Page 77 of Opened Up

Sofia was so annoyed she couldn’t even gracefully acknowledge that he’d just given her the go-ahead on one of her major design points. Lord only knew what was showing on her face, but it wasn’t calming Patience at all.

“Is there other bad wiring in the house?”

“Whether there is or isn’t, the important thing is that we found out early and we can fix it. No problem, right Adrian?”

“No problem at all. I won’t let you move into an unsafe house. I promise.”

Those words and that tone were tempting to anyone. Sofia was glad that Patience seemed to accept it as law, but Fi couldn’t let herself believe in him. He’d made promises to her, and look how that had turned out.

“Cut!” Jake called from the kitchen where he was looking at the footage as they taped it. “Great scene, everybody. Take a break while we set up in the kitchen. Sofia, a word?”

While the Ongs and Adrian headed to craft services in the garage for some coffee, Sofia followed the sound of Jake’s voice into the family room where he was moving his gear.

“What’s up?”

“I was just going to ask you the same question.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You and Adrian. Listen, I pitched the pilot with you two snarking at each other. The sparks were literally threatening to melt the cameras. You didn’t get along, but the attraction was clearly there and the test audiences loved it! Today, I get stunted politeness from him and repressed anger from you. Where did my sexual tension go?”

“My personal life is not fodder for your show. I don’t owe you any explanation.”

“No, but when I’ve gone to the lengths I have to create opportunities for your storyline, I expect it to work.” Jake tossed his clipboard on his folding table desk and reached for his omnipresent coffee.

“What are you talking about?”

“Nothing. Just TV talk.” He took a nervous sip and changed the subject. “After the pilot wrapped, you two were on the verge of sleeping together. Today you won’t even look at him.”

Sofia cringed at the truth of that. Had she really thought she could hide her fractured feelings from the camera? “Trust me. You wouldn’t like what I’d have to say if I looked at him.”

“Anything would be better than what I’m getting. Just try to loosen up, okay? Fake it if you need to.”

“I thought this was supposed to berealityTV.”

“It’s my reality, and I need you to stay in character.”

* * *

Sofia corneredAdrian by the coffee station, arms crossed and eyes blazing, and his heart perversely began to pump harder.

“Okay. What gives?”

He knew it was a mistake to grin at her, but he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. He was that damn glad to see her, now that he’d begun to make his peace with the situation, even as she poked him hard in the shoulder to drive home each point.

“Oh, so you think it’s funny to screw with me on camera? What the hell, Adrian? It wasn’t enough that you left me wondering how your mom liked her room? Why are you pretending to benice?” She said nice like it was a dirty word, and he had to laugh again.

“Because I get it now. I’m sorry I left you hanging. I wanted to tell you in person. Thank you, Sofia. That room is beyond anything I could have come up with. It suits Mamá to the ground, and she didn’t stop wandering around, touching each new thing, until I made her go to bed. She loves it.”

Sofia’s militant stance softened as her shoulders dropped and the clench of her jaw released. But her arms were still crossed tight across her chest. He hadn’t completely repaired the bridge between them. He wasn’t sure he ever could, not completely. But he could sure as hell try.

“Oh. Well. Good. I’m glad she liked it. That still doesn’t explain why you’re being so agreeable in there. What gives?”

“I looked at the plans with a new perspective. I can see the reason for the choices you’ve made, having seen the effect firsthand. I think the Ongs are really going to love this house.”

“I’m so glad you approve.” Sarcasm dripped from her voice, but he pushed on.

“I also don’t have a dog in this fight anymore.”

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