The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 74

Their hands froze awkwardly in the air. They shared a sheepish smile and ended up giving each other a quick, clumsy handshake.

The lights were on, cameras in place, everything ready to go.

Petty sat next to Franco, microphone in one hand, her script in the other. She tucked the pages just out of sight, making sure the camera couldn’t catch them.

Franco glanced at the script, noticing the names she’d crossed out. Normally, the new names would be written beside them, but Petty had just scribbled question marks next to each one.

No doubt, the question marks meant Franco.

The interview went off without a hitch. Franco answered every question with calm confidence, his words thoughtful and sharp. He always seemed to have the bigger picture in mind, handling even the trickiest topics like it was second nature.

Petty had never doubted his abilities. Compared to all her past interviews, this one felt effortless.

When they finished, Petty stood and reached out to Franco. “Thanks for your time, Franco. Once the video’s ready, we’ll let you review it before it goes live.”

Franco looked down, his expression all business. Her smile was bright and open, but he didn’t take her hand right away.

Petty’s hand hung in the air, the moment stretching out and turning a little tense.

Just as she started to lower her hand, Franco reached out. His grip was warm and steady, his fingers wrapping around hers. The heat of his palm spread through her hand in an instant.

“I’ll leave it to you, Petty.”

“You’re giving me too much credit. My colleague will send it to you, not me.”

She gave a small, sarcastic smile, refusing to meet Franco’s eyes. His gaze seemed darker than before, but she turned away and began packing up her things.

The company had arranged a simple meal for the interview team, and the secretary who brought them in was waiting to guide them.

Ignoring Petty completely, Laura nodded for her caregiver to push her wheelchair toward Franco.

The wheelchair came to a halt right in the middle of Petty’s path.

Laura looked up at Franco, her voice gentle but laced with a bit of accusation. “Didn’t Harris tell you to take it easy for a few days? Why are you back in the office? If I hadn’t called the secretary to check on you, I wouldn’t have known you were pushing yourself like this.”

Everyone could hear the way she spoke, her words hinting at how much Franco indulged her.

“It’s nothing serious,” Franco replied, his tone cool. But his eyes were on Petty, watching her walk away without looking back.

The elevator doors opened. Petty stepped inside.

Laura noticed Franco shift as if to follow. She quickly reached out and grabbed his sleeve. “It’s lunchtime. I made a reservation. Let’s go eat together.”