Someone’s caught on about Ria being in a relationship.
This could sink the whole marketing pitch—right here, right now.
“Shit,” I say as Tillie puts her hand on my shoulder.
“Just wait and see, Nate,” Tillie whispers.
“So we have word that Bloomfield Productions is filing for bankruptcy. All staff have been made redundant, and the company is closing its doors as of today. What are your thoughts on this?”
I exhale, half-relieved yet annoyed they would spring this on Ria.
“I… ahh… wow! Honestly, I had no idea. If this is the case, I’m truly saddened and shocked by this revelation. I hope allemployees are able to find other positions and are… wow, sorry. I’m just a little shocked here. You’ve kinda sprung this on me.”
“For those who don’t know, Bloomfield Productions is run by Zaria’s stepfather, Patrick Bloomfield. The man who gave her the big break into film in the first place. Am I right?”
“Yes, without him, I wouldn’t… well, a lot of actors wouldn’t be here. It truly is a sad day for this industry.”
Danger reaches out, touching her arm in a show of support, and I curl my lip up in annoyance.
It should be me comforting her,I think, while mentally slapping myself.
“Okay, well, we want to thank Danger and Zaria for coming on our show today. Now, we’re heading off for a commercial break. We’ll be right back.”
The producer signals that they’ve stopped filming, and Ria stands abruptly and rips off her microphone, glaring at the two hosts. “Don’teverinvite me back on your show again. Iwillrespectfully decline.” She throws the microphone pack on the desk and heads straight toward me, her face contorting with rage.
I step over to intercept her, and as she reaches me, she grabs my hand tightly and pulls me along. Then, she continues walking toward the dressing room. I’m quiet as she stomps along, but she’s panting furiously like she’s about to explode at any second. I am not sure if I should talk first or let her speak when she’s ready. I’m unsure of what to do.
Cool, calm, collected…
We walk into the dressing room, and she slams the door shut behind me. The hard look in her eyes scares me. “Ria,” I murmur nervously.
“I mean…what the actual fuckwere they thinking landing that on me like that? And fucking hell… what if itistrue? What if Patrick’s company has gone bust? Then does that mean Momand he will be poor? I mean, it’s not an issue, I can help them with money and stuff. But fuck, Nate! How could they not tell me? At least warn me that this could happen.God!” She pulls at her hair in frustration, and I lunge toward her, grabbing her hands and stopping her by dragging them to her sides.
“Stop! Just breathe. It’s gonna be okay.”
“Is it? That production company is the one that does most of my movie deals, Nate. I might be ahas-beennow.”
Bringing my hands up to her face, I force her to look at me. “Breathe, you look too pale.”
She takes a deep breath, relaxing in my grip. “Nate, I’m screwed.”
“Baby, you’renotscrewed. We’ll sort this out. I promise, okay?”
She nods and presses her lips to mine. It’s so nice to be kissing her right now. After all my uncertainty today, knowing she still wants to kiss me makesmefeel better.
Goddammit! I’m a selfish bastard.
The door opens, and we quickly break apart as Danger and Tillie rush in.
“Shit! Zaria… you okay?” Danger asks as they move over to us, and everyone filters in behind them.
Ria exhales and nods slowly, taking in a deep breath, but she’s still as white as a ghost.
“Zaria, you don’t look too good. Maybe you should sit down?” Danger asks.
I reach out, grabbing her around her waist as she sways.
“I’ll get her some water,” Tillie says.
