Page 78 of Let’s Make a Scene

“Tell them about the book!” Hannah sings now from her seat on the couch, her feet tucked up under her.

“He was reading Persuasion.” If it weren’t for Liam’s and Patty’s ministrations, I would put my head in my hands.

“That’s hot,” Patty says wisely. “Men reading Austen is always hot, but Persuasion? That’s the hottest one.”

I don’t know why this is right, but it absolutely is.

“But nothing’s happened?” Liam asks, his tone skeptical.

“Nope.” I pop the p sound. “He did offer me a truce. He said we should be… friends.”

“Huh.” Patty frowns.

“Well, that’s nice, right?” Liam asks.

“I guess,” I reply. “I never really thought there was any possibility of Jack Turner-Jones being my friend, but… maybe?” I can’t keep the doubt from my voice. “He does seem different.”

“Yes!” Patty agrees, fussing with her curling tongs. “I was saying to Arjun that he seems so much happier.”

Liam nods wisely. “His aura has totally changed. I could see it right away. He’s let go of a lot of darkness.”

I nibble on my lip. “Whatever it is, at least we might be on the same team this time. I guess it takes some of the pressure off filming.”

I watch Liam and Patty exchange a look in the mirror.

“How are you feeling about starting work on the film?” Patty asks carefully.

My eyes drop to my lap where my fingers twist a ring on my index finger. “You know… a bit nervous. I’m sure it will be fine.”

There’s an unspoken tension in the room and I know exactly why. The last film I made was with Shawn, and it left me raw and anxious—the part was demanding and so was he, even without factoring in our fraught relationship. I wasn’t in a good place by the end. Honestly, the idea of being on a film set again makes my stomach clench.

My friends are the ones who had to pick up the pieces after everything that happened, so it’s no surprise they’re worried too.

“It will be great,” Patty says staunchly. “Just think, all the gang together back at Darlcot. It’s been ages since me and Arjun got to work together, and we’re bringing Priya to see where Mummy and Daddy fell in love.” She bats her lashes.

“You mean where Mummy and Daddy got drunk and made out in every shadowy corner?” I laugh, pleased to be distracted.

“Potato, po-tah-to.” Patty grins.

“What about the documentary?” Hannah asks. “Did you say you’re meeting the crew tonight?”

“Mmmm,” I agree. “The director, Brooke, wants to get some B-roll of me and Jack being a couple, I suppose.”

“Speaking of which,” Hannah says gleefully, “tell them about the shirtless workout.”

“Excuse me, what?” Patty looks like she’s about to burst.

“Please.” Liam’s eyes are wide. “Spare no detail.”

I groan.

“It was all Petra’s fault,” I say after I fill them in. “I could have killed her.”

“Shirtless Jack.” Patty has a distant look in her eyes. “Is it as good in real life as it is on TV?”

“Better,” I admit, remembering how distracted I’d been trying hard not to stare at the sweaty, rippling muscles, the six-pack, the broad shoulders.

There’s a moment of reverential silence.