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Kate leaned against a long rough-hewn table, her ankles and arms crossed as she glared at us. “Was the sex at least good?”
The incendiary question hung in the air unanswered, and then both Cameron and I shouted denials that canceled each other out. Our vehement responses seemed to push Kate closer to her breaking point.
“I’d hoped that this wouldn’t be an issue. You two are old enough to know better. But anytime there is an extended shooting schedule, personal bullshit always comes up.” She dove into a lecture about acting for the camera and being professional that totally ignored the fact we hadn’t had sex.
Had I thought about it?
Yes. Every day.
I’d been over what happened Saturday morning in bed and after at the festival a million times. No resolution. Only frustration. I’d not showered or shaved until I had to drag my ass to the set today. I’d been in hell, and the dress code was baggy sweats with optional toothbrushing.
One minute I was sure Cameron was the most cold-hearted, calculating woman in the history of Texas real estate. I convinced myself she had planned the skinny-dipping on the first day we met to lure me in. The next minute, I knew she’d been as caught up in the feelings as I’d been. That she’d reacted to me as a man and regretted it. The dreaded words,just a client, kept me awake all night. What did that phrase mean to her?
I couldn’t trust my judgment—it was faulty. Always had been with women. That was why I steered clear of romantic entanglements. My two-date rule existed for my protection and the protection of others. It existed so I didn’t have to feel like this.
“Which one of you is going to apologize?” Kate divided her disappointed glower between the two of us.
Silence.
I concentrated on the second hand of my watch. The smooth sweep was like a swinging pocket watch in the hand of a hypnotist, giving me a focal point amid the chaos.
Kate tipped her head back and muttered at the ceiling. She might have been praying… or not. “Older and wiser, but also more stubborn. Lovely. Just what I always wanted.” Her massive sigh seemed to rattle the windows.
She took a step in my direction, and I wished she really was my old elementary school principal. Ms. Wynberg had never looked at any of us kids with murder in her eyes. I sat up straight and located the closest exit in case Kate attempted homicide.
She pointed at me. “You are going to have to suck up to the entire town after that whole tirade about underutilized assets.”
“I what? I didn’t mean it. I was...” I floundered. What I’d said had been very shitty and totally indefensible.
“Being an ass? Yeah, I know. So...” she turned on her heel to face Cameron, “that means you are going to get the ball rolling on the personal problems.”
“Fine.” Cameron sounded even less thrilled about this turn of events than she looked.
Kate returned to her spot, leaning on the table, then waved, indicating the floor was open to Cameron. And she should start. Now.
Cameron scooted the front of her chair, her hands held out toward Kate. “I’m so sorry we lost it out there—”
“Not to me. I don’t give a shit. I’m a professional. It’s Wilson you have to work with. Apologize to him so we can get on with the show.” Kate stomped her foot and screwed her eyes closed. Once more, she was muttering to the almighty or cursing a blue streak. Hard to tell.
“No, Kate, this isn’t necessary,” I said.
“Yes, it is.” She enunciated each word with painful precision.
Slowly, Cameron and I twisted to face each other. Cameron focused on my right ear with laser-like intensity. Tension coiled in my chest, pulling tighter as I waited for her to speak. I’d been ready to pick a fight when the cameras were rolling. Now it hurt to look at her.
“I’m very sorry for the awkwardness today, and um, after everything, I would feel better if you would let me reimburse you for the sunburn cream. I’ll get the cost deducted from my commission if there is one, or I’ll write you a check.” Her hands twisted together in her lap.
I didn’t want her money. That blinding truth burned like a hot cattle brand pressed to my brain and heart. Taking anything from her would be a mortal sin. I’d never accept repayment. That cream had been a gift; she deserved it for indulging in my obsession with Blue Star.
“Sunburn! Are you kidding?” Kate turned her murder glare back on me. “That’s why you demanded I fire the entire wardrobe department? Because Cami got sunburned. Thank God, I only gave them a week off to placate you. This is going to give me an ulcer.” She pulled a roll of antacids from a pocket and popped one in her mouth.
I grimaced. Yeah, I made the call. I’d ranted about the fools in wardrobe not dressing people correctly for a day on horseback. The words sunburn and sunscreen appeared prominently in the heated conversation. I lacked the bravery to look at Cameron and see if this revelation impressed or horrified her.
Kate tossed up her hands and pushed away from the long table. “Figure out your shit without me. I’m taking the sheriff for a cup of coffee. I’ll see if he has a plan that will mend fences with the townsfolk.”
The thump of Kate’s stylish but practical boots striking the floor filled the empty gallery space as she strode out. Cameron and I diligently avoided looking at each other. The air conditioning cycled on, the drone of the cold air passing through the vents the only sound.
The second hand on my watch moved like it was ticking through molasses. I scrambled to formulate a plan--something to say that would right this ship--but I had no clue where to start. And the vast empty wasteland of my mind offered no suggestions.
