Page 75 of You Had Me at Hola
“The music engineers are thrilled with the results of your sessions,” she told him, grinning. “These songs will be a great addition to the show soundtrack.”
Ashton inclined his head. “I’m glad they turned out well.”
Marquita made a few more comments about the music, and once Ashton was able to get away, he resumed his search for Jasmine.
Had he really wanted more space between them? Fuck that. This space thing wasn’t working for him. To make matters worse, not being able to find her was activating the same irrational fears that popped up when he couldn’t reach his father, the worry thatsomething bad had happened.
Nothing had happened, of course. They were on a set, with tons of people around. Nothing was going to happen. Jasmine was somewhere, and wherever she was, she was safe.
So why couldn’t he find her?
She finally appeared on set at their call time and gave him a breezy smile. “Hey, Ashton. Long time no see.”
“Where were you?” His tone was harsh, and she blinked in surprise. He couldn’t blame her—he had no right to make such demands.
Before he could apologize, she said, “I was in Nino’s trailer with Lily, playing cards. Why, what’s up?”
“Quiet on the set!”
“Nada. Está bien.” Ashton shook it off. He’d catch up with her after they finished shooting.
Before sneaking off to ensure that his family had settled in okay.
Anxiety still simmered, but he let it stay. He could use it in this scene. Climbing the steps to his mark, he let Victor take over.
Chapter 29
CARMEN IN CHARGE
EPISODE 7
Scene: Victor and Carmen debrief after a series of talk show appearances.
EXT: East Harlem, Serranos’ brownstone stoop—NIGHT
The sky was dark, lit by yellow streetlights, and the neighborhood was quiet. Victor sat beside Carmen on the stoop of her parents’ home, close enough for their shoulders to brush. They had just returned from a whirlwind day of Victor spilling his guts on one talk show after another. He’d admitted to struggling with depression and anxiety, and self-medicating with alcohol, all of which had led to pushing people away, the downfall of his marriage, and canceling a tour.
“You did great today.” Carmen’s voice vibrated with genuine pride, and her lips curved in a small, private smile. Just for him.
“Thanks.” Victor exhaled and leaned his elbows on hisknees. “Do you think anyone is going to want to buy my new album after all that?”
Carmen placed a hand on his back and rubbed it in soothing circles, her touch gentle but firm. “I would. Vulnerability is sexy.”
“Vulnerability isexhausting.”
After a pause, she said in a quiet voice, “I never knew.”
She was referring to all the things he’d confessed. He closed his eyes. “I didn’t want you to know.”
“But I should have known something was going on. I should have tried to help—”
“There wasn’t anything you could do.”
“I still could have tried.”
Victor lifted his head and gave her a rueful grin. “I didn’t make it easy.”
The corner of her mouth tipped up in response. “No. But neither did I.”
