Page 36 of Safety Net
"Sorry, I'm late." Lincoln climbed onto the stage, with a gym bag slung over his shoulder, holding a green travel mug labeled "Mendell U." His hair was wet, freshly washed, with curls shining from product. He smelled of spring, and I immediately wanted to go over to him to discuss the group tension, the scripts, and my nerves about our timeline. I did no such thing, of course, keeping my seat and waiting patiently for his attention.
I don’t think I've ever wanted someone's attention more than now.
The curious change came from my realization Lincoln wasn't some scary, overbearing person. Sure, his run-on sentences often threatened to incite a rash whenever I spoke to him. But he was kind. The type of person who read body language and backed off, asked opinions, and genuinely waited for answers. I anticipated his attention because I trusted I'd be heard. And now, more than ever, being listened to was what I needed.
"Did you bring enough for the class?" Halle teased, nudging her chin to the steaming mug.
"When the class proves they're going to kill it, sure," Lincoln said. "For now, the only person worthy is our director."
"Oh…thank you." I stood to accept the cup. Warmth spread throughout my palm, coaxing my muscles into a state of temporary relaxation. The surprise I felt when receiving the drink merged nicely with the relief I gained from his presence. I'm off the hook for relaying plans and dallying out orders.
"Lavender, one sugar, and a splash of oatmilk.” Lincoln turned completely to me as he spoke, blocking out the others. For a moment, we had some privacy as they started talking amongst themselves.
"That sounds…perfect." I pulled the mug into my chest, grateful to have something to do with my hands besides holding them limply at my side.
Lincoln smiled and added in a voice only loud enough for me to hear: "Hope it'll provide some calm amidst the storm."
My smile came easily. His whisper sent a warmth far more comforting than any cup of tea could produce through my body.
"It will." I nodded, more confident in that than in anything else that would happen today.
"I made it myself." He scratched his jaw as if he were unsure he should have shared the information. "Because Naomi told me you prefer it homemade."
I raised a brow, the gesture turning into something even more thoughtful. I didn't know how to react. Instead, I took a sip and it's…
"Alright?" Lincoln shifted his weight from one foot to another, eyes bright with hope and excitement. When I hesitated for a second to force down the intense, leafy mouthful, he added, "You can be honest. I'm learning."
"It's alright." I coughed a bit and used the back of my hand to wipe at the corner of my mouth.
His shoulders sagged. "I can take it."
I looked up at him. The sun shone through his hair, making it a lighter brown. His easy smile remained despite impending negative feedback. Lincoln had made me tea when there were about a million and one cafes between here and his place. Him taking the extra step made me feel even more thankful. I had this strange urge to squeeze his hand.
"I like when the drink's almost half oatmilk." My voice was low, shaking as I offered feedback. "And not so many…leaves."
He winced and pulled out his phone, taking down a note. "I got you—learning curve. You don't have to drink that, by the way! I wouldn't be offended in the slightest. In fact, I couldthrow it away for you. Get you something from the cafe? I'll be quick."
"It's fine," I said quickly, pressing the cup against my chest, keeping it out of his reach. "It's still comforting."
"You sure?" His forehead furrowed, unconvinced.
"Positive," I promised. Between the drink and talking to him, my head stopped spinning. Heart rate calmed down to a slow, steady pace.
"Okay, then, ready to get this show on the road?" Lincoln waited for my nod of permission before proceeding.
He gave me one more smile before turning to everyone else. "Alright, so, Ellis. You lead in the script readthrough. Jack, you read for the part of Harris. We're still trying to work on getting one of Ellis's buddies to play that role, but there are contract issues."
"We have to sign contracts?" Kaya frowned. "I thought this was recreational."
"There are no contracts," Halle assured with an amused roll of her eyes.
"There may be contracts." Lincoln pressed a hand to his lips and glanced at me for confirmation. I slowly shook my head.
"I just got news from the high-ups there aren't any contracts," he amended.
Ellis chuckled. "You don't say."
"So, you all get to work with your quick readthrough. Do some vocal warm-ups and whatnot while Celeste and I take a sidebar." Lincoln gestured for me to follow him to the other end of the stage while everyone else got to work.
