“Can we get this show on the road?” Josh shouts. Another egotistical actor who thinks he’s the next big thing.
Ivy, our leading lady, swishes her long dark hair over her shoulder with a yawn, bored with him already.
After a few takes, I check on Glory. She’s buzzed at being here on set and fitting in well with the crew.
“You, girl. Get me more sparkling water.” Josh points to her and she nods.
I squint in his direction. “A please costs nothing.”
He ignores me as though I’m not even here, but that’s okay. I don’t plan on filming his best angles.
Glory pats my arm. “It’s fine, really. I’m just happy to be here. Besides, Ivy makes up for Josh. She’s awesome. I’ve never met a famous actress before.” She rushes off, busying herself with her tasks.
During the blocking of the scene, I get back to my station, ready for filming. I kind of feel responsible for her and like to keep my eye on her. Every time she catches my gaze, a blush forms on her cheeks and she looks down at the floor, biting that plump pink lip of hers. The same lip that was on me.
She scurries from the other room, carrying a bundle of scripts. The wires from the lights have yet to be taped down, and it’s like a car crash waiting to happen. I jog across the set before she reaches the wires, but she crashes into my chest instead. The papers litter the floor as she gasps.
“Oh no, the scripts.” She bends down to collect the white sheets.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want you tripping on the wires. You’ve had enough calamities for one day.” A grin spreads across my face as I help gather up all the paperwork. This girl looks adorable when she’s flustered. An image forms in my mind of having her flustered in my bed.Gray’s little sister.Shit.
* * *
At the end of the day, I catch up with Glory. “You did good today, sprout.”
“I kept messing up. I was so clumsy.” She wipes beads of moisture from her brow, despite the cool air in here.
“It must be the bump to your head.” I run my thumb over the BandAid covering the lump, wanting to kiss it better. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired. My dad’s picking me up. I don’t know what to do with the bike.”
“Leave it with me. I can take a look at it.”
“Oh. Don’t go to any trouble.”
“It’s no trouble.”
She rolls her eyes, as she does every time I use the nickname. I think she secretly likes it and I not so secretly love watching her pretend it doesn't curl her toes. It used to fit her well when she was young, a little chubby kid, but now she’s definitely… bloomed. My eyes settle on the two big baubles on her chest.Gray’s little sister, damnit.
GLORY
“And, action,” Axl, the director says.
I stand at the side while the camera rolls. My mouth waters at the sight of the delicious Christmas food lining the banquet table on set. I shouldn’t have skipped breakfast this morning, but my stomach was in knots at the idea of spending another day here. With him. And now my hunger is stampeding through me.
Ivy Winters, the leading actress, bites into a shrimp on a cocktail stick and my stomach growls.
My muscles freeze when everyone turns around at the sound.
“Cut.”
Josh groans, rolling his eyes at having to do the scene again.
“Can we all be quiet on set, please?” Axl, the director, shouts.
“Sorry that was me,” Noel raises his hand with a smile, then winks in my direction. He must know it was me because of the heat radiating from my face. Gosh, I must be glowing.
I slink backwards, out of sight, wiping my clammy hands on my cotton dress. My stomach tenses as I hold back another rumbling growl. Is it dinner time yet?
