Page 14 of The Grumpy Actor

Sometimes, I wonder if I’m reading too much into what happened that day. I wonder if he wasn’t actually going to kiss me, but then I remember the moment vividly, and it sets my body off again.

Like it’s doing right now.

Honestly, I don’t think I can deal with him any longer. The only consolation I have right now is knowing that I get to take the rest of today off once this scene is over.

The shooting schedule for today gives Liam a long break after this scene, so he won’t need to be on set for the rest of the day.

Thankfully, Liam has made it clear he doesn’t need me around unless he’s on set. I try to make my work easy by preparing anything he might need way before. That way, I don’t have to do anything when he isn’t busy and doesn’t need me around.

Right now, I’m glad I can just spend the rest of the day lounging. I might cuddle up at my favorite spot at the beach and even read a book or two.

A smile slowly appears on my lips as excitement fills me.

“You sure look happy,” Dina comments, beaming at me despite her exhausted eyes.

Dina is Celeste’s assistant, and Celeste is the actress who plays Liam’s love interest in the movie. So far, Dina is the only person I’ve made friends with on set.

And it’s a miracle I’m able to do that with how swamped we both get working for two demanding people. I guess it can only be expected, since we bond over our shared misery.

“Liam doesn’t have any more scenes to shoot today after this,” I say.

Dina groans. “You’re so lucky. Celeste is still going to be here. The director wants to work on her scenes with her friends and family.”

“Chin up, Dina. You’ll get your own day off soon.” I chuckle.

“I wish.” Dina sighs. “When shooting schedules are this tight and crazy, there are barely any chances for a day off. Even the actors spend every hour on set, either on standby or redoing scenes.”

I nod thoughtfully, my eyes gliding toward Liam, who’s redoing the same scene for the umpteenth time.

“I get it. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to be one of these actors. I never considered acting to be this demanding until I took this job.”

“Same.” Dina laughs, but stops abruptly. “Celeste is almost done. I’m off to get her yogurt, since she’ll definitely want it once she’s on standby.”

“Alright.”

She rushes off toward craft services while I busy myself setting down water and a face towel for Liam, since those are the two things he always wants when he’s done shooting.

Just as I finish setting up, the director announces that he’s satisfied with the scene. I quickly pick up the towel and bottle of water and hold them out for Liam as he approaches.

He takes them without a glance at me and slumps onto his chair.

I bite my lip, waiting for him to be done and leave so I can do the same.

“I saw on your schedule that you don’t have any more scenes for the day,” Julian says, appearing out of nowhere.

How didn’t I realize he was heading this way? Last I saw him, he was talking to the producer in her trailer.

“Yes,” Liam answers flatly.

“Great.” Julian smiles. “I was thinking you could spend the day exploring the town. I noticed you’ve had issues acclimating with this role, and I totally believe it’s because you didn’t do the insane amount of research you usually do before taking on a project. And that’s because you rushed headfirst into this just to accept a challenge.”

“Julian,” Liam warns sternly.

Something about Liam’s interactions with Julian are always different. Even though it looks like they’re always arguing, there’s a degree of warmth underneath it that Liam doesn’t have for any other person.

It wasn’t surprising to find out Julian is the best friend Liam used to talk about back when we dated, but watching their exchange makes Liam seems almost humane…and I know he isn’t.

“Alright, I won’t keep pushing your mistake in your face, but youdoneed to get familiar with Surfside Haven. Jared is supposed to be a resident of this town in the movie, so you need to get used to it.”

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