Page 24 of Solid Foundation
I let out a slow breath. “It’s new. Maybe it’s a one-time thing.” My chest hurt at the thought. “Either way, can we keep it between us? Just until I know what’s going on between us?”
“My lips are sealed. But if we don’t hurry, everyone’s going to be talking because we’ll be late to set.”
“Let’s get going.”
Less than an hour later, we were on set and production was moving along. I was working in the trailer, but mostly daydreaming about Jake, when a knock at the door startled me. Before I could answer, the door opened and Jake stuck his head in.
“You busy?”
I shook my head and put down my pen. “Come on in.”
Jake stepped inside, his broad frame filling the doorway and blocking the glare from the bright summer sun. Hot air rushed in, swirling around me and ruffling the papers on my desk. A moment later, Jake shut the door behind him and stood by the door awkwardly.
“You okay?”
He nodded. “Can I sit?”
“Sure.” My stomach twisted in knots, worried about what he’d say.
“You wanna grab lunch? I mean, not now, but when we knock off for lunch, do you want to eat with me?” His cheeks were pink as he stammered through his invitation.
I grinned, flattered that he was interested. “That sounds great. Should we grab takeout or what?”
Jake shrugged his shoulder. “I’m game for whatever. Thought I might order pizzas for the crews today.”
With a nod, I pointed at him. “Let me know if you need my help. Or my credit card.”
He laughed. “I’ll do that.”
When the pizzas arrived, both crews were excited for the midday surprise. Jake snagged a pepperoni pizza and brought it into the trailer for us to share, along with a couple cans of soda, and I cleared my desk so we’d have space to eat.
“So, Jake… Is that short for something? Jacob maybe?”
He shook his head, chewing a bite of pizza. “Just Jake. How about Max?”
“Ugh.” I rolled my eyes. “Maxwell. I don’t love it. My brother’s name is Mitchell and I maintain he got the better name but the worse nickname. Mitch. Pass.” I wrinkled my nose to show my disdain.
“I didn’t know you had a brother.”
I peeled a pepperoni off my slice and popped it in my mouth. “Yeah, my family is pretty close actually. There are just the four of us. How about you?”
He shook his head again. “I’m an only child. My parents live here, but I don’t see them much. They’re in their seventies. Mom and Dad live together still, in a community for older adults.”
“Like a retirement home?” I asked.
“No, just a planned community. A townhouse, surrounded by other townhouses with other older folks living there.”
“And your dad taught you to play guitar, right?”
His eyes lit up. “I can’t believe you remembered that. Yeah, he did.”
“Are your grandparents still around? The grandfather who taught your dad?”
Jake put his pizza slice down and exhaled softly. “No, it’s just my parents and me left.”
“So whodoyou spend your time with?”
Jake’s tone was defensive when he spoke. “I have friends.”
