Page 37 of Hollywood Fairytale

Driving backfrom taking Mason to school my phone rang through the car system announcing Luke was calling. I promptly hit to answer his unexpected call.

“Good morning, handsome. How are you this morning?” I asked, excited to talk to him so early in the day.

“Morning beautiful. I’m good, and you?”

“Good. I’m on my way to the grocery store before I head home and start working. Where are you?”

His early morning voice was a little gravelly as it came through the speakers. “We’re shooting on location today and taking a break while some things get set up. I wanted to share some news with you if you have the time.”

“I always have time for you. What did you want to tell me? Wait. Give me a second. I’m almost to the store and I want to FaceTime you.”

It only took another minute to pull into the parking lot, park, and to FaceTime with him.

“You know how I couldn’t come home last weekend because I had to do a photo shoot and that was the only time available with my schedule?”

“Yes.”

How could I forget? I’d been so disappointed that I wouldn’t see him. Since Mason and I had visited in March, we’d been back to LA a few times when he wasn’t supposed to be at his dads and Luke wouldn’t be too busy to see us. Luke came every chance he had and although he wasn’t in Fairlane often, it did feel like he lived here. Each time he brought more with him to leave and fill his space. It wouldn’t be long until he finished shooting.

“Well, it was forPeople Magazineand their Sexiest Man Alive issue. I was told there would be fifty men in the magazine, but not what category I would be featured in. Today I found out and I thought I should give you some warning.”

It took my brain a minute to comprehend what Luke said to me. My boyfriend was going to be in the Sexiest Man Alive issue! “Okay?” I thought this was a good thing. Maybe they had cut him, but it didn’t sound as if that was the case.

With a slight smile, he answered humbly. “I am this year’sPeople Magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’.”

“Oh my God,” I cried out in excitement. “Of course, you are. Congratulations, Luke. I’m so proud of you.”

He chuckled looking away, his cheeks pink. I didn’t believe that Luke thought he was ugly, but he seemed to have no idea how good looking he was.

“When is the issue coming out? I’m going to buy every magazine I find. Can I get a big picture of your cover to put up in the office?”

His head shook, but he was smiling. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Why did you think you needed to warn me?”

“Warning probably isn’t the best word for it, but I wanted you to know before anyone else.”

“Aww, my man is the sexiest. Thank you for telling me, Luke. Can I tell Taylor, or do I need to wait?” I wanted to shout it from the rooftops.

“You can tell her. There’s an interview also where I confirmed that you’re my girlfriend, but I didn’t say much just that yes, we are together and it’s serious. I told them I wanted to keep my personal life as private as I can.”

“Which is understandable. After the whole Ashlyn debacle, I’m sure everyone understands.”

He leaned forward resting his chin on his steepled fingers. “Most will, but there are always some that expect that our lives should be an open book. By the way, the director loved your cameo and wants you to do another one next season. They love the idea of you being one of my donors at least once a season.”

“Are you kidding me? I only did it because the extra didn’t show up and I wanted to help. You can’t even tell it’s me under all that makeup and hair.”

“You liked doing it, didn’t you? They’re excited by this new idea. Instead of me ending up with the main girl I’ve been pursuing the entire series, or so it seems, I’m going to end up with one of my donors, who they will find out has been the same person all along. It’s a little twist that will leave the fans happy for Nikolai.”

“I liked doing it. It was incredible being on set with you and seeing you in your element, and Idowant your character to have a happily ever after. Everyone but the villain should get a happy ending, even though I know that’s not always how shows work.”

“If they are alive I’m sure they will, but I don’t know who lives or dies, and I won’t until the very end. I’m sure the ending will change a time or two between now and then too.”

“Well, your charactermusthave a happy ending and if I can provide that for you then I’m happy to help.”

Even through the phone I could see his eyes soften and warm as he spoke next. “Youaremy perfect ending.”

“You’re the fairytale that I never knew existed let alone hoped for.”

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