River laughs, not bothered at all by my rudeness. “He’s right. It’s not a big break, but I’ve been out of work for a while, and I could really use this job.”
“What television show were you on?” Cricket asks.
I can practically see her swoon.
“Kid Logic.”
Cricket gapes at him. “That was a huge show. Everyone watched it.” She peers at him. “Wait a minute. I see it now. You played Jake, right?”
River nods. “Yes.”
Her mouth drops. “You’re River Stone?”
“In the flesh.”
“Oh my goodness. It’s so nice to meet you. I was a huge fan of your show.” She giggles again, and I feel like I need to get Cricket away from this guy before she really embarrasses herself.
“Wow, look at the time. The sun is almost down now. We’d better leave.” I grab her arm.
“Wait.” River takes a step toward Cricket. “I don’t want to sound presumptuous, but are you two dating?”
Cricket laughs. Hard. Which really hurts my feelings. Is it that funny?
“No! Micah and I are just friends.”
River smiles at her. “I’m here for a few days, trying to get into character, and I’d love a tour of the island if you don’t mind.”
“Sure,” Cricket says.
My muscles twitch as I try not to get upset. She doesn’t even know this guy. What if he’s a jerk? A serial killer? How can she agree to go show him the island? Isn’t that code for… other things?
I loop my arm through Cricket’s. “Sure,” I repeat. “We can show you around.”
River looks taken aback, but he recovers quickly. “Great, then. Can I get your number?” He pulls his phone out of his pocket.
I grab it. “Yep.” I type my number into his contacts.
River gives me a polite nod. When I hand it back to him, he gives it to Cricket. “And yours?”
She smiles so wide I think she’s about ready to melt into the sand. “Of course.” She types it in and hands it back to him.
“Great! We’ll hear from you soon, then,” I say, dragging Cricket off toward my tripod. “The tide is coming in, and my camera’s going to be out to sea soon if I don’t get it.”
River nods. “Okay, then. I’ll call you.”
I stomp over to my camera and pick it up. River obviously said that to Cricket, not me.
What the ever-loving heck? Is it just me, or was he practically all over Cricket? And why does she look so happy about it?
It makes me angry that she’s not using common sense. He’s a complete stranger, and all of a sudden, they’re best friends? What is up with that?
CHAPTER 3
Cricket Jenkins
Sunday, November 22
I walk to my car,clutching my book to my chest. No, that’s not right. Ifloatto my car. River Stone, the actor, talked to me. And he actually liked me. He practically asked me out. I can’t believe it. He even asked for my phone number.
