“Create a fun television show that people find exciting and interesting?” Dev suggested.
“No. We do it by reinventing the wheel. Handsome square-jawed white guy with marital and friendship problems is the wheel. The rest of us are the oil that keeps that wheel running. No offense.”
“None... taken?”
Fred patted Dev on the chest. “You deliver your lines as best you can, buddy. You probably won’t get an Emmy, but we’ll get enough attention that you’ll get some amazing future roles. Consider it paying your dues.” Fred checked his wristwatch. “Now I don’t know about you, but I could really use a big lunch. You’re welcome to join...”
“No, I’m good.” Dev watched his director saunter away.
You don’t seem happy.
He narrowed his eyes. He was happy in the country, yes. He was happy being away from the brunt of his family’s fame. He’d even be happy paying his dues, given his latent guilt over how easy it had been to start his acting career, compared to other struggling actors.
But no, he wasn’t happy with this particular show.
There was nothing he could do, though. He couldn’t see them killing off their foreign villain for no reason. Not when he had some name recognition that could help them on the way to the Emmys.
Emmys for them, but not him, as Fred had so cheerfully explained to him.
So what if you’re unhappy? What’s the other option?Therewasn’t one. When he’d spoken to his former costar yesterday, he’d been hit by a wave of homesickness, but for the show and the family he’d built there, not for the place.
Into the box go these feelings as well. You are happy and grateful to be working. All you wanted was a fresh start. You got it. Don’t complain.
Dev shifted. He was simply tired from the long night. He’d go home or to his trailer and take a nap, and then everything would be fine when he woke up.
To busy himself, he checked his phone as he walked to his trailer. Jia hadn’t texted him yet today, so he sent her a good morning text.
Hi. What are you up to?
He paused, the dopamine hit from her immediate reply making him dizzy.I just finished shooting. What about you?
I need to get out of the city, so I decided to take a road trip. I heard there was this place that was good for photography. I’m at the studio packing up my stuff.
His fatigue vanished. Disappearing for the day sounded like a dream. How long had it been since he’d gotten in a car and driven far away? Had he ever done that?
Only, he couldn’t go on a road trip with Jia. That wouldn’t be proper.
You’re so boring. Live a little. What century are you stuck in, anyway? Like unmarried people don’t hang out in private all the time.
Rohan’s voice was too loud in his head. He supposed he was being overly conservative. He had indeed spent privatetime with his single female friends in the past. Jia was different.
Because you are interested in her.
He rubbed his ear. This revelation wasn’t that earth-shattering. Obviously, he was interested in her. He’d bought a serum on her recommendation last night, for crying out loud, and he didn’t even know what a serum was.
However, even if he did want to come, how did one invite oneself to a road trip? What was the etiquette for that?
Want to come with me?
His smile was slow.Yes.
It’s like two and a half hours away. But we’ll be back tonight.
That wasn’t a problem. Luna wouldn’t even be home till tomorrow.Sounds good.
Cool.
He thought for a second, and imagined going on a road trip in her cramped little Beetle.Can we take my car?
