“Are you okay, Mylo?”
He turns toward my voice, meeting my gaze, but doesn’t answer.
Well, at least he’s not mad at me. Yet.
I wave over a PA standing ready with a water bottle, crack it open, and hand it to Mylo.
Leaning over him, I say quietly, “Why don’t you take a walk?”
I tilt my head at the surrounding forest, which shimmers with golden midday light.
Mylo blinks and seems to see it for the first time. “Yeah, that’s… that’s a good idea.”
He shakes his head to clear it and rolls his shoulders, winces, glances back at me, then heads out into the forest.
Bella splits off from the group to go check on him.
My chest tightens, muscles coiling with readiness, a jealous growl rumbling deep in my chest. The sudden flash of violent craving startles me, and I pry my eyes away from Bella.
Lana flurries over, claiming my attention.
“Christine, Christine,Christine! Thechemistry! You were so right about skipping the second take this morning, because this…this. Yes! The entire script needs an overhaul. I thought this story was about rivalry, but no!No, this whole time it’s beenforbidden love.” Lana’s eyes sparkle with creative energy, gears spinning in her mind.
Normally, hitting this kind of energy with a director is my favorite part of making a film.
But right now, I’m stuck wondering how much Mylo’s going to hate me for this. Becauseifhe’s going to hate me isn’t even a question.
All I can say is, “I’m glad it’s resonating with your vision.”
Lana’s grin broadens. “It’screatingmy vision! The story we had before was good; it was good. But this… this is going to begreat. We need to workshop the script. Starting five minutes ago. Dennis is setting up chairs on the beach; the weather is perfect for inspiration. Come, come.”
I take a step after Lana, then look back over my shoulder. I follow the light scent of citrus to the dissipating cloud of Mylo’s vape. He stands a few yards into the trees, talking quietly with Bella.
Lana’s hand lands on my arm.
“We need you, Christine. Be confident. Your instincts are incredible.”
My instincts are screaming at me to run after Mylo.
All I can do is nod and let Lana pull me toward the beach.
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
MYLO
Bella walksme back to the wardrobe trailer, which saves me the questions for now.
“You sure I’m okay to change out?” I ask as we pause out front.
“I’m sure,” Bella says, with a firmness in her voice hinting she won’t be deferring to Lana today. “Lana’s down by the beach workshopping the script, so keep an eye out for some scheduling changes.”
“Yeah, cool.”
“You’re sure you’re good?”
“I’m sure.”
