Page 62 of Backed By You
Monica’s eyes track the gesture, a slight smile playing at her lips. “Speaking of selling points, there have been rumors circulating about a special chemistry between the two of you during filming. Any truth to the whispers?”
Jack laughs, his hand still on Callie’s knee. “Callie’s brilliant, beautiful, and completely intimidating as a director. Any actor would be lucky to work with her—or be with her.”
Callie shifts subtly, dislodging his hand. “Jack and I have a wonderful professional relationship,” she says smoothly.
“Just professional?” Monica presses. “Because there were some rather cozy photos from the wrap party that suggested otherwise.”
My jaw tightens, though I maintain my neutral expression. This wasn’t on Ellen’s approved question list, given the way she’s suddenly alert standing beside me.
“Photos can be misleading,” Callie says with a light laugh. “Especially when taken out of context at the end of an emotionally charged production period. Jack and I are colleagues and friends, nothing more.”
“Not for lack of trying on my part,” Jack adds with a wink that sets my teeth on edge.
Monica turns toward the camera. “You heard it here first, folks—officially just friends, but the door seems at leastslightlyajar.” The host chuckles.
“I have a boyfriend,” Callie blurts, taking control of the rumor even now being spread. Her cheeks flush ever so slightly beneath her makeup.
My pulse jumps.
Monica’s eyes widen with delight, her posture shifting forward like a predator sensing weakness. “Well, thisisbreaking news! The notoriously private Callie Ryan has a boyfriend.” She turns to Jack, whose smile has frozen in place. “Jack, did you know about this development?”
The camera pans to capture his reaction, and I can practicallyseethe calculations happening behind his eyes. Attempting to appear supportive while salvaging his ego.
“This is the first I’m hearing of it,” Jack says with practiced charm that doesn’t match his posture. “Whoever he is, he’s a lucky man.”
Damn right I am.
Monica swivels back to Callie, not about to let this unexpected gold mine slip away. “So, tell us about this mystery man. Is he in the industry? How did you meet? And most importantly—will we be seeing him on the red carpet at the premiere?”
Ellen frantically makes a cutting motion off-camera, trying to redirect the interview to safer territory. But Monica isn’t about to be deterred.
Callie recovers quickly, professional mask sliding back into place. “He’ll be with me at the premiere, yes,” she says. “But I’d really prefer to keep my personal life private. What I can tell you is that he’s been incredibly supportive of my work and has seen every minute of film I’ve ever produced.”
“A supportive partner is so important in this industry,” Monica agrees, clearly not finished. “And where did you two meet? Was it on set?”
“Actually, we met in Montana,” Callie offers, deciding to give just enough to satisfy the bloodthirsty host without revealing too much. “He’s from there.”
“Montana!” Monica’s perfectly shaped eyebrows rise. “So not industry at all. How refreshing.”
Multiple pairs of eyes flick to me momentarily before returning to the interview. My face remains impassive, though I’m hyperaware of every muscle in my body, every slam of my heart against my ribcage.
She’s telling the whole world that she’s taken—that she’smine.
Callie’s smile is stunning. “It really is. He’s amazing.”
Jack shifts in his seat, his body language betraying his discomfort at being sidelined.
“Well, we can’t wait to meet him,” Monica says, finally pivoting. “Now, speaking of building beautiful things, let’s talk about the world-building you set in the first film,The Devil’s Lake: Beneath the Surface…”
The interview continues for another five minutes, but the energy has shifted. Jack makes valiant attempts to reclaim the spotlight, but there’s a new dynamic at play. Callie answers questions about the film with renewed confidence, while Monica occasionally glances toward me with curiosity.
When the producer finally calls, “That’s a wrap, folks!” Callie’s shoulders relax.
“Thank you both so much,” Monica says, removing her microphone. Off-camera, her demeanor softens into something more genuine. “Seriously, Callie, I can’t wait to see the film. The early buzz is phenomenal.”
“Thanks, Monica,” she says, standing and handing her mic to a waiting technician.
Jack rises beside her, leaning in close as I approach. “Boyfriend, huh? You could have mentioned that earlier,” he says, voice low but audible enough.
