Gemma couldn’t tell her friend this, or she suspected that Hayley would find Derek, possibly have some words with him, and then definitely do the slapping on Gemma’s behalf. As invigorating as that would be to watch, Gemma believed that the only way to deal with a pig like Derek was to ignore him.
“That piece of shit. I’ll destroy that guy.”
Gemma smiled softly at the lack of hesitation in her bestfriend’s voice. She loved how unwaveringly supportive Hayley always was.
“Why haven’t you said something to me before about this?” Hayley questioned. “That’s a lot to deal with by yourself.”
“Honestly, I just didn’t want to give him any more of my energy. I figured that the best way to move on would be to let it roll off my shoulders and try not to think about him.”
Hayley reached across the table and laid her hand on top of Gemma’s. “Well, you know that I’m always here if you need to vent.”
“Thanks, Hay. As annoying as Derek is, though, he’s not the only reason that work has been getting to me recently.” Gemma looked down into her almost empty cup while she gathered her next thought, one that she hadn’t said out loud yet to anyone. “I’m bored. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful for this show and for all of its success. Having a leading role for six years has been huge for me, but I’m ready to do something different. I landedNYPDright after graduation, and I’ve been locked into it ever since. I’ve never gotten to try a new character. I just feel so trapped.”
Gemma felt the weight on her chest lift slightly as she confided in Hayley. Maybe finally expressing these feelings would give her the push that she had been needing to make her next move. She just wasn’t sure which direction would be the right one.
“Have you told Eve this so that she can get you other auditions?” Hayley asked, jumping into her Type A planning mode.
Eve was an audacious woman who had signed Gemma to Elite Talent Agency when she moved to NYC. Within weeks, Eve had secured Gemma’s future onNYPD Intelligence. She had realized just how good an agent Eve was when Gemma’s salary increased exponentially after the first season and thencontinued to rise with the success of the show and her character’s popularity.
“Yeah, I brought it up to her a few months ago. She even got me an audition for a movie. A romance set in the 1970s. I tried out for the supporting role. The character was written to be openly queer, even though same-sex relationships were illegal back then. So it was this whole ‘forbidden love’ drama set to shoot here in the city.”
Hayley wiggled her eyebrows at Gemma. “That sounds hot.”
Gemma sighed. “I already found out that I didn’t get the part.”
“I’m sorry, Gem. Hang in there, you’re a great actress, and people will see that you can play more than just a bad ass detective.”
Gemma took a sip of her now lukewarm coffee. “I hope you’re right. I wanted it so bad. It was the perfect part for me, but I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up. I’ve never been in a movie before.”
“The right role will find you, I truly believe that.” Hayley narrowed her eyes. “Why do I feel like you aren’t telling me anything lately? You know that I would have been there for you when you found out. Did I lose my best friend title or something?”
“You know that no one will ever take that from you.” Gemma leaned in. “I think I was just nervous to say something and jinx it. Then when I didn’t get the part, I was too embarrassed to tell you.”
“I can understand that, but you know you can tell me these things. I’llalwaysbe here for you.”
Gemma smiled, knowing without a doubt that no words were ever more true.
“So, how’s the queen of New York real estate?” Gemmaasked, ready to change the topic as they finished their morning coffee.
Hayley had joined her dad after college in their family business. He purchased and remodeled the buildings that she would then sell.
“I’m great! I just closed on an eleven-million-dollar brownstone on the Upper East Side, and soon I’ll be busy selling the luxury condos my dad is renovating in Brooklyn.”
“That’s amazing, Hay! I’m so proud of you.” Gemma beamed. “Your dad’s lucky to have such an incredible saleswoman for a daughter. You two are the best duo in the country.”
“Thanks.” Hayley was a confident woman, but when it came to receiving compliments, she always turned shy. “We are a good team, and I’m so grateful I have him, but between his projects and my clients, I have been spending more and more time at the office. I miss having a life, going out, and having fun.” Hayley had a sudden flash of inspiration. “Let’s do something tonight! We are long overdue for a night out.”
“As much as I’m all in for that plan,” Gemma caught Hayley’s eye roll at the sarcasm dripping from her voice. “I can’t. We’re working overnight for the next episode. A murder in the park.”
“You say ‘murder’ so casually.” Hayley laughed. “Okay, well, drinks soon. I need to get laid, and I already know you haven’t been on a date since Rebecca, which was how long ago?”
“Seven months.” The number jumped out at Gemma because it had been right before the current season started filming. Her friend had set her up, and it hadn’t been the worst date she had ever been on, but Gemma decided to take a break from dating afterward.
“Exactly.”
“Okay, fine. It’s been a while, but I’ve been busy.” In reality, Gemma had been actively avoiding her love life. No matter how tired she was of waking up alone, adding “meet future wife” to her schedule had felt like another role that she didn’t have time to play. The whole routine of meeting up with a stranger, making small talk, hoping for a spark, and ending up with either disappointment or a forgettable hookup… well, it was soul-sucking. She had lost the taste for that lifestyle.
“Gem, you haven’t gotten serious with a woman since we were nineteen, and I get it. It ended horribly. But at some point, you have to give someone else a chance.”
