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We stand on the porch for a long second, staring awkwardly at each other, until the friendly receptionist runs up and interrupts our silence.
“Levi! I thought you were heading out. I see you’ve met Ivy.” Lark loops her arm around the man’s waist, and I’m taken aback for a second. They don’t seem a likely couple, but—to be fair—I don’t really know either of them.
“Not really. She ran into me, then asked if I was Maddox. That’s the extent of our introduction.”
Lark throws her head back, laughing, and Levi crosses his arms over his chest.
“Levi, this is Ivy. She’s with the Christmas Network. One of the leading actresses over there. Ivy, this is Levi. My boyfriend and the owner of the bait and tackle shop down the way.” She waves her hand between us, the formalities now complete.
“Nice to meet you. Sorry about the collision—jet lag. All right, see you later.” I force a smile at both of them and then scurry into the inn, eager to escape both the heat and the embarrassing exchange.
Funny that’s Maddox’s twin. Maddox is super friendly and warm, while Levi is the polar opposite. Heavy emphasis onpolar.
I slam the door to my room and collapse onto the bed, soaking up as much AC as humanly possible.
Wonder if I’ll be seeing Levi around a lot, since he’s dating Lark. I sure hope not.
Although I wouldn’t mind seeing Maddox…
I slam down that thought right away, then get ready to hit the shower.
The last thing I need in my life is romance. Sure, it’s all picture-perfect snowfalls and tender embraces in holiday movies.
But in real life? All that happens is you end up getting hurt—and I don’t think I can handle any more heartache.
* * *
The director callsour first full cast and crew meeting for the next day, nine a.m. sharp in the main lobby of the inn.
Brutal, considering the time zone difference, and I’m dragging ass down the stairs, desperate for caffeine. I should have set my alarm for an earlier wake-up call and hit Tranquili-tea, like Lark recommended. Hopefully, the meeting will be short and then I can pop over and grab an iced coffee. No way in hell will I be drinking hot coffee at any point during my stay here—it’s too freaking steamy.
“Ivy! Glad you could grace us with your presence.” Josh, the male lead and my co-star, sneers at me as I descend the last step.
Awesome. Already off on the right foot.
I should have guessed he’d be an asshole. He and Blaise are tight; he probably thinks I had something to do with her dropping out.
“Morning, Josh.” I slide in next to him, smiling brightly and turning on every bit of charm I possess.
Iama professional actress, even if I’ve been out of work for a minute.
“Girl, you’re wrecked! Those bags under your eyes. I hope Giselle can work some holiday magic in the makeup trailer.” He waves his hand in my face, like he’s sprinkling fairy dust over me or something.
“Probably swelling from flying. I’ll grab some cucumbers, I’m sure it’ll be fine. But thanks for the concern.” I bite my tongue to keep from saying what I really want to, which is more along the lines offuck off and mind your own damn business.
“Okay, now that we’re all here…” The director, Axl, double-checks his clipboard. “Let’s run through the schedule real quick. Blocking all day today and tomorrow. That’s full crew, specified cast, according to the schedules Jodi handed out. Show up on time, people! Budget’s tight and we can’t afford to dawdle. Every second counts!” He glares at me and my stomach tightens, a hard pit in the center. A hot flush of anxiety races through me and I contemplate bailing right now.
Everyone here hates me.
No.I can’t bail—Arielle warned me this is my last chance.
Inhaling a deep breath, I blow out the bad energy.
I can do this.
“First stop this morning is the beach. We’ll run through all the boat scenes, then we’ll break for a quick lunch before we block the town scenes. I’m going to need props, lighting, sound, and lead actors on deck. Let’s go out there and sparkle, people!” Axl claps his hands together, his floppy blonde hair falling over his smooth forehead, and everyone breaks into applause. Bright, shiny people, smiling and ready to do his bidding.
“Ivy?” Axl shoots his hand up in the air, crooking his finger and beckoning me over.
