Jeff laughed.
“Yeah, I get that. You always loved nature. And you were never a risk taker.”
“I’m becoming more of a risk taker. But I wouldn’t want to injure myself for the sake of driving fast. It’s not worth it. It makes me feel unsafe. I get more of a kick driving fast with a car.”
“I can appreciate that, but I can’t say I understand it.” Jeff shook his head. “I get off on the speed.”
Bing. The elevator chimed. I’d reached my floor. To my surprise Jeff walked out too.
“This your floor, too?” I asked.
“Yep. I’ve got room 604.”
“Oh.” I felt my mood sink — it was the room next to mine. There was no need this had to be awkward, I reminded myself — I’d known Jeff for twenty odd years. So what if he hit on me one night and I turned him down? Maybe I should apologize for my reaction…but I still didn’t know his motive. And whatever it was, I wasn’t looking for sex. One day I’d find the right man, but right now I was busy mending myself and my life.
“I believe that’s the room next to mine.”
‘Room’ was a bit of an understatement — this was the ‘executive floor’ where each bedroom came with a kitchenette, bedroom and living room, as well as a bathroom and a balcony with a jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. It may not have been as fancy as the suites one floor up, but it sure as hell wasn’t bad.
Jeff smiled.
“We’re neighbors then.”
“Yup,” I nodded.
“Listen,” he said, suddenly stopping and grabbing me by the arm. “You upset me the other week. You know I’m no Harvey Weinstein. I realize Bill did whatever he did, but come on Pat, what do you take me for? I like sleeping with women, yes. Telling them to sleep with me to get a part…never. I don’t even head up the castings. I always leave it to the director and casting director. We’ve been friends for twenty years, Pat. Give me some credit.”
Jeff looked serious. I could also see flares of anger in his blue eyes. Suddenly I felt sheepish. He was right — I was supposed to be his friend.
“I-I’m sorry.” I stuttered. “It’s just…I’m a bit broken at the moment. Bill…” My voice faded out as tears came to my eyes. I felt vulnerable just talking about it. The man I’d been married to, the man who was supposed to have my back no matter what, had let me down. Badly.
The look in Jeff’s eyes softened.
“I’m sorry, too. I misread your signals. Here, give me a hug.”
Thankfully I stepped into Jeff’s bear hug and sobbed against his hard chest. I felt safe there. He was right — I’d been a fool to mistrust him. And maybe he hadn’t misread the signals, but I wasn’t ready for anything but friendship at present.
***
The next morning, I woke up early to get to rehearsal for a stunt scene. It wasn’t like I was pulling my own stunts, but I was involved in a stunt scene where a guy jumped on my bike from behind as I raced off. And while I didn’t have to deal with all the jumping, I needed to be caught on camera driving with the guy on my bike. I had never had anyone riding behind me before.
The morning air in Maui was fresh and the sound of tropical birdsong greeted me as I stepped out of the hotel. Waves were crashing against the shore, slowly, rhythmically. The scent of sea air was refreshing. I almost felt like giggling — this was a far cry from my sleepy life in Wood Creek. I felt alive here. Like I was living…even if I was still sleepy this morning!
I made my way to my bike, then drove to the rehearsal location — a spot practically in the middle of nowhere. There was a café and a parking lot, but that was it. All round was just greenery. As I got there, I was surprised to see only Jeff.
“Good morning,” he said with a wave. He was standing in the parking lot, leaning against his bike, his helmet off and his hair messy. He looked like a commercial for the perfect alpha male. Good old Jeff. I couldn’t help but grin at him.
“Morning! Where are the others?”
“I gave them the morning off. I figured the best way for you to learn is just to go for a simple bike ride. I’ll ride on the back. I thought the others deserved a break before filming starts. Besides, all they’d do is stand around watching you drive across this place with someone sitting at the back.”
He was right. It wouldn’t have been much fun for them — or me. Going for a ride would be more fun.
“OK.”
“Have you had breakfast?” Jeff asked.
I shook my head.
