Page 60 of Under Ground

Alex

I can’t think straight.

For the next two days, I screw up and I screw up big time. I’d gained a reputation for doing solo scenes in one take. Not right now. I flub my lines, I miss my marks, and the last thing I want to do is work.

I came to New Zealand to work, not fall in love.

And now I’m failing at both.

Everyone around me is sympathetic. Word has spread about the TMZ story, and I have the support of all the cast and crew.

It’s probably just as well that once I’ve got through these scenes, they’re my last of the movie.

And then the casting announcement hits.

It should be the happiest day of my life.

But my heart’s just not in it knowing I can’t be with the one person I want to share this moment with.

It doesn’t matter how many people congratulate me. It doesn’t matter that this is the biggest career step I’ve taken.

I’m miserable without Lana and Casey.

All I can do is hope that they’re okay.

On the third morning, I call Reece. Surely, he must have handled intrusions into his personal life, and there’s something about him that makes me think I can trust him. We don’t know each other well, but he’s someone I’ve looked up to these past few years, and I hope we come out of the movie we’re making together as friends.

I lie on the couch in my living room and take a deep breath.

“Alex?” he asks as he answers the call. A loud thud comes from behind him.

“Hey, Reece. I wondered if you had a minute?”

“Sure thing,” he drawls. “Sorry about the noise. We’re moving equipment into Pania’s workshop. She’s starting a fashion business and we’ve given her some office space. Today is setup day.” He pauses. “I saw the announcement go out.”

I swallow hard. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“You don’t sound too enthusiastic. I hope you’re not having second thoughts?”

I shift my gaze to the ceiling. “I was wondering if you could give me some advice.”

“Give me a second.” The background noise fades until it’s gone. “That’s better. How can I help?”

I draw in a deep breath. “I’m not really sure where to start. I don’t know if you remember, but when we went to dinner, I told you I met someone.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Things have gone a bit crazy. Even before the announcement. We ended up on TMZ and some fan tried to grab my girlfriend’s daughter from day care.”

There’s silence for a moment. “Grab her?”

“Yeah. Some fifteen-year-old trying to find out if Casey’s my daughter.” I run my fingers through my hair. “I didn’t … I didn’t think we’d attract that much attention.”

He blows out a breath. “That’s a tough one. Pania and I managed to fly under the radar for quite a while. Josh had some issues with the media when he got back together with Delaney, his wife. I’ll talk to him if that helps.”

“I’d appreciate it. I just don’t know what to do.” I close my eyes. “My girlfriend broke up with me over it.”

“Shit, dude. I’m so sorry.”

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