Page 118 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
“There’s no chance,” he says firmly. “You’re the girl I woke up thinking about. You’re the only one who makes me feel better.”
“But everyone...”
“I don’t care what everyone says,” he says wholeheartedly. “All that matters is what we think.”
My heart swells and I reach across and find his hand. “I’m yours no matter what happens.”
He lifts my hand and kisses it. “You’re beautiful, Josie. I don’t want you to ever think you’re second-best.”
Our drinks arrive and we instinctively clink our glasses together. Diana talks us into the alfredo pasta, where the sauce is made from cashew nuts, which we share with a side of mushroom and truffle arancini balls. It’s officially one of the best meals I’ve ever tasted. How will I ever be able to go back home and eat diner food?
As our plates begin to clear, I enjoy the safety in Wyatt’s presence. Being amongst that mob of fans was terrifying, but being stripped from Wyatt’s company was worse. I lean into our closeness, sharing with him three more poems stashed in my Notes app.
“My goodness, Josie,” Wyatt says in awe. “You have a real talent. Your words make me feel things, like my favorite songs do.”
I’m giddy at his praise.
“They top a fantastic meal.” Wyatt lowers his cutlery. “Diana was right. That’s the best thing on the menu. I don’t need to try anythingelse.”
“What about the desserts?”
“Oh, we aresogetting dessert.”
I giggle. “I’m not sure I can fit it.”
“Oh, c’mon. I’m here to spoil my beautiful girlfriend.”
My heart flutters as I stare at him adoringly.
We’re not just collage clippings on my bedroom wall anymore.
I’m finally his girlfriend.
Wow.
Wyatt loves me.
“Get used to it,” Wyatt says, his hazel eyes sparkling. “You’re back in my world, and it’s only the best for you.”
“Well, I like all this stuff when it’s just us,” I say, fingers trembling against the linen napkin. “But I can’t see myself fully being part of your world. You saw me cower from all those people. I can’t be around anything like that.”
“But no one’s asking you to.” He reaches across and catches my hand. “The fact I have fans doesn’t have anything to do with us. I would never ask you to stand amongst them all.”
“But how can we ever just hang out if everywhere we go, someone wants an autograph, or a photo, or reach out and hug you?”
“I’ll tell security to keep everyone back while I’m with you.”
“So you never look approachable? That won’t help your image. And if word gets out your girlfriend is banning you from interacting with fans, I can just imagine the hate online.”
“Is that what you’re doing?” He side-eyes me. “Banning me?”
“No, I’d never tell you not to do anything. I’m just saying, it’ll come out I’m the reason you’re shutting yourself off. And I can’t do that to you. I saw how much you enjoyed being around everyone. You lit up.”
He squeezes my hand. “Not as much as when I’m around you.”
“It’s a different kind of electricity. You have to admit it. You wantto experience it again, don’t you?”
He sighs, averting his eyes. “Well, yeah. I get how I became famous. I liked being around all those people. It made me want to pick up my guitar and start playing. I want to perform in front of a crowd.”
