Page 6 of PR Stunt

I smile, running my thumb over the ink.

No matter how many of these I get, it never stops feeling surreal, knowing that something I worked on could mean this much to someone else.

I carefully set the letter aside, already planning to keep it. Reaching for the next envelope, I tear it open. The paper inside is smooth, almost too pristine compared to the others. No smudges, no creases, like whoever sent it took extra care. My gaze scans the letter.

Charlie,

I’ve seen every version of you. The polished smile, the laughter, the moments in between when you think no one’s looking. But I see you. The real you.

There’s no signature. No return address. I flip the envelope over, but it’s blank aside from my name, neatly printed.

Okay then.

Fans get poetic sometimes. Nostalgic, even. I let out a dry chuckle. Maybe they can figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do about my apparently doomed love life.

I spend the rest of the day unpacking from Toronto, taking a slow stroll on the beach. I even make a to-do list for my “day off” and actually finish it. Typical. I rearrange my bookshelf in alphabetical order, organize my spice drawer, scroll aimlessly through Pinterest. I even consider baking, which should’ve been my first clue that I was spiraling. Still, I’m restless. Ugh. I hate to admit when she’s right.

Anna picks up on the first ring. “If you’re about to tell me you’re actually enjoying a day off, I’ll faint.”

“I take it back. I’ll take an opportunity. Any opportunity.”

Anna hums knowingly. “I thought so.”

“As long as it involves spicy margaritas and flip-flops,” I add.

She laughs. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Chapter 4

By the time Luca arrives, I’m already seated at the vanity in my en suite bathroom, a silk robe tied loosely at my waist and under-eye patches cooling beneath my lashes.

“We’ll keep the focus on the eyes,” Luca murmurs, already reaching for another brush.

I nod, meeting his gaze in the mirror. “Love that. You always kill it.”

I catch his reflection as he leans in. Dark liner sharpens his almond-shaped brown eyes, making them even more striking beneath thick brows and dark espresso hair swept back from his face. A strip of black ink disappears beneath the cuff of his sleeve as he blends warm brown shadow into my crease, his sharp jaw catching the vanity light. Across the room, Sienna runs a steamer down the length of my gown, eyes narrowed in concentration. A few copper strands have escaped her bun, but she doesn’t seem to notice.

“Okay, fundraiser rundown,” Hailey says, stepping into the room with her phone in hand, blonde hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, blue eyes fixed on the screen.

“Silver Lining Foundation. You’re at the studio’s table. Daniel Wexler will be there, and Anna wants you visible. The studio’s backing this project hard, so be charming, be engaged, and”—she glances up—“maybe don’t vanish after dinner?”

“That happened once,” I say carefully, keeping still as Luca blends. “And I left after dessert. I had lines to memorize and a six-a.m. call time.”

Hailey glances at her phone again. “Car is confirmed for us. Anna will meet you at the entrance. Oh, and the press lineup is short tonight. Just a couple of shots outside and then straight inside.”

I lean back in my chair, eyes flicking to my dress, to Hailey, to the team working around me, each person playing a role in making tonight seamless.

Once hair and makeup are done, the room clears so I can change. In my walk-in closet, I eye my reflection. Dressing up is one of my favorite parts of the job. The gown drapes like liquid midnight, sleek and sculpted, hugging my frame before dipping into a low, open back. I lift my hand to adjust an earring, the cool pearls brushing my skin as I move. My hair is pinned up in a deliberately undone twist, loose pieces falling around my face, all soft volume and borrowed nineties glamor. Luca kept the makeup soft but intentional, a subtle wing lifting the shape of my eyes while gloss catches the fuller curve of my bottom lip.

Hailey snaps a couple of pictures and then joins me in the black suv waiting outside my house. My phone dings.

Junebug

Send me a pic of your fit! So bummed I couldn’t make it tonight, but I’ll see you tmr for book clurrrbbb.

Smiling, I send her a couple of the pictures Hailey took before we left.

Junebug