“I try. How about we go back to your place, have some dinner, and crash out.”
“Sounds great. Hopefully, tomorrow, I can start mending bridges. I sure am going to try for you, but more so for me.”
“I’d give Lunar some time. Maybe start with Tillie. You’ve been riding her pretty damn hard.”
“I feel bad. I hate being that person now. I used to love the power trip that came with being a diva, but now, knowing people are scared of you or think of you as some prima donna, well, it’s just sad. I really think, now I’ve had time to reflect on it, that my stepdad’s way of doing things is completely and utterly flawed. Wouldn’t I get my way from being nice to people, too?”
Nate sighs. “Yeah, baby, you will. But I get what your stepdad was trying to do. Let’s face it, you don’t get as far if you’retoonice. However, I think your stepdad may have taken your training a littletoofar.”
“Urgh… fuck my life.”
Nate chuckles, leaning in, and gently pecks my lips. “You’re a stunner with a sexy-as-fuck drummer boyfriend. I’d say you’re doing okay.”
“Heissexy-as-fuck, isn’t he?”
Nate smiles as I run my fingers up and down the back of his neck. “Okay, miss… home, food, then bed. Maybe some kink if we’re not too tired.”
Laughing, I lean in, kissing him, and he kisses me back with one hell of a lot of passion.
Chapter Thirteen
NATE
The Next Day
After a great night with Ria and an even better morning, we arrive at the studio and walk in together, holding hands. Suddenly, I remember I was going to have Ria go over the script with me, but we got a little distracted after dinner last night. Well, no, actually, during dinner.
“Fuck,” I murmur as we walk down the hall.
“What?” Ria asks, looking at me, slightly concerned.
“I was gonna get you to run through the script with me last night so I’d be prepared today. I kinda got lost in you last night and forgot.”
“Oh, sorry, well I can—”
“Zaria, you’re here. Great! Is there anything I can get you? Drink?” Tillie asks, rushing over and breaking into our conversation.
I glance at Ria, who meets my eyes with a smile, letting me know she’s remembered to be more of her authentic self today. “No thanks, Tillie. I’m good. But can I getyouanything? You work so hard, and if there is anything you need, just let me know.”
Tillie’s expression shifts, and she scoffs. “Are you mocking me?”
Ria’s face falls, shock replacing her smile, while I feel her tense beside me. I let out a frustrated sigh, trying to ease the tension between them, but it lingers, tangible and uncomfortable.
“No. I, ah, sorry… never mind.” Ria’s voice falters as she drops my hand and turns away, her head hanging low, the weight of the moment pressing down on her.
“Ria, wait!”
“It’s fine, Nate. I have to go get ready anyway.” She scurries off, and I snap my head back to Tillie, whose face goes pale, her eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights.
“Oh my God, Nate. She wasn’t serious, was she?”
“Yes, Tillie. She’s trying, and you shoved it in her fucking face.”
Tillie’s hand flies to her mouth. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. I thought she was being facetious. Oh shit, I’m such a bitch. I have to go make this right. I’m sorry, Nate.”
“Maybe let her go, Tillie. She’ll be in makeup now, and… fuck! I don’t know…” I swipe my hand through my hair. “She just wants you guys to like her. She’s trying, you know?”
Tillie brings her hands to her face and groans as I hear footsteps down the hall. We both look up to see Ria walking toward us with a glass of water and a fucking straw. Tillie chews on her bottom lip as I look at Ria while she continues to step toward Tillie. I think for a split second, she’s going to throw the glass of water over her, but she thrusts it forward to Tillie with a warm smile.
