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“Then you know exactly how I feel.”
CHAPTER 25
TATE
The rest of the day’s filming went off without a hitch.
Save for the sudden, unrelenting downpour that caused us to move inside.
Other than that, it went well.
But unlike my usual time on set, I couldn’t wait for this day to be over. So Reed and I could finally be alone again.
It didn’t escape my attention that he was quieter this afternoon, even on our break. Doubts and fears pushed to the forefront of my mind, but I pushed back.
Reed wouldn’t change his mind. I believed that.
Maybe he was just overwhelmed by the newness of everything. Nothing prepares you for the reality of fucking your best friend.
But it turned out that alone time would have to wait a bit longer. We were invited by the crew to another pub night. Reed couldn’t drink and I didn’t care to be around other people, but he wanted to go, so I went along.
Jared and Korry convinced Reed and I to play darts. I won and then bragged about it non-stop, of course, and Reed swore he was never playing with me again. Right. His competitive nature would draw him back.
Then we settled into a cozy corner booth and stuffed in huge platters of fish and chips with mushy peas.
Around nine, we said our goodbyes and decided to walk home.
The rain was softly falling and fog was rolling in, blanketing everything around us. Reed thought it was spooky, but I liked it.
I reached out and took his hand and he startled.
“Tay, what are you doing?”
“There’s no one around. It’s dark, it’s foggy. Come on, relax.”
Sure, there was a chance someone might see us, but I wasn’t worried. And when he interlocked his fingers with mine, all my earlier doubts receded.
“You were quiet this afternoon, anything you want to talk about?” I asked.
“Jared knows. Well, he suspected, and I confirmed. He’s concerned but I assured him that there’s nothing to worry about. And he also wanted us to know that if we ever need to talk to someone, he’s there. Him and his partners.”
“That’s very kind of him. And I’m relieved that he knows.”
“Are you? I wasn’t sure what your reaction might be.”
“He’s not just our director, but our friend. In fact, that’s a good place for us to start.”
Reed nodded. “How about you?”
“What about me?”
Reed stopped walking and I stared at him. The damp air caused his wavy hair to curl, and I brushed a lock of it behind his ear.
“I could tell you were nervous today,” he whispered.
“I was. That first shot? It felt like everyone was staring at us. Well, you know what I mean. While I was out for a break, I texted my sponsor. The urge to numb myself always hits hard when my anxiety rears up.”
“I’m sorry.”
