Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
None of us were the entire film. But Sheri felt that way. She made no secret of it, reminding us constantly that she was the main star. It was her name that would draw the ticket buyers. She loved being the center of attention. Demanded it in her own way, daily.
Of course, she usually did it when Davis wasn’t around. I had noticed, however, he was losing patience with her constant diva demands. Always late to set. Often flubbing lines and blaming other people for it. The lights were too bright. Someone was talking and distracting her. She was always the victim. She cried wolf so often, everyone started ignoring her. I was grateful I only had to work with her for a short while. I could only imagine the drama Davis was going through.
“We should have dinner one night,” she said suddenly.
I almost choked on the mouthful of eggs I was chewing.
“Sorry?” I asked, certain I hadn’t heard her right.
“Dinner. Away from here.” She sighed deeply. “I doubt there are any decent restaurants in this god-awful little town. I’d rather you took me into Toronto.”
“And why would I do that exactly?”
She looked displeased. “We’re adults. Single. We should hang out. Maybe have a little fun. You’re available, so that works.”
I picked up my coffee and sipped it to buy myself some time. I had heard she liked on-set flings. Love them, use them, and walk away. Many in our business did the same thing. It was inevitable at times. You were thrown together constantly for weeks on end, and often a spark flared—especially between those playing an on-screen couple. It was very rare for me, and I’d never given in to the temptation. I had seen far too many couples break up, causing all sorts of unnecessary drama for everyone and disturbing the entire shoot, to be interested in taking that risk. Plus, I had zero interest in her, and I tried not to be insulted the only reason she was asking was because I was the only one available.
I chose my words carefully. “I appreciate the offer, but no.”
“Why? It would help relieve some of the never-ending monotony.”
I had no desire to explain my reasons. We had different values and, frankly, she didn’t hold any appeal for me. So I took the easy route out.
“I’m seeing someone.”
She shrugged. “They’re not here. They wouldn’t have to know.” She slid her hand over mine, drifting her fingers over my skin. “I’d make it worth your while.”
I jerked my hand away, not wanting her touch. Not even wanting to sit in her vicinity.
“I would know,” I replied. “And I’m not that sort of guy.” I stood. “I’ll see you later on set.”
I didn’t have to look over my shoulder to know she was furious. I had just trod all over her ego.
But I hadn’t lied. I was with Kassie, and I wasn’t a cheater. Sheri simply didn’t know who I was seeing, and I didn’t plan on her knowing. I wouldn’t subject Kassie to Sheri’s little head games.
I had a feeling I was in line to be one of her victims now, though. I headed to makeup, wondering what she would do to make my life miserable.
Only time would tell.
Sheri acted as though I didn’t exist the rest of the day, which was fine by me. She was extra diva-ish, demanding constant attention in her passive-aggressive ways. Davis sat down beside me as she walked away, insisting she needed five minutes of “downtime” to find her deepest emotions.
“Jesus help me,” he muttered.
“Can I ask you a question?” I said, trying not to laugh. “Was she a bet you lost?”
He chuckled. “She is a draw right now, so that was one reason. And when I watched her performances, I saw something. Or, I thought I did. I guess what I saw were directors who knew how to get the best out of her.”
“You are getting the best. Her performances when she isn’t acting up are stellar.”
“Well, something pissed in her cornflakes this morning.”
“Egg white omelet with broccoli,” I corrected him with a shudder. “If you can imagine anything so disgusting. And it was me. I pissed in it.”
“What did you do?” he asked, leaning his arm over the back of his chair, and turning toward me.
“Refused to have a fling with her.”
“Ah. That would do it.” He glanced over my shoulder. “Any particular reason why?”
“I don’t cheat. And I’m not into her type.”
“Meaning?”
I shook my head. “I don’t do flings and I don’t gossip.”
He sighed and rubbed his eyes. “And she does. I get it.” He stood and clapped my shoulder. “She is a handful, but I chose her and I need to live with it.” He grinned. “I took a gamble on you, which has paid off. Her, well…we all make decisions we have to live with.”