You want to - but...

You’re momentarily lost for words. A very large part of you does just want to get out of here – and if you can share a ride with Emma Stone, possibly even get to know her, that’s probably the best end to this night you could hope for.

Except that a small but stubborn part of you is digging its heels in and not budging, because…

‘Shit,’ you say, reluctantly. ‘Seriously, I’d like nothing better, I really would. And you seem really cool, and you’re handling this way better than I am, and I’m really glad I met you and we talked and everything. But…’

Emma Stone’s expression softens.

‘You’ve caught feelings for her?’ she finishes for you. ‘Oh, man. I feel for you, babe. I’m sorry.’

You smile awkwardly. ‘Hell of a way to realise, I guess. Although, in a way, I think I fell for her the first time she kissed me.’

Emma rests a hand lightly on your shoulder and squeezes. ‘Shit. I reckon you deserved better. You really did.’

‘Wouldn’t trade those memories for the world,’ you say, trying and failing to sound light-hearted. Emma looks genuinely sympathetic.

‘Okay. Here’s what we’ll do. I’m gonna give you my number, okay?’ She’s digging around in her purse. ‘If this ends up on TMZ, I’ll know it’s you and I’ll be really pissed off, so just bear that in mind – but, anyway…’ She finds her phone and swipes it open. ‘This town is fucking insane, as I’m sure you’ve realised by now. But it’s a whole lot better if you’ve got a couple of friends to swap stories with. So…’

You hand her your phone – the new phone Emma Watson bought you, you realise with an involuntary stomach clench – and Emma Stone taps in her digits. ‘There. I need to get home and have a soak and wash his shitty cologne right out of my hair… and probably curl up on the couch and eat ice cream, to be honest. But… if you ever need a chat.’ Emma looks up, and her eyes are kind. ‘Let’s get lunch sometime, all right? I swear not everyone in Hollywood is a two-faced piece of shit.’