Page 48 of Camera Stays On

“I’m well aware, Ash. I’m fine with that. We’re not seeing jail time, come on now.” His eyes lit up. “Hey! Once we’re done, this place will be really haunted. You know how many sick fucks will flock in just because someone got murdered here? You’ll be drowning in money this time next year.”

I huffed. Like they’d let me open after that. My mind reeled. Sawyer spoke freely, as if no one could walk out onto the porch and overhear.

“Am I the only one who knows your plan?” I asked, silently pleading he hadn’t told Purdy or anyone else.

“I’m not fucking stupid, Ash.” He rolled his eyes. “Just angry. Purdy and I lost so much time, but no more. I’m already halfway to winning her back. You should’ve seen her upstairs, in that dress. I’ve never seen a girl as purdy as her.” He sighed.

Silence fell over us. I popped the cap off my bottle and drank. Jesus fucking Christ. I thought hiding my feelings for the only girl I’d ever loved was going to be hard. Now I had to try to save Gavin from being murdered too?

I kind of understood how Sawyer got to the conclusion he did. Gavin did not like Andi. It was almost annoying just how badly he spoke about her. Sure, most of Collingwood didn’t like her for what Sawyer told everyone, but Gavin always took it above and beyond.

Dinner was called, and we went inside, taking seats at the table. Somehow, I got stuck between Juliet and Mick, across from Gavin, Sawyer, and Andi. After everyone sat, Sawyer pulled out his handheld camera and rested it on a tripod, facing the table.

“For behind-the-scenes content,” he explained.

Food was served, and as we ate, I paid attention to how everyone interacted. Mainly, Andi. She was acting odd, and my paranoia rose again. There was a hint of betrayal that teased the edges of my heart, but I shoved the feelings back. Andi would never let him touch her again.

“No thanks,” Andi said politely, rejecting wine from Lux and pulling me from my dark thoughts. Gavin snorted loudly.

“Probably smart you don’t drink. You might get a little too relaxed.” He smirked, and Sawyer’s eyes shot right to me, as if saying, see what I mean?

I swore inwardly. Gavin was going to get himself killed just for having a mouth.

“I just don’t feel good,” Andi said. She kept her head down as she forked her spaghetti.

“It’s probably better we all don’t get too smashed tonight.” Sawyer raised his beer in a toast. “First thing in the morning, we start work. We need to set up cameras and start testing things. Do all your debauchery tonight, because this time tomorrow, every room in this fucking place is gonna have a camera.”

The group laughed, including me, and Andi and I made eye contact.

Debauchery?

Say no more.

Chapter 21

Andi

SAWYER’S JOKE ECHOED in my mind as I stared across the living room at Ash, who, by the hungry look he was giving me, had the same thoughts. Did we dare? It was one thing to get drunk and head to a hotel, or make out in the woods like dumb teenagers, but...my room shared a wall with Sawyer’s. The very idea of touching him again gave me delicious butterflies, but I shoved them down.

I shook my head slightly at Ash, warning him it was too risky.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Lux and Mick snuggling close, his lips on her neck and his hands on her thigh.

“Whoa now,” Bea called out to them. “Let’s keep this movie PG.”

“I know actors like an audience, but...” Darius laughed.

Mick pulled back slightly and rolled his eyes. “You told us to do our debauchery tonight, did you not?”

Ash’s eyes found mine again. Sawyer nodded. “That I did. Carry on, I suppose.” With a groan, he slid off the couch and stretched. “The night is still young. I could raise a little hell.”

“What are you thinking?” Gavin asked. I despised him. Right next to Sawyer, he was the biggest reason to drop the project. Between the new script, the wedding dress, and Sawyer’s obvious interest in rekindling things, the red flags were everywhere, and yet… my gaze rolled lazily to Ash…and I stayed.

“I don’t know, let’s turn the music up and go to that liquor store down the road. Have a real party and we’ll see what happens.” Sawyer stepped over to me, reaching for my chin, pinching and raising it to look at him. “What’s that one song… ‘Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off?’ Why don’t we see if that’s true?”

I shoved him away.

“You’re such a pig.” Lux laughed.