Page 95 of Mistaken Impression

“This is the first one I’ve had since we’ve been together,” I said, and he nodded his head.

“I know, but I’ve been paying fairly close attention to you since the moment we met. I would have thought I’d have noticed something like this.”

I smiled and rested against him. “The last one started on a Friday, so by the time I got back to work on the Monday, I was over the worst of it.”

“Oh… I see. I don’t feel so bad now.”

“Bad about what?” I asked.

“Being so incredibly unobservant.”

“You’re not.”

He nodded. “Is there anything you want? Anything you need? I’d offer to cook us something, but I’m fairly sure that would only make you feel worse… so why don’t I order in?”

“That sounds lovely.”

It was, and although I think he was a little startled by the way my periods wipe me out, he couldn’t have been more considerate. He did everything for me, held me when I needed him, and went out of his way to be attentive at work, while still not giving away our relationship – which was an achievement in itself.

I think that was when I first realized that, even though sex is important – to both of us – just being together means far more.

It means everything…

Kennedy comes into the studio, startling me back to reality, and I glance at Mac to find he’s staring at me, with a smile on his lips. I know why that is… it’s because, after today, we won’t beworking anymore. That might seem like a bad thing, but at least we can stop pretending. We can be ourselves all the time, and I think we’re both looking forward to that.

Mac’s been wondering what he’s going to do now our contracts here are over, and I’ve been doing the same. So far, we haven’t come up with any solutions, but there’s no rush. Mac thinks there is, and I know why. It’s because he has bills to pay… or he thinks he does. Obviously, I’d cover them for him, if he needed me to, but I’ve been thinking that it might be easier if he gave up his place and moved into mine. We haven’t talked about it yet, because we haven’t had time, and because I’m slightly wary he’ll think I’m flaunting my money. But it just makes sense… or it does to me. Maybe I’ll wait until we’ve had a few days away from the studio and then try to drop it into the conversation… somehow.

“Thank you, everybody… thank you.” Kennedy is clapping her hands, trying to get us all to be quiet and give her our undivided attention, and eventually, it works. The hum of noise dies down, and she steps up onto the set, at the end of the island unit, and surveys her kingdom. “I wanted to come in and say ‘well done’ to you all.” She’s beaming with pride, like she’s personally responsible for what’s gone on in here over the last ten weeks. Mac is standing slightly behind her, and he rolls his eyes, which almost makes me laugh out loud, although I do my best to focus. “As you all know, the viewing figures started off a lot better than any of us had expected… and since then, they’ve soared.” There’s a general murmur of satisfaction, although Kennedy holds up her hands and everyone soon quietens down again. “As a result, the network have commissioned a second season.” The murmur becomes more of a roar, and the people around me burst into applause. I stare at them, and then turn to Mac, who seems pleased with the news. He’s certainly smiling, anyway.

“When do we start recording?” Vivian asks.

“January. And this time they want twenty shows.” Twenty? I feel my heart sink, although Kennedy turns her attention to me for some reason, and I force a smile onto my lips. “Those of you who were on a short-term contract will be sent a new one by email.” She nods her head at me, although I can’t believe I’m the only person in the room whose contract expired at the end of this season. There’s Mac, apart from anything else… and the show is his, not mine.

I glance at Mac to see he’s grinning. He’s talking to Gavin and I can’t blame him for being pleased. After all, this answers his problems about what to do next. As for me, I can’t help feeling a little daunted. The schedule has been punishing, and I’m not sure about doubling it.

“Are you okay?” Ruby’s voice makes me jump and I realize she’s standing right beside me.

“Yes.”

“It’s the thought of doing this for twenty weeks, isn’t it?” she says and I turn to look at her.

“How did you know?”

“Because I feel the same. I think we’re due to get a break roughly halfway through, though, which is just as well. I don’t doubt we’ll all need to recharge our batteries by then.”

“Neither do I.” I guess that sounds better than working at this level for twenty weeks solid, although I’m still a little wary.

“Enjoy some time off now, and hopefully by January it won’t feel so ominous.”

I smile at her and she smiles back before she wanders off in Gavin’s direction. The studio is clearing quite quickly. Kennedy leaves without saying a word to me, which I guess makes sense. I’m not the star of the show, am I?

Eventually, Mac and I are alone, and he wanders over to me, pulling his red apron off over his head.

“That was good news, wasn’t it?”

“I guess.”

He frowns, dropping the apron and putting his hands on my waist. “Aren’t you pleased?”

---