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When they arrived at her campsite, Trevor had his camera aimed in her direction, with Sydney standing beside him. Crystal had texted her from the doctor’s office to let her know they were headed back. So far, the only shots they’d have of her would be from the stationary cams, and she doubted in the dim light they showed much of her face.
Her muscles tensed. Trevor would try to take close-up pictures for sure. As much as it killed her, she grabbed the snake hat from the console. “Can I please borrow this?”
“Knock yourself out.”
She thrust the hat low on her head, got out of the truck, and approached Sydney. “I’d appreciate if we stopped filming for a few days.”
Sydney sneered. “I don’t think so. We’re on a schedule.”
Not even ten in the morning, and the heat and humidity had built. Crystal swiped sweat from the side of her face. The sun shining on her arms aggravated her rash.
“Take off the hat,” Trevor said.
Crystal shook her head. “No. I can’t be exposed to the sun.”
“Excuse me. I think you might want to look at these instructions from the urgent care.” Zach handed the release papers from the visit to Sydney, who scanned them and frowned.
Crystal stole a glance in his direction. Arms crossed and legs planted wide, he stood firm. “I’m responsible for the safety of the campers, and she can’t follow the doctor’s instructions in this environment.”
Sydney passed the papers to Trevor, who lowered the camera. “What do we do?”
The longer Crystal stood in the sun, the more she itched. She had to figure out where to go and get out of the heat. “Can I stay in a villa or cabin for a few days?”
“Sorry, all booked,” Zach said.
Crystal turned to Sydney. “Can I share your villa? I have a sleeping bag and don’t need a bed.”
Sydney cringed and took a step back. “No way. I don’t want to be anywhere near you and get that shit.”
Of course, Sydney had no feelings or filters. Crystal had one more suggestion. “How about a nearby hotel?”
“It’s not in the budget.” Sydney pointed to Zach. “You’re insisting on her staying somewhere else. What about your place?”
Zach shook his head. “It’s small. One bedroom.”
Crystal held up her hands. “Well, I’m out of ideas.”
Sydney looked at Trevor, who shrugged. “What about Levi? She could stay with him.”
“Now you’re talking.” Sydney nodded. “We need to get him back in the picture anyway.”
“No,” Zach said, an edge to his voice. “He lives on a small houseboat, also one bedroom.”
Sydney smirked. “That’s even better.”
Zach’s nostrils flared, and his lips thinned. His phone rang, and he glanced at the screen. “I have to take this.” He walked back to his truck.
Crystal couldn’t blame him. Not his problem where she ended up. She stepped under the shade of a tree and tried not to scratch her arms. “I refuse to invade Levi’s space, and we aren’t sleeping together. I won’t pretend otherwise.”
“This show needs some spice, so youwillcontinue to at least flirt with him. It’s part of the script now. Don’t go anywhere. I need to talk to Trevor.” Sydney walked over to him.
A dog barked, and Johnny bounded down the slope, dragged by Murphy like a water skier hanging onto the leash. The dog slid to a stop in front of Crystal and yet again shook lake water on her. He leaned against her and raised a paw a second time.
Crystal shuddered. Did this mutt live in the lake?
“Sorry, lady. He’s strong.” Johnny’s eyes bugged out. “Whoa. Are you okay? Your face is huge.”
Crystal wiped some mud off her arm. Children spoke the truth. “Yeah, I’m kind of a mess.”
