His eyes were wide, but his expression was surprisingly calm. He shook his head.
“No, Mom. I still want to see Spider-Man.”
I forced a smile, trying to mirror his calm.
“Okay, we’ll stay,” I murmured, smoothing his hair. “Let’s go get that autograph, then.”
We made our way back to the line, where a kind group let us squeeze back to the same spot we were before. I could feel my sister’s eyes practically burning a hole into the side of my head.
She wasn’t letting this go, was she? Fine. I ignored her. Or at least, I tried to. But then she leaned in and whispered, making sure Liam couldn’t hear.
“That wasChris Jones.”
“Yes,” I said in the flattest tone possible.
“He saidyourname.” She wasn’t buying the casual act.
“Did he?”
“Juliette Davis,” her voice was louder now. “Don’t pretend I’m crazy. You heard it, too.”
“Yes, he said my name. So what?”
“So what?” She repeated, this time loud enough to catch the attention of not only Liam but also the curious group in front of us.
“What do you want me to say?” I muttered, finally turning to meet her gaze. I was trying so damn hard to act normal, and she was making it impossible.
“I want you to tell me when you meet ChrisfreakingJones.”
“I’ve never met him before,” I said a little too quickly.
Carol squinted and stared at me like she could read every lie I’d ever told in my life. She was analyzing her options. Would she believe me and let it go, or keep poking until I cracked? I prayed she would leave me alone. And it worked because she had quit the questionnaire. I thought I would have at least a couple of minutes of peace.
I was wrong.
It was only seconds later when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. Startled, I turned around quickly.
“Hi,” said the young woman. It took me a beat to recognize her. She was with Chris Jones just now.
Shit.
Carol and I exchanged suspicious looks.
“Hi,” I replied cautiously.
“I’m Chloe,” she said, offering a polite smile. “I’m Mr. Jones’ assistant.”
Oh.
Carol’s eyebrows shot up, and she quickly changed her expression to a more welcoming and excited one.
“Hi!” She said.
“Mr. Jones would like you to join him in his dressing room,” Chloe said, looking at me.
Shit, shit, shit. I blinked, completely caught off guard. What could I say to that?
“Why?”
