Trent let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, and I do?”
“Why come back anyway if you were going to walk in late?” continued Michael. “Do you even want to be on this show?”
“Do you want the truth?”
A collective gasp went up among the crew.
Emily’s entire body flagged. It was all she could do not to hang her head. Trent’s words made her want to disappear. She wanted to crawl up the stairs to Nonna Olivia’s old bedroom and huddle in the closet. How could he be so ungrateful?
“Dude,” said Nick in a quiet voice. “Do you even hear yourself?” He put an arm under Eli’s shoulder.
“I’ll drive Eli home.” The production assistant, Franka, joined the brothers at the door.
“Well,” said Lacey, “at least the demo is mostly done. Let’s just clear the garbage away, guys.”
The crew members set to work removing the bits of drywall and old wood moldings, taking care to discard bent nails along the way.
Lacey nodded at Michael. “We still need to tape a segue. Once the guys clear out the debris, we’ll put you over by the site of the demolished wall.”
Michael didn’t respond. Emily could see he was too busy throwing imaginary death lasers at Trent’s head. She was trying hard to keep from doing the same thing.
“Earth to Michael,” persisted Lacey.
“All right, all right.”
Once the crew discarded the rubbish, Lacey turned to Emily. “Hun, could you please stand next to Michael for this shot?”
“So where do you want me?” asked Trent.
Lacey turned her megawatt smile on him. “Actually, Trent, you’re fine over there by the door. Thanks.”
Out of the camera shot, Trent glowered.
Although Emily had only felt chilly vibes from Lacey so far, in that moment, she could have hugged the other woman. Trent’s behavior had been inexcusable. It was one thing to make an honest mistake and unwittingly hurt someone, but Trent’s lack of remorse sat in Emily’s gut like a hunk of moldy food.
Emily ignored Trent’s expression and took her spot next to Michael. His face creased in concern, and she knew it was concern for her, as much as for Eli. Emily couldn’t look at him. If she continued to look at him, she’d say something completely inappropriate. Michael tore down her defenses, as easily as the crew had torn down the old wall. For some reason, she wanted to ask him for a hug, but suspected any hug between the two of them would eventually turn into heavy petting.
This is so wrong. You’re making it worse with your stupid day dreams.
Conflicted and hurt, Emily tried to smile for the camera. It was a good thing Michael had all the lines in this segment.
As Lacey gave him his cue, he inhaled and smiled. “We’ve had an awesome demolition day, but there’s a lot more work to be done. Stay tuned. We’ll be starting drywall soon and Nick will give us a peek at his plans for the new deck. We’ve worked up a sweat here today, but the shower will have to wait until tonight.”
Lacey held up a hand. “Michael, could you do it again for me please?”
“Why?”
Lacey lowered her voice. “Because you look ready to murder someone. Say the last line again, but remember what I said about being playful. Maybe you could elbow Emily and wink at the camera.”
Michael gawked. “That’ll make it sound tawdry.”
“You say tawdry. I say sexy.” Lacey pretended to balance invisible scales. “Say the line, please.”
He glanced at Emily. Her nerves erupted in a crazed giggle. “It’s okay. It won’t bother me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Go ahead. I could use a laugh.”
