Page 19 of Enemies Off Camera
“His commitment issues aren’t my problem.”
Anne tilts her head. Then slowly sits back and takes another sip of wine.
“What?” I ask, seeing the look on her face. “I’m the problem?”
She snorts. “Youare the problem, Zara. I’ve tried to wrap my head around this. I don’t think you feel remorse for what you did—or any real appreciation for what I did for you. If he’d sent you home in week one, that would’ve been it. You were rude. Entitled. Oblivious to how dire things were. So no, it’s not just ahimproblem. You’re his problem. You’remyproblem. And frankly, you’re your own problem. So get it together.” She points at me. “I love you, but if you mess this up—I’m done.”
“Dinner’s ready!” Rich announces, appearing with a giant pizza balanced on one hand. The smell is divine. My stomach turns anyway.
“Oh,” he says, catching the tension.
“I know I made it hard,” I mutter. “I didn’t want to fight him. I wanted to like him. But…” I drop my head. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”
“Good!” Anne lights up. “That’s all I ask. And you better,do better.”
TWELVE
Reunion Day
8:00 a.m.
Ispent most of yesterday in bed, haunted by Anne’s warning. If she drops me, no one else will pick me up. I’m sure of it.
There was a time when half the agents in town tried to woo me away from her. Not anymore. I’m damaged goods. And yesterday, I let myself wallow in that truth.
Today, I arrived at least fifteen minutes before my 8 a.m. call time. I need Anne toseethat I’m taking this seriously. I believe her when she says she’ll drop me. She’s my agent, yes—but more than that, she’s arguably my best friend. And I get it now. I took our bond for granted.
So, I’ve been repeating a mantra. It’s still looping in my head as hair and makeup prep me for the stage.
Do your job. Take the emotion out. No matter what, be professional. This is the new role of your life.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you—congratulations,” Janet chirps. She’s the same makeup artist from the shoot. “Jaxon Wilde is hot as hell. So…” She flicks her eyebrows. “How’s the sex?”
“It’s great,” I say, singing it like a Broadway lead. Too much. But I’m already in character.
She freezes, narrowing her eyes to inspect my face.
I pour it on thick—eyes wide, lips curled, like I’ve just remembered something steamy. “So, so, so good.”
In reality, I’d bet money he’s terrible in bed. He’s not nearly eager enough to please a woman.
“Yeah?” she says, clearly thrilled by the idea of Jaxon as a sex god.
“Yeah.” I grin, lying through my teeth.
She tilts her head thoughtfully. “Funny, though. I could’ve sworn you hated him.”
“I did. Initially.”(Chuckle sweetly. Nostalgic tone.)“He grew on me.”
“Awwww,” she coos, practically swooning. “So you’ve been undercover lovers since filming ended? Tonight you can finally come out as a real couple in real life. That has to be exciting.”
The silence blooms—expectant. She’s waiting for more. For something juicy.
I want to sigh. Loudly. I want to beg her to just shut up and finish making me look human. But...
Do your job. Take the emotion out. No matter what. Be professional. This is the new role of your life.
“I can hardly wait for the whole world to see us in love,” I say, my voice syrupy. “Because we are. Sooo in love.”
