Page 11 of Fragile Heart

CHAPTER5

Hudson

“Hey man,are you coming out with us tonight?” Vaughn asks as we walk back to our trailers in the studio lot. I’m so ready to get out of this black spandex they have me in. We were shooting a knife fight today. We started choreographing the fights back in LA, so it was nice to finally be able to do it with everyone around. After the day we spent filming in town yesterday, and then the fighting today, I’m exhausted. It doesn’t help that this stupid outfit is sticking to my skin.

“Nah, I don’t think so. It’s been a long day. I’m gonna go home and crash.” He looks at me like he knows I’m lying about my reasoning but doesn’t press me further. My guess is he knew I would say no, but he didn’t want to leave me out.

“Alright, man.” He claps me on the shoulder. “Hit me up if you need anything.” I nod, and we both go into our trailers.

I get myself out of this costume, remove my makeup, and put on my gray sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt that I wore to work this morning.

After pocketing my wallet and phone, I head outside. It’s such a nice day today that it was a bummer to be stuck in a studio all day. I’d like to explore the area, but I’m not sure where to start. I have favorite hiking spots back home, but I know nothing about this area. I make a note to look up hiking places around here. I can’t just sit in my tiny house the entire two months I’m here.

I’m almost to my car when someone calls my name. I turn and see my co-star Bella coming toward me. She’s replaced her movie makeup with her own personal makeup and her movie wardrobe for a strapless top that barely covers her tits and jean shorts.

“You aren’t coming with us tonight?” she asks, looking over my shoulder at the car waiting for me.

“No.”

“Why not?” She bats her eyelashes like that trick is going to work on me. It probably would have this time last year, but I’m doing better now. I’m trying to do better, at least.

“I don’t want to.” Her brows crinkle in confusion. I’m sure she’s heard rumors about me. But with as much overtime as my PR team has had to put in over the years, it still wasn’t enough to stop some stories from getting out.

“Oh.” At least she has the sense to try and look shy before continuing. “I was hoping—”

“I know what you were hoping.” I cut her off. “It’s not going to happen. Enjoy your night.” I turn and slide into the backseat of the waiting car.

I don’t bother looking at Bella’s face as we drive away. I know she’s disappointed, but that’s on her, not me. I haven’t flirted with her, and I’ve done nothing to show her I was interested in her because I’m not.

It takes about twenty minutes to drive back to the house from the studio. During that time, I just stare out the window. The interstate is lined with trees, and views of mountains peek from behind them. It’s really nice. Completely opposite of the scenery I’m used to in LA.

After a short drive through town, the car stops in front of my house. I nod to the driver before getting out and going inside.

I sit down on the very used couch and stare up at the ceiling. My life has changed so drastically over the past few years, but I never thought I’d be spending my Saturday night sitting alone in a random house in a small town in Georgia.

My stomach growls. Damn, I should’ve grabbed some extra food from the catering table before I left. I reluctantly push myself off the couch and check the contents of my fridge. I’ve got a few eggs left from my grocery store trip the other day, but that’s it. I groan. I guess that means I’m going out. Unfortunately, I learned very quickly there aren’t any food delivery services in this town.

I slip my shoes back on and grab my baseball hat, fitting it just enough to hide some of my face before I start my walk into town.

There are more people out tonight than I’ve seen. Once I hit Main Street, I hear music blaring from what I assume is the only bar in town. I quickly walk past it, keeping my head low, not wanting to be drawn in.

I end up in front of the diner again, the smell of French fries stopping me in my tracks. I hadn’t planned on coming here, but it seems like my best and only option. I’m starving, and I know they have good food that will be out fast.

The door opens, and I’m hit with the sounds of people talking and laughing. It’s more crowded than I’ve ever seen, with tables of families and groups of friends everywhere, leaving only a handful of empty tables.

Even with the crowd, there’s still a sign in the front of the restaurant telling me to seat myself. I lift my head enough to scan the place for an empty table then take a second look for the servers. My eyes immediately land on Quinn delivering a burger and fries to a table of people. Of course she’s here tonight. I fight the urge to roll my eyes and walk over to the empty table I know is in her section without thinking any more about it. I don’t know why, and I’m too tired to question it tonight.

It only takes a few minutes for Quinn to appear at my table.

“Hello again.” I look up from under the bill of my hat. Of course, she’s smiling. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her not smiling. Her chestnut hair is pulled back tight into a French braid tonight.

“Hey,” I respond casually. “Didn’t you work last night?”

She shifts on her feet. “Yeah. I usually work Friday and Saturday nights to give the younger servers the night off. They like to go out.”

“You look pretty young,” I say without thinking. I am not here to start a conversation with her.

“Not as young as you might think,” she laughs. “I don’t really like to go out, so I don’t mind working. I want them to have their fun.” I want to ask if she doesn’t think she should be having fun too, but I keep my mouth shut. Her life is none of my business. She can work every damn night if she wants.

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