Page 116 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

As they drove through the barriers and made their way to the soundstage, Clare craned her head every which way, taking in the sights with as much excitement as a child on her first visit to Disneyworld. She and Loki made quite the pair as they both stuck their heads out of the window.

Clare oohed as they passed a group of extras dressed as futuristic warriors who didn’t have much use for clothing if their leather loincloths were any indication. She’d snapped several pictures of them before Jane could stop her.

“You can’t post those up anywhere. Anything you see in here is confidential. You signed an NDA, remember?”

“They’re for my personal education.”

Jane had to laugh at the stubborn look on her friend’s face.

They arrived on Logan’s set to find the man himself, standing offside, receiving a last minute touch-up while the powerful HMI lights that provided the set with artificial sunlight were adjusted. Luckily for them there was a pause in proceedings, as Loki started barking the second he spotted Logan, his tail whipping against Jane’s leg.

At her appearance, his beam seemed to light up the space better than all the specialist lights combined. He made his way to them, and in front of everyone, kissed her so deeply that cat calls came from the crew. When he finally stopped for breath, she found herself a little shaky on her feet. He stooped to pet Loki as the small dog lost his mind by their reunion.

Clare enjoyed the show with a twinkle in her eyes. “A simple ‘Hi’ will do for me, thanks.”

Logan’s smile fell on her. “Hello, Clare. Good to see you again. Thanks for taking the time to accompany Jane this morning.”

“Aren’t you going to interrogate me again? We had so much fun the last time.” She grinned to take away any sting from her words.

He looked suitably chastised. “I don’t normally behave like that—“ He started only for Clare to wave the apology aside.

“That dress you gave me is worth more than any apology you could ever give. Thank you. It was very kind of you.”

“It was the least I could do, really. No thanks necessary.”

He pivoted to Jane, eyes turning cloudy with concern. “How did it go this morning?”

She ran through the session quickly, detailing all that had occurred. He listened without comment, though his expression grew more serious the longer she talked.

“What scared you like that, have you any idea?”

She shook her head as a chill blossomed between her shoulder blades.

“Do you think it might be that man you’ve had flashes of before?”

She didn’t want to admit it, but it seemed the most likely answer.

“Places, everyone,” the AD called, cutting short any further conversation. The lights and cameras were ready. All that remained was for the actors to take their marks.

“I need to go. You’re both welcome to watch the scene or maybe Clare would like to see the rest of the production?”

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I can entertain myself,” Clare assured him.

He jogged back to the set as the two moved out of his eyeline where they might distract him.

“The man is besotted with you,” Clare grinned, happy for her friend.

Jane blushed, but that chill was still with her, growing its icy fingers around her heart every time she thought of the man whose face had sent her into such a tailspin.

“Is it what we just learned? Is that why you look so worried?” Clare seemed to peer straight into her soul.

“I feel completely out of control, like I’m not in the driving seat. All this time, I had thought that getting my memories back would be a good thing, but now, I’m not so sure. I’m actually worried about what I might find out about myself. Then there’s what’s happening with me and Logan. He’s this big movie star. I mean, how can this possibly work?”

Clare smiled. “How does any relationship work? No one can ever be sure of anything. Take me, I thought, I knew my man. I was very secure in our relationship. But he cheated on me at the first sign of success.”

“At least the two of you were from the same world. I have nothing to offer him.”

“Oh, Jane,” Clare sighed deeply. “What nonsense. You can offer yourself. People get together all the time. Sometimes there’s an age gap, sometimes the two are from different cultures. Who knows why one couple works and one doesn’t? All I know is, if he makes you happy and you trust him, throw caution to the wind and live! Think how many celebrities have gotten together only to split up? It makes no difference how much fame or money you have. It’s what’s inside that counts. And obviously, Logan can see that. Besides,” she continued with a wink. “I’ve decided to develop an expensive dress habit so if nothing else, you should consider your friends.”

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