Page 2 of Secrets in the Deep

“Here.” Her mother opened her palm to reveal two Advil.

Emily had already downed two a few hours ago, but the time had probably kicked over for more.

She swallowed them with water as her mother leaned closer and whispered, “You need to stop limping. People are watching.”

And just like that, frustration over her bad knee took a back seat to annoyance over her mother. “Yes, Mom, I’m okay. Thank you for asking. And yes, I wouldlovea break.”

“Emily Quinn, lower your voice. People will hear. You don’t want them questioning whether you can handle this. We only got this opportunity because the lead actress had an accident. Thank God for that.”

Emily blinked. “You didn’t just say that.”

“Say what?”

“First—I was offered this role before her. I turned it down. Second—that actress is in acoma. So you’re saying thank God she almost died?”

Her mother rolled her eyes. “Stop being so dramatic. I’m not saying it isn’t sad for her. Just that her little accident helped us. You should never have turned down this role without my consultation. Roscoe is the best director in the business.”

Jesus.

Her mother continued to praise Roscoe, but Emily blocked her out as she took in the scene around her. The camera crew.Hair and makeup, who’d set up little tables out here in the middle of the forest.

It was a bustle of people, all here to make her look like a star so they could film the best movie possible. She should be happy. She should be smiling ear to ear. This was everything she’d once wanted.

So why did it feel so…empty?

Her gaze caught on Roscoe. He was talking to a group of guys. The men all had their backs to her, but they were tall. Well over six feet. And broad. God, the width of their shoulders had to be almost double hers.

For a second, her mind flicked back to?—

No. Don’t do that, Emily.

She pushed it down. The image of him that flashed behind her eyes. The sound of his voice in her head. She forced it all away.

She hadn’t thought about him in a long time, and she certainly couldn’t afford to think about him now, while at work.

“Don’t you think, darling?”

She turned to her mother, studying the older woman’s hazel eyes. Her big blonde curls. Features so similar to her own. But similar in appearancedid nottranslate to similar in any other way.

“Sure.” She’d realized long ago that it was usually easier to just agree. “I’m going back to my trailer.”

They were done for the day. Thank God. It was only the first day of filming and she already needed to rest her knee. Maybe she’d soak in the tub at the inn. With some Epsom salt and wine. Oh, and some cheese and crackers. Heck, she might even turn off her phone, put on music, and just block out the world.

Heaven.

She took a step away from the group.

“All right, everyone, listen up,” Roscoe called.

So close.

With a sigh, she turned to the food table to study the snacks. If he wanted another take, she might cry. If she was feeling dramatic enough, she might even drop to the dirt and claim a mental breakdown.

Ha. Her mother wouldlovethat.

“That was a good take, and we’ve all earned a rest. But before anyone goes, I need to introduce you to some people. These five guys are the local search and rescue. If you see them around, don’t be alarmed, they’re meant to be here. Despite my insistence that we were fine, the studio hired them to keep locals and tourists who hike in the area from wandering onto the set. Ryan’s the leader.”

Ryan.