Page 76 of The Hopelessly Bromantic Duet
Olivia pushes open the door to Sticks and Stones, whips her gaze back and forth, then declares in her big, brash voice, “Star, coming through.”
I slap a hand over her mouth. “You’re the worst, woman.”
She bites my palm.
“Ouch,” I say. “That smarts.”
“Taught you to silence me then, didn’t it?”
“I learned my lesson.”
With a smile, she points to the back of the pub. “All right, let’s go to the party room, shall we?”
“We could have done this at my flat,” I say, except of course we couldn’t.
My new roommate is a stick in the mud. Fine, he’s queer-friendly and a non-smoker, but he also doesn’t like noise, music, or people.
In the plus column, I don’t want to shag him, hang out with him, or share all my hopes and dreams with him, so there is zero chance I’ll fall arse over elbow into an endless well of feelings.
Or, I should say,ass.
In honor of a certain someone.
Someone I wish were here.
As we weave through the pub, Olivia nudges me. “Practice your red-carpet walk.”
“You practice your red-carpet walk,” I retort. “It’s not even like anyone here is looking at us.”
“They’re not today. But mark my words, Jude Graham, they will be soon.”
Though I’m realistic enough to know I won’t be recognized from a web series, I cross my fingers. Sure, advance reviews have been fantastic, but it’s not as if Hollywood is beating down my door. Harry is still sending me out on commercial auditions.
Though, I did nab one a few weeks ago.
I nearly texted TJ to tell him I’ll be the face of a British menswear brand. And that I also landed a couple of voiceovers. One is for a music streaming service, and I wanted to sayMaybe you’ll hear me in the States when you hunt for new bands, and by the way, have you heard the new Ten-Speed Rabbit single and isn’t it fantastic?
I didn’t tell him, though. Instead, I called Olivia and blurted out,I’m telling you because I love you, so I’m not tempted to tell TJ.
Her response?Use me anytime. That’s what I’m here for.
I’d be a right mess without my best mate.
When we reach the back room, my jaw comes unhinged.
Olivia invited everyone. My brother, some of his friends, lots of our mates from uni. Even Alex is here. So is Polly. Sometimes the three of them hang out. Sometimes Polly hangs out alone with Olivia. And sometimes Olivia goes out with Alex.
It all works, as she says. That’s Olivia. She makes things work.
William is also here since the inked barista by day and Lettuce Pray singer by night has become a friend.
He offers me a clap on the back. “Congrats, Jude. I pretty much told everyone at the coffee shop for the last few weeks to tune in. So really, I consider myself responsible for your sure-to-be-smashing numbers.”
He’s teasing, of course, but I’m still totally grateful. “Every little bit of buzz helps. Seriously.”
“I’m excited to see your show,” he says with a genuine smile. “I bet TJ is too.”
Did he tell you that?