Page 158 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
Wyatt’s face is stony as he shakes his head.
Randall continues along the walkway, and in his place, Portia comes into view.
She laughs to herself and takes a seat across from us. “You know, everyone says you think you’re just a normy, Wyatt, but that was some celebrity attitude I just saw.”
Wyatt’s arm hugs around my shoulders and his fingers stroke the top of my arm. “I don’t need him ruining the time I have left with Josie.”
“I get it,” she says, making herself comfortable in her new seat. “Sometimes flights are the only time I get to breathe. Once we hit the ground, they’ll work us to the bone to get this track recorded.”
With his free hand, Wyatt taps on the table. “I was practicing a lot last night. Hope I’m up to scratch. Your vocals are insane on the recordings you sent us.”
Portia bounces in her seat. “Thanks, baby. But, after all this time, Ionly hear the areas I need to tighten up. Do you remember any of your vocal exercises?”
He nods. “Sure. All the stuff my music teacher from back home taught me.”
Portia twirls a shiny lock of hair around her finger. “I still want to meet that teacher one day. You taught me some of his exercises, and nothing has helped open up my range like those have.”
I sit up and ask, “Are you talking about Mr. Taveski?”
Portia giggles. “I just know him as Mr. T.”
Wyatt relaxes beside me. “He thought that nickname was such a crack up.”
Portia dreamily stares at Wyatt and I feel myself becoming invisible. “We should fly him out on one of our recording days. We always talked about it.”
Wyatt’s grip around me loosens. “We did?”
“Yeah, we’ve talked about a bunch of stuff,” she says, swatting a hand. “And with all the time you’ve been out of action, doesn’t it show how precious our time is? Why not be a little spontaneous? We’ve put off enough things over the years. We never know how much time we really have.”
Wyatt smiles, meeting Portia’s almond-shaped eyes. “Sounds like a good idea for a song.”
My stomach flips, watching Portia’s eyes search deep into Wyatt’s while his arm is around me. I fidget beside him, unable to help feeling bad for her. I was worried they were a couple when she wasn’t in the picture.
Now she’s here, calling him baby with an adoring stare. What if she thought they were a couple? What does she think of me, cuddled up beside him and stealing his attention from her? She must hate me.
It’s not her fault, they were so close before his accident. She didn’t do anything wrong. I just don’t want Wyatt taken away from me. But,they obviously share a history too. Ugh, I feel terrible.
“Are you excited to meet up with everyone else?” Portia asks.
Wyatt’s hand jerks against my arm. “Everyone else?”
“You know, our peers,” Portia elaborates. “Some of the gang are in Ferndale. Maggie’s between shows, and Theo’s in town for contract negotiations. Oh, even Simon’s back in town.”
Wyatt takes in the news, staring blankly as none of the names register.
“Simon just wrapped filming his latest project.” Portia giggles, shaking her head. “We were texting last night, and he wanted me to tell you that you need to finish your movie.”
At that, Wyatt squirms.
Portia smirks. “Apparently they’ve approached him to take over the role if your speech doesn’t improve.”
Wyatt sinks further down in his seat.
Portia reaches a hand across to him. “Don’t be nervous. I’ll run lines with you.”
Wyatt frowns. “Mm-hmm.”
Her grip on him tightens. “It’ll be okay. I’ve helped you tons of times in the past. You’ll get back up to speed.”
