Page 81 of Mistaken Impression

The problem is, I can’t even ask him what he meant… not because I’m not brave enough, or because I’m scared of his answer, but because we’re not alone.

We got so much done yesterday, and the dishes we’re demonstrating this week are so simple, that the crew have been able to come in and start work with us already. Mac ran through position checks for the lighting and camera guys this morning, while I prepared the ingredients he’ll need later on.

As usual, the first run-throughs will be without food. It gives everyone a chance to check over where they’re meant to be, and what they’re supposed to be doing. That, of course, includes Vivian, who relishes her role as the ‘guest’. Considering it’s October, and that it was overcast, with a chilly breeze when we arrived at work, she’s wearing a ludicrously flimsy top that’s so low-cut, she’s almost falling out of it.

Mac is standing behind the island unit, wearing another of those tight black t-shirts that he hates so much, and the red apron with the show’s logo on the front, and he’s studying the script, his focus unwavering, despite all the surrounding activity.

I can’t stop thinking about how it felt to cling to that perfect body this morning, while he used his fingers and thumb to take me to heaven, or how it felt to take him in my mouth, and watch that look of ecstasy on his face, when his orgasm claimed him. My body shudders, and as though he can sense my silent reaction to the memory, he looks up, his eyes meeting mine, and a slow smile forms on his lips. How did he know? His smile widens and I feel myself being drawn to him, even though I’m rooted to the spot. It’s like there’s a link between us… one that can’t be broken.

“Okay, everybody… places, please.” Ruby’s voice rings out, making me jump, and Mac chuckles to himself, shaking his head. I narrow my eyes at him, and he tips his head just slightly, both of us enjoying our silent conversation.

People move around, getting into position and I step back so I’m right beside the camera, where I usually stand. Vivian sits up on the stool, her script in her hand, and Mac puts his down on the countertop, rolling his shoulders and tilting his head one way and then the other, like he’s preparing himself.

The camera operator beside me lets out a loud sigh and moves aside.

“Vivian… how many times? The opening of the show is meant to be just Blain, standing in the kitchen, so can you please get your tits out of the shot?”

A few people chuckle and Vivian sits back, although she doesn’t seem even remotely embarrassed. Mac doesn’t appear to notice the commotion and just glances down at his script again, his lips moving, like he’s whispering something to himself – his lines, I presume – and then Ruby slaps her hand against the clipboard she’s carrying.

“Right… if we’re all ready. Cue Blain in… five, four, three, two, one…”

Mac turns to the camera, a smile lighting up his face, and in his immaculate American accent says, “Hi and welcome to this week’s episode of Meal Master. I’d like to introduce our guest…” He turns, his smile directed at Vivian. “This is Abigail.”

“Hi,” she says, beaming at him.

“Where are you from, Abi?”

Vivian glances at her script. “I’ve just moved to Boston, but originally I’m from Miami.”

Blake smiles. “How are you enjoying the weather up here?”

Vivian gazes at him, letting out a sigh… and says absolutely nothing.

“Vivian… keep up, will you?” Ruby snaps and Vivian jumps, looking down at her script for a moment before she raises her eyes to Mac again.

“I—It’s a little cooler than I’m used to.”

“I’m sure it is. So, what made you choose to come and live here in Boston?”

“I’m studying at Berklee College of Music, and my boyfriend lives here. He already works in the music industry, so…”

“It’s a marriage made in heaven?”

“Something like that.”

Mac nods his head and smiles. “Okay… so, I understand you’ve come to us today with a question about eating more healthy meals. Is that right?”

Vivian lowers her head, having to read from her script now, although it hasn’t escaped my attention that Mac hasn’t looked at his at all.

“Yeah. I’ve been following a weight-loss plan for a few months, and it’s been going quite well, but now the weather is turning colder…”

I wonder about that phrase. I’m not sure when this show will be aired and if the weather will be ‘turning colder’ by then, or if it will already be ‘cold’, and I make a note to check it with Ruby and Gavin after the run-through.

When I look up again, Mac is speaking. “… and of course, there are plenty of alternatives to salad, although serving something warm with dressed salad leaves is a great option, especially if – like Abigail – you lead a busy life and don’t have much time to devote to cooking.”

He moves away slightly, and Vivian leans forward, although none of the camera operators seem worried, which I guess means the angle of the shot has changed and she’s not in the way anymore. Mac, meanwhile, is describing the first dish he’s going to prepare – or at least pretend to – and he pulls a bakingsheet closer to him, while looking at the camera and describing how it’s best to line it with aluminum foil, because the honey that will be used to baste the chicken can caramelize and stick.

I’m relieved he used the word ‘aluminum’ and not ‘tin’, or ‘aluminium’. It was something I discussed with Gavin this morning, and although we both worried he might slip up, we decided to take a chance and hope Mac got it right… and he did.

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