Starlet's Web Excerpt
Manuel said, “We all do stupid stuff. It’s just you kid actors who have to
act so mature. The ones who don’t protect themselves get messed up with
drugs and parties.”
He stroked my hair and then stopped. I loved the feeling and didn’t want
him to stop.
“That Byron is a complete ass. But I think he’s telling the truth that he
loves you. I told him to leave you alone. If you want to date him, I don’t
think you burned a bridge. Is it because he’s so good looking that you
have a hard time dissing him?”
“Yeah, but it’s not just that. Byron moves too fast for me. My mind can’t
keep up. He watches me and knows exactly what I’m thinking. Most people
say they don’t know what I’m thinking. He always knows. My mom knows. So
do you.”
He disagreed. “No, I don’t when we’re together. Evan can read you; I
can’t. Maybe that’s why Evan’s such a great guy, because he’s sensitive.
You should date him again.” He moved my hair off of my arm. “Since we
email and text most of the time, I have a pretty good idea of what you’re
thinking. But today, last night, I don’t know.”
Manuel morphed into a stone. He gently pushed my head off his chest and
got off the bed. I ignored my feelings of rejection. He urged, “I think
it’s probably time for you to eat breakfast. It’s after six. When I talked
to Byron, I saw that a lot of people are already up. He left your script.”
He went to the bathroom while I took my medicine and some painkillers for
my headache. I was finishing my water at the kitchen sink when he reached
around me to grab his shaving kit. He smiled at me but blushed and went
back into the bathroom to brush his teeth and shave.
Manuel announced, “I figured I’d leave tonight or late tomorrow morning. I
can run with you before I go. I’m no five minute mile, like you, but can
run the distance easily. I need to be at work at 4 pm tomorrow.” He stood
by the trailer door and continued, “But you don’t need me. So maybe I
should drive home after we eat, ya know, when you go to makeup.”
I didn’t want Manuel to leave. I asked, “You’re tense. What’s up with you?”
“I’m thinking that you are thinking something that I know you’re not
thinking.” Manuel scrunched his face, shook his head, and grumbled,
“Forget about it. Let’s eat.”
“What do you think I’m saying?” I demanded.
An intensity, almost hostility, emanated from him. “It’s absurd and not
what you’re saying.” Manuel held his fists so tightly that he was
white-knuckled. He crossed his arms. “Stop playing games, Marie. Tell me
what you’re thinking.”
I stared at him, feeling his irritation from two feet away. I was
absolutely in love with my best friend. I wanted to push the subject so he
could leave the trailer in shock, get back into my car, and drive out of
my life. Franz was right. Manuel was the reason I couldn’t love any other
guy. I needed to tell him, get closure, and move on.
“I’ll lose you if I tell you. But obviously, my life will continue to be a
living hell until I tell you.” I stepped back from him and likewise folded
my arms across my chest, ready to see him gather his things and bolt out
of the door after I told him.
“I don’t see you as my brother and never have. I was insanely jealous when
you dated Kate and am disappointed that you’ve never asked me out.” I took
in a breath and decided to tell the truth. “I’m in love with you. I want
to marry you and live happily ever after.”