Page 90 of Next Time We'll Fall

“Because August isn’t looking for a woman who’s seeking fame. He can’t trust a woman on social media. They’ll say and do anything for a couple of bucks. He needs someone like Juniper, someone who’s trustworthy, someone who will keep all his secrets.”

“All what secrets?”

“Well, I would be no good if I told you,” she says. “Look, what about twenty-five grand an episode?”

“No, of course not.”

“Thirty?”

“I’m not interested. And I think if Juniper knew what you were talking about, she wouldn’t be interested either.”

She frowns. “Fuck you small-town guys. Always got principles.”

“Juniper has principles as well.”

“And you’re going to fucking ruin this for me, aren’t you?” She lets out a deep sigh and looks back over her shoulder. “You do realize this could be the beginning of an amazing career for Juniper.”

“You just need to back off.”

“Excuse me? If you care for her like you say you do, let her have this.”

“What if she doesn’t want it?” I say.

“You don’t know if she wants it or not.” She stares back at me.

“Let’s ask her then.”

“Wait, what?”

“Juniper!” I shout out. She doesn’t hear me, so I take a couple of steps forward.

“You can’t go on the set, Rafe!” she calls after me angry and worried.

“Juniper!” I shout louder this time, and she looks over at me. “Hey, come here.”

She looks at me in surprise, but she hurries over.

“Hi,” she says softly.

I take in her pretty face and smile, and my heart warms. “Hey. How’s it going?”

“Good. What are you doing here, Rafe? We’re just about to start shooting.”

“I know, but …” I look over at Jackie, and she’s glaring at me. “I don’t know if you know this, but they’ve already decided you’re going to be the winner.”

“What?” She blinks at me. “What do you mean?”

“They’ve already decided you’re going to be the winner and that you’re going to get married to August here, and they want me to play some sort of jealous ex.”

“No, you can be the jealous boyfriend,” Jackie says. “Or you can be the jealous ex-fiancé. It’s up to you.”

“I’m not going to be a jealous anything,” I say, shouting. “This is not going to happen, Juniper.” I look at her. “This is getting out of control. This isn’t what you want, is it?”

I stare at her, and her eyes widen.

Next thing I know, August is hurrying over to us.

“Hey,” he says. “How are you? I’m August Pitt.”