Page 134 of Out of the Gold

Melody

I tie my cross-trainers,tuck some cash into my sports bra, and head out to meet up with Sophia in Central Park. She’s been in town for a few meetings with Noble to do some post-production things forDoctor Manipul8, discuss her role in his upcoming movies, and will be heading to Chicago tonight.

“There you are!” Sophia rushes to give me a hug. “I’m so glad you were able to get away from work today.”

I play with the knitting needles securing my ponytail. “Yeah, well, it is Sunday.”

“I guess evenleadcostume designers need a day off.”

I stand taller at the mention of my new title. “I’m still not used to being called that.”

“Don’t you dare doubt for one second you got the job due to anything other than your mad skills.” Sun beating down on us, we approach the jogging path. “I’m returning to Chicago tonight. I wish we’d had more time to hang out.”

“Me too. But you were so busy with Noble.”

We start walking at a brisk clip. “And when I was free, you were at HBO.”

Because I needed to escape my own memories. “It’s become my second home.”

“More like your first home.”

We round a bend, all the while her comment festers. After a few more steps, the need to explain myself becomes overwhelming. “HBO’s much more involved than I thought. I’ve had to hire two new people to replace Helene and myself, plus I have been in several rounds of meetings with the network. Quite eye-opening, actually.”

“Sounds challenging. Professionally, you’re proving yourself.”

“I’m trying to. As with any change, people are nervous. I’m keeping everyone on the same page, though.”

“I have no doubt.”

We round a corner and thread our way through the throngs of tourists. As we near the large building that houses the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sophia points to a kiosk. “Want a drink?”

Today’s summer heat is typical for New York. Swiping my arm across my sweaty forehead, I nod. We get a couple of fruit smoothies and take a seat on a nearby bench.

“I wish I lived here.”

I bump my shoulder against hers. “One simple answer to that. Move.”

She stirs her drink with the straw. “I would if I wasn’t flying all over the world all the time. Noble’s next movies, which start pre-pre-production next month, are going to be shot in various locations, but based in LA. It doesn’t make sense for me to get an apartment here when I won’t be around to live in it.”

I let the strawberry banana smoothie cool my body from the inside out. “I guess you’re right.”

“Things never change.” She giggles.

Her positivity almost succeeds in infecting my body, but not quite. I freeze the smile on my face, even though it wants to slide away. I won’t let the precious time we have together be ruined by my broken heart. Which will mend. Someday.

“I do hope you’ll be able to get out and see the amazing countryside you’re going to be shooting in.”

“Me too. But for that damn bug in Italy, I would’ve been able to explore the Amalfi Coast more.” She sips her drink. “Like you and Charles did.”

Boom.

My mouth tightens around the paper straw. She knows all about how he used me to get the part in my dad’s movie. “Maybe you got the better end of that stick.”

“Sorry, Mel. I didn’t—”

“No worries.” I cut her off as I sip the final bits of my smoothie.

She slurps the last part of her drink. Standing, she collects my empty cup and walks over to a trash can. I use the few moments to calm my speeding heart. Chase belongs in the past. I shunt all memories of him as far away as possible as she approaches. Standing up, I join her on the jogging path.

---