Page 21 of PR Stunt

With a final laugh, I zip my bag closed and lean forward slightly.

“So yeah, my bag is chaos, but it’s functional chaos.” I glance at the camera. “Let me know in the comments what the most random thing in your bag is so I don’t feel alone.”

The set breaks into applause as the director gives a quick thumbs-up from behind the monitor.

My team makes their way over, all grinning.

“That was great,” Hailey says first, tucking her phone into her pocket.

“Yeah,” I say with a small smile. “That was fun. I’m glad it went well.”

“You nailed it,” Sienna reassures me, adjusting the collar of my jacket like she can’t help herself.

I smile, relieved as the first a.d. steps forward. “Charlie, we’re just gonna grab a few B-roll shots of the bag for cutaways, and then you’re good to go.”

“Sounds good. Thank you for having me!”

As I walk back toward wardrobe, Hailey calls out, “I’ll grab your bag once they’re done getting the shots.”

Luca and Sienna start packing up their things in our room while chatting.

Sienna glances at me, faux casual. “Charlie, we need to finalize what you’re wearing for the gala…and maybe coordinate with a certain tall, charming, jaw-dropping, very talented actor?”

I give her a pointed look. “Ah, yes. I was wondering when one of you would bring it up.”

Luca slides his makeup kit into his bag. “I would happily trade spots with you. He is gorgeous. He’s got that whole, like, bad boy biker thing going for him, you know? Looks like he murmurs dirty things in your ear energy.”

I scoff, shaking my head. “You all need hobbies.”

The secret was safe. My team had signed enough ndas over the years to rival a small law firm. That didn’t stop them from enjoying every second of this.

“Oh, trust me… This is our hobby now,” Sienna teases me.

Luca sighs dramatically. “Just imagine the possibilities! You two, draped in coordinating couture at the gala, looking like an absolute power couple.”

“It’s a pr stunt, not a fairy tale,” I say.

But as I say it, something twists in my stomach because I know that’s exactly how the world is going to see it. Hailey taps on the door and steps in before I can dwell on it further. “Just had a sneak peek with the videographer. The shots look incredible. Anna is going to be thrilled.” She pauses, glancing between us. “What are you guys talking about?”

“Char Char’s new boyfriend,” Luca singsongs, drawing it out in the most theatrical way possible.

I groan, pressing a hand to my forehead. “I can’t with you guys right now.”

“Well, the internet is already obsessed. Grayson just got papped leaving his gym, and guess what the headline is?” Hailey adds in.

She flips the screen toward me.

Grayson Cole’s Post-Workout Look Has Us Wondering If He’s Thinking About Charlie Grace

Sienna bursts out laughing. “Oh, this is fantastic.”

I rub my temples. “I need a drink.” No, literally. I pull out my phone and shoot Juno a text.

Me

Hi! Just wrapped on set.You down for a drink?

She responds almost instantly.