Well, fake girlfriend, anyway. For now.
Dragging myself out of bed, I stumble to the bathroom and turn on the shower. Cranking the heat until steam billows around me, I think about how easily Lizzy melted against me before pushing me away. Some progress and a setback, all wrapped up into one bewildering moment.
I scrub shampoo through my hair, trying to focus on the day ahead instead of the taste of her lips. Today’s scenes are going to be emotionally demanding—the first meeting between my teenaged character and his childhood friend after years apart.Even though the scene isn’t the same as what went down between me and Lizzy, the irony isn’t lost on me.
Wrapping a towel around my waist, I wipe the condensation from the mirror. The guy staring back at me looks more rested than I feel, though there’s tension around his eyes that wasn’t there the day before.
I shake my head at my reflection.
Quickly dressing in a pair of old faded jeans and a Henley—I’ll change into wardrobe when I get to set—I head to the kitchen. The clock on the microwave reads 5:17 a.m. Plenty of time to grab something to eat before I have to head out.
As I whisk, I strain to hear any sounds coming from across the hall, but hear nothing. Lizzy’s probably still asleep.
The eggs sizzle when they hit the hot pan, and I throw in some cheese, stirring absently as I check my phone for any messages from Marcus or production. Nothing urgent, just a heads up that we’re starting with scene twenty-six today instead of twenty-four.
This is good news. It means I’ll only need to be there for a half-day. Maybe later I’ll go for a swim. According to Logan, Lakeside High’s pool is available for me to use. As fire captain, he has an extra key to the school.
I’ve always loved swimming. Whether it’s in the lake or a pool, it doesn’t matter. It’s always helped me to release tension and anxiety. Especially if there isn’t an option for sex. And last night has left plenty of residual tension flowing through my veins.
I wolf down my breakfast standing at the counter, washing it down with a large glass of orange juice before grabbing my keys, wallet, and script.
The hallway is quiet and dark as I pull the door shut behind me, my gaze lingering on the door across the hall before I force myself to head downstairs.
The early morning air is cool against my face as I climb into the car. Main Street is deserted this early, streetlights still glowing in the pre-dawn.
Needing some fresh air to clear my head, I roll down the windows.
As I drive, the sky begins to lighten, streaks of pink and gold stretching across the horizon. It reminds me of mornings at the lake when Lizzy, Logan, and I would sneak out at dawn to go fishing.
God, I’ve missed this place. Missed her. I didn’t realize how much until I came back. Until I was face to face with her again.
The set is already buzzing with activity when I arrive. Crew members hurry back and forth, carrying equipment, adjusting lights, and setting up for the first shot of the day.
“Morning, Rowan!” Marcus calls out as I head in his direction. “Ready for another big day?”
I force a smile, shoving thoughts of Lizzy to the back of my mind. “Always.”
The makeup trailer is my first stop. As I settle into the chair, Mia, the head makeup artist, clicks her tongue at the dark circles under my eyes.
“Rough night?” she asks, dabbing concealer over my skin.
“Something like that.”
She works her magic, transforming me from every day Rowan to camera-ready character Jake. By the time she’s done, I’ve managed to get my shit together.
When I step onto the set, my co-star, Alessandra, saunters up to me. She’s playing Eliza, the character inspired by Lizzy.
“Hey!” she says brightly. “I’ve been going over the scene. I was thinking maybe we could try something a little different with the second reunion moment?”
I nod, only half-listening as she explains her idea. We’ve worked together before, and it suddenly occurs to me how glad Iam we’ve never slept together. Don’t get me wrong, she’s beautiful and extremely talented, but she does tend to have a temper.
“Rowan?” Alessandra pouts. “Are you even listening to me?”
“Sorry,” I mutter, shaking my head. “What were you saying?”
Before she can repeat herself, Marcus calls us to set. “Let’s get in position, people! We’re burning daylight!”
The scene takes place in a small-town café—a replica of Rise & Dine. Jake has just returned to his hometown after making it big in Hollywood. He’s back home to try to reconnect with his past, and unexpectedly runs into Eliza, his childhood best friend whom he left behind years ago.
