Page 31 of My Best Friend Prince Charming

“The problem is, time is running out,” I said. “I just want to savor every last minute. I can feel the seconds ticking down like I’m on a march to my doom.”

“Don’t think about how much time you have with her. Just enjoy today. You don’t know what the future holds. And don’t worry so much about what other people think. The only person who matters is Shannon. All you can do for her is show her all the love and respect she deserves. The rest is out of your hands.”

“Sometimes, I question my decision to be in the film. I knew it would be a big change, but I didn’t think it would be this extreme. And I’d hoped to keep Shannon out of the public eye. Because of my decision, she may be targeted.”

“Remember, Shannon sat here right after you met Mr. Christopher and told you to go to that audition. She’s a big girl. She can make decisions for herself.”

“But you said I need to be careful with her.”

“I meant, be careful with her heart. She’s been in love with you for a lot longer than you realize.”

I studied my aunt as I absorbed this new information. Shannon was in love with me? And had been for a long time? “How do you know?” I asked.

“I’ve watched Shannon coming into this diner with you since the two of you were eight. I’m an observant woman. I could just tell. But I knew she wouldn’t admit it to herself or to anyone else, so I kept my observations to myself.”

“I only wish I’d know this a long time ago. I would have asked her to homecoming or something.”

“She was always with Austin, remember?”

“And now that he’s out of the picture, she’s able to examine her own heart,” I mused.

“It seems that way. And when you asked her to prom and kissed her, she couldn’t deny her feelings anymore.”

“And then everything changed.”

Aunt Kristen smiled. “I’ve waited a long time to watch you two be this happy.”

I only hoped it could last.

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