Page 68 of Fake Married to the Grumps

I square my shoulders and stride out of Amanda's office. The folder feels like it weighs a ton in my hands. I can't help but wonder if Bryce even remembers how he turned me down that day or if it was just another insignificant moment in his life.

But I can't bring myself to harbor any resentment towards him, even though the days that followed were filled with a dull ache. Bryce had every right to do so, and I respect him, even if it stung at the time.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I'm determined to keep things professional.

***

The sun is high in the sky as I join Cindy and Maeve at our favorite lunch spot, a quaint café that serves the best avocado toast in town. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the lively chatter of patrons fill the air. It's the perfect setting for our midday escape from work.

"Hey, ladies! Sorry, I'm late," I greet them with a quick hug.

Cindy waves it off. "No worries, Marissa. We just got here. Grab a seat."

Settlinginto the chair, I order a sandwich and waste no time devouring it when it arrives.

"So, Cindy, why didn't you tell me your brother was back in town?" I say, taking a bite of my sandwich.

Cindy shrugs, sipping on her latte. "Eh, didn't think it was a big deal.Besides, I found out on social media myself."

It's not news that Bryce shut everyone out when he left.

"Not a big deal? Bryce Alston, the famous movie star, is back in the city."

Cindy rolls her eyes."He's just my annoying big brother, Marissa. What's the big deal?"

Maeve interjects with a teasing tone, "The big deal is that your annoying big brother happens to be everyone's celebrity crush."

Cindy scoffs, "Celebrity crush? You've got to be kidding me. He's grumpy, rebellious, and an absolute troublemaker. I don't get why women go crazy over him."

My heart does a little dance in my chest as I try to keep a straight face. "Maybe they find the rebel charm irresistible?"

Cindy shoots me a look."Oh, please. I've known him since forever. There's nothing charming about his rebellious antics. He's just a pain."

Maeve chuckles. "But pain or not, he's still a handsome hunk. I mean, have you seen his movies? That jawline alone is enough to make anyone swoon."

Cindy scoffs again, "Jawline, schmawline. He's just my grumpy brother who thinks rules are made to be broken."

Maeve raises an eyebrow."You make him sound like a delinquent. I thought he was just a famous actorwho's got a way with the ladies."

"Oh, he's both. Trust me, the trouble he caused growing up—it's a miracle my parents haven't gone completely gray."

No one, not even Cindy, knows about our secret friendship, but keeping my mouth shut becomes an arduous task when Cindy doesn’t stop saying mean things about Bryce. I get that he's raucous, but he's also sweet. I know that first-hand. I can't help but interject.

"Come on, Cindy. Bryce isn't that bad. He's got a certain ... charisma."

She shoots me a quizzical look."Charisma? Seriously, Marissa? You sound like one of those fans. What's gotten into you?"

I shrug, attemptingindifference."I'm just saying people see different sides of him. He's not just a troublemaker. Maybe you're just seeing the big brother side of him."

Cindy scoffs, "Big brother side? More like the grumpy, annoying side. Trust me, you're not missing out on anything."

I glance at Maeve, who's trying hard not to burst into laughter. "Well, I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one."

As Cindycontinues listing all the reasons why her brother is far from a heartthrob,Ikeep defending him.I cannot just sit and listenwhen my heart secretly disagrees with every complaint she voices.

Bryce's chiseled jawline, smoldering gaze, and devastatingly charming smile are the stuff of every woman's fantasies. But it's the way his eyes light up when he talks about his dreams, the fierce determination that radiates from him, that made me drawn to him.

"Actually, our company is handling Bryce’s new film, and I kind of work as his assistant now," I announce, and Cindy and Maeve share a look before Cindy turns to me.

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