Page 80 of Stolen Hearts
My conflict-avoidant nature is part of my addictive personality. I hide parts of myself, and seek comfort and solace in things that can distract me from my feelings.
“Go ahead,” she says when I reach for my phone.
Sk8er Boi
Can we talk later? I feel I’ve done something to upset you. X
The crew all gathers closely together as Alfonso steps up on the dining table on set, his head nearly hitting the chandelier that dangles above him. He begins his speech by rolling off a list of thank yous to the various people who have helped make this movie come to life.
His hair looks a lot more salt and a lot less pepper than whenI met him back in London five months ago, when we’d first discussed him directing the film.
“And lastly, I’d like to thank Alexander Morgan.” He points toward me as everyone turns my direction. “The fact that we've been able to turn this film around in such a short space of time, even with a break in filming, is a testament to how hard you've worked. So, thank you.” He waves at someone to pass him a champagne flute. “To Alexander Morgan.”
The cast and crew all join in, grabbing glasses from the dining table and raising them while I hold up my Fuji water. Laura stands to my right. Her toned abs are now completely gone, replaced with the tiniest of bellies that shows between her crop top and floral skirt.
“I’ve been messaging you all day, how come you aren’t responding?” Laura whispers in my ear as she clinks her champagne flute with my water bottle.
The forced grin on my face as everyone continues to stare widens.
“My phone’s playing up,” I say dismissively.
Giving Laura my new number is not a mistake I’m going to make twice.
“Can you believe he still hasn’t responded to my message?”
Laura turns to face me, her grip so tight on the champagne flute, I’m expecting it to shatter any second.
Of course, I fucking can.
I fight back my urge to tell her the truth. That threatening him was not the way to go. And that she shouldn’t be drinking while pregnant. But I don’t need nor want to be at the tail end of her wrath. Nor do I want to be accused of mansplaining, or seen as one of those sober people who tell others not to drink.
I reach for my watch and twist it, trying to catch Lucy’s attention, who’s standing next to Erica by the tall lampshade.
“I assume you haven’t gone to the press yet then?”
I’m completely uninterested in her response, but I’ll pretendto be somewhat supportive. The last thing this movie needs is another scandal.
“No. But I booked my ticket for Italy. I leave in the morning.” Her eyes swirl with rage. “No way he can avoid me then.”
He can’t, but I can. I’m relieved at the sight of Lucy walking toward us. Her petite frame is hidden by her baggy jeans and grey hoodie. It’s the complete opposite of Laura’s style.
“Alex, we need to get going to the airport,” Lucy says, sliding between Laura and me and pulling at my arm.
“Good luck with everything,” I say to Laura. I place my bottle down on the dining table and quickly turn toward the exit without a hug or kiss goodbye.
“Thank you for rescuing me.”
I slide my arm over Lucy’s shoulder as we walk toward the exit, my elbow resting on her backpack.
“We actually needed to get moving anyway,” Lucy says as Alfonso approaches.
“You off?” he asks, grabbing my left arm as I drop the other from Lucy’s shoulder. The strength of his grip is stronger than his frame would suggest.
“Yeah. Gotta catch the flight to New York.”
“It’s been great working with you, Alex.” Alfonso leans in and hugs me.
Has it?
