Page 9 of Out of the Gold

The lead costume designer sighs. “Normally, I would make the trade. It’s only that Melody developed the stitch for the inside of your leggings and Helene doesn’t know how to do it. I suppose—”

I close my eyes, searching for my inner Zen. Which I’m going to need a lot of to finish this shoot. “No, that’s fine. I can deal for two weeks.”

Judith inclines her head. “Thanks.”

We part ways, and I return to the set, sitting down next to Mark and Jessa. “Did I miss anything?”

Jessa doesn’t respond with words. Her eyes, however, travel over my naked torso as if it were her lips doing the traveling.

Mark finishes a sandwich. “Nah. Noble and Judith were talking about your glove for a long time. Since she left, he’s been watching a replay of the aborted scene we just shot.”

“Let’s hope the new gloves work better than the original ones.” I offer him my naked fist, which he bumps.

Jessa finds her voice. “So, it’s our first night in Amalfi. Want to check out the nightlife? Heard about a club that’s off the chain, and a bunch of us are going there tonight to check it out.”

Although I have little desire to go out, I reply as expected and summon a smile. “Count me in.”

Mark replies, “You know I’m there.”

Jessa offers us both a beaming smile, yet my body doesn’t react at all. It’s the first time her gorgeous expression has failed to rouse my attention. Huh.

Before I can really dissect my last thought, Noble approaches us holding an iPad, and offers some constructive criticism about how to improve the scene. When the new gloves are finally ready.

Which better be soon.

My eyes return to the area of my trailer, but it remains empty. I kick my booted foot.

When Noble pulls Jessa aside, Mark places his hand on my bare forearm. “How’s it feel to be Doctor Manipul8—in full regalia—for the last movie?”

“Weird,” I answer. “Sad. I’m going to miss it, but not all the hoopla over the suit.” I gesture to my bottom half.

“I can imagine. Is the suit as awful as it looks?”

“Actually, no. There’s a lot more breathing room than the other two times, which is good. How’s yours?”

Mark bends down and picks a cup off the ground, the smell of coffee wafting up to my nostrils. Wish I liked the stuff, but I’m one of the few freaks who doesn’t. “Well, since it’s my first time in it, I don’t have anything to compare it to. But I have to say, I’m much more comfortable than I had feared I would be. Hope they can fix up your gloves the way Judith said.”

“Me too. By the way, I want to compliment you on your portrayal of Mr. A so far. You almost had me fooled that you were on my side.”

He smiles, a prosthetic golden tooth on full display. “Thanks, man. Playing the villain is so much fun. I love luring people into a false sense that I’m doing good.” He sips from his cup and plunks it back down on the ground.

I sigh. “Yeah, I hear you. I’d love to play the villain, you know?”

Mark grabs my cheeks and squeezes. “With a pretty boy face like this one, no one would ever believe you.” He lets go of my face and gestures to his own. “You need some battle scars, like me.”

I scoff. “They were drawn on you by Tina.” Gotta tip my hat to the makeup artist, though. She did a great job.

He smirks. “Yeah, well, stick to your lane, buddy. Leave us ugly friends some roles, okay?”

I push on his shoulder. “Sometimes I want to get out of this box I’m in, you know. Sam called earlier and wants to put my name in for another rom-com.”

Mark winces. “Well, you make good bank with them, that’s for sure. My agent called about a few roles he wants me to try for—all villains.”

“We should switch.” Even though my suggestion was made with a lighthearted tone, the idea tugs at my heart. I love acting. I love everything about my craft. Lately, though, I’ve been wantingmore. Like the rush of a live audience—the remembered feelings from when I was in school. I guess losing a couple of movie roles to younger guys lately has put me in a reflective mood.

Next to me, Mark picks up his coffee again. “You know the studios wouldn’t go for that. We’ve both been pigeonholed.” He tips the cup to his lips.

He’s right. As much as spreading my acting wings appeals, I know the powers that be wouldn’t like it. Besides, I draw a great payday with what I’m doing. Why rock the boat? Dismissing my stupid fantasy, I reply, “Guess you’re right.”

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