Chapter 45
JOSIE
I hear the telltale sounds of the elevator doors opening, and my heart stops.
It’ll be Victor.
I don’t know how to act around him, especially after that kiss we shared in front of the paparazzi. It was real in the terms that our lips touched, and that we actually kissed, but then I also know it was simply a ruse to get our photos out there. All fake, just like our relationship, and it’s now really playing on my mind.
I know I should just accept it all as a delusion and keep going about with my life in Italy. This is what I signed up for, after all. But I guess I just never thought that all of this would play havoc with both my mind and my heart.
I step out of the bedroom, and there he is.
Victor... looking every inch the movie star.
But I’m not focusing on his physical appearance, I’m instead looking at what he’s holding.
Flowers. A big, beautiful bouquet. And a box of chocolates wrapped up in a silver bow.
Are they for me?
“Josie,” he starts as I slowly make my way across the suite toward him. “I wanted to get you something. I want to show how I appreciate you doing all this with me, and I want to make sure that you’re okay.”
“You got all these?” I ask him. “For me?”
“Here.”
He hands me the flowers. I take them and sniff.
They smell so nice.
They smell of home.
“Thank you, Victor,” I whisper. “Thank you.”
“I just wanted to do something spontaneous,” he says in a near whisper.
He smiles, and I detect a slight blush on his cheeks.
Oh, he’s nervous.
It’s cute that he’s awkward - the big Victor Penmayne being awkward around some small town barista...
“Is this the first time you’ve bought flowers for a girl?” I ask him cheekily.
The actor gently nods.
“Yes.”
“That’s sweet,” I reply. “I’m going to get a vase. I’m going to put them here on the main table so that every day I’m reminded of you and your effort.”
“I’m just happy you’re here with me,” Victor replies. “You are good company to have around.”
Wow. He does seem so awkward. And adorable.
I laugh at his uncharacteristic stiltedness and his sincerity.
“You’re good company too, Victor,” I say. “How about we get out of this hotel and go for a walk? Get some gelato together?”
Victor smiles, and it’s like his awkwardness has evaporated and he’s back to being cocky, vain, insincere Victor.
“I’d very much like that, Josie.”
But there’s still that change in him.
Something’s different between us. I can tell.
I don’t know if it’s good or bad.