Page 115 of Holly Jolly July

I’d be up for moving in with her after a few months of dating. We work so well together in every way, and I’ll miss the simple parts of life with her—especially her happy chit-chat. But is that too fast? I’d rather wait and have her tell me when she’s ready than act too quickly and make her feel rushed. But Idon’t want her to get burned out on a moderately long-distance relationship before then.

I keep all this to myself and try to enjoy the moment while it lasts as we drive into the city, the sun already risen and shining bright even though it’s barely past seven o’clock. Ellie’s cheerful voice entertains me with all the interesting thoughts that pop into her mind. I hang on every word, soaking it in as if it’s the last time I’ll have the opportunity.

After swinging through the Tim Hortons drive-through we park a few blocks away from downtown and walk to the set. I apply Ellie’s makeup, taking extra time, hovering over every centimetre of her beautiful face, relishing being close to her like this around other people. I wish I could lean forward and kiss her lips right here in front of everyone.

Ellie’s my only work for this morning, as the filming is supposed to be just the scenes between Ellie, Julia and Oscar in the café. I clean my station and walk with her out onto the street, the sweltering July heat beating down upon us both. I’m glad the set Ellie will be working on is air conditioned; I have no idea how the actors were able to walk around on the street in full winter gear to film the outdoor scenes because I’m immediately sweaty after five seconds with summer-appropriate clothing.

While walking Ellie to the set I pause, noticing a familiar tall frame facing away from us standing outside the café with Julia and Oscar. “Is that...?”

“Hide!”Ellie all but yells.

I duck behind a parked car and press my back against it, my heart pounding in my ears.

“Oh, hi!” Ellie squeaks as she walks toward them.

IMission Impossiblemy way along the parked cars, which is impressive given I’m wearing three-inch wedges. I get close enough to hear, peeking between the cars to catch a glimpse of Oscar, Julia, Jax, and Ellie standing together in a little group before quickly ducking back to the safety of my hiding spot, listening as best I can.

“How did you get past the security guard?” Ellie asks, trying to keep her tone chipper.

“Oh, we let him in.” Oscar’s deep baritone is a bit harder to pick up. “—said it was fine... showed him around... never been on a movie set...”

“Yes, we were happy to show your friend around, Ellie.” Julia is much easier to hear. “I’m shocked he’s never been on a set before! With a face like that—” I peek out and watch Julia playfully elbow Ellie while whispering something in her ear. Ellie fakes a laugh, her shoulders stiff and hitched higher up her body than normal.

“Why are you hiding this guy? You should bring him to the wrap party tonight,” Julia encourages.

“I didn’t think to invite him since it’s supposed to be just cast members.”

“Oh, nonsense! And I’m sure Marlene and Yueyi can find a way to make him an extra. He has lumberjack vibes to him. And you two together? A little surprising but totally cute, and I can see...”

Sick of listening to this, I whip out my phone and dial Jax’s number.

The group is interrupted as his “Barbie Girl” ring tone plays obnoxiously.

Jax pulls his phone out, does a double take at the caller ID, then silences it. “Sorry about that.”

“Interesting ring tone you have there,” Ellie comments, and I can feel the smirk on her face from here.

“I think one of my buddies at work switched it. Joke’s on them, I love ‘Barbie Girl.’”

Damn him and his unflappable nature.

Jax turns his attention to Oscar and Julia. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a word with Ellie about something important.”

They say a few pleasant goodbyes, and then leave Matt and Ellie alone.

I donotfeel good about them being alone, especially after everything that went down in his apartment. I mean, it’s not every day you get chicken eggs on your doorstep. I prepare myself to launch out of hiding to protect Ellie if anything goes sideways.

Unfortunately, Jax lowers his voice and I can barely make out a word he says. Thankfully, Ellie has positioned herself so that Jax’s back is toward me and I can keep a closer watch on them. I read Ellie’s face and body language as they talk. She turns on the charm, with that smile of hers and flirtatiously swatting his arm at something he says.

Then he grabs her by the waist and tugs her close. My heart pounds in my ears as my jaw clenches. She grips his arm, though I’m sure it’s to hold him back rather than pull him close.

The hackles on my neck rise as I watch him lower his filthy mouth toward her ear and say something that makes her eyes go wide and whole body tense. I’m about two seconds away from launching myself over the Volvo I’m crouched behind and tackling Jax to the curb when he steps back from Ellie and takes her hands in his. She sways lightly on her feet, dazed, as he caresses the line of her jaw with his fingers.

“After all,” he says loud enough for me to hear, “it’s not every day you meet someone so special.” Then he grabs Ellie by the chin and pulls her in for a kiss.

My heart thunders in my ears and a wave of nausea hits me, watching him manhandle her when she’s so obviously not interested. She manages to bring a hand between them, stopping him from going any further.

“Lipstick,” she says, holding him back. “My makeup artist would kill me if you ruined it.”

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