“Hate it,” I blurt out. “One of the best things about living in New York was the ability to use public transportation just about everywhere.”
“New York?”
I pause and realize I’ve said more than I planned. “I went to university there.”
“Then what … dammit,” he growls at the same time he turns to face the person calling him.
A young guy, who appears to be around twenty-three, stands by the door, calling Andreas.
“Michael’s assistant is on my ass, which must mean Michael’s ready for that meeting.” He reaches out to squeeze my hand. “Wait for me. Won’t be long. Promise.”
I don’t have time to give him a yes or no before he’s off. I watch his back as he retreats inside. And now I have a choice to make.
Do I stay and wait, or do I leave? Of course, the overthinking starts. I wonder if he really wants me to stay or if he was just being nice?
Either way, the most dominant question in my mind is why? What I’ve seen and heard about Andreas Knight is that he has an easy-going rapport about him. He gets along with everyone and anyone, but he didn’t ask everyone to dinner.
“You’re not being paid extra just because you stayed late to flirt with the lead actor.” Rebecca’s harsh words startle me while bringing me back down to reality.
Her tone also rattles me to the point of annoyance.
“Did I do something to you?” I ask.
Her mouth falls open for the briefest moment as if she wasn’t expecting my response.
“Because, so far, I’ve done nothing but show up early and complete every task that’s been asked of me. I haven’t heard any complaints from anyone else on the team about my performance.”
“They’re not your boss. I am,” she needlessly reminds me.
“Great, so I’m asking, as myboss,is there anything in my work performance that isn’t up to standard or incorrect? If so, I’d like to know so I can change it.”
My heart hammers inside of my chest as I confront Rebecca, but I fight to keep my therapist, Dr. King’s words in mind about not keeping everything locked inside.
Not an easy task when I was raised to just suck it up and perform because that was what was demanded of me.
“And where has that gotten you?”Dr. King’s question plays in my mind, reminding me of exactly where holding everything inside got me.
One very embarrassing panic attack which turned into a full mental breakdown in front of thousands of people.
While Rebecca’s jabs are nowhere near the level of reaching my breaking point, it’s probably a good idea to nip it in the bud before it goes too far.
“Your performance?” she asks. “Which one? The one where you’re pretending to be interested in costume design and fashion when we both know you don’t have a degree in design because you dropped out?”
She doesn’t allow me to respond.
“Or maybe you only took this job to meet stars like …” She trails off but looks over her shoulder behind her. The door where Andreas Knight just entered.
“I would never.”
“Yeah,” she scoffs, “I’ve heard that one before. Listen, if you want to keep your job, do yourself a favor and stay away from the actors. Don’t let whatever stunt you used to get Andreas to pull that shit in my office, or go over my head to make sure you’re working on this set.
“I can and still will use the power I have to fire you if you get out of line.”
She steps back.
“It’s the end of the day and you need to be here at six a.m. tomorrow. I suggest you go home.” She turns on her heels and retreats from whatever sixth circle of hell she came from.
I watch her, letting her comment sink in. Should I go home? Andreas asked me to stay. But did he mean it?
