Page 18 of Out of the Gold

I laugh at her mention of Chase’s bitch of a sister. This is why Sophia and I get along so well. We share a sense of humor that got us through growing up. Neither of our childhoods was terrible, despite being so disparate. Her family is super awesome—her dad’s a bus driver and her mom’s a receptionist at an urgent care center. And they’re still together, like my folks. The fact she went to school on a scholarship never entered into our friendship at all. It was our schoolmates who sucked.

Catching my breath, I say, “Thanks, I needed that.”

“Is there anyone here you’d like to get to know better?”

“I’ve got you. I’m good.” My knee knocks into hers.

She smiles. “Yeah, but you can’t live on Sophia alone.” Her attention wanders as one of the actors with a minor role walks by. Without turning to face me, she continues, “You never know when I might become indisposed.”

She does have a point. I can’t keep relying on her for my social life here on set. Well, it’ll be ending in a few weeks, so I can hole up in my hotel room alone if need be. “In that case, I’m sure I can find a special gelato to keep me occupied.”

She swings her foot, strumming her fingers out of time to the music. Even growing up around me couldn’t instill some rhythm into her. “C’mon, Mel. There must be one guy who turns your head.”

Her words make me tense up. At first, I was too ashamed to tell anyone why Grant and I broke up. It served as proof that I’m only good for what my dad could do for him. As time went on, the shame morphed into a type of phobia, one I’m not about to get over any time soon. But I have to try. That is, if I ever want to have any sort of relationship like my parents. I sigh.

“I’ve never had much luck on that front.”

She shoulder butts me. “Well, who has? All we can do is keep trying.”

Keep trying.How about never started? “Yeah, guess you’re right. No one has really caught my eye, though.”

“I could be persuaded to check out that guy.” She tilts her chin toward the back sofas, where Chase and Thomas are talking.

Discarding the asshole movie star, I give her a sideways glance. “You mean Thomas? Chase’s PA?”

“He’s not hard on the eyes.”

He’s kinda cute, in a nerdy sort of way, which is Sophia’s catnip. He’s always so serious when he’s around Chase. But he’s certainly competent, since he’s able to handle that over-privileged actor.

“You do know he works for Chase, right? He’s in the trailer all the time when I’m getting him into costume. Maybe I could put in a good word for you.”

Sophia’s brown eyes light up. “Thanks. It’s hard for me always being with the camera guys, you know?Youget all the access.”

Access. Guess that’s a word for it.

“Okay, I’ve spilled my guts. Your turn.” She focuses all of her attention on me.

I play with the hem of my shirt. “I’ve been so busy with wardrobe, I really haven’t noticed anyone.” She gives me an incredulous look. I cross my heart, like we used to do as kids. “I’m serious.”

Next to me, Sophia sets her glass down on the table. “All right. But promise me you’ll keep your eyes peeled while we’re here. It’s just so romantic in Amalfi, and we both need men in our lives to bring out the full Monty, as it were.”

We both giggle at her awful mixed-metaphor. When an Imagine Dragons song comes on, we return to the dance floor. After dancing like maniacs to a few more songs, we find ourselves holding up a wall, since all the sofas are now taken.

“I’ve had a great time with you tonight. But I’m getting tired and you know I have to get up at some ungodly hour tomorrow. I need to head out. Are you coming with?”

Sophia looks around the room, and her eyes fixate on the dance floor where Thomas dances with Tina from makeup. She deflates.

I place my hand on her arm. “Tomorrow, I’ll somehow get Thomas and you together.”

“Promise?” she whispers.

I hold up my little finger. “Pinky swear.”

Her lips tip upward and she links her finger with mine. “Pinky swear,” she repeats.

Movement from off to my right catches my eye. Chase and Mark cross the room, and everyone parts to let them through. Seriously? No wonder he acts so entitled. “Look at that.” I point my chin toward the two men.

Sophia follows my line of sight.

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