“I’m supposed to take this to Rho,” said AJ, holding out the plate, “but Grandpa needs my help.”
“Oh!” said Anjalee. “Sure, yeah.” Anjalee might not have known herown character’s name, but she knew Noah Drew’s. AJ gave her the tray and watched her slink off toward Rho’s cell.
That was it. A tiny, insignificant exchange. But one that had changed the course of the show. From the look Noah was giving AJ now, he knew it too. By avoiding him for a whole day, an entire episode, she’d effectively taken herself out of the running for Alara.
His gaze shifted to Xiaobo. “Nah, man,” he said. “Thanks.”
AJ could hear Bud’s muted yips as Noah entered his room. This was for the best, she told herself as his light switched on. Now he, Anjalee, and Toni could be a love triangle—and even if Anjalee and Noah paired off, Toni could still be Alara. All was well.
So why did AJ feel such…loss?
She watched his shadow move across cream-colored drapes. The most dangerous thing about playing with him was how natural it felt. He made it too easy to forget how all of this could break her.
Standing aside was thecorrectthing. She’d done thecorrectthing.
“Dude,” Dave gasped. AJ’s stomach lurched.
Anjaleewas now descending the stone steps in six-inch stilettos. Her absurd body was wrapped in a black lamé tube dress, her hair cascading down her back in soft golden waves.
“Damn, girl,” said Xiaobo quietly.
Toni sat up a little and waved, but Anjalee strode by without a glance.
“Dude,” Dave repeated as Anjalee made a beeline for Noah’s door.
Fuck.Anjalee and Noah’s scene must have been a barn burner.
The door slid open, filled by Noah’s imposing figure. Unlike Anjalee, he immediately clocked their group. AJ knew it was too dark for him to see her face, but she lowered her gaze anyway.
“What is it?” said Noah, not bothering to keep the agitation out of his voice.
Anjalee held her ground, her bronze skin aglow in the low light. “Chill,” she said. “It’s just me.”
Noah crossed his arms. “Yes?”
“That dinner wasso boring,” she purred. “I don’t know if I can take two more weeks of this.”
When Noah didn’t respond, Anjalee took a power stance. “Get your stuff,” she said. “We’re going out.”
Noah’s weight shifted in the doorframe. “Where?”
Anjalee shrugged. “Anywhere. My friend just opened a place on Sunset. It’s kind of tacky, but anything is better than this.”
AJ held her breath. This was it. Noah would leave with Anjalee tonight, and he wouldn’t sleep in his room again for the rest of the shoot.
“Sorry,” he said. “I have to be up early.” AJ’s heart leapt.
Anjalee cocked her hip, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Okay. Then I’ll come in.”
Noah didn’t move. “It’s not a good time.”
Anjalee laughed. “Are you serious?”
“Yes,” said Noah, and AJ was tempted to laugh at how serious he sounded. As if sensing her, Noah glanced in their direction. The four improvisers quickly turned to the firepit.
It had clearly been years since Anjalee had been toldno,and she wasn’t taking it well.
“This is because you’re still in character, right?” She shrugged. “I mean, if you need to throw another tray at me and shout for Ana, go for it.”
