Page 12 of The Grumpy Actor

Why does he have to be so observant?

Everything about this situation puts me on edge, and I don’t know what to make of it.

It’s almost like my brain is expecting everything to suddenly implode in my face, like there’s a disaster lurking around the corner, just waiting to happen.

“You’re reading too much into this,” I say curtly.

“I hope so,” Julian replies, picking up his phone. “I should leave now if I don’t want to miss my flight.”

“Yeah, bye.”

Julian chuckles. “Don’t miss me too much.”

As soon as Julian leaves, I unbutton my shirt. Everything suddenly feels too stuffy.

I hate this situation so much.

I try to pay attention to the script again but keep failing. My mind can only focus on Sophie.

I just hope I don’t mess up today’s shoot.

Her soft knock on the door jolts me out of my thoughts again. I pretend not to pay attention as Sophie enters. My eyes remain glued to my script, but her soft, lavender perfume tells me she’s right next to me.

Something soft lands on the table beside me.

“Your coffee.”

Without acknowledging her, I reach out for the warm cup and bring it to my lips.

“The director wants you outside in five minutes.”

Her soft voice caresses some unknown parts of me, but I ignore it and instead take a long sip of my coffee.

The sharp taste burns my tongue, and I immediately spit it out. I push my script to the side and stare at the item in my hand to be sure it’s actually coffee.

“Are you trying to poison me?” I snap, glaring at Sophie. “Is that why you served me salt with a pinch of coffee?”

Sophie gasps, placing her small hand over her mouth in shock.

She could have fooled anyone else with her reaction, but not me. I’m an actor, and I know when another person is acting. That’s what Sophie is doing right now.

“Oh no, I must have accidentally added salt instead of sugar,” she mutters softly, looking up at me with innocence-filled eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

She’s an extremely good actress, but I’m a master at this game.

If Sophie Grant wants to mess me up with silly things like this, I’ll just have to thwart her every attempt.

The smug look in her eyes can’t be mistaken now. She sure is enjoying her victory.

“It’s fine.” I smile and hold out the coffee to her. “Why don’tyoudrink the coffee now? I’m not thirsty anymore.”

Her face falls, and I fight back laughter.

“W-What?”

I dangle the cup in front of her. “It’s in your best interest to drink it if you don’t want to get fired.”

Sophie bites down on her plump bottom lip as she nervously accepts the cup. I blink, quickly pushing away the image of that little action and the hunger it set off in me.

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