Chapter 10: Trouble in the Spotlight
686 Words
Emma had never thought she’d have to coach a famous actor on how to recommend books, but here she was—standing in the middle of her bookstore, watching Aiden Carter struggle to take the job seriously.
After their argument over book choices, she had finally convinced him to pick three novels—one romance, one mystery, and one fantasy—so that he could offer a variety. But judging by the way he was tossing a stress ball Lily had given him into the air, she wasn’t sure how much information he had actually absorbed.
Emma crossed her arms. “You do realize this signing is tomorrow, right?”
Aiden caught the ball and grinned. “Yep.”
“And you’re prepared?”
“Absolutely not.”
Emma let out a groan, rubbing her temples. “Unbelievable.”
Lily, who had been eavesdropping from the front counter, piped up. “I think he’ll do fine. He just has to smile, say a few nice things, and avoid knocking over any more bookshelves.”
Aiden smirked. “See? Lily believes in me.”
Emma shot Lily a look. “That makes one of us.”
Lily grinned and gave Emma a playful nudge. “Oh, come on. You have to admit, having Aiden here has been great for business.”
Emma frowned. “That’s not the point.”
Lily arched an eyebrow. “Then what is the point?”
Emma opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, the front door swung open, and a woman in a crisp blazer and designer sunglasses strolled in, looking around with obvious disapproval.
Emma didn’t recognize her, but Aiden’s entire posture shifted. His easygoing smirk disappeared, replaced by something more guarded.
“Uh-oh,” Lily muttered.
Emma glanced between them. “Who is she?”
Aiden sighed. “My publicist.”
The woman—tall, blonde, and clearly unimpressed—stopped a few feet away from them and took off her sunglasses. “Aiden. Care to explain why I had to find out through social media that you’re working at some tiny bookstore?”
Aiden stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Nice to see you too, Melissa.”
Melissa crossed her arms. “I thought we agreed you’d keep a low profile while on break.”
Aiden shrugged. “I am keeping a low profile.”
Melissa let out a humorless laugh. “A low profile does not include going viral for playing bookstore clerk.” She turned to Emma, eyeing her like she was something stuck to her designer heels. “And you must be the owner.”
Emma straightened. “That’s right.”
Melissa’s eyes narrowed. “Are you the one who convinced Aiden to do this ridiculous event?”
Emma stiffened. “Actually, he insisted on staying. I was fine with him leaving.”
Melissa scoffed. “Is that so?” She turned back to Aiden. “I don’t have time for this. We need to talk—in private.”
Aiden sighed but nodded. “Alright. Let’s go outside.”
Emma watched as Aiden and Melissa stepped onto the sidewalk, their conversation just out of earshot. She could see the way Melissa was gesturing sharply, clearly frustrated, while Aiden remained frustratingly calm.
Lily leaned over the counter. “Yikes. She looks scary.”
Emma nodded. “No kidding.”
They watched in silence as Aiden finally said something that made Melissa stop. The publicist let out a sigh, ran a hand through her hair, then shook her head before stalking off.
Aiden lingered outside for a moment before exhaling and coming back in.
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”
Aiden nodded. “Yeah. She just wanted to remind me that I’m a public figure and should act like one.”
Lily snorted. “Sounds exhausting.”
Aiden chuckled. “You have no idea.”
Emma hesitated before asking, “So… are you still doing the book signing?”
Aiden grinned. “Of course. Wouldn’t miss it.”
Something about the certainty in his voice made Emma’s stomach flip.
She ignored it.
- Writer
