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“Wait. We barely started.” Richard shouted as Nevia got on the phone, dialing a number with frantic fingers. We waited here for hours, and after a few shots, Alex was completely done. One provocation was all it took. Sure, it was wild of Richard to ask, but did it warrant Alex abandoning the entire set? I wasn’t sure but also realized it could have been worse for Richard, and probably something he deserved, such as the man with the busted nose. Was it justified or an overreaction? The truth felt somewhere in between, but right now, it seemed fair.
Alex unbuttoned his shirt as he headed in the direction of the tent. “Are we really done?” I asked, “Don’t you have a contract?” He handed me the black and gold shirt, quickly pulling over his own to leave.
“Lots of contracts, but little patience.” He lifted his jacket from the chair, slipping it over his arms. “I promised you it’d be quick, and I delivered.”
“This wasn’t for me.”
“No, but I would have done it regardless. He was wrong, and you know it.”
“Yes, but...” I began.
“What are you doing right now?” He yanked the cuff of his sleeve, his strength correcting its place along his wrist. The commotion outside of the tent did not subside, as I could hear Nevia talk to the representatives of Drip.
“Cleaning up, I guess.”
“No.” He shook his head, “I can have that taken care of. So, tell me, what are you doing?”
I looked up puzzled at his question, reminding myself of my promise to meet his challenge. I’d be professional, even if he couldn't. There were already plenty of people in my life that left when things got tough, I didn't need him to do the same, not to me.
“I’m going home.”
“No.” His accent purred, drawing me to stare at his lips. “It’s past lunch as you said and closer to dinner. You look hungry. I’m taking you to eat.” He looked down at me, appearing as if he could lift me up and take me away.
“No, you're not. I have plans.”
“Then this Friday.”
“Are you booking me?” I asked, maintaining my unshakable position.
“Is that what it takes to see you?”
“If it's not business, then it's not happening. Besides, I have plans this Friday.”
“Like what?” He pressed, patiently but not desperately.
“I’m seeing a play.Phantom of the Opera.” I shrugged, not knowing why I felt the urge to answer, maybe I wanted to deter him. “I’m going with my best friend.” I added.
“What’s her name?”
“Hisname is none of your business.”
As soon as I said this, the whites of his teeth revealed themselves in a brilliant snarl. It almost stole my breath. In reality, it wasn’t his business, and he didn’t need to know who Parker was or how he was related to his case. Not that it mattered, Alex seemed completely detached from the consequences of his actions or anything to do with the aspect of lawsuits.
Regardless, I felt vulnerable, and I wasn't sure if I liked it, mostly because I had no control of how he made me squirm. “Why are you doing this?” I asked, not sure if I really wanted an answer, so I corrected. “Why were you at Bushwick last night? There is nothing to do out there. Nothing for you at least.” I questioned, but his expression didn't budge.
“I wanted to see it for myself. I’m looking for something familiar, something I saw the day I met you.” What could he see there that had to do with me? I spent my life trying to get away from Bushwick and from Claire. I hated how that place made me feel, but who could ever truly understand? Not a Hollywood celebrity, that was for sure.
“And what would that be?” I asked, watching as Alex dug into the pocket of his leather jacket. Clenched between the tips of his finger was a cookie, a Marcello Galletas, from the bodegas in Bushwick. He placed it between his lips, snapping it in half.
“For something just like me.” His confession irked me; my ears burned from the comparison. I was not like him, not my character, not my life. He knew nothing about me, but he sought to find everything, and from what? A hunch that we were somehow the same?
I laughed. “You’ve mistaken me for someone else, Mr. Rivers. I’m not like you, and I hope to never be. Sorry you wasted your time traveling to Bushwick, but I hope you enjoy the cookies.” I placed his shirt on the rack. He absorbed my words as some odd invitation.
“Every bite.” He replied, watching as I left.
The firemen were still outside, waiting for me to leave so they could meet the arrogant Alex Rivers. I was ready to go, realizing he was right about one thing, that I was indeed hungry. My stomach growled as I left the set, my face still blushed from Alex’s words. How could he get so under my skin? He didn't know me, and I didn’t want him to know me, especially my personal life.
My phone buzzed for an extended moment, signaling a call as it vibrated in my purse. I expected it to be Parker, relieved to share about my day. He knew how frustrating Alex could be, but perhaps his perception was more intense than mine. Alex was abrupt, yes, but today with Richard he had a reason to be. Maybe this was true for other moments.
