11. Jess #4
His tone was so grateful, I ducked my head a little in embarrassment. If I continued to listen to him, I might melt into a puddle again. “It was just something out of instinct. I mean, it was an easy decision. It’s not often I find someone who’s as big a Tyrant fan as I am,” I joked.
He didn’t laugh, but the smile remained on his face. “You can’t fool me. She hugged you. She never hugs anyone anymore. You did something very special.”
“She’s really special. She’s been a part of my community for a few years. She’s not a total stranger. We’ve chatted online about books together,” I replied.
“You don’t think this entire thing between us was some elaborate set up, do you?” He joked.
I chuckled. “I doubt it, but I wouldn’t put it past her.”
His expression shifted into something more serious. “Thank you. For that and for coming today.”
There was a long pause as we stood on opposite sides of the dressing room.
I realized we were both hesitant to take a step closer.
Mustering a little courage, I decided to break the line drawn between us.
I went over to pick up the stack of books and the marker that Faye left for me.
As much as I wanted to respond to him, I awkwardly changed the subject.
“Did you know that Faye figured out the connection between me and my grandmother?”
Danny took a moment before he took a seat at the dressing room table and began taking off his stage makeup.
While his back was to me, his eyes stayed on me through the reflection of the mirror.
“No, but it doesn’t surprise me. She’s always been smart.
Much smarter than when Paige and I were her age. ”
I scribbled out a message to Faye in the first book and then fanned it a bit to make sure the ink dried.
“Can I see what you wrote?” he asked. I smiled and slipped the open cover next to him.
He picked up the book and to my delight and horror he read it aloud.
“To: Faye, my favorite person that I just met, though we’ve known each other forever.”
He cocked an eyebrow at me.
“Online relationships can sometimes be hell on the English language and verb tenses,” I explained.
“I expected better from someone who edits books for a living.” He said with a little smile.
I tried to glare at him, but I couldn’t hold it together with the laugh that slipped out. “Shut up, or I’ll throw this pen at your head.”
He laughed at me and continued reading. “Your sharp mind and unstoppable persistence are qualities that will take you far. Further than you might even dream right now. My grandmother would have been proud to know someone like you reads and loves her books. And just so you know, I’ll always be your biggest fan. Love, Jess.”
I sat and listened to him speak. They were my words, but something in his natural voice made them warm and comforting. I glanced up to see him watching my reflection in the mirror. “Did I lose you?”
I shook my head, a slow smile coming over me remembering Stella’s words. The jolt was gone now. Now it was the slight feeling of euphoria that still buzzed in my head. “Just listening.” I went back to signing the other volumes.
He gave me a sly smile. “Would you prefer my other voice?” he teased.
“No. I’m pretty sure I prefer your voice now, Danny,” I said, my tone leaving no doubt as to what I was suggesting.
I saw his smirk in the mirror. “So, I’m Danny now?” he asked.
I deliberately ignored his question. “Do you know when your trailer is going to drop?” I asked instead.
“7:00 a.m. tomorrow,” he said, still watching me through the mirror. “Would you like to join us in the suite to watch the official version? Or do you still need to be impartial?”
“I think we all know the trailer is going to be special,” I said, finishing my last signature. “You probably won’t need my endorsement after it is released. I think the world will know you deserve that part. Lord knows Bennet does.”
Danny let out a bark of laughter. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
I got up, walking over to where he sat and gave him a soft kiss against his cheek. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. See you tomorrow, Danny.”
He looked into my eyes. For a moment, I thought he might turn around and kiss me back. Instead, he took a breath, staying in his seat. “See you tomorrow, Jess.”
It was his own voice that said those words, but it hit me harder than anything he ever said when he was Tyrst’an.
I don’t even remember what else I said or walking out of his dressing room. I found myself on the soundstage of As The Minutes Tick By. The delightful buzz in my head persisted. It felt like I was walking on air.
One statement kept running through my mind over and over again.
Some girl he’s falling in love with.
He wasn’t the only one falling.
I pulled out my phone and hit record.
“Hey there Tyrant fans, it’s your self-proclaimed Queen of the Valley, Jess Richards!
I’m standing on the set of As The Minutes Tick By, and I’m telling you, some absolute magic happened here tonight.
I can’t say anything else right now, but you need to be watching your social media tomorrow at 7:00 AM Pacific.
Why? Well, let’s just say you’re going to get the Tyrant series you deserve. ”
I left the studio, my smile so bright it could light up the night.