Meet Cute(48)

She’s dressed in one of those sexy pencil skirts and a crisp white blouse. Her jacket is blood red, her black hose has a geometric pattern that keeps tugging my eyes down, and she’s wearing her glasses—I assume on purpose. Her long dark hair is pulled up in a tight bun. She looks incredibly professional and gorgeous.

Her expression is apologetic as she approaches. “I’m sorry I’m late. I got stuck by a train and I dropped my phone under my seat so I couldn’t call to let you know.”

“I’m just glad you’re safe.” I pull her against me and hug her hard.

She gingerly returns the embrace. “Dax? Are you okay?”

“You’re never late. I was worried,” I mumble.

She gives me a tight squeeze. “Oh, Dax, I’m sorry. I’m right here and fine and so are you.”

I drop my head, breathing her in, taking comfort in the smell of her skin and how warm it is against my cheek. I struggle to let her go. I recognize that my panic isn’t logical, and that my attempts at keeping this platonic on my side are failing. But I need her help right now, so I have to get a grip and not do anything to jeopardize that.

I release her on a deep inhale. “Sorry. This, uh…” I tap my chest. “This anxiety is new.”

She presses her palm to my cheek. “It’s okay. Deep breaths. This is all a lot to handle. It’s not just Emme who’s suffering here. You don’t have to be strong every moment of every day.”

I close my eyes and place my hand over hers to keep the contact as I breathe through the panic. I don’t know how I would do any of this without her, which is a terrifying realization. One I need to keep to myself. I was an actor long enough that I should be able to fake confidence and coolness.

I drop my hand and attempt a smile. “You ready for this?”

She regards me cautiously, her worry obvious. “Sure am.”

I hold the door open and motion her inside. We check in at the office and then we’re ushered down the hall to wait. I’m antsy as we sit in the itchy chairs. The germs embedded in this fabric could probably be cultured for a science project. I tap on the armrest, watching the clock.

“Just relax,” she murmurs.

“Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. This isn’t a court case, Dax. They just want to help Emme.”

I nod and blow out a breath. “I think I’d be less nervous about a court case. At least with that I know what’s coming, and I have some control. It’s that it’s Emme and I don’t know what to expect that’s stressing me out.” I feel lost in my own head. Anxious that I’m going to say the wrong thing and give Linda ammunition against me. Worse, I’m worried I’m not capable of handling Emme and her needs or my own, and Kailyn’s presence confirms that in a way.

“You’ve got this. I’m right here with you.”

A loud, feminine shriek pierces the quiet. “Oh my God! Daxton Hughes.” A woman in her early forties comes to a flailing halt in front of us. “Oh! Oh God! I can’t even. My daughter loves your show and so do I. I used to watch in college. It was such a guilty pleasure.”

She holds out her hand, so I take it. Her palm is cold and clammy, or maybe that’s mine.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed the show.”

“I more than enjoyed it.” She gives me an exaggerated wink and pumps my hand vigorously. When she finally releases it, she presses her hand to her heart. “Oh! Can I get your autograph? For my daughter, of course.” That gets me another wink. “And maybe a picture, too? Oh my God. You’re such a wonderful actor. Or you were. It’s really too bad you stopped. Why did you stop?”

“I decided to pursue another career path.”

“Of course, of course. Well, it’s still too bad. Your face belongs on a screen.”

Kailyn coughs beside me.

“Do you have anything you’d like me to sign?” I ask, fighting not to look at Kailyn.

She flails again and spins around. “I’ll be right back!”

I don’t know whether to laugh or be mortified.

Kailyn leans in close, voice a low whisper meant only for me. “I’m a much better fangirl.”

I turn so I can see her expression, one side of her mouth pulled up in a slight smirk. She’s temptingly close. “Hands down the best,” I murmur.

That smile of hers widens and her eyes glint with a hint of mischief, but we’re interrupted again by the subpar fangirl. Kailyn offers to take the picture once I’ve signed several school-issued pieces of paper and a photocopy of my own face. I’m sure the school would be pleased to find their budget going to such useful resources.

Finally, Emme’s guidance counselor arrives to show us into the conference room. “I’m so sorry about that. I didn’t realize they’d brought you down here. I would’ve put you in the conference room right away.” She motions to the open door, and I step inside and freeze. I assumed this meeting would consist of her guidance counselor and possibly a teacher and the principal, but that’s not what I’m looking at.

The entire table is full, and at the end is Linda, of course.

“Dax?” Kailyn’s palm comes to rest on my back. “Should we have a seat?”

I nod and allow her to prompt me forward. I have the wherewithal to pull out her chair before I take my own. She gives my knee a reassuring squeeze under the table.