Page 16 of Off Script

“Yes. But things got . . . weird.”

And X-rated, Jada added silently.

“Weird how?”

“I’ll tell you later. Is Angela here yet?”

“Yes, unfortunately. She and Ren had it out. He told her off and she locked herself in the bathroom. We coerced her into going to get her hair and makeup done.” If Angela was inside her wardrobe haven bickering with Cass over blush palettes it was no wonder Mikayla had risked being seen by Ren chowing down out here.

“That’s a relief. At least we’ll be able to get some work done today.”

They parted ways as Mikayla knew she’d have to go back to help Angela with her outfit, and Jada wanted to read her lines someplace quiet. With no personal trailer to hide or fuck around in, she sat outside the dressing room. Determined not to stew over the inequalities of social status, she prayed that she’d be able to rehearse in peaceful solitude until shooting began.

“Jada?” Erica said, walking up to her.

No, no, no! Jada’s brain screamed in protest. She didn’t want to be wrapped up in Erica and Tristan’s mess. Since she had agreed not to snitch on them, she simply wanted to bury this deep down and ignore it. That way, she could move past her resentment (eventually) and pretend the incident never happened. Apparently, Erica didn’t see things the way she did.

“Yes?” Jada braced herself.

“I wanted to say thanks for having my back. It’s nice of you to keep our secret.”

“As far as I’m concerned, there is no secret. I wasn’t there,” Jada hinted.Please, please go away.

“I know it’s not exactly the right thing to do—but he’s hot. Who wouldn’t want to sleep with him?” Erica babbled, trying to egg Jada into camaraderie. But there was no way in hell she was going to get Jada’s approval for what she’d done. Instead, Jada gave her a tight nod.

“I guess.”

“To be honest, as far as I’m concerned, it was worth it,” the girl continued, then leaned in conspiratorially. “He’s intense. I lost myself. I also lost my underwear. I think it’s in his trailer somewhere.”

OH MY GOD! This girl isn’t wearing any panties?!

It was true that Tristan did melt the poor things. Or possibly kept them as souvenirs. At this rate, Jada wouldn’t put it past him. Scandalized, she couldn’t believe the girl was proud of the situation. Erica’s pleased expression caused Jada to say her first deprecating sentence on the scenario.

“Good for you?” she said sarcastically, with a drip of condescension. Erica didn’t catch on.

“See you later, Jada. Thanks again.” Erica winked at her before walking off.

Jada’s temples throbbed with encroaching heat, a headache on the rise. Just as her fingers struck up a soothing massage, her whole body tensed at hearing a familiar voice.

“That was an interesting conversation. Mind explaining to me what it was about?”

Jada turned to find Angela standing behind her. She must have just exited the dressing room because she didn’t look like a train wreck. With the magic of the hair and makeup department, she’d been transformed into leading lady perfection, with shiny, blond curls and a luminescent sheen. Angela might be disguised as an angel, but she was trulyla diablapersonified when she wanted to be. Jada knew if she told the truth, Angela’s hellfire would rain down on her.

“Excuse me?” Jada squeaked.

“You and Erica. I have a feeling I know who you two were talking about, but it would be nice to have confirmation before . . .” Angela shrugged. Despite the casual gesture, Jada felt her impending demise gathering around her.

Searching for an out, hope arose when she saw Andrew a few feet away. Maybe if she could signal him, he would notice Angela and usher her onto set. After waiting nearly an hour and a half for her to show up, Ren would want her there as soon as possible. Her gaze flickered from Angela’s stormy face to poor attempts to make eye contact with Andrew.

“Before what?” Jada asked, keeping her voice light.

“Before I make some decisions.”

“Please don’t involve me in your . . . decision-making process.” Jada treaded carefully while also discretely waving at the oblivious production coordinator. Andrew was too caught up in a conversation with one of the grips to notice.

“It’s a yes or no question.” Angela stepped forward so she and Jada were eye to eye, effectively blocking her view of the other crew members. There was no escaping her.

“Did Tristan have sex with Erica? Did he have the audacity to do something like that right under my nose?”

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