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Candy pouts. “Don’t be like that, Spencer. You’re going to break my heart. You know, I’ve had a crush on you for a long time.”
“That’s really nice of you to say, but I have a girlfriend.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen the pictures,” Candy says with a snarl. “She looks boring. The girl has a miserable face whenever you’re hanging out.”
“No, she doesn’t.”
“Come on. Are you taking her out clubbing just to prove you can land a regular girlfriend? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you tied down to anyone before.”
“I like to keep that part of my life private.”
Candy scoffs. “Yeah, right. I bet you really can’t land a girlfriend. How much are you paying that chick to be with you? She could use the money. I’ve heard her little design company is in the red.”
“I’m not paying her, and she’s a talented designer.”
Candy looks me up and down. “She must be talented in other ways if she has you hooked. Tell me, is she that good in bed? Or are you just so sex-starved that you’ll take anything?” Candy puts a hand on my chest the way her character does in the movie. “I’m better than her. I can show you right now. We still have a few minutes left of lunch …”
I step away again, nearly knocking over the beverage cart. “Please, stop, Candy. I told you already; I have a girlfriend.”
She rolls her eyes. “Whatever. You’re missing out. Once she realizes the celebrity life isn’t for her, give me a call. I’ll give you the ride of a lifetime. Until then, I hope I get to meet your little girlfriend one of these days.” She saunters off, swaying her hips unnaturally as she walks.
That last line felt almost like a threat, but maybe I’m just paranoid. Candy is catty, but she’s harmless. Besides, Leila can handle herself. She doesn’t need me to protect her.
I angrily eat my sandwich alone in my chair while I scroll through my phone. I’m sick of people talking about Leila like she’s not good enough for me. If anything, it’s the other way around, and I’m worried she will figure that out.
I stare blankly at our text thread. She hasn’t sent anything else today, and I can’t call her since I’m busy. I try to remind myself we’re not actually dating, so it’s not like there’s anything for her to figure out. I mean, even if she does realize I’m not good enough for her, we’d just fake break-up so she can date someone for real.
My stomach turns. That would be my worst nightmare come true. Is it possible I want more than a fake relationship with Leila?
No, that won’t work. Candy pointed out I’m never seen with anyone, and it’s not that I’m trying to keep my private life a secret; it’s that I don’t have much of a private life. I’ve had some one-night stands, but nothing long-term in years. Keeping a relationship is too hard in the unstable world of acting. I never know when my next job will be or where it will take me. Plus, my filming schedules are impossible to keep up with. It wouldn’t be fair of me to date someone for real at this point in my life. Maybe when I’m getting consistent work or bigger movies that don’t require me to film three or four per year, I’ll be able to settle down with someone.
Unfortunately, that someone won’t be Leila. It’s not like I could ask her to wait for me. That would be even more unfair than asking her to stick around at my house tonight. She deserves someone who can give her the love and attention she needs.
I only wish that person could be me.
“Carver!” the director yells. “You have a scene with just you and the guys. Can we get this rolling?”
I finish my sandwich and brush the crumbs from my shirt. A few makeup people touch me up before I can get to the set. It’s a basketball court where I’m supposed to gossip with my friends about starting to date Candy’s character. I hated this scene when I first read it, mostly because I suck at basketball. Thankfully, I don’t actually have to play.
The rest of the day is spent filming scenes I’m in without Candy while she does some press for the movie. At least I don’t have to deal with her again. I’ve been pushing off her advances since we started this movie together, and I feel it might only get harder the more I’m seen with Leila. Candy does love a challenge.
The only thing getting me through the day is that I have a date planned with Leila on Friday. Just a few more days until we’re together again.
Chapter Thirteen – Leila
I’ve been looking forward to seeing Spencer since I started the paint job on his house. He hasn’t been here in person yet, though he did text me to tell me he liked it. I’m going to believe him, but it’s hard to be sure over text. I’d rather see his face in the new space.
