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“That’s a wrap for today,” Hunter declares. “Clean up and go home. Be ready tomorrow for an early shoot time.”
I hop out of my seat, excited to finally get the chance to speak to him. I was very careful not to disturb Hunter with anything other than pressing work emails regarding the production, so I was looking forward to the end of the day. A small part of me selfishly wants him all to myself.
Before I get to him, however, Annabeth rushes off set and walks straight up to him.
“How was that?” she asks.
“It was good.” His tone is flat, but his expression is kind. Kinder than when he speaks to anyone else on his crew. He’s snappy with Charlie, he’s irritated with the bumbling PAs. I’m honestly the only exception to his otherwise blunt way of speaking…
And Annabeth, too, apparently.
Huh.
“I wanted to apologize about arriving late to set,” she says quickly, flicking her hair over her shoulder. My mother really does look pretty, like a warrior princess.
“It’s fine,” Hunter says. “I’m glad we got it all sorted.”
“Yes, my Eden really set me straight. I’m glad to see she’s picking up so much of your business savvy.”
I clench my jaw.
My Eden? Who the hell does she think she’s fooling?
I smile stiffly. “I learn from the best.”
Annabeth’s smile is just as stiff. I can’t tell what she’s thinking. I don’t know her well enough anymore to get a good read on her. “I was wondering if we could go over the script together, Hunter. Tomorrow’s scene is emotionally intensive, and I’d love to go over the sides to make sure I capture your vision.”
I don’t know why listening to my mother vie for Hunter’s attention makes me want to cringe. She’s trying too hard and Hunter’s too busy. I should know, considering I’m in charge of his schedule and everything. Surely he can push this to tomorrow and get some much needed rest. There’s no way he’d say—
“Yeah, sure.”
My mouth falls open. “You have an early morning tomorrow, Mr. Stride. Wouldn’t it be better to head home and come back refreshed?”
“She’s right, Eden. Our next scene is intense, heavily nuanced. I’d like to work out any of the kinks in the script before we start rolling. I’d rather not leave everything to the last minute.”
“But—”
“Head on home, Eden.” He says this gently, a smile in his eyes. “Get a good night’s sleep. I’ll see you bright and early, alright?”
I swallow, unsure what to make of this strange tightness in my chest. “Sure, yeah. Alright. Good night, I guess.”
Annabeth grins. “Have a good night, honey! I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I turn on my heels and leave, ignoring the ugly bitterness in the pit of my stomach. I’m probably overthinking things. Hunter just wants to get this film right, that’s all. He’s not deliberately spending time with Annabeth because he wants to. There’s nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.
As I leave the set and head toward the parking lot, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being watched. It’s a strange sensation. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and my blood feels cold running through my veins.
But when I turn, I see no one.
“Weird,” I murmur to myself before getting into my car.
Chapter 23
Tip #23: Paparazzi are scum of the earth.
EDEN
“Oh, thank God!” Taylor exclaims the second I step into our apartment. “I tried calling you, you know. It’s so unlike you to not answer your phone.”
