Page 74 of Seeking Stars
Scenes from the movie came to her: Liam's smile and green eyes in a close up, his toned up body as he undressed for the protagonist.
"Yes," Ana sighed.
"Okay. That's the guy we're talking about."
"How did this even happen," Ana asked in wonder.
"There must be good gods out there, and they're smiling down on you."
She sighed. "What the hell are we going to do? I don't even know when I'm seeing Liam next."
"Is that what's worrying you, then? You're not going to see each other for a while. Long distance is tough, especially in the beginning."
Ana mulled over Ely's words, fighting the nerves settling in her stomach. Out of all of her worries, she hadn't considered that one yet. He had often said how his schedule made it difficult to stay in touch with people. Would they overcome that very basic challenge? On top of everything else?
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to make you worry," Ely added, her tone softening, matching the change in mood.
"No, it's fine. I think I need to trust that he meant it when he said we'll figure it out. That he meant that he wants something with me."
"Yes, you should. There are no flags here for you to doubt him."
"Diana doesn't want this. Coulton doesn't seem to care," Ana said. "So not as bad professionally as I feared, but still something to think about. I don't know how future projects could be affected."
"Why does Diana get a say? Or Coulton?"
"She's my agent. She thinks this can go badly for me."
"What do you think?"
"I can see it happening— way too clearly. The paps, we know they're bad. Also, if anything happens, it'd be easier to erase me from the industry than erasing Liam. Not to mention the fans. It's really scary."
"Talk to Liam. It's him and you who you should be discussing this all with. Besides me, of course."
"I know."
"And don't you dare look for news online. I'll monitor things and let you know only on a must-know basis. Better to wipe your memory clean of their existence, okay?"
***
After Ely left her at home, Ana set up her traveling equipment in her editing room. She made copies of all the audiovisual files, starting with the video of them in the swimming pool when he'd tried to teach her to float. When they'd almost kissed.
She watched the scene for the tenth time. She'd probably do it again and again, studying his face closely each time, trying to find the moment he decided to try to kiss her. She got shivers each time.
Ana: I'm at home now but I have to go get groceries and stuff. After that I'll be home for the rest of the evening, if you want to call
She was at the grocery store when she got a reply.
Liam: Sounds good. I'll call you when I'm packing
Was it strange that she felt relief at the menial exchange?
Evening fell. She sat at the editing table watching some of her other favorite scenes— their late night conversation about fears, stargazing and almost-cuddling under the blanket— when Liam's call lit up her phone.
"Hey," she said, accepting his video call, not bothering to try to look cool and unaffected. She smiled at him with every ounce of the excitement she felt.
"Hey. Wow, do I like your smile."
She laughed. "I like yours, too."
