“Does that answer all your questions?”she said.
He nodded despite the frown on his face. “Yeah. Sure. Thanks.”
He opened the door for her and, slightly perturbed, she left.
“Did you hear that?”he said.
I came to him. “Yeah. Ricky is single and he’s serious in his flirtations with Britney. Do you think he knows she’s married?”
“Somehow, I’d be surprised if she’d bothered to tell him that little detail.”
“I agree.” I shook my head, my mind filled with the possible fallout from a heartache. I was reluctant to share my concerns with Matt, but I couldn’t help but fear how Britney would react should Ricky charm her into a relationship with him, break up her marriage only to leave her heartbroken?
“I don’t know what to do,” Matt said. “My sister’s not exactly easy to control. When she puts her mind to something, she clings to it, no matter how little it makes sense.”
I nodded as I opened the door. “I’ll see what I can do from my end.”
*****
WITH MY SCRIPT IN HAND, I headed out in search of Ricky. I had to do something to keep him away from Britney.
I wandered through the halls of Barry Park, unable to find him. Finally, spotting Penny, I asked if she’d seen him.
“Last time I saw him, he was heading to his room to freshen up before dinner.”
“Thanks.”
His room was three doors down from mine. I rushed to it but hesitated once I’d reached it. What was I getting myself into? Would I really be able to keep these two hot-headed and flirtatious beings apart?
I didn’t know, but I had to try.I found the courage to knock.
A moment passed before the door finally opened. Wet and with only a towel around his hips, Ricky stood there, his dark damp curls falling into his eyes.
“Darling! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you around to my very stylish abode.”
“I was thinking about what you said earlier.”
“And what would that be.”
“About rehearsing our scenes as much as we can. Matthew and I already have an easy chemistry between us. I think you and I also need to have that easy chemistry, although it is a completely different sort of chemistry. We have so many important scenes together. I’m sure Keely is going to want us to get the mood just right.”
“I wholeheartedly agree. Why don’t you come in and we can get to that kissing scene I told you about.”
I smiled sheepishly.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out that there is not only one kissing scene, but two. And one of them has a rather deep and passionate kiss.”
Was I blushing? I felt certain I was.
He smiled, no doubt amused by my flaming red cheeks.
“I was simply testing you,” I said regarding my earlier fib.
“Right.” He pulled the door completely open and backed up, his sweeping hand inviting me in.
I glanced down at the small towel around his hips. “How about I let you take a minute to get dressed and we could meet downstairs...let’s say, the front drawing room.”
“Aw,” he let out with heavy disappointment. “I feel so rejected.”
