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Aliyah lied about the script. They stopped by the studio in the morning to pick up a revised copy. The director changed some of her dialogue. They toured the set and met a few cast members, but they didn’t stay long. She made sure to leave before they ran into her co-star.

On their way out, Kelvin begged to go over lines with her. He said he wanted to play the boyfriend. If only he was that excited about it in real life. She would’ve loved to, but her actor side convinced her otherwise. Did she forget? She kissed Dylan in the first episode. Nothing about that seemed like a good idea, so she lied, telling him her contract didn’t allow it.

She hated herself sometimes.

After they visited the studio, they joined Laura for brunch. She had her daughter with her that week and apologized for bringing her along. The babysitter canceled. With long blonde hair, the little girl looked just like her mother. Kelvin entertained her while the women talked. He could’ve passed for her big brother.

They spent the afternoon checking out locations for the show. The story followed a team of hotheaded officers at the L.A.P.D. Aliyah played a sharp-witted rookie who got in more trouble off the clock. Critics called it the hottest new drama on television. Fans couldn’t wait for the second season. Kelvin already binged the first.

They worked through the list of locations until midafternoon. Laura treated everybody to dinner to say thanks. Her daughter got fussy, so they ended up quitting early.

Good thing, too. That left more time for shopping.

The paparazzi spotted them at a couple places that evening. They went to over a dozen stores, staying out as late as they could. Tiffany made Kelvin model every outfit like he was on the catwalk. She demonstrated. He copied. Or tried to. He nailed the pose at the end but struggled to get the strut right. They hadn’t laughed so hard in years.

“New best day,” he said as everybody climbed into the Escalade, “I think I’m gonna need a second duffle.”

Aliyah snickered. “I’m sure we can find you something.”

A warm front moved in that night. The wind blew in from the south and pushed the smog into the hills. It kinda stunk.

A small part of her regretted coming back. They were supposed to be on the beach tonight, enjoying a picnic at sunset. What better place for a first kiss? It would’ve been like one of her movies.

She usually didn’t put so much pressure on something like that. Her job all but numbed her to romance in her personal life. On set, a whole team worked to create that perfect moment. She had a script, the lighting, and multiple takes if she needed. Her characters always knew what to do. Ironic how a fan should’ve brought that side out of her more than anybody. With Kelvin, however, it was the opposite.

The two stumbled onto the balcony, giggling. Their drinks spilled a little. She poured them each a glass of grapefruit juice with a splash of tequila. They set them on the far table then spun the chairs around to face the city. Music played from the speakers.

“Are you sure this was okay?” she asked, sitting beside him, “It wasn’t much of a vacation.”

“Nah, what are you talking about? This was incredible. No regrets.”

He grabbed her hand before she could grab his. Their fingers interlaced naturally. She crossed her legs, grazing him with her heel.

“Could I ask you something?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

“I was just curious. Does your dad know about me? Like, have you told him anything?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, some stuff. I never mentioned your name, but I did tell him you’re an actress. I got to the part about the N.D.A. and I think he thought I was joking. When I asked to go on this trip, he pretty much just told me to have fun, so…”

His tone dropped at the end like she struck a nerve.

“I didn’t mean to—”

“Nah, it’s nothing. I don’t expect him to care, really. He never has. As long as I don’t get in trouble. I look like my mom, and I know that’s hard on him.”

As he stared at the city, she caught a glimpse of the pain in his eyes. The soft shade of hazel lost its luster, reflecting a grayish tint.

“Can I ask you something else?”

He turned to her and smiled. “Of course.”

“Why’d you do it now? You know, rapping for me? You could’ve done it at any time. Why this summer? Why not wait a few more years?”

“Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve in a few more years. I don’t know. College kinda changed how I saw you. Or more, how I saw myself. I thought I might’ve been outgrowing you, and I didn’t want to let you go until I at least got your autograph.”

She shoved him. “You were outgrowing me? Boy, I am older than you.”

He shoved her back. “Well, I don’t mean anymore.”

She poked his side to tickle him. He pinched her knee to tickle her back. She swatted at his hands while he tried to pin her wrists. They drew close without realizing. She froze when his thumb grazed her neck. Their lips nearly touched. Her body screamed at her to kiss him, but she desperately wanted him to kiss her first.

The balcony door opened. From inside, the hallway light shined directly on them.

A man stepped out. “Oops, sorry about that.”

“I told you!” a woman shouted from behind, slapping him upside the head.

The glare cast the two in silhouette. They went back inside right after. The door shut with a hollow click.

Aliyah grunted. Go figure, just like her movies. She heard Kelvin huff like he found it funny.

“Cut,” he said awkwardly.

“I know, right?”

He scooted his chair back before grabbing their drinks. They fiddled with their straws to fill the silence. The ice clinked against the glass. She would’ve paid for a second take.

In the distance, downtown L.A. glowed under a layer of fog. The clouds hung low and dulled the lights. Traffic lit the highways in streaks of red and white. A dog barked somewhere below.

She sighed, leaning against him. “Hey, can I ask you one more question?”

He wrapped his arm around her. “Oh, please do.”

“What do I do best?” she whispered into his collar, “I remember you said you liked how I’m always in character, but that’s when I’m not the focus, right? Like, what about when I am? What do you think I do best? Is it anger? Sadness? Sex?”

“Oh, that’s easy. Confusion.”

She pulled away, gawking at him.

“Yep, that’s the one.”

She pushed him. “Come on, now. Be serious.”

“I am. No, for real. It’s because of your boyfriends. In most your roles, you play the smart chick, right? But it’s like, the guys you’re with, they’re always dumb. It’s classic. Eventually, they do something extra stupid, and you just look at him like, what the hell was that? It’s hilarious.”

She cocked her brow. “Oh yeah? Does that mean you’re gonna do something stupid then? See it for yourself?”

He stroked his chin like he had a beard. “Maybe.”

She slapped his arm. “You better not!”

Once again, they wrestled, and like before, her body screamed at her to make a move. She could’ve crawled into his lap and given him a first kiss he’d never forget.

She couldn’t explain it, but the thought of forcing it didn’t feel right. It felt more like a performance. Or an act. Why was it so easy to be around him but so hard to get close?

As she slouched, he reached back and grabbed their drinks. “These are so good.”

She agreed with a sip then stirred her ice. The tequila packed a nice punch.

“You know, you can reconnect with your buddies if you want. I talked to Tiff about it, and she agrees. It worked out on our end, so we’re good.”

“Are you sure? I mean, I’m still pissed, but it’s nothing an apology can’t fix.”

“Yeah, we’re sure.” She took another sip. “Hey, it’s kinda gloomy out here. You wanna go inside, watch Triple Flip or something?”

His head spun around. “Are you serious?”

She stood up. “Yeah, why not?”

He shot to his feet, running ahead to grab the door. That boy, if he had a red carpet, he would’ve rolled it out for her.

“Could you do commentary? Like, behind the scenes?”