It’s going to be a long day!
ZARIA
After spending the last few hours with Danger, I’ve realized he isn’t as arrogant or uptight as I initially thought. He’s actually decent to be around—and to work with—which is a pleasant surprise. I could sense he was tense, maybe even a little intimidated by me. I’m not sure whether that’s because of my reputation or because he’s in a relationship. Perhaps it’s a bit of both. Either way, by the final take, he was noticeably more relaxed, and his performance had improved significantly. He still had a touch of stiffness, but compared to that first take, he was fully committed and much more in the moment.
The band’s doing their joint take now, so I’m going to stay and head up to the viewing area to watch Nate. I know he’s been watching me all day, and I hope he’s been okay with what he’s seen so far. I would have liked to have chatted with him between these takes, but he’s on set already, and I don’t want to interrupt.
“You ready to go, Ria?” Mindy, my makeup artist slash PA, calls out to me as she pops her head through the doorway. Mindy has been with me for years. She’s not only my makeup artist and PA but one of the select few I call a friend. That’s why she calls me Ria, not Zaria. She knows it all—my life, my past, my demons, every hidden detail. She truly understands me, and that’s why I trust every word she says.
“Yep, coming…” I call back, grab my bag, and walk with my friend toward the viewing area.
“So, are you enjoying your day?” she asks, her blonde ponytail bobbing up and down briskly as we walk.
“I am. I thought it would be harder than it has been, but everyone’s really cool. These are good people.”
Mindy smiles. “They are, Ria. And they’re Nate’s friends. Try to remember that.”
I exhale with a nod.
We head through the studio and past the stage toward the stairs of the viewing area. When we arrive at the top, Lunar and Tillie are waiting patiently. My stomach turns, and nerves filter through me.
TheseareNate’s people.
People I’ve only been ‘Zaria’with.
People who only know the diva in me.
I want to make an effort for Nate, but making friends hasn't come easily to me.
I glance at Mindy, who gives me an encouraging smile and a slight nod, pushing me forward. Steeling myself with a deep breath, I stride over to the two beauties. Lunar spots me first,her shoulders tensing immediately. Tillie turns, too, letting out a sigh, her expression tightening as if bracing for me to bark orders—like I usually do. I know I’ve earned that reaction, and I want to set things right. The problem is, I don’t exactly know how. I’ve only ever been taught to take, to demand, to seize respect by force. But here, all I see is wariness and rejection. If Nate’s people are going to respect me, I need to let my walls down—an intimidating task for me.
“Hi, ladies,” I say, feeling their gazes rake over me like they are scanning for cracks.
“Zaria,” Tillie murmurs with a guarded tone, and Lunar nods, her eyes like steel.
I take another steadying breath. “So, um… thanks for sticking around today. It means a lot.”
Lunar’s face hardens. “Wealwayssupport our boys.”
Her words slice through my attempt, but I push on, swallowing back the sting. “I appreciate that. Nate deserves your support. He’s a great guy, and he could use all the confidence he can get.”
Lunar’s eyes narrow. “Oh, we know how great he is. So, if you’re planning to mess with his heart, you’d better think twice. He’s a good man, Zaria… fragile even. And you could do real damage if you’re not careful. So, maybe think about that before you waltz too deep and leave him broken.”
Wow! Tough crowd!
I draw in a sharp breath, steadying myself against the jab. “Lunar, I get that you’re upset about me being close to Danger, but there’s nothing between us. No offense to him, but he’s not my type.”
Lunar crosses her arms, her voice dripping with disbelief.“Your googly eyes tell me otherwise.”
I can’t help the small giggle that escapes me. “Lunar, I don’t win Oscars for nothing. I’m good at what I do. Pretending to bein love with Danger is second nature to me. But trust me, it’s just an act. Honestly, I barely know him. Again, no offense, but he’s a little too cocky for my taste. So you have nothing to worry about. My eyes are firmly set elsewhere.”
A hint of satisfaction flashes in Lunar’s eyes, but I know I’ve stretched the truth for her sake. I do like Danger—he’s a decent guy. Sure, cocky and a little full of himself, but he’s not bad.
“Nate?” she asks, her voice softening slightly as if testing the waters.
A genuine smile lights up my eyes as I nod, thoughts of Nate softening my expression.
Lunar crosses her arms again, pursing her lips. “I still don’t like you. Just being honest. I mean… fuck! You’re such a goddamn diva. I get that you’re famous and have multiple Oscars, but maybe tone down the drama, girl. Who the hell demands a straw with every fucking drink? That’s just… weird.”
