Love Unrehearsed

Discussing when I’d go back home would have to wait another day.

It felt nice to sleep in since Ryan’s day wouldn’t start until almost 10 A.M. While we enjoyed a leisurely morning, I packed my copies of the production agreements and shooting schedules into my newly acquired messenger bag. All of my necessities to keep very occupied were carefully stowed inside.

Ryan’s set assistant, Paula, was full of energy and very eager to please when we arrived, fetching coffee for both of us. Apparently Mike got special treatment; she had a chocolate-covered éclair stashed just for him.

Even Ryan didn’t get an éclair.

I reviewed the shooting schedule, noting Ryan’s times and the scenes planned for the day, then decided to listen to the messages on the pub’s line.

Hearing Thomas say my name, twice, was unnerving, as if some cruel joke were being played on my memory, twisting my hatred into longing. Both times he requested I call him, not wanting to tell me the true reason for his calls, only saying it was urgent. The second message had more information.

Though still vague, it contained the one word that would get me to call him back—Melanie.

“The only thing he said was that Mel’s real sick,” I said to Marie. She was getting ready to open the pub and interview two people for bartender/waitress positions when I called.

“He didn’t say with what. Just that there might not be enough time.”

“Shit. I’ll try calling her mom. I’m surprised she didn’t call me if she was back in town,” Marie said, sounding distracted.

“When do you go to the lawyer?”

“Tuesday, one o’clock. You going to be back by then?”

“Yeah, I’ll make sure of it.” I heard her sigh into the phone. “Good.

Tammy’s getting really grumpy. I think she’s mad that we’re not helping with their wedding but I’m not exactly sure what we’re supposed to be doing. I talked to her mom about the bridal shower and we figured we could either use the bar or go to a place like Jake’s On The Pier.”

“I’m coming home soon. I’ll call you when I have my flight info.” I’d have to tell Ryan tonight.

We were driven back to our condo by one of the set drivers, with Mike, as always, in the front seat. I presumed he’d be coming in with us to do his quick security sweep, so I was surprised when he hurried us along and left the minute the lights in our condo were on.

“That was weird. So where is he off to in such a hurry?”

Ryan shrugged. “I don’t know.” I could tell he was keeping something from me. I smiled at his bad fib while watching him change into a pair of sweats. “Sure you do. He’s been disappearing a lot. Why won’t you tell me?”

Ryan sighed and then gave in. “Because you’ll probably get pissed and I will never lie to you, so . . .”

Shit. After that comment, it’s too late for him to hold back now. I traded jeans for my favorite yoga pants. “Who is she?”

“Who is who?”

Yeah, now’s not the time to play ignorant, mister.

He huffed. “Paula, my set assistant.”

I pictured her clearly. My height—five-six-ish. Thin. Cute and spunky with short jet-black hair cut blunt at her chin. An inch-wide electric blue streak painted in her hair. Black framed glasses that gave her that naughty librarian look. “This isn’t their first date, is it?”

Ryan gave me a look that said he wasn’t denying it.

“Wonderful.

Marie’s

going

to

be

devastated.”

Ryan groaned as I walked out of our bedroom. “He’s just been taking her out to dinner, Tar.”

“For all you know. And he’s also been calling Marie every day, filling her with hope.” I felt my disappointment come on like a burn.

“I knew it. And I warned him, too.” I heard Ryan curse as he followed me down the stairs. “Look, he likes Marie a lot.

Trust me. But that isn’t happening for him right now, so what is he supposed to do?

Quit living?”

I couldn’t stop my swell of anger, knowing how torn-up Marie was just from all the crap Gary was putting her through. “I just wish he’d kept his tongue out of my best friend’s mouth. This is going to tear her heart out for sure.”

Ryan followed me into the kitchen. “So he kissed her. It’s not like he pledged his undying love to her.”

“I get that, Ryan. That’s not the point. He said he wanted to be updated on what’s going on in her life. He not only said that to her, he said it to me in private. You don’t make that step and then date your boss’s set assistant. You just don’t. He could have kept his distance but he made a choice knowing she was extremely vulnerable at the time.