Page 48 of Out of the Gold

Melody

My phone rings,ripping me out of a delicious dream about Charles and his magical hands. Well, in the movie they’re magic but on my body? No comparison.

With a smile, I fumble for the phone, and Judith’s name appears. It’s five o’clock. I don’t have to be in Chase’s trailer to start dressing him until ten. Sitting up, I answer, “What’s wrong?”

Over the phone, my boss sneezes. She must’ve caught whatever bug’s been going around the crew.Another reason to stay with the actors. Rather, just one actor.

Coughing, she says, “Sorry to call you so early, but Noble just called. He’s down for the count with this bug. Filming is canceled for the next two days. If you’re not sick, I suggest you leave this germ-infested town.”

Excitement streaks through my body. Two whole days off! I school my features, even though she can’t see me. “Oh, thanks for letting me know. I really hope you feel better soon.”

“Thanks.”

We disconnect and I flop back into my bed. My mind races with the possibilities of what Charles and I can do together with our new free days. Heart racing, I text him.

Melody: Just got the news that we’re free for two days. Everyone’s sick.

While I await his response, I consider the various towns nearby. Didn’t Sophia say Ravello is rumored to be the most romantic spot on the entire Amalfi Coast? I’m searching for hotels there when his response comes.

Charles: Confirmed. Noble’s down for the count. But we’re not! Whatever shall we do, Goldie?

I squirm at the nickname he gave me. A sappy smile covers my face. After spending the past days and most of thenightswith Charles, I want him to be my first. He doesn’t want anything from me or my family. And I’m ready.

Melody: Heard good things about Ravello.

Charles: Then let’s go. I’ll have Thomas book us somewhere.

I shake my head. When will my spoiled actor learn to do stuff on his own?

Melody: No. I’ll book us a room and a car. Text you again when I’m on my way over to yours.

Returning to my search, I select a secluded villa in what’s called “the most romantic hotel on earth.” Kinda cheesy, but the photos look fab. I race to take a shower and throw some clothes into my overnight bag. With any luck, I won’t be needing any of them while we’re there.

My face heats with the thought of spending the next forty-eight hours, naked, with Charles. When I have everything in order, I go down the hall to Sophia’s room because she’s my bestie and I want to share my news with her. The door opens a crack and a somewhat green Sophia appears. I step back, placing my fingers in a cross in front of my face.

“Oh no, not you, too?”

She holds up a tissue. “Yeah.”

“Guess you’ve heard filming is canceled for the next two days.”

She nods and blows her nose.

“I came over here to let you know I’m going away with Charles, to escape those germs you all are swapping.”

Watery brown eyes meet mine. “Going away with as in ‘going away with’?”

I swallow. “Yeah.”

“If I didn’t have the cooties, I’d be hugging all over you right now, Mel. Iknewsomething was up between you. So happy you listened to me. Go.” She waves her tissue. “Have fun for the both of us.”

“I will.” I blow her a kiss and return to my room, calling for a car service on my way. Within fifteen minutes, I’m loaded into the black car and we’re on our way to pick up Charles. Myboyfriend.He is my boyfriend, right? Considering what I’m planning, he sure as hell better be. I text him I’m on my way.

“There.” I point to his hotel. “We have to pick someone up here, and then we’re on our way to Ravello.” Excitement strums through my body. The next two days are going to be epic.

Charles leans against the cement fence, a small bag at his feet. The driver makes a startled noise. In a strangled voice, he asks, “That’s, I mean, isn’t that Chase Wright?”

My eyes gobble him up. “Yeah,” I reply on a sigh.

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