“I don’t… It’s not…” I fumble. Have we been that obvious? Everyone is talking about us like we’ve been making out in the hallways. Well, we did that one time, but no one was around.
Natalie waves a hand as if shooing away an invisible fly. “Does it make sense now?”
It does. I nod.
I only need two more takes before we get the shot, and I am wrapped for the day. I change into warm clothes, still bothered by all the talk today about Skye and me.
Does everyone know that we are…? What are we doing? I mean, I know the ins and outs of it, so to speak, but is what we have more than just physical? Back at SOWK, it sure felt like it. I smile at the memory. Every time I put on my admittedly terrible accent, she cracked up like I was literally tickling her.
Once I’m dressed, I stay for a bit to support Ava. The water is freezing, but from her stoic performance, you wouldn’t be able to tell. She really is a good actress.
Natalie comes and stands by my side. “These shots are going to be amazing.”
I nod as I watch Ava emerge, water rushing off her wetsuit–covered legs.
“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want it to affect your performance, but there is a camera in the eye of the monster.”
My jaw is on the ground. I stared deep into the blackness of that animatronic beast, and I never would’ve guessed. “You’re kidding.”
Natalie rubs her hands together like a cartoon villain, but really, she’s probably doing it for warmth. “I can’t wait to see them. Hey, don’t forget to pack some things tonight. We head out on location in the morning.”
That’s right. I had forgotten. “Yep, all packed.” I’m not. “For how long again?”
“A week, give or take.” Natalie runs back over to the shore in her knee-high hunter boots.
After a few takes, Minnie offers to give me a ride back, and I gratefully accept. But once we’re in the van, I ask her to take me to Thistle House instead.
“I’m starving, and they have great food there.”
Minnie smiles, the dimples in her cheeks appearing. “Sure, no sweat. I don’t think I can stay, though. How will you get back?”
I check the time. It’s still early, and I’m hoping I might catch Skye there. I know she goes there almost every morning after her chores. What I’m really hoping is we can sneak off to that room upstairs that Skye has the secret key to. But honestly, I’m not sure how I’ll get back. The clouds look heavy, like at any moment it may rain—or, with how cold it is, snow. I can figure it out, though. Even five minutes alone with Skye would be well worth the risk. “I can make my way back.”
Minnie nods, and I wonder again if something is going on with her and Ty. Should I say something? Warn her that he destroys everything and everyone in his path like a debonair Godzilla? Rizzilla.
“Minnie, I know this is none of my business, but…” I take a deep breath. I just need to trust my instincts, and they are screaming at me to ask her. “Are you and Ty dating?”
“What?” Minnie’s neck turns an angry red.
I laugh. “Okay. You don’t have to tell me. I just want you to be careful, that’s all. He has a tendency to…” How can I say this without sounding like a petty dick? “He doesn’t always consider everyone’s feelings.”
Minnie shakes her head. “Miles, I appreciate you trying to protect me and all, but I’m a grown-up. We have real feelings for each other. He loves me, and more than that, he respects me.”
He loves her? That seems too fast to be anything but one of his slick lines. “Did he say that? That he loves you?”
We pull up to Thistle House, and sparklers pop in my heart as I see Skye’s familiar yellow bike leaning against the wall.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but yeah. Yes, he did.”
I swallow hard, not wanting to sound cruel by telling her that it is a massive lie. Minnie must notice, because she sighs. “Ty told me you would do this. He said you’ve been bad-mouthing him to the whole crew. He says you’re just jealous. So, thanks for the advice, but I can take care of myself.”
My sparklers turn into a raging fire. He told Minnie I’ve been bad-mouthing him? Have I? No. She’s the only one I’ve even really talked about him with, besides Elsie, and she knows the whole story already.
“Sorry, Minnie. I was just trying to look out for you.” I thank her for the ride and get out of the car. I’m too pissed to go inside, so I stuff my hands into my peacoat pockets and stroll the empty streets of Foyers.
SKYE
“Are you mad?” Finn laughs.
