Page 98 of Cast to be Mine

The interviewer was a woman named Maureen something from one of those entertainment outlets that blurred together after a while. Pleasant smile, perfect hair, the kind of energy that suggested she’d had three espressos before sunrise. She’d set up in one of the hotel’s smaller conference rooms, her camera crew arranged in a semicircle while Jack and I sat in matching armchairs that looked way more comfortable than they actually were.

“So tell me, what’s it been like filming in paradise?” Maureen asked.

I launched into the standard response. The beauty of the location. The challenges of shooting on sand. The incredible work ethic of the crew despite the heat and humidity. Jack jumped in with some story about almost stepping on a jellyfish during one of the beach sequences, which may or may not have actually happened. The guy loved embellishing.

“The footage we’ve captured here is going to blow people away,” I said, steering back to the movie. “Hawaii gives us this contrast between the beauty of the setting and the darkness of the story. Elena’s world looks perfect on the surface, but underneath, everything’s falling apart. The islands capture that duality perfectly.”

Maureen nodded, scribbling something on her notepad. “And, Jack, how has it been working with Micah as a director? This is your first collaboration.”

“Amazing,” Jack said, flashing that movie-star grin. “Micah’s a genius. Seriously. The way he sees a scene before anyone else, the way he gets performances out of people is next level. I’ve worked with a lot of directors, and he’s one of the best.”

I tried not to look surprised. That was actually a genuine compliment, which wasn’t Jack’s usual style. Someone must have given him a script because I knew that didn’t come from him.

“High praise,” Maureen said. “Now, I have to ask about the elephant in the room.” She paused dramatically, like she was about to break some huge story. “The kissing scandal. Those photos that had everyone talking for weeks. What was it like when that all came out?”

I laughed, keeping it easy and relaxed. This was the part we’d prepped for. The part where we acknowledged the chaos and moved on.

“Honestly, it shows how talented our wardrobe and makeup teams are,” I said. “If people couldn’t tell Chantilly and Grace apart, that’s a testament to the incredible work being done behind the scenes. Chantilly was a great sport about stepping in for that scene, and I’m just glad we’ve cleared the air. The truth is out there now, and everyone can move on.”

“It was wild,” Jack agreed, nodding along. “My wife looked so good in that wig. I didn’t even recognize her at first when I saw those photos. Had to do a double take.”

Maureen laughed politely. “And Grace Stone—she must have been relieved when the truth finally came out.”

“Absolutely,” I said. “She handled the whole situation with incredible grace. Pun intended.” I smiled, hoping that would wrap up this line of questioning.

Jack shifted in his chair. “Yeah, especially since you and Grace are together now. Must’ve been awkward having everyone think she was kissing me when she’s actually with you.”

The words hit me like a bucket of ice water.

My eyes went wide. My jaw literally dropped. I turned to look at Jack. I was pretty sure my expression screamed what the fuck is wrong with you louder than any words could have.

He just sat there, completely oblivious, like he hadn’t just detonated a bomb in the middle of a press interview. Good God, the man was a fucking idiot.

Maureen’s eyes lit up like Christmas had come early. “I’m sorry, did you say⁠—”

“Okay!” I clapped my hands together. “I think that’s about all the time we have. We need to get back to making a movie. Final day of shooting and all that. Thank you so much for your time, Maureen. This was great.”

I was already standing and moving toward the door. If there was ever fleeing, this was it.

“Wait!” Maureen called out.

“Really appreciate you coming out. The crew will show you out. Thanks again!”

I hauled Jack into the hallway and closed the door behind us.

“What the hell was that?” I hissed, keeping my voice low even though I wanted to scream.

Jack blinked at me, genuinely confused. “What?”

“You just told a reporter that Grace and I are together!”

He looked confused. “Aren’t you?”

“Why would you think that?”

It was a rhetorical question. I knew how. Full Monty yesterday left little room for misinterpretation.

“Chantilly told me.” He shrugged like we were discussing the weather.