Page 71 of A Simple Love

A golf cart pulled up, and Sheri stepped out. “Oh my God,” she cried. “Oliver, are you all right?”

“What the hell is she wearing?” I muttered, staring at the fluttering lingerie Sheri was clad in.

“She’s ready for the scene we have this afternoon,” Carl muttered. “First time she’s been ready the whole film.”

Davis shot him a look then his eyebrows shot up as Sheri hurried forward and flung her arms around my neck. “I was so worried when I heard,” she exclaimed. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I was in such shock, I froze. Everyone around us stepped back, also surprised by her actions. I carefully wrapped my hands around her forearms and pulled them away. “I’m fine. A little sore, so I would appreciate some space,” I said, keeping my voice calm.

“Of course. I’m so sorry.” She cupped my face. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

This time, I stepped back. I didn’t want her touch or her closeness. Davis noticed how uncomfortable I was and took her arm. “You’re going to get chilled,” he pointed out. “You should have your robe on.”

Sheri looked down, then gasped, covering her mouth. “I heard what happened, and I was so worried, I forgot.” She giggled as if she was embarrassed, yet looked anything but. “I’ll go back to my trailer now. See you on set.”

She turned and flounced away, her driver waiting patiently. They drove toward the main set, her waving as if she were royalty and had blessed us with her presence.

“What the fuck?” I muttered. “Did that just happen, or did I hit my head?”

Davis stroked his chin. “Whatever that was—you were on and off her radar fast.”

“Thank God,” I replied, thinking that for whatever reason she’d shown up, it wasn’t concern over me. No doubt, she wanted the attention and went with it. Good acting on her part, though.

Davis clapped his hands. “Everyone, back to the set.”

People began to disperse, and the handler came over, a strange look on his face.

“Rusty okay?” I asked, concerned.

“He’ll be fine.” He held out his hand. “These were under the saddle blanket. They would have been irritating him and, when you dug your heels in, set him off.”

I took the burrs out of his hand. “No wonder Rusty was restless and agitated. That would have hurt him.” Burrs could easily have been picked up if the blanket had fallen to the ground. Or brushed against a bush and the blanket not checked thoroughly. They were everywhere this time of year. I was a little surprised no one had noticed them, but it happened. I had been thrown when I was much younger because of the same issue.

I looked over to where I’d fallen and the ground not ten feet from there. The thought of how injured I could have been made me shudder.

Davis interrupted my thoughts. “Go home, Oliver. We’ll finish tomorrow if you’re up to it. See how you’re feeling. I’ll get someone to drive you.”

I decided not to argue. I could feel the aches starting, and I knew I’d be taking Kassie up on her offer of the hot tub.

I decided I needed to stop by the drugstore and get some sort of pain rub too. I had a feeling I was going to need it.

One of the PAs drove me home, stopping long enough so I could go into the drugstore and buy some Extra Strength Tylenol, a few ice packs, and a heating pad. The pharmacist recommended a good liniment to rub into the sore areas, so I added that to the bag, then headed back to the waiting vehicle. I paused at the door, the feeling of being watched hitting me, but when I looked around, I saw nothing. No one was staring, nothing was out of place, and everyone around me was minding their own business, carrying on with their day. I shook my head at my own paranoia. I was still used to being scrutinized, I told myself as I headed to the passenger side. I directed Kevin where to go and had him drop me off at the driveway. I slowly headed up to the house, planning on hitting a hot shower, swallowing some pills, and rubbing the cream into my sore muscles that were beginning to scream. I was surprised when Kassie’s door wrenched open and she rushed toward me. I stopped walking, and she skidded to a halt in front of me.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

“Um, sure.”

“How much pain are you in?” she demanded.

I narrowed my eyes. “How do you know?”

“Davis called and told me.”

“Davis called?” I repeated. “Why is Davis still calling you?” I asked, annoyed.

“Oh, put away the caveman act, Oliver.”

I crossed my arms, frowning and silently refusing to move.