Page 43 of Off Script

“There’s nothing to tell. We went to the beach. I like the ocean, so I had a good time.”

It had also been a huge relief to see that she and Tristan could be around each other without too much arguing. That’s what had cheered her up. The possibility that they might get away with their plan if they were more considerate toward each other. Tristan could be kind and fun when he wanted to. He could do spot-on imitations about Chief Brody needing a bigger boat, and loved Jada’s rendition of Dory’s keep swimming anthem. If she dealt mostly with the side of him that shared her interests and sense of humor, things would go okay. And she could be forgiving of some of his crappier antics. For example, he had gotten her hair wet but she hadn’t drowned him right then and there.

“You’re telling me that’s all that happened?” Mikayla asked, frowning in disbelief.

“Swear to God.” Jada held a solemn hand over her heart dutifully.

“How boring.” Mikayla sighed, shaking her head as she popped a strawberry in her mouth.

“What do you mean? We’re getting along.”

“Yes, buthowalong? I need things to get hella more interesting here.”

“The type of interesting I think you’re alluding to isn’t going to happen. I’m not into Tristan that way. All I care about is him keeping his promise and us getting this film done.”

“Everything will work out.” Mikayla patted Jada’s hand soothingly. “The shoot will end, and Tristan will keep his promise. That way, you’re bound to get an even better job. Maybe you can even dump Bitchery Kane and get another agent. You’d be rid of herandDaniel then.”

Jada chewed her eggs thoughtfully. It did sound like a good plan.

“You know what? You might be right, Kayla. We’ll see what happens, but for now, let’s not be late for work.”

Jada picked up her empty plate and brought it over to the sink.

“Chop, chop, cuz. We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

Although Jada inwardly warned herself to be ready for anything, she wasn’t prepared for the intense awkwardness on set. The second Mikayla and Jada stepped inside the soundstage, it was like things came to a screeching halt. While the crew should have been hustling to prepare for the day, people stopped to give her calculating and curious stares, from Andrew, who gave her a reluctant wave, to the recently healed Tim, who tensed up as if she had been the one to send him flying into the rigging. Ignoring the eerie silence at her arrival, Jada focused on Ren, the only person who was—thankfully—acting seminormal. Standing by the cinematographer, he looked up from studying the green screen to greet them.

“Morning, Jada, Mikayla.” Ren nodded at them. Mikayla gave a quick hello and rushed off to the dressing rooms, but Jada hesitated.

“Morning, but . . . how come you’re not like everyone else, looking at me like I’m an alien?” she whispered to him.

“Doug told me everything. Can’t say I completely agree with your guys’ plan, but as long as everything goes smoothly for the film, I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

Ren gave her a wink, something she never would have expected from the stern director, especially after their last encounter. With everything seemingly forgiven between them, it made her wonder what had happened to Erica. Jada hadn’t seen her among the crew, which fueled her previous assumption that the girl had been fired. However, now probably wasn’t the best time to sour Ren’s mood by asking about the girl’s whereabouts. Shaking off her bewilderment, Jada made her way to the makeup department, where Cass was brimming with questions.

“Jada,” she hissed, and grabbed her arm to steer her to the nearest chair. “How could you hide something like this from me?”

“Technically, we were hiding it from everyone. With the public eye, and Angela, and everything.” Jada went on with their lie.

“Ohhh, Angela is going to bepissedtoday,” Cass said, snapping her fingers. Despite her sympathetic tone, there was a gleam of excitement in her eyes.

“Yeah, well, I’ll just have to deal with her rage.” Jada tried to shrug off Cass’s feverish exclamations. “Can we, you know . . .”

Jada waved to the various cosmetic containers on the table.

“Of course, honey,” Cass said as she began to work. “Still. I can’t believe it. You and Tristan. Honestly, you’re perfect for each other.”

“Really?” Jada said, perplexed.

“Sure. It’s the whole opposites attract thing. You’re exactly what he needs to calm his ass down.” Cass applied Jada’s concealer. Not wanting to consider Cass’s unsettling words, Jada decided to focus on the relaxation of being pampered.

“I’m going to go over my lines if you don’t mind,” she said, shutting down any further conversation. Cass always respected actors’ memorization processes.

Thankfully, focusing on her upcoming scenes kept Jada engaged until it was time to shoot. Once she was line ready and fully outfitted with her makeup intact, she went back out, steeling herself for more strange looks, which arrived swiftly as Jada came face to face with Tristan. He was also ready for the day, dressed in his costume and standing next to Ren in front of the green screen. The director was playing referee as Angela stood on his other side, seething in quiet fury. Jada forgot about her completely as her eyes locked with Tristan’s. When they did, it was as if the whole room went silent. Jada discovered it wasn’t her imagination. Everyone watched eagerly as Tristan made his way over to her and wrapped a territorial arm around her waist. Kissing her on the cheek, he whispered into her ear.

“Get ready to put on the show of your life.”

With that one declaration as her warning, Tristan looked out at the crew, ready to challenge them.

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