AS I PREPARE FOR WORK, I realize it’s been a few weeks since Antonio blew into my life. A few weeks that feel like a year. I gaze at my reflection. I look happy. I am happy. This is not good, though. What will I do when he’s gone?
It doesn’t help that Yasmin is sniffing around looking for trouble on a daily basis. She seems to be aware of his interest in me, but hasn’t made the connection yet that he spends every night in my arms. Except last night, which sucked.
I pull on my boots, excited to see him in just a few minutes. It’s another big scene at the bookstore today, and I’m starting to enjoy when they film there. It’s my up close and personal moment of watching him work and chance to witness his incredible talent.
I walk down the sidewalk to the store, taking in the activity all around me. When the movie crew leaves, it will be noticed. There are literally hundreds more people here every day than there normally are.
Antonio stands in front of his trailer talking to Dan and Yasmin. As I enter the store, I feel his eyes trained on me. I nod and go inside, then walk to the back to prepare coffee for the cast and crew. It’s sort of my thing now. A few minutes later, the door jingles, and the store fills with people. Sammy and Melissa come back to help me.
“Morning,” Sammy says.
“Morning,” I reply. “How was the party last night?”
“So much fun. You should’ve come.”
“Parties aren’t my scene.”
“I know, but they had an open bar and catered appetizers. It was great.”
“I’m glad you had fun.” I open a package of Styrofoam cups. “You had fun, Melissa?”
“Oh definitely.”
“She sure did,” Sammy teases, nudging her arm.
“Do tell.”
Melissa laughs. “You know Charles in lighting, with the bald head and goatee?”
“Yeah.”
“So, yeah. He’s nice.”
We all laugh. “Glad you had fun.”
“I did. We’re going to dinner tonight.”
“Good for you.”
“Any love matches for you, Sammy?”
“Nah, but I’m working on this guy named Nick. He’s in the makeup and wardrobe department. I know he’s into me, but I think he’s shy. I brought him a drink last night, and we chatted a bit.”
“Love is in the air,” I sing, laughing.
“It could be for you, too, if you would come hang out with us,” Melissa says.
“The last thing I need is a temporary fling.”
She shrugs. “I’m just going with the flow.”
I smile and decide to change the subject. As far as everyone knows, including Melissa, I spend my evenings alone.
“Help me carry this stuff up front.”
“Of course,” she says.
“I’ll bring the cream,” Sammy offers.
By the time we get up front, Antonio and Yasmin are prepping for their scene. I can tell from here, the chemistry is off. You can feel it in the air. Yasmin looks completely disinterested in the discussion. This ought to be good.
After setting up the coffee table, I move to my corner to watch the scene unfold. Antonio is doing a good job blocking me out, but I know he’s still aware of me. There’s a constant pull of desire between us, like an invisible rope that binds us. We can’t escape even if we wanted to.
“Quiet on the set,” Dan yells. “And action!
“This isn’t going to work, Michael,” Yasmin begins. “We’ve tried everything possible. We’re just not meant to be.”
“We are, Susie. We can overcome this. We can overcome anything together.”
“I can’t be a part of your life. I’m a small town girl. Hollywood would eat me up.”
Their words stab my heart. It’s art imitating life right before my eyes. The day will come when he has to leave, and I have to say those words to Antonio. He’ll try to keep me, but I can’t go with him. I wonder if it will sting as much in real life as it does right now.
“Susie, wait.” He rushes toward her and pulls her into his arms. “I’ll do anything to be with you. I’ll give it all up tomorrow.”
“I can’t ask you to do that, Michael. This is your dream.”
He caresses her face. “You’re my dream.”
“Cut.” Dan stands. “That was good, but, Yasmin, I feel like you’re coming across aloof and that’s not part of Susie. I need tears in the eyes. I need pain. You’re breaking up with the love of your life. Show us that.”
Yasmin narrows her eyes and purses her lips. “I am doing the best I can.”
“I need better than your best then.”
“I need a few minutes.” She stomps off out the door and down the sidewalk, leaving everyone hanging.