I took a deep breath. “Remember the drive up to the premiere, how … awkward things were? At least, they were awkward for me; maybe you were fine.

He chuckled. “No, I know what you mean. It was a bit … weird.”

I took a deep breath. Here we go. “Well, here’s the thing. I was really uncomfortable that night—not because of anything you did or said, so don’t feel bad, okay? It’s just that I was trying so hard to be the kind of person I thought you tended to be with, and I was so afraid of making you think I was a total idiot or something. And the truth is, I’m not a glitzy person, and it’s way too exhausting to try to act that way. So, from now on, I’m just going to be who I am, and if I embarrass you or something, then that’s probably just a sign that your world and my world are really incompatible.” I stopped and sighed, then gave him a small smile. “Okay, speech over. Are we cool?”

A slow smile spread across his face as he nodded. “Absolutely, Grace. Thanks. I’m really glad you feel that way, and that you told me. And by the way, you did a very good job of being glitzy that night.”

I could feel myself blush as he winked and stood. “Shall we?” he asked.

“Yeah!”

We made our way to the garage and settled in his BMW. The leather was so soft I was afraid my nails would tear it, and I folded my hands in my lap just to be safe.

“So how’s that car treating you?” he asked as we headed out into the street.

“Fantastic. Thank you yet again.”

He nodded. “I’m just afraid its going to suddenly fall apart on you one day. I’d feel terrible if it turned out I’d given you a lemon.”

“Well, even if it did that would be all right; at least I would have had this long to not worry about it.”

“True.”

“So where are we going? What’s the plan for the day?”

“Well, since this is your first time, we have to do all the truly touristy things, like get a good view of the Hollywood sign, go down Rodeo Drive, go to Santa Monica Pier, go through Beverly Hills—it looks a lot different in the daylight.”

I grinned. “Sounds great!”

“Did you bring your camera? There are sure to be plenty of Kodak moments.”

“Oh … I didn’t even think of it!” I frowned. “I can’t believe that.”

He shrugged. “That’s all right, we can stop and get a disposable. My treat; part of the whole Harrington Tour Experience.” He grinned and waggled his eyebrows, making me laugh and wish again that things could work out.