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Shaking my head, I sit down beside her. “No, it’s a contract thing.”
“Want me to come?”
Taking her hand in mine, I say, “No. I’m to go in, talk to everyone, and come home. This way, they can’t say I didn’t turn up for work.”
Athena looks at Clive. “Can you go with him?”
He shakes his head. “I wish I could, but I’m finishing up a job tomorrow.”
“I can go with him,” replies Todd.
“No, you’re staying with Athena. I don’t want her on her own.”
Todd nods at me. All of them have concerned expressions on their faces.
“Guys, I’ll be fine.”
“Don’t you have a security detail?” asks Clive.
“I’m not sure if I still do. Besides, tomorrow they’re filming out at the national park. I can’t imagine there’ll be madmen running through the woods with axes.”
“You aren’t doing anything to ease my apprehension,” states Athena.
I put her hand to my lips. “I’ll be fine.” Looking at Shannon, I ask, “Who made dessert?”
“We both did. I made the bottom, and Todd made the top.”
“What is it?” I ask.
“Lemon meringue pie,” replies Shannon as she stares at Clive.
“My favorite.” Clive winks at her.
Todd rolls his eyes and cuts into the pie. “Does anyone want cream with it?”
Athena says, “Me.”
Todd shakes his head at her. “Really?”
“Why wouldn’t I want cream with it? It makes all desserts better.”
Todd looks at me for support.
“Buddy, I’ve gotta say, I like cream too, so…”
Todd picks up a lemon meringue wedge and puts it onto a plate. “I think you should both taste it before you ruin it with cream.”
“Nuh-huh. I know it’s going to be fabulous. The cream will only enhance the taste.”
Chuckling, Todd serves up another slice. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”
Athena pokes her tongue out at him, and he shakes his head as he passes her a plate. For now, the conversation is light, everyone seems happy, and all thoughts of my problems seem to have slipped their minds.
***
The next day, I’m up early. I kiss Athena and drive myself to the film set location. I park my car in the lot and walk the short distance into the national park. Since everyone knows who I am, so I’m allowed on set. Many look surprised I’m here, and I make a point of saying hello to anyone who looks in my direction. It’s a good thing I’m an actor. Otherwise, I’m not sure I’d be able to get through the emotional turmoil within.
Andy saw me and immediately walked in the opposite direction, so I talked to some of the camera crew and a couple of the producers. After an hour, I’m feeling like a leper and decide it’s time for me to leave.
