Page 53 of You and Me, For Real
I nod and take a swig of water from the table.
My phone vibrates in my pants pocket. I immediately pull it out and see Ashton’s name. I swipe to open it, turning away from Scarlet.
Ashton
What’s your favorite kind of cookie?
A smile tugs on my lips.
Griffin
Why? You gonna make me some?
Ashton
Perhaps.
Griffin
I never met a cookie I didn’t like.
Ashton
Griffin WHATEVER YOUR MIDDLE NAME IS Ford. Answer the question!
Now I’m beaming at my phone imagining her attempt at a stern tone.
“Griffin, are you paying attention, son?” Dad’s voice is slightly growly, which tells me he’s trying hard to hide his irritation.
I click my phone off. “Yes, sorry, what was that?”
“Mr. Rhodes was asking you if you have any other scheduling conflicts if production starts in the next six months. I assured him you don’t.” His eyes are nailing my back into the cushioned seat.
“No, no. That shouldn’t be a problem.” Which we both know, seeing as I have no other film options on the table. That’s part of my problem. It’s why Ihaveto make this scenario work. There’s a real possibility I won’t land any other future contracts. And I refuse to backslide into a TV series again.
“Excellent. I’m glad to hear that.”
The waiter returns with the wine and glasses and begins uncorking the bottle.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to use the restroom.”
Scarlet slips out of the booth so I can exit. “Hurry back, lover!” she hollers across the restaurant.
I weave through the crowd toward the hallway where the restrooms are and whip out my phone to see another text from Ashton.
Ashton
Sorry, I didn’t mean to use that strong of a tone with you.
Ashton
Yes, the cookies are for you. A gift to show my appreciation for your help.
I smile like an idiot. Gosh, she’s cute.
Griffin
Calvin. My middle name is Calvin. After my grandfather. And you can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate chip, please. And thank you. Though, what you’re doing for Roxy is payment enough.
