Page 6 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
Before I can reply, my phone buzzes in my hand.
Incoming video call: Private number.
With a shrug, I hit answer. When Erika Hartley fills the screen, I aim the phone higher, getting me, Mom, and Dad in frame.
Erika’s phone is being held by someone else as she shows her ID near her face. “This is me, Erika Hartley,” she says, and then the camera zooms out and pans around the opulent space behind her. “And this is the presidential suite at the Gran Palacio Hotel we have reserved for Josie while she visits Wyatt.”
I almost drop the phone as Mom and I gasp at the same time. “Pr-pr-presidential suite?”
“Does it look legit yet, Mr. Bartlett?” Erika asks with a smirk.
Dad shifts his weight, keeping his arms folded. “Certainly doesn’t look like a dime was wasted.”
I let myself grin. “Sorry, Erika. My dad is skeptical about everything.”
“Perfectly reasonable,” Erika replies. “We should never accept things on face-value.”
At that, my dad loosens up.
“Will you be here, Josie?” Erika asks, looking right down the camera lens.
I slouch, eyeing my parents. “I don’t want to risk ruining his recovery. Please, can I go?”
Dad pulls me into a hug. “We know how closely you’ve followed Wyatt all these years. I’m just afraid of what you’re getting yourself into. He’s not the same boy you used to know.”
I chew my lip, thinking about the implications of his memory loss. “But he doesn’t remember the boy he became.”
Mom smiles, tracing a finger under my chin. “I remember that boy,” she says tenderly. “He was sweet, kind, and joyful. Ever since hearing about his accident, I haven’t stopped thinking about him.” She sighs, looking at Dad. “Daniel, if Josie can help, she should go.”
Dad nods. “I know, but I don’t want her getting into trouble over this.”
“What trouble would I get into?” I ask in the midst of our group hug.
Dad smiles kindly, brushing the side of my face. “I don’t want you to get hurt or lost in the shuffle.”
“I’m just visiting Wyatt,” I reply. “Please, let me do it.”
“I guarantee her safety,” Erika says in my lowered phone. “We have the best security in the business.”
Dad narrows his gaze at Erika. “When do you expect to turn the jet around and get her back here?”
“It’d be great if she could stay for a few days.”
Mom and Dad share a look and reply together, “Three days max.”
I squeal, almost dropping the phone. “Really? I can go?”
Erika’s tone becomes upbeat. “We can arrange a car to pick up Josie at your house.”
“No,” Mom blurts. “I’ll drive her to the airport. I need to meet this Randall before I let Josie go anywhere.”
“Very well,” Erika says, gesturing at the phone. “Randall, do you want to turn the camera around to you so they’ll see a familiar face tomorrow.”
The camera changes, showing a man in his early twenties in a fancy suit. “Good evening, everyone.”
As soon as we utter our hellos, the camera flips back to Erika.
“Thank you for your cooperation,” Erika says, like we’re making a business deal. “We’ll have your accommodation and meals covered while you’re here. Josie, all you just need to bring yourself.”
