As if on cue, Pea hops off the bed just as the jingle of keys echoes from the front door.
There’s a hiss, followed by Maya’s muttering, “Move,Satan.”
I can’t help but laugh.
Seconds later, she bursts into my room, practically vibrating with excitement, a pile of books stacked precariously in her arms.
“You do realize you were only supposed to pick uponebook, right?” I say, arching a brow.
“Oh, but you wait!” She slams the books down on my dresser with a dramatic flourish, and I wince at the impact.
I barely have time to open my mouth before she steamrolls right over me.
“Your fave author wasn’t the only one there. Guess who else showed up?”
I sit up a little straighter, suddenly way more interested. “Who?”
Maya’s grin is wicked. “Maggie Myers.”
My jaw drops. “Wait—what?”
We love her. She was phenomenal as Elizabeth inMidtown Castle.
“But, why?”
Maya flops onto the foot of my bed, kicking off her heels. “They announced, exclusively, that she’s playing Selena.”
I frown. “Who?”
“Celeste?”
Realization clicks into place. “Celandine?”
She waves a dismissive hand, her red-tipped nails slicing through the air like tiny daggers. “Yeah, yeah, if you say so.”
I squeal. “Oh my god, she’s perfect!”
Maya smirks, then sighs dramatically. “Also, I’m sorry to say this, but… I think Jake Hollander is in love with me.”
I blink. “I’m sorry, what now?”
“Yep. Your belovedPrince Smolderwas there, too, and let me tell you—girls lost their minds.” She flops onto her stomach, kicking her feet up behind her, and suddenly, I’m transported back to our teenage years—lying on my childhood bed, whispering about boys like we were cracking some grand mystery.
I narrow my eyes. “Jake Hollander was there?”
She nods, grinning.
“Well, good thing I didn’t go,” I mutter, crossing my arms. “I’ll already have to be in the same room as him tomorrow. Twice in one week might have been too much.”
Maya snickers. “I know you hate him, but honestly? He was kind of adorable. Very charming, very knowledgeable. And Melinda really seemed to like him.”
I hmph in protest.Of course she did. That’s the problem, isn’t it? The world loves Jake Hollander. But I know better.
“Oh, and also?” She flips onto her back, shooting me a sly look. “You’re so lucky I’m happily married because the guy? Totally obsessed with me.”
It makes sense. Maya is stunning—even by Hollywood standards. Tall, toned, effortlessly elegant. She could easily give any starlet a run for their money.
“You are beautiful,” I tell her honestly.