Page 206 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
“My dad likes the spectacle of limousines and town cars.”
“Where are we going?”
“Ashworth Estate. You wanted to meet up with Wyatt, right?”
“Yes, please.”
“Then just chill. It’s a twenty minute drive to the estate, and I don’t want you hyperventilating.”
I lift my palms. “I’ll relax. I promise.”
Vanessa smiles and lifts her phone. Her thumbs tap wildly, probably replying to a text message.
For the entire drive, I hug my middle. I only look away from the window when Vanessa giggles at her phone. I don’t know anything about her, but from the brightness of her cheeks and the light dancing in her eyes, I’m guessing she’s texting a boy.
She notices me staring, and puts her phone down.
I shift in my seat and clear my throat. “So, you’re a big fan of Wyatt’s?”
She smiles. “I’m a fan of anyone from this town making something of themselves.”
I give a slight nod, unsure how to take her answer.
Vanessa taps on the window. “Here we are.”
I am in awe at the sight outside the tinted window. Large iron gates open for our vehicle. The limousine drives up a winding path, framed with landscaped gardens, and ending at a massive, Tudor-style mansion.
“Incredible,” I breathe.
The driver opens the door for us, and when I follow Vanessa to the front door, a man greets us wearing a uniform much like Hubert’s at the Gran Palacio Hotel.
“Afternoon, Miss Ashworth,” the man says.
“Hi Murphy,” Vanessa says, handing the man her school bag. “This is Josie Bartlett. Can you take her to see Wyatt? I’ve got to get changed for my tennis lesson.”
“Not a problem,” Murphy says as Vanessa dashes further into the house. “This way, Miss Bartlett.”
I squeak, “Thank you,” and follow Murphy through the expansive hallway, decorated with large artworks, expensive vases, and ornate tables.
Murphy takes me to the rear of the mansion, and opens the doubledoors to a large patio area. I walk across the tiled space, finding Wyatt and Devon kicked back on the outdoor furniture.
Wyatt leaps up at the sight of me. “Josie! I’m so glad you’re here.”
I rush into his arms. “I’ve missed you so much.”
He kisses me hard. “Me too. It’s been crazy without you.”
I make him sit with me. “What’s been happening? Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. We’ve had a lot of meetings,” Wyatt says, curling an arm around my shoulders. “Circle 8 has more control over my choices than I do. Mr. Ashworth is getting his legal team to investigate how I get out of my contract.”
My heart rate speeds up. “You really want to do that?”
He nods. “I don’t want to go back to making movies. I know that’s what they’ll push to do. Plus, I want to make original music. They have no interest in letting me pursue it. That is, unless I’m collaborating with someone they see as better than me.”
I hug my arm around him. “You have my full support. Being with Circle 8 won’t lead to happiness.”
He kisses the side of my head. “Thanks.”
