Page 15 of In Her Arms

Itdidmake sense, the more Cameron thought about it. She would lose her shit, too, constantly being under a microscope. That was a lot of pressure.

“Thank you for picking up, Deb. I know you’re busy.”

“It’s more than fine. I owed you an explanation, and I’m sorry you didn’t get one sooner.”

“Thank you for the help, really. I’ll see you Saturday?”

“See you Saturday. I owe you a drink.”

“We can buy for each other. How about that?”

They said their goodbyes, and Cameron hung up the phone. Clarity felt incredible.

Knowing now that Deborah had seen her as a good fit because she had actuallyhad beenwas unsurprising, looking back at it. Deborah had good instincts for these sorts of things. Cameron felt a little guilty for not trusting her, though she felt that her hesitation was justified.

The set was a twenty-minute walk from her apartment. Taking her earbuds from her pocket, Cameron decided she wanted some company for the walk. She chose a slower playlist, something to keep her grounded before work.

Goldie had become much more civil; she might even say friendly. Being co-workers with benefits was better than whatever their relationship had been before, and in a rare turn of optimism, she hoped that they would at least be able to stay friends once filming finished. She was under no illusions. She knew full well that she wasn’t built for relationships. She could appreciate what she had while it lasted, so she would. Maybe they would keep in touch.

The security guard on the gate was kind and had grown to recognize Cameron, waving her through with a smile. She took her earbuds out and thanked him, knowing the way to Goldie’s trailer like the back of her hand. She had been showing up to work early for a while now, and she knew in the back of her mind that this wouldn’t look suspicious. Still, she stayed vigilant, looking around to double-check she was alone before knocking.

Goldie was not as subtle. “Come in, baby!”

Cameron hoped the pet name wouldn’t stick. It would only make things worse when they ended. Still, for now, wasn’t she allowed to have a little fun?

“So, what have you in store for me today?” Goldie purred as she ran her fingers through her messy morning hair.

“I want you to take off everything and lay over there,” Cameron ordered, pointing over to the bed.

“Your wish is my command.” Goldie smiled, while she slowly slowly undressed herself.

Suddenly, Cameron didn’t mind being her assistant at all.

10

GOLDIE

As the project continued, Goldie found herself growing more and more comfortable on set. Having Cameron was helping too.

She was sleeping well, eating right, and even attended some online auctions where she picked up some nice stuff she was having shipped to her house. Most of all, she was grateful she didn’t have to eat lunch by herself anymore. She ate forkfuls of salad while Cameron stood behind her, putting a bowl of something in the microwave. Sunlight streamed in through the small window, and they both had the night off.

“It’s nice of you to stay for dinner tonight and even nicer that you made my favorite salad. Finally, I’m seeing the real you.” Goldie didn’t make eye contact as she spoke, avoiding Cameron’s face altogether.

“Well, I just thought it’d be nice.”.

“That smells spicy,” Goldie said after swallowing another forkful of lettuce.

Cameron brought the bowl to the table and opened a tiny packet of grated cheese and dumped it in. She mixed it as it melted. The smell of the spice made her eyes water slightly.

Goldie had heard about people adding weird toppings to instant ramen but had never actually seen somebody add cheese before. She was a creature of habit, somebody who took comfort in food always tasting, looking, and feeling the same. This was way outside her comfort zone, but as Cameron snapped a pair of wooden chopsticks apart, she reminded herself that since she wasn’t eating it, she had no right to comment. She tried to not take too much notice of it. Cameron looked happy, and it was nice to see her happy.

“It is spicy, very spicy. Just the way I like it,” Cameron replied, a giddy smile on her face. “I know the smell can be kinda strong?—”

“Oh jeez, no, it’s fine. I’m surprised you haven’t started getting migraines from my scented candles, honestly/ I can’t be the only one allowed to make the trailer...smell.”

“That sounds kinda gross,” said Cameron, laughing.

“Yeah, it really does. I rescind my comment.”

---