Seeing the happy smile on Nova’s face eases the tension in my body left over from the incident earlier.
I walk to the safety team and wait patiently while they connect a harness to me. Checking all the clips, I make sure they’re secure before giving the team a thumbs-up.
My body is hauled into the air, and when I reach the roof, I climb onto it and jog to the side where I have to start running from.
Sean’s waiting down below to join the scene.
“Ready?” Martin, the new director, asks via the loudspeaker.
I give him a thumbs-up and roll my shoulders as I set my face in a grim expression.
“Action!”
I lunge forward and run to the marker before leaping off the roof. My heart pounds in my chest as I grab hold of the fire escape railing on the side of the other building before swinging my body over the steel rail and jumping down the flight of stairs.
“Motherfucker,” Sean shouts, and when he opens fire on me with blanks, I pretend to dodge live rounds while jumping to the ground and rolling behind a trash can.
“Cut!” Martin shouts. “Sean, we need more rage in your voice. Easton, let’s take it from where you’re about to jump down the stairs.”
I brush dust from my pants before I grab hold of the ladder to climb back up. While I get ready, I glance at Nova, and seeing the look of awe on her face has my chest filling with pride.
I’ll never get enough of her looking at me like that.
We go through the scene again, and when Martin gives the thumbs-up, I walk to a table to grab a bottle of water.
“Easton, Sylvia’s on the line for you,” Amy says, bringing my phone, which she usually holds while I’m filming.
“Thanks.” I take the device and say, “Hey. What’s up?”
“I’m calling to let you know a date has been set for the convention. I think it will be a good time to announce your relationship with Nova.”
“When?”
“The last Saturday of the month. I’ll email you all the details.”
I think for a few seconds, then reply, “Okay. It gives us two to three weeks.”
“Enjoy them.” She lets out a chuckle. “Once everyone finds out about you and Nova, it’s going to unleash a shitstorm of attention.”
“I know,” I sigh. “Talk to you later.”
Ending the call, I hand the device back to Amy and head to where Nova is sitting. Crouching beside her chair, I say, “Sylvia just let me know that we’re announcing our relationship at the convention to promoteThe Eradicator. You’ll need to be there.”
Her eyes widen. “What will be expected of me?”
“They’ll take a few photos of us, but I’ll answer all the questions so you don’t have to.”
“Okay.” She rubs her hands together before fisting them on her lap. “I might have a nervous breakdown before they get to take the first photo.”
Shaking my head, I lock eyes with her. “You’re going to be fine because I’ll be there with you.”
She nods and lets out a deep breath. “I have a few weeks to prepare.” When she gets up, I rise to my full height. “I’m going to pick up Lainey from school.”
“Give her a hug from me,” I say before I press a kiss to her mouth. “I’ll be home around ten.”
“I’ll miss you until then.”
I watch as she walks away, and only when she’s out of my sight do I turn my attention back to work.
