Summary: Seth and MC (Jessica) share a moment on the rooftop of their building.
Notes: This is a rewrite of the scene between Seth and MC at the beginning of Chapter 9. It bothered me that Seth referred to himself as being a “downmarket love interest” and MC just breezed past that comment … so I fixed it 😁
Jessica pushed open the door to the roof and found Seth sitting near the edge of the roof. She felt the same nervous flutter she always felt when she saw him, mad butterflies that had only gotten more frantic after their kiss at the private club.
“Hey, Seth,” Jessica said as she sat beside him. He glanced over, and smiled, but the expression stopped at his eyes which were filled with sadness.
“Sure it’s safe to sit so close?” Seth joked. “Those paparazzi have very advanced telephoto lenses these days. I’d hate for you to end up in the tabloids linked to a ‘downmarket love interest.’”
“Hey,” Jessica said, but Seth didn’t look at her. “Hey!” Seth finally glanced over at her, the humor gone from his face. Jessica reached over and took him by the hand, relief blooming in her chest when he squeezed her fingers in return. “There is nothing downmarket about you.”
“But–”
“Nothing.”
Seth wagered a small smile and sighed, lacing his fingers between hers. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be a jerk. I am so proud of you for getting this huge opportunity so quickly.” He reached over and tucked her hair behind her ear with his free hand, letting his fingertips trail along her jaw. “I think you’re so amazing and I’m glad the rest of the world will get to see you like I see you.”
“But …” Jessica prompted.
“No, no buts,” Seth said. He sighed again as he let his hand fall from her face. “If I’m being totally honest, part of me is jealous at how fast you’ve made it.”
“Seth, you’ll make it. You’re so funny, it’s only a matter of time,” Jessica insisted. Seth smiled and squeezed her hand.
“I hope you’re right. And I know I’m paying my dues, I’m just impatient, you know?” Seth said. “But, hey,” he said, the smile returning to his face. “All this due paying will make great fodder for when I’m eventually on the talk show circuit like you.”
Jessica grinned. “Now you’ve got me thinking that I should’ve turned down this movie role.”
“Don’t you dare!” Seth chastised as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. “You’re like Lana Turner, discovered at a malt shop. Now that’s the stuff of Hollywood legends.” He paused for a moment, searching her face intently. “You know I’m really happy for you, right? I don’t want my little pity party to take away from your moment in the spotlight. I’m so proud of you and I hope you’re proud of yourself, too. And when your movie comes out, I promise to buy a ticket every day for at least a month.”
Jessica laughed. “A month seems a bit excessive.”
Seth sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes.
“Fine, six months. Twist my arm, why don’t you?” he said. Jessica grinned and leaned in towards him. “Wait, are you sure, Iowa?” Seth asked. “I’m pretty sure the paparazzi are still down there … are you really ready to commit to going downmarket?”
“I’ll just tell them I’m slumming,” Jessica said, her lips brushing against his. “It’ll be my thing.”
Seth smiled and pinched her side, tickling her and making her squirm with laughter. Then he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her gently. Alone on the rooftop with Seth, Jessica felt sure that she had never been this happy before in her life.
