CHAPTER 17
Julia
Theo
Mom says you’re really busy. Which makes sense considering I haven’t heard a single thing from you.
Julia
That’s funny, because I had to hear from Mom that you were coming for a visit. So I guess we’re even.
Theo
How’s the new gig?
Julia
It’s good. Learning a lot. Long-ass hours, though.
Theo
With who?
Julia
Cast and crew.
Theo
And they are?
Julia
Protected under NDA.
Theo
Boring.
I slam my car door and let my body sink into the driver’s seat, head flopping back against the headrest as my eyes flutter shut and a heavy sigh rocks my body.
I’m only one week into this six-week job, and something about today has left me overwhelmingly tired. It’s one of those moments where I war between wishing desperately for my own bed and being so hungry that I can’t think about anything other than food.
Except that’s not true.
I can think about Emmett.
Images of him on set filter through my mind as I sit like a wooden statue, staring through my windshield. Emmett mending fences with deft fingers. Emmett driving a tractor with no shirt on. Emmett setting jumps for his baby sister and then watching her soar over them on horseback with a expression of proud wonder etched on his handsome face.
And then there’s tonight.
His pinched features haunt me. I told him to own it. To lean into it. And he still looked miserable.
Or maybe I’m overanalyzing things. Maybe he was into it. Or… maybe not. Maybe the promise of a paycheck has him overlooking his comfort just to bring this show to life.
The thought that I could be a part of making someone uncomfortable in that way churns in my stomach. I want this show to be the best it can be, but at what cost?
Based on what I know of him, I expected he would be perfect for this role. And yet, something about today sits heavy in my heart. It was when he’d turned and met my gaze that I couldn’t help but see something else in his eyes. It almost looked like a plea, like he was begging someone to toss him a lifeline.
