Mia's POV
I can't believe this.
Michael Wilson must think I'm a total freak, because I had a mini-heart attack when I saw him stroll into the Plaza lobby, hands in his pockets and his slightly messy curls hanging adorably in his chocolate eyes.
But…holy shit.
The silver screen does him NO justice whatsoever. I've never wanted to jump anyone's bones before, but boy, did I have to restrain myself this afternoon.
However, it seems not everyone in the world saw that horrendous picture of me on the front-page of the Post, because Michael had absolutely no idea who I was. He just kind of pushed me away and kept on walking.
Of course, I understand perfectly. Being an international celebrity, you can't just stop and chill with your fans. Even though he did seem pretty willing to chat it up with the concierge.
The whole mix-up made the elevator ride up a tad awkward. My cheeks were on fire and Michael seemed content to fiddle with his cell phone after a short apology.
I can so not see him playing Josh. I mean, sure, they're both hot to the max, but while Josh attempted to use my position to gain prestige in the public's eyes, Michael doesn't need fame and could care less that I will someday rule over a little European principality.
I'm not altogether sure that this is how I want things, but it's better than being exploited just 'cuz I'm royalty. In fact, it's almost exactly how things were before the whole princess thing was sprung on me—that is, I'm completely invisible.
The elevator dinged as we finally reached the top floor, and Michael escorted me into my grandmother's suite.
Cold he may be, but lord, he's a freaking stone fox.
Michael's POV
So it's one thing to have to do this crap fest. But now I'm stuck with this hyperactive fourteen-year old who seems very set on hanging around the set…all the time.
Joy. To. The. World.
Apparently, to appease Princess Amelia's worries of being portrayed inaccurately, her grandmother and Jacques have chosen me to be her Omigod! New best friend. You know, take her around the set and all of that…fill her in on whatever she wants to know.
Jolly good fun. Maybe we'll have some tea parties…dress up our Barbies…lip-synch to Backstreet Boys in the mirror.
I don't have the stomach for this.
Maybe it won't be that bad. She doesn't look too quick on her feet. And I've had years of practice outrunning crazy fan girls.
It doesn't hurt that I feel like Aladdin when I'm darting down alleys. All I need is a cool purple vest and a monkey.
It's frightening when I'd rather be a Disney cartoon character than a teen heartthrob.
I'm going out of my mind. And filming starts tomorrow.
Maybe I'll end my career with a big bang…some hilarious Mariah-style mental breakdown at the Golden Globes. Or I could air those commercials I thought up years ago—with me pirouetting in a meadow with a voice-over crooning "Total Eclipse of the Heart".
Seriously. Going out of my mind could be a hell of a good time.
Mia's POV
"They're making a movie…about YOU?" asked Tina, a piece of lettuce hanging out of her mouth.
"Uh huh," I nodded. "About my life since I became a princess and all of that."
She made a disgusted face. "You don't think they'll talk about that time you ran into the door in P.E., do you?"
"I don't think so…"
"Or the time your desk tipped over in English and you were trapped underneath?"
"No…"
"What about when you dropped your earring down the toilet and reached your hand inside, got it stuck, and tried to flush it out, but only made it worse? And then Principal Gupta had to enlist the janitor's help in pulling you out---will that be in there?"
"Tina!" I cried, trying to put a stop to the horrible mental pictures. Come on, I already had to live through it once. "I think it's more about the princess thing, and well, the mess with Josh."
"Ooh, who's playing Josh?" she asked, taking a sip from her water bottle. "Leonardo DiCaprio?"
Uh, no. Considering the fact that he's way too old and looks all gross and bloated now. Maybe Titanic-era Leo, or even the Growing Pains days. Nowadays he just kind of pathetic-looking.
He could play future Josh. And then for Lana they could put Kathy Bates in a housedress and have her screaming at a litter of kids in the background.
My God, I can't wait.
- - -
Iwent over to the movie set today. Tina begged me to take her, but I'm so glad I didn't.
Because then I wouldn't have had a whole afternoon with Michael! TO MYSELF!
The movie lot was way cool, with people hurrying this way and that, and big racks of clothing and costumes being pushed around. I found Michael's trailer with the assistance of the security guard and knocked nervously.
"Who is it?" he barked.
"Um, it's Mia."
"Who?"
I sighed. "Princess…Amelia." God, I hate that name.
The door opened a moment later and I stepped in to see Michael sitting back down on the couch and picking up the video game controller.
Christ, they're all the same.
"Can I help you?" he asked, his voice bordering the line between cordialness and total annoyance.
"Well, Jacques told me to, uh, stop by any time. So I thought I'd come by and see what's up."
He just took a sip of his root beer and returned to staring at the screen.
"Whatcha playing?" I asked sweetly, coming to sit beside me.
"Halo," he said quickly. It was kinda cute how he'd throw his whole body into moving the control.
"Can I play?"
He stared at me. "You came down here to play video games with me?"
No, you idiot, I came down to ogle your tush. But I didn't dare say that aloud. "Well, I wanted to see a real movie set--"
"Then let's go," he said, taking a swig of his drink and standing.
He took me around, pointing various things out. I can't say I appreciated being treated like a four-year old. "That's a ca-me-ra."
It was a little weird seeing places like the loft and Mr. G's classroom in someone else's perspective. Like we so don't have one of the fireman's poles. I might be coming around here more often.
Michael bent down to tie his shoe and I glanced quickly at his backside and how perfectly accentuated it was in those jeans.
Yeah, I'll be back.
