Page 71 of PR Stunt

I sip my coffee, mulling it over. A best-selling adaptation. A new direction. I can already feel the excitement thrumming under my skin.

She leans back in her chair, pleased. “Your next few months are shaping up to be very good.”

I missed this. The feeling of work falling into place. The thrill of a career move that isn’t orchestrated by pr teams and crafted headlines. I sigh, sinking a little deeper into my chair, just starting to relax.

“Speaking of big events…”

I groan before she even finishes, already knowing where this is going. “Anna. I was just starting to forgive you.”

“You and Grayson will get ready at the hotel—separate rooms, of course. The shuttle will take you to the City of Angels Gala together.”

Then I grumble, barely loud enough to hear, “Why can’t he meet me there?”

Anna’s brows shoot up. “What was that?”

I clear my throat, louder this time. “He meets me there.”

Anna deadpans, “No, he does not.”

I groan again, letting my head fall back against my chair. “We don’t need to arrive together, Anna. We could just, oh, I don’t know…walk in separately like normal human beings.”

The suggestion is ridiculous and we both know it.

Anna folds her arms, unamused. “You’re not normal human beings. You’re Hollywood’s current it couple.”

“That’s dramatic.”

“Dramatic sells,” she states, flipping a page in her notebook. “You two pulling up together, stepping out of the car, all glammed up, looking like a vision? It’s the money shot, Charlie.”

I grumble something unintelligible into my coffee.

Anna pretends not to hear me. “Hailey will coordinate everything,” she continues. “She’ll be in touch about when the team will arrive for prep—hair, makeup, styling. We’ll lock in final red-carpet details closer to the date, but just know, this has to go to plan as always.”

I huff, shaking my head, but she’s not done.

“This is one of the biggest nights of the year, and for the public, it’ll be one of the first times they see you and Grayson fully stepping into this relationship.” Her voice is firm. “You need to act like you belong in it.”

I stare at her. “Not to state the obvious, but you do realize I am an actress, right?”

“Yes. And you’ll be acting among other actors, in front of a world that’s been analyzing every look, every touch, every breath between you two. If you think it’s as easy as playing a part, you’re wrong.”

I glance away, jaw tight.

She exhales, her voice gentler this time. “Home stretch, Char.”

I drag a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply. “I know, I know. It’s fine.”

Anna studies me for a moment and then gives a small nod, satisfied…for now.

I lean back in my chair, stretching out my legs.

She closes her notebook and then pushes herself up from the chair. “Alright, I’ll let you get back to your evening.”

I nod, distracted, already feeling the weight of everything ahead.

She lingers for a second and then gives me a small, knowing smile. “You’ve got this, Char.”

I return the smile, albeit weaker. “Night, Anna.”