CHAPTER 24
It’s been three weeks since I’ve seen Sydney and I’m beginning to unravel. When we’re able to Skype, Sydney looks even thinner and more exhausted than ever. I can’t harass her about it either, because she threatens to cut off my Skype time if I do. She’s completely castrated me right where it hurts the most, my need to protect what’s mine and keep her healthy and safe.
She did tell me she had caught a bug, but was feeling a little better in the last few days, but I don’t know if she’s just lying to keep me from freaking out. Having no control over anything in our relationship is driving me slowly insane.
“Drew,” Chad calls me over to the video village to watch the last scene. He’s leaning over the control panel, focusing on one of the dozens of televisions laid out in front of him.
“Yeah, what’s up? Did we not get it?” I ask as I put on a set of headphones and edge up next to him.
We watch the last take of one of the fight scenes between me, Zane, and some KGB agents.
“What do you think?” Chad asks.
I shrug. “I think it looks great.” I’ve been doing this a long time and I know a great take when I see one.
“Me too,” he says smiling. “That means we’re done for today.”
Thank Christ, I think as I put the headphones down. “So what do you need me for? I’m pretty sure you didn’t call me over here because you miss my pretty face.”
Chad grins and hands me a small stack of colored papers. “What’s this?”
“The schedule changes. You’ll be done by Saturday morning.”
“So… I can go to New York Saturday and not worry about coming back?” Is that even possible?
“Yep.”
“Shit, I owe you man. This is great.” I feel happy, something I haven’t felt since I left Sydney back home. “I’ll talk to you later,” I call out as I hurry back to my dressing room to call Sydney.
Shit, her phone goes to voice mail. It’s the middle of the afternoon in New York. She’s probably at the club. Just as I’m about to call Jane and have her book a flight for Saturday, my phone rings in my hand, scaring the shit out of me.
Sydney.
“Hey sexy girl, how are you? Feeling any better? Need me to call that Jeff guy and tell him what an ass he is?” I hope I sound happy. I’m excited to tell her that I can make it to the party.
“Yeah, still tired, but much better. My stomach seems to have finally calmed some. And no, please don’t call Jeff; I need him pissed at me like I need a hole in my head.” I can pretty much tell that she’s rolling her eyes as she says her boss’s name. He’s such a douche. Her voice lowers as she whispers into the phone. “I miss you so much.”
My chest clenches at her confession. “I miss you too baby. So, I finally got Chad to give me a definite for next Saturday.” I wait to tell her, teasing her a little bit.
“And…” Sydney waits for my answer but I make her sweat it a little.
“Drew! Stop keeping me waiting.”
God she’s so fucking cute.
“And he managed to alter the schedule so I’ll be finished out here by that morning. I have a flight that lands in New York at 5pm on the 8th and I won’t have to come back out here the following week either.”
I’m ready to be back home with her, but I’m also nervous. I’ll have to tell her everything before I can walk into that party. She may not want to see me again after that.
“So that’s great! Right? The party doesn’t start until 9. The celebrities don’t start arriving until 10 or so. You should be here in plenty of time to make it. I’m just sorry that you’ll be on a plane on your birthday.”
More concerned about me than about herself, as usual. Like I could give a shit about my birthday when I’m worried about her flipping out and leaving me when I tell her who I am.
“Actually, I’m hoping we could meet at your place and go together. I wanted to see you first.”
“That’s perfect. Just so you know, Leah made me promise that I wouldn’t revoke her invite just because you’re coming with me, so we’ll see her there. She doesn’t want to ride with us though; she’ll feel too much like a third-wheel. Her words, not mine.” Sydney’s laughter filters through the phone, making me laugh along with her.
“Yes, that’s fine. As long as we’re alone before we go to the party.”
So I can drop a mushroom cloud on you right before your big career-making design is revealed.
Sydney readily agrees to my request. “We will be, don’t worry. I’m so excited, Drew. You being there is going to make this potentially shitty night so much better, so long as you don’t actually throat punch Adam that is.”
“I can’t make any promises about that, Sydney. He needs to keep his hands to himself. I just hope you’re glad that I’m there with you at the party.” And I’ll most likely punch him either way, I’m sure.
I hear someone call for Sydney. She never fucking rests. Not even five minutes for a phone call. My hand tightens around the phone.
“Drew, I’m sorry. I have to go. They’re calling for me. Thank you so much for agreeing to go with me. Tell Chad thanks too.”
“I will baby, you’re welcome. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I have a late night of work today.” I checked the new schedule, lots of late nights in order to wrap up in time.
“Okay, bye,” she says, her voice much happier than it was at the beginning of the call.
Me? Now I’m the one freaking out over celebrities and nightclub parties, but probably not for the same reason as Sydney.