Page 66 of Arranging Ayra
Since becoming a producer on the film I’d discovered my capacity to take charge and to show authority. I was no longer the lost young woman who was so unsure of herself.
But now, I felt just as lost as I had those first days; lost and confused.
Find him, my heart said. Just find him.
I tried a few of the car doors, but they were all locked.
“What are you doing, Ayra?” a gentle and familiar voice said as I was tapped on the shoulder. “Steal a car?”
I closed my eyes, not wanting to turn around. Whichever cast or crew member it happened to be, I didn’t want to be bothered, not even by Keely. I just wanted to figure out what was going on in my head. What did I really feel for Jai?
“Ayra.”
I finally turned to the persistent intruder.
“Mom?” I muttered, stunned by the sight of her. “Mom, what...? I don’t understand. What are you doing here?”
She smiled, that sweet and wise smile that she always had whenever I was too confused to figure things out on my own. “Well, first of all, you invited me to Moon Manor.”
Closing my eyes and leaning back against the car whose door I’d tried to open, I suddenly remembered with a touch of embarrassment the invitation I’d sent her.
“Sorry. You’re right. I guess I forgot.”
“Clearly,” she said, that wise smile still playing on her lips.
“When did you get here?”
“Earlier today.”
“Why didn’t you come and tell me?”
“I wanted to rest... and I didn’t want to be in the way. Keely told me she planned to shoot the last scene today... and she invited me to the wrap party.”
I huffed, too emotional to say anything.
“What is it that has you so upset, Ayra? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”
“Nothing, Mom. Just... nothing.”
“I’ve been chasing after you since you walked into the manor, and you didn’t even see me. You didn’t hear me call after you. Clearly something important is on your mind.”
I looked at her, my throat constricted as a sob fought to break out.
“My dear, sweet Ayra.” She stepped closer and reached out to set a lock of hair behind my ear. “Talk to your mama.”
“Oh, Mom,” I blubbered as I fell into her arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Come on,” she whispered as she gently stroked my hair. “Let’s get you inside and we’ll have a nice chat.”
