Page 67 of Banter & Blushes

“You’re welcome. I didn’t want to run out before you got some.”

I smile until someone pushes behind me, nudging me to move on. Then I head for the tent to find a seat.

Jessica is already seated between two other women, talking loudly. I sigh with relief. I thought I’d left all the nosy people behind in Apple Cart County, Alabama. Boy, was I wrong.

I sit near the camera crew and Mackenzie. They’re more low-key and only talk business. Mackenzie has a clipboard in front of her and her plate off to the side. She makes notes faster than I can manage to stab a piece of steak with my fork.

I’m content sitting a seat away from them, facing the food truck. Tiffany has worked hard all day and mentioned working again at the beach tomorrow before we shoot. I need to take her out to a nice dinner if she’ll let me.

The crew makes casual talk with me here and there in between Mackenzie spouting out something they need to change up when we start back filming. Whenever they talk work, I do a mental scan through all the nice restaurants I know in the area. Where would someone who can cook whatever she wants like to go?

The chair between Mackenzie and me slides out, and a girl sits down. Her hair is similar to Tiffany’s, but she’s taller and tanner. Mackenzie stops talking to the crew and focuses on her.

“Hey, perfect timing. Do you want anything to eat?”

“No, I’m good. Jessica just did my makeup,” she answers.

I turn and notice Jessica isn’t under the tent. When I turn back, Mackenzie is smiling at me. “June, this is Colt.”

“Nice to meet you.” The girl holds out a hand.

I shake it. “You as well.”

“She’ll be playing your love interest.”

My eyes widen. That’s not something you hear every day. I glance toward the food truck, where Tiffany is wiping down the countertop. Then I realize I’m still shaking May’s hand. Or was it June? I drop it and force a pleasant face.

I try my best to play it cool as we finish eating, but the idea of having a stranger as a love interest when my real love interest is across the parking lot makes my stomach turn.

Jessica finds me when I’m throwing away my plate. I’d planned on stopping by Tiffany’s for a moment before we started back to work. Instead, Jessica jerks me toward her trailer for a touch-up. “You need a little powder across your shiny nose,” she observes.

I sit in her chair, knowing it’s best to cooperate and get this out of the way.

“Your girlfriend is pretty.”

“Thank you,” I say.

She laughs. “Very tan and tall.”

My stomach sours. I’d stupidly thought of Tiffany when she said that. Not my fake girlfriend for the video. Of course, Tiffany isn’t my real girlfriend anymore, either.

What a mess.

“Why don’t you brush your teeth, and I’ll get you some clear lip gloss.” She winks.

I frown. Kissing was not listed in my contract.

CHAPTER 7

TIFFANY

“Tiff?” Genesis coos behind me. “Hello?”

“Yeah?”

“Think that’s clean?”

I drop my eyes to the counter. The spot by my cleaning rag is almost transparent. I sigh and move to the other side of the counter.

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