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Jessica grips me from the other side. “We’ll take him to your trailer and make him comfortable.” Her worried gaze searches my face. “He’s going to be a bit uglier, but he’ll be fine once he heals.”
“He’s never ugly!” Vanessa gasps, glaring at her stunt double.
“That’s because you only see beauty in the world.” My words are garbled to my own ears and spots float in my vision. Damn it, Vanessa does not need to see me pass out. Nor do all these people. “Trailer…” I slur, then swing my head toward Wesselman. “Stelios?”
“Don’t worry about him, my friend.” Wesselman grips my hand, squeezing. “The police are on their way. Go take care of yourself.”
Consciousness comes and goes as I propel my feet toward the trailers, Vanessa and Jessica on either side of me. It feels like hours pass before my back hits the soft mattress in Vanessa’s trailer.
“What can we do for him?” Vanessa whispers, brushing the hair from my face.
I capture her fingers and kiss them.
“We’ll clean him up and let him rest.” Jessica says, and I hear running water. “Sleep will heal most of the damage.”
The bed shifts as Vanessa sits next to me. “Your poor ear.”
“Do you mind?” I ask, my words thick in my mouth. “Lopsided.”
Vanessa’s lips tilt in a tremulous smile. “Of course not,” she says softly, running her fingertips down my face. “This is part of your tragic back story now. Audiences will love it.”
Jessica sits on my other side and hands Vanessa a wet cloth, which she takes and presses to the side of my head. It stings enough that the trailer comes into sharp focus for a moment before dimming as my body demands sleep so I can heal.
“A hero’s story,” Jessica murmurs.
I like that. A hero’s story.
Maybe I can save Vanessa’s life next.
“Sleep,” Vanessa commands, washing the blood from my face. “You need to heal, my love. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Trusting her, I allow the world to fade away.
Chapter 25
A Walk to Remember
KEENAN
I pace the trailer, waiting for my missing mate. She was supposed to be back thirteen minutes ago. I’m not surprised she’s late. She’s not a particularly punctual human and she’s having a good time, imbibing alcoholic beverages with her friends.
The bang of fireworks goes off outside the trailer, followed by cheering and clapping. We’re attending the film’s wrap up party. Wesselman shot the final scene this afternoon.
Vanessa finished a few days ago, but we decided to stay, along with Spoon and the rest of the cast and crew. According to Rachel, Wesselman is well known for his generosity toward cast and crew. His parties are legendary. Rachel calls it the pre-Oscar-Oscar-party because Wesselman’s films always sweep up in awards season.
I don’t know what half of it means, but I’m learning fast.
“Promise you’ll call? I loved working with you all!” The crunch of gravel outside the trailer and Vanessa’s voice heralds the arrival of more people than I’d planned on hosting. “Come inside, we’re having an after party.”
The door swings open and Vanessa, Rachel, Jessica and Spoon tumble inside.
“We are not having an after party,” I say as they sort themselves out. “You three out.” I point at Jessica, Rachel and Spoon while gripping Vanessa’s arm. “You stay.”
“Ah yes, I get you, old man.” Spoon winks and stumbles out the door. “Have fun rocking the trailer one last time.”
Rachel grins, weaving on the spot. “Totally get it. Good luck!” She disappears with Spoon.
“Wait!” Vanessa calls. “I wasn’t done talking! You said something about a role in the next film…”
