Page 2 of The Expiration Date

“Dammit, Aidan.” Now I need this Ben & Jerry’s more than ever.

2

The next day I head into set. I am so glad Aidan didn’t have an early call time today. I was able to get a decent run on the beach this morning. I find Rachel near craft services. She has to be here at an ungodly hour since she is one of the makeup artists on this film. Her red hair is of course curled to perfection and her makeup is flawless. How does she manage to look like this all the time? Since I moved in with her, there have been maybe a handful of times that I’ve seen her without makeup on and even then, she looks flawless. She notices my approach and grins. “Good morning, sunshine. Did you find my treat last night?”

I repeat the words I texted to her: “Never again.”

“I know, I know. You made that extremely clear last night. Never again will I try to help your sex life.”

I let out a small chuckle, “Oh my goodness, Rach. My sex life is fine.”

She snorts. “Okay, I’d say not hooking up with anyone in three years is nowhere near fine. Just trying to help a sister out.”

“How do you know I haven’t had a one night stand or two?”

“Um, because I know you, Haley, and that’s not you. And it’s a damn shame if you ask me. No-strings-attached sex is the best way to go. Less of a chance of getting your feelings hurt.”

“Well, that’s just not me, Rach. Not judging anyone that can do that. I think people get their feelings hurt either way. You’re lucky you can separate your feelings from sex.” Rachel shrugs and grabs a banana. “Thanks anyway, Rach. I promise I’ll be fine.”

“Oh, there’s no doubt. You are nothing but a strong woman, Hales, especially with everything you’ve gone through.” Rachel grabs a giant croissant and places it on a napkin alongside her banana. “So, I know your best friend’s wedding is coming up. What are you going to do for a date? Wait, you’re not going alone, are you? With him there?”

My stomach drops. I lean against the table. The wedding is coming up quickly and I don’t know what I’m going to do. I still haven’t responded to Anna’s official RSVP. I feel like a terrible Maid of Honor, but I want to wait to check the box that says plus one just in case that plus one does miraculously pop into my life before the wedding. Mr. Perfect has unfortunately not made an appearance.

My phone buzzes and the screen flashes Mom. “Hold on, I have to take this…Hello?”

“Hey sweetie. How are you?”

“I’m good, Mom, just at work. What’s up?”

“Well I am just trying to help Anna out and call to confirm with her bridesmaids their plus-ones. She said you haven’t responded to her RSVP yet. She knows that you are coming, but are you bringing a date or not?”

God forbid the Maid of Honor show up to her best friend’s wedding alone, while the groom’s Best Man is her ex. It has been months of my mom and Anna asking me the same question over and over and I can’t take it anymore. So I spontaneously pull a little white lie out of my ass to put an end to this conversation.

“Yes, Mom, I am bringing a date to the wedding! He’s my new boyfriend, okay? So just stop asking!”

Yup that just came out of my mouth. There’s no take-backs on that one. I hold my phone away from my ear as my mom starts squealing with joy about my out-of-the-blue news. It was very out-of-the-blue. I don’t have a date. I don’t have a boyfriend. I don’t even have a semblance of a man in my life.

Well, that’s not true. There is one man that my life basically revolves around, but he’s my boss and that would be a definite no. Not to mention he is completely out of my league.

I don’t know how I am going to pull this off.

“Oh my goodness! Haley Girl! Why didn’t you tell me sooner?! Why did you put your mother through this agony of worrying about her daughter who is all alone out in L.A.? Who is he? What is his name?”

I start tapping the side of my thigh and my face turns hot from lying to my mom. I never lie to my mom. Mainly because I am a terrible liar. But my guilt always gets the best of me.

I clear my throat. “Um, Mom, I can’t say right now. I’ll tell you more about him later.” Yeah, later. After I have the time to think about how I am going to fashion an imaginary date–no not date, boyfriend–out of thin air.

I glance over at Rachel. Her mouth is agape and her eyes are wide. She whispers, What are you doing?”

I press my fingers against my eyebrows and squeeze my eyes shut. “Uh, Mom, I gotta get back to set. My boss needs me. I’ll call you later, okay?”

“Okay, I love you sweetie.”

“Yeah I love you too. Bye.” I press the red icon on my screen and sit in a nearby director’s chair. I cover my face with my hands.

“You’re screwed.” Rachel says plainly.

“Ugh, I know I am. What was I supposed to do?”

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