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We talk about relationships and the distance challenges the whole way to the set. Serena has a lot of good advice and I’m grateful there’s someone I can ask specific questions to because as close as Reid and I are, I don’t think he’s the one to give me relationship advice. He’s been even more of a free spirit than I am. There’s only been one serious girlfriend since he got to the pros, and that was with Tracy, who’s gone now.

Reid is a stellar human being but I can’t figure out what he’s looking for in a woman. Not that I knew exactly what I was looking for either. Not until I met Cash.

Maybe that’s what Reid is waiting for too—the right woman. For him.

We pull into our designated spot and I spot Chris and Lacy, who seem to be having a very spirited conversation.

“What’s the deal with them?” I ask Serena. “I feel like there’s something going on.”

She hesitates. “I think there has been…something. But he’s still completely hung up on his late fiancée.”

I wince. “Oh, she died? That’s a lot different than an ex.”

“Yeah, but I think Lacy’s had enough. She’s smart and beautiful and talented. She deserves to be with a guy who isn’t chasing a ghost.”

“True dat. But we know us ladies can be stubborn when we start to fall in love.”

“Believe me, I’ve been there. This is different, though. She hasn’t confided a lot, but I get the feeling she isn’t going to put up with his bullshit.”

We get out of her SUV and the conversation ends there.

“I’ll see you in an hour,” I tell Serena. “I want to tweak that dress you’re wearing today.”

“Okay.” She smiles, waves, and heads toward her trailer. I make my way toward the main building. There are a lot of trailers and smaller buildings on the property but the main building has a few offices, including one for me, along with a whole room for wardrobe. I do a lot of sewing and stapling and adjusting, and my two assistants need room to work as well.

I unlock my office door and put my bag down. We left so early I didn’t even get coffee, so I go looking for the coffee and bagels food truck that parks here every morning.

Chris is already there, ordering a black coffee and a latte. I’d bet my last dollar it’s for Lacy, and I walk up next to him.

“Good morning.”

“Morning.” He nods and gives me a brief smile. He’s always friendly and professional but doesn’t talk much.

He’s tall and lean, with blond hair and deep-set blue eyes. He’s muscular in an understated way, like you wouldn’t notice if you weren’t looking, but I’ve seen him wrestle with a couple of the guys on the crew and he’s not just strong but he’s also fast. He wouldn’t be Lacy’s bodyguard if he wasn’t more than competent.

“Too early for a Monday,” I mutter.

“We’ve got some VIPs coming,” he says.

“What?” I ask.

“Some guest stars? I don’t remember the names but they’re supposed to be here by eight so they wanted everyone in early.”

“I wish they’d told me. If there’s a new cast member, I need to be prepared with their wardrobe.”

“Sorry.” He gives me a wry smile. “That’s above my pay grade.”

“Ugh.” I look over my shoulder to see if there was any sign of a newcomer, but so far, the set is quiet.

“Get your coffee,” he says amiably. “You’ll feel better.”

“Thanks.” I grin and place my order.

I collect my coffee, along with a toasted everything bagel with cream cheese, and make my way back to my office. I love my job but there’s definitely politics involved. I don’t think I could be an actress. What I do is different, somewhat detached, and I haven’t really run into any issues.

But I see them happening.

I’ve always been careful, and I have no intention of changing that now.