Page 7 of Between the Lines

That was a hard realization after the time I’d spent convincing myself that my work chemistry with him was a fluke.

Even though that performance had been the one to put me on this particular map.

Of course, there were those who still swore nepotism was the only reason I had a career, but thefactwas that I’d acted my ass off as Tracey onOne Day Sober.That role—hard-won, since Pierre wasn’t giving out favors for his debut project, he wanted thebest—had launched me from stereotypical Black Hollywood socialite to award-winning, critically acclaimed actress.

It was a transition that shocked everybody.

Hell, even myself.

In theory, it was just a little natural talent mixed with hard work and dedication.

In practice though…Shaw made it very easy to be his costar.

He was so talented that it made me give my absolute best on set every day. So fine that it made me drink all my green smoothies, get all my sleep, so I always looked good arriving. So genuinely charming, funny, so freakingsmartthat I just wanted to be around him, wanted to be in his space, outside of even a single shred of romance between us.

We just…clicked.

Not that I didn’t get along with my costars on other projects—I was grateful to have always had a good working environment so far. I’d fostered great connections, made good friends, but as far as the work…I was very much just showing up to do my job.

With Shaw, the vibe was just…different.

Just like I’dbeenTracey, IwasLuna—second-grade teacher deeply concerned for the welfare of a seemingly neglected child. The conversation with Silas was frustrating, but necessary, and now that the truth had broken out, the vibe was going to be shifting, laying the stage for a semi-forbidden romance that would play out through the season.

I was excited for it.

Not that Ihadn’tbeen looking forward to working with Alec, because who wouldn’t—he was already being named among iconic Black actors, and it wasn’t a reach, really. But where I’d been worried about performing with him, knowing I’d be working more directly with Shaw instead was…relieving.

Professionally, at least.

On a personal level?

I couldn’t get away from that table for the lunch break fast enough, finding an empty corner to tuck myself into alone in the little cafeteria they’d set up for us. I wasn’t trying to separate myself, not exactly; I just needed to check in with my people to see iftheyknew what was going on.

But, according to my texts between Pierre, my super-connected sister-in-law Logan, and even my aunt Nubia, who was a partial owner of the network, no one knew about Shaw’s sudden presence.

At least, they hadn’t at the time I initially asked.

Nubia had texted back, hitting me with a string of “eyes” emojis after a simple“Oh shit!”text. And then there was the latest, asking a question I couldn’t possibly fully answer in such a succinct format.

Auntie Nubs:Are you gonna be okay?

It was…complicated.

“Ellie…”

Shit.

I looked up from my phone to find Shaw standing across the table from me—hands shoved in his pockets, posture relaxed, cool as ever.

“What’s up?” I asked, smiling, putting on my cool-girl front too. There were way too many people around for me to be as awkward as I felt.

“Mind if I sit?”

Yes.

“No, please, go ahead,” I gushed, stowing my phone in my bag. “I could never deny a seat to a friend.”

His eyebrows went up as he accepted the seat—next to me, instead of across. “Are wethat? Friends?”

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