he just announced he's a Martian. "You're ... what?"