Page 59 of Art of Love
What would he say to me?
What did he want to say to me?
Suddenly, he was all I wanted, and like every time I was with him, my mind went blank of everything that wasn’t him.
As the time dragged on, I became more anxious, and then finally the message popped up.
Hunter: I want you...
I released a pent-up breath, one that clutched at my insides.
I didn’t have to think about what I was going to say next. My fingers flew across the keyboard.
Jia: I want you too.
Another long pause, then the dots started jumping.
Hunter: Tomorrow.
Jia: Yes.
***
Anxiety filled my stomachfor the whole day.
I got to the studio early. Way too early. Stephan was there, and Juliana. They were in deep conversation, but he stopped talking when he saw me and raised a hand to say hello.
I waved back and noted gratefully that he didn’t come over and try to talk to me.
I found John in the wardrobe area, where I went to pick up my costume. He smiled from ear to ear when he saw me and rushed up to give me a hug.
“Jia, my girl. Did you see the reviews in Time Out?” Excitement rippled off him.
“Not yet. Been busy with your clues.” I giggled.
“People are talking about you more than the show. The woman in the water. I loved it from day one, but damn, girl, I didn’t know it would become a main attraction.”
“Thank you. I guess Hunter and I make a good team.” I laughed.
“You two are the definition of team.” He nodded, then he reached out and touched my shoulder, giving me an appreciative look. “Thank you for being on board with this whole arrangement. It was hard for me to do this to you since I know what you’re capable of.”
A few weeks ago, I would have thought that the situation and the arrangement were unfair to me. Another thing to add to my list of misfortunes. I didn’t think that today.
Sure, if Hunter got the job and I was basically left with nothing, I might return to those thoughts, but not now. Not today. Not tonight.
The arrangement made me meet Hunter, and I couldn’t wait to see him.
“I understand completely. I do, and it’s cool. I get it. You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t show fairness.”
He gave me a pat on my shoulder and looked behind me as someone approached us. His eyes brightened.
I turned to see Hunter coming through the door.
I couldn’t resist the smile that inched across my lips, and I knew I must have been smiling like an idiot.
“Hunter,” John boomed and gave Hunter a firm handshake when he approached us. “You seen the reviews in Time Out?”
“I saw them.” Hunter smiled, glancing at me.
