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Not now. God, no. Swallowing the familiar swelling in my throat, I braced myself. My co-stars and I were in position on our marks, waiting. All I had to do was get through this scene, then I would be able to take a short break.
“Action!”
Just as the word left Tobyn’s mouth, it was as if my body responded to his authority. Grabbing my mouth, I leaned over the edge of the pool, letting myself vomit into the once picturesque water. My co-stars jumped back, recoiling.
Simone gasped, “Oh my God!”
“You’ve got to be shitting me!” Tobyn bellowed. Leaping from his chair, he stomped over to the pool, followed by his assistant.
The three of them inspected the damage. Becky reached out with another bottle of water, but I waved her off and marched to my trailer, still covering my mouth with the back of my hand. Never in my life had I ever been so unprofessional. I was mortified and embarrassed.
“Chance!” Tobyn called after me, as he caught up to me.
“So…rry,” I choked once again, fighting back the nauseous feeling. I heaved open my trailer door, making a beeline to the bathroom.
“What the hell is going on with you?” He slammed the door behind him.
“I…got…dru…nk…a—” I felt like I was dying.
“Jesus, Chance.”
While crouching over the toilet, I shuffled slightly to the right, pushing the bathroom door closed for more privacy. Amber’s face kept flashing before me. I saw the disappointment in her eyes while she watched me becoming weak.
After vomiting three more times, I flushed the toilet and stood, washing my hands, then rinsed my mouth with mouthwash. I checked my face in the mirror, taking several deep breaths before stepping out into the sitting area. Tobyn was leaning against the wall, crossing his arms high on his chest with a disapproving glare.
He and I had a long history together. He was one of the most highly regarded directors in the world, and you’d not made it in Hollywood until you worked with him or Marcus Ross’s father. I’d been lucky enough to have collaborated with them both on several films.
Tobyn and I were friends, but this was his business, and I’d just fucked up. Bracing myself for an argument, I closed my eyes, knowing I was about to get an ear full.
“Is this about that girl you were dating?”
I plopped down on the long, black leather couch lining the living area wall and reclined back. I laid my forearm across my eyes to shield any light peeking in through the windows.
“What’s her name again?”
“Amber.” I winced at the reverberation of my voice saying her name.
“As your friend, I’m telling you to fix this shit!”
Sighing, I lowered my arm, turning my head toward him, cracking an eyelid open. “And, as the director?”
Shaking his head, he buried his hands deep into his pockets. “I don’t want to think about that right now. Just get help, please. Or get her back. Whatever makes you,YOUagain.”
Sitting up, I scoffed, grabbing a pack of cigarettes off a nearby table. Pinning one between my lips, I lit it and stood. I paced the small area like a caged animal. Tobyn waited patiently but cracked the door open.
“I just need to get through this project right now.” I inhaled a long, slow drag. “We’re almost done, and I got it.”
“I’ll go set up for the next scene because the A.D. is in my ear asking what to do.” He pointed to his earpiece. “You ruined the pool for today and I’m pretty sure they’re gonna have to shock it with chlorine now.”
“I’ll be out in a minute.”
Bowing his head, he exited, slamming the door behind him.
“Shit!” I picked up a gift box, hurling it across the trailer.
AMBER
Frozen in front of Club Euphoria with my bag thrown over my shoulder, I took the deepest breath I could muster as I had a staring contest with the front of the building. It was time to finally let Chance go. He’d moved on and it was time for me to accept it.
