Page 20 of PR Stunt

Satisfied, Sienna nudges the rack toward me before stepping back, and the team leaves me to change. The last couple of days have been a whirlwind. Agreeing to the pr relationship. The soul-sucking contract meeting. The photos that surfaced after. Grayson and me standing beside my car, him reaching out to tuck my hair behind my ear. The world is eating it up, already calling us the hottest couple of the moment, and the tabloids are already circling.

Spotted: Grayson Cole and Charlie Grace caught in a moment downtown L.A. Is Hollywood’s Golden Girl Officially Off the Market?

I roll my eyes, grabbing my go-to gold hoops from the counter and slipping them on. At least that’s one less thing I have to worry about. The press was already falling for it. I reapply my lip gloss, pressing my lips together.

One of the worst parts is that I wasn’t exactly forthcoming with my parents. I talked to Anna about it, and she highly encouraged me to tell them that I was “seeing where this is going.” I love my parents dearly, but I can definitely see Dad accidentally telling the cashier at Home Depot that it’s all a ruse.

And Juno hasn’t stopped texting me about it since the photos dropped. She’s fully in her popcorn phase, ready to watch it unravel like her favorite enemies-to-lovers plot.

A light knock on the door, and then Hailey peeks her head in. “Cameras rolling in ten. You ready?”

“Yeah, I’ll be right there!”

Grabbing my purse, I head out to set. The studio is in Hollywood. Chic and private, a closed set with no windows. Only the sounds of the crew surround me, fine-tuning every last detail. The walls are painted crisp, matte white. Overhead, a grid of soft led panels cast the perfect glow.

At the center of the room, a plush white couch sits as the backdrop, its cloud-like cushions strategically positioned between two towering softbox lights. High-end cameras are locked on tripods, lenses angled on my mark. The crew flows from one task to the next. Hailey grabs my bag from me and gives it to the production assistant. A cameraman adjusts the focus, turning the lens with careful intent, while another assistant crouches beside the monitor. A sound tech speaks into a headset, checking audio levels as they test the mic placement.

Near the display table, a production assistant carefully places my bag, making sure it sits at the perfect angle for the close-up shot. I take my seat on the couch, fixing the suede jacket on my shoulders as Luca steps in for a final touch-up, dabbing a brush lightly over my cheek.

Sienna gives my outfit a once-over, smoothing the fabric like she can will perfection into it.

The director lifts a hand. “Alright, Charlie, we’ll count you in.”

I exhale, a small, excited buzz settling in my chest.

Showtime.

Settling in with ease, I flash the camera a confident smile. “Hi, Vogue! I’m Charlie Grace, and this is what’s in my bag!”

I reach for my bag, setting it on my lap. “Now, I should warn you—my bag is basically Narnia. If you need it, I’ve probably got it.”

The first thing I pull out is my ChapStick, the tube nearly empty. “This? This is my everything. I literally can’t live without it. Should I have replaced it by now? Probably. But we’re in a committed relationship, and they discontinued this scent, so…”

The crew smiles behind the cameras, and I grin, digging further inside. Next comes my film camera.

“I love my film camera. I always take it out on girls’ nights, trips, for bts. Something about film makes the photos more special. Less curated and more in the moment, and it’s always so fun getting it developed.” I place it on the couch beside me and pull out a paperback book.

“And, of course, my current read.” I flash the cover at the camera. “I’m deep into my romantasy era. If there’s a broody, morally gray hero involved, just know I’m losing sleep over him.”

I flip through the pages before tossing the book onto my growing pile. “Obviously, my phone is in here. And my portable charger.”

Next, I grab sunglasses and slide them.

“Always have to have sunnies in your bag living in l.a.”

I pull out a comb and a pack of hair ties, shaking them. “Lifesavers.”

Then I grab a tiny bottle of hot sauce and hold it up like it’s sacred.

“I put this on everything. My friends used to make fun of me for carrying it, but now they all ask for it.”

I pull out a small Tide to Go stick. “You never know when this will come in handy.”

The next few things come out in quick succession. Mini pressed powder, a handful of lipsticks in different shades, my hand lotion, car keys, journal with angel numbers on it, and a wallet.

Finally, I dig a little deeper and pause. My fingers wrap around something crinkled, and when I pull it out, I laugh. An empty electrolyte powder packet.

Shaking my head, I hold it up for the camera. “One thing about me is I do not like being dehydrated. These are a lifesaver on set and after a couple martinis, perhaps. I travel a lot for work, so I always keep them on hand.”