Page 82 of One Time in Paris
“Lunch for the crew, then we move to the car show. Today probably won’t be too long of a day. Tomorrow, we’ll do a bit more on the square, then do the carnival and rodeo at night. Monday’s the country dance.”
“Holy crap,” Kyle breathed. He still wore athletic gear, having participated in the town’s Hushpuppy 5K in the morning. “This Paris doesn’t let up with the activities.”
“It’s because of the fish fry,” Davy said, setting her clipboard on the table as she sat beside Isla. “Which is also why we’re having to stay a few towns over.”
“Speaking of accommodations, will Aiden be joining you tonight?” Tomas asked Isla with a smirk.
Boyd’s gaze flicked between them intently.
A flutter of nerves crept up her belly. “Not tonight,” she said with a breezy smile. “But maybe tomorrow.”
At least, that was what Aiden had said. He’d promised, actually, to be here today when they’d last seen each other in Nashville—but he’d called her after she’d arrived at the hotel the night before and told her the negotiations for his deal had run long and would be continuing today.
Which meant he’d had to delay his flight out of New York, and he’d be here tomorrow.
She hoped.
This time had been different. They’d texted often and called each other a few times. Almost like a real relationship.
Her fingers curled around her phone in her lap. No new messages.He said he’d be here today. He promised.
She forced herself to set it aside before anyone noticed.
But it bothered her that he wasn’t here when he’d said he would be. Deeply. Maybe it wouldn’t if it hadn’t been the first time they’d planned to get together since making things more out in the open. But it was the first time, and he was already pushing plans off with her for work.
Any awkwardness she might have felt in discussing Aiden with Tomas, though, quickly vanished as he reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “That’s too bad. I was looking forward to him overreacting while watching our scenes again.”
Scoundrel.She rolled her eyes and pulled her hand back. He was a shameless flirt, really. Maybe she’d never realized it before, but now, without the cloud of attraction hanging over her, or the easy forgiveness that came with dating, Tomas’s flaws were easier to spot. “Oh stop,” she said. “You didn’t have to take the scene that far, either. We might be adding some personal drama to the show, but it’s not suddenly theReal Housewives of Paris.”
Boyd laughed. “Maybe we should reframe it that way in editing. I cut the first episode this week, and Antony really loved the personal segments. He wants more of those.”
“What he loves is Isla and Tomas.” Davy leaned over and looked at Kyle. “You too, Kyle. He thinks the dynamic between the three of you is fantastic. And he’s interested in having you shoot more travel shows for us like this.”
Isla tore her gaze from her friend. Davy knew she’d only done this as a one-time favor. That she couldn’t continue taking time away fromLa Haciendato pursue this.
Is she really suggesting I keep doing this?
“I’d be game,” Tomas said with a broad smile.
Of course you would be.His entire personality seemed to exist to annoy her right now. But she was also being hard on him. If she was still acting, a steady work opportunity like this would have been thrilling.
“Wouldn’t that be fun?” she said noncommittally.
“I have loads of ideas for other places we could do a series out of, like Paris,” Davy gushed, either oblivious or ignoring the lack of enthusiasm in Isla’s tone. “Do you think you would be interested, Kyle?”
He laughed, then flicked a cautious look at Isla. “I don’t really know if I’m much of an actor. Or influencer, reality TV guy—whatever this is. But, sure, why not? Could be dope.”
Isla’s lips pursed, and she wished she had the telepathic ability to tell Kyleno, not you, too.
“One step at a time. We have to see how this one is received. We premier in three weeks, and Antony upped the spending on advertising,” Boyd said, then stretched back in his seat and stood. “But I think it’s going to be brilliant. I have a good feeling about it.” He winked at Isla, then moved away toward the rest of the crew.
“So, Aiden really is coming this weekend?” Davy asked with obvious interest. She leaned closer to Isla. “I thought you said it wasnothing.”
Because it was nothing.When Davy and she had talked before Isla and Aiden had left for Nashville, it had been nothing.
But now he’d promised to be here. Forher.Forthem.
“We’re just talking at this point,” Isla said with a shrug even though a wave of guilt went through her. If Tomas weren’t here, maybe she could be more open about it.
