Affinity: A Salvation Society Novel

by Harlow Layne

  With those final words, I stood and walked out of my trailer without looking back. I didn’t know if there would be an Abbi and me once we left for the day, but I couldn’t think of that now. I had to go prove myself to the rest of the world.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Abbi

  Last night when Jenner asked me to come to the set with him, I was so happy to see this part of his life. I wanted to see what it was like filming a TV show, but now that we were out of our bubble, the real world had stepped all over us, and everything had been turned upside down.

  When Jenner walked out of his trailer without looking back, my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. He couldn’t help the words that came out of his mouth, just as I couldn’t help my reaction to those words. We needed to learn how to not react, to let the person react and not overreact ourselves, but I had a feeling that was not going to be easy for us. The more I thought about it, the more I believed the problem was we’d both been in unhealthy relationships that had messed us up more than we realized. If we didn’t learn how to navigate our relationship quickly, we were going to sink before we ever took flight.

  Unsure of what to do, I stayed in the trailer to work. Only instead of getting any work done, my eyes strayed from my computer to the door every few seconds. The longer I sat there, the worse I felt about how Jenner had left and what he’d said. I knew Jenner was likely now working, but I had to see him. Maybe if I showed him that I wanted to be here, he would defrost, and I could tell him I was sorry.

  We definitely needed to talk.

  Slowly, I walked to where they filmed earlier. Each person I passed looked at me with wonder on their faces. It didn’t make sense. Yes, Jenner could be an asshole, but I seriously doubted he’d done enough on the set to make them gawk at me as if I was insane for marrying him.

  Not insane, just drunker than I’d ever been in my life.

  But now that I’d had a few days to come to terms with my situation and had gotten to know Jenner, I wasn’t regretting that night or my decision. The only thing I regretted was not remembering any of it. Could Catherine have been right about someone drugging us? But why would they drug me? It didn’t make sense. I understood why it might benefit them to catch Jenner in a compromising situation and blackmail him, but I was a nobody with zero money to my name.

  As I stepped into the warehouse marked 1B, I was surprised to see they weren’t filming. There was a group of people off to one side in a huddle, talking in hushed voices. I surveyed them and didn’t find Jenner in the mix. He wasn’t in the bed either. Turning in a circle, I found him close to the door I’d entered through on a couch and glued to his phone. It didn’t seem as if he’d noticed me when I came in. No one had, for that matter.

  Now that he wasn’t busy, I was second-guessing my decision to come and find him. What if I messed with his headspace again? Was Jenner the reason production had stopped?

  When I was only a couple of feet away from him, I stopped and waited for him to notice me standing there. I’d let him take the lead on how this would go down. I watched him for a couple of minutes before his fingers stopped typing on his phone, and he finally looked up at me. His eyes were lifeless as he scanned me from head to foot. Was this the way it was going to be from now on? I wasn’t used to being in the wrong, and now I felt as if I’d really stepped in it.

  “Hey,” I bit my lip in an attempt not to cry.

  Jenner sat forward, his hands dangling between his spread legs. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

  I looked around to see if anyone could hear us. “I wanted to come see you. I didn’t like the way you left.”

  He nodded slowly as if it all made sense before he rose and met me where I stood. With only a few inches separating us, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his stiff body, talking into his chest. “I’m sorry. I promise to try and think before I react.”

  His arms wrapped around me, pulling me tighter, and I let out a sigh of relief. He couldn’t be that mad at me if he was hugging me back–unless he was doing it for the crowd. “I suck at this. When I said I was going to mess up, I wasn’t over-exaggerating.”

  “You’re a lot better than you think. In fact, I think you’re better at talking about how you feel than I am. Who would have thought?” I nuzzled my face between his pecs.

  “Not me, that’s for sure. Don’t take this the wrong way . . . ” he started but stopped when I pulled back to look up at him. We both chuckled at the same time. “I have a feeling I’ll be saying that a lot from now on, but seriously don’t get offended. Doesn’t it feel like we’ve known each other longer than we have? It doesn’t feel like it was less than a week ago that I didn’t know you. This one week feels like it’s been months, but in a good way.” He finished with an unsure look on his handsome face.

  If I wasn’t feeling exactly the way he was, I might have been offended, but I understood what he was saying. So much had happened in such a short time. If you had told me when we were on our way back from Vegas I would be standing here with this man, hugging him and willing to start a relationship with him, I would have laughed in your face. It was unfathomable. It would have been more likely we’d end up killing each other than turn into lovers.

  Not that we were lovers, but I had hopes of us one day becoming more than we were. I knew Jenner wanted that to happen sooner rather than later, but I didn’t want to rush it. I wanted us to happen naturally like the rest had over the last few days. It wouldn’t be long going at the pace we were going, but if a few days felt like months, it might kill us both.

  Jenner dipped down and spoke into the shell of my ear. With each word, his lips brushed against my skin, sending my body into overdrive. “What are you thinking in that pretty little head of yours? You’re not mad, are you?”

  Resting my forehead to his chest, I shook my head. “I’m not mad. In fact, I feel the same way you do. I’m grateful for the time we had to ourselves. In fact, I wish we had more before we both had to start back to work.” I lifted one shoulder in a ‘what can you do’ motion.

  “Well, if they don’t figure out something quick, I might be going home early again today. I’m sorry you came on such a shitty day of filming. While there can be lots of sitting around, it’s never like this. It seems like most are still in their heads about what went down yesterday, and they can’t seem to find the right headspace to do the work they need to do.”

  “I can understand that. Someone could have died yesterday.”

  “Someone could die on set most days. Maybe they don’t want to be around me since it all seems to happen when I’m around.” He looked over to the group that was still huddled together. A few of their eyes were trained on us. “I swear I heard someone say something to me about being cursed on my way back earlier.”

  For all his talk about hating doing the show, I think he secretly enjoyed it. It bothered him that people thought he was cursed.

  Placing my hands on his chest, I looked up at him and told him my theory. “I don’t think you’re cursed. I think someone might be trying to get to you.”

  His brows furrowed as he looked down at me. The curve of his mouth was set into such a firm line I thought I heard his jaw pop. “What do you mean?”

  “Earlier, I was thinking about how I don’t regret us waking up and being married. I only wish I remembered that night. I’ve never drunk that much in my life. Not ever, and it seems strange I’d do so then. I . . . ” I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I don’t drink like that, and I like to be in control.”

  “I can understand that. Some like to be in control, and some like to lose it completely.”

  I had a feeling he was talking about himself and the problem he’d had, but I let it go. If he wanted to tell me more, he could. Just like I was about to open up and tell him why I rarely drank.

  “I don’t drink because my parents were killed by a drunk driver. I don’t ever want to be the cause of someone losing a family member the way Paul and I did.”

>   His arms tightened around me. “You can drink and drink responsibly, but I respect your choice. I would probably be the same way if I was in your shoes.”

  “Thank you. Sophie never understood, and it always bothered me when she tried to get me to drink. She was obviously successful that night. Anyway, back to me and my thinking earlier. Catherine said someone might have drugged us. Maybe someone was trying to drug you and accidentally drugged me instead. I think maybe someone is trying to sabotage you, and they were hoping to catch you doing something you’re not supposed to be doing in Vegas.”

  Jenner’s eyes darted around as he pulled me closer. The thought that he wanted to protect me had my heart doing a funny dance inside my chest. “If it’s the same person, that would mean they have access to this set.”

  It would, and that was a scary thought.

  “I could be wrong, and I hope I am because it’s scary to think someone could do all those things to you. What’s next? When you’re out, you should keep your eyes peeled for anyone acting suspicious.”

  “You’re right. Have you talked to Catherine about any of this?”

  “Not yet, but I will. I might not be right. What if you just have lousy luck?”

  He raised one sculpted brow. “Or maybe it’s good luck since it brought you into my life.”

  “That was cheesy, and you don’t really believe that. I can tell by the way your eyes keep shifting around the room.”

  “Maybe I believe half of it,” he admitted with his Hollywood smile. “I’m going to be diligent in keeping an eye out for anything strange. I’m not ready for another scandal or for someone to fuck me over again.”

  “Are we ever?” My eyes trailed over to where the director and producer were gathered with a few other people. “What do you think is going to happen?”

  He glanced over to them as well, turning us so we could easily watch them. Never before had I felt the feelings of safety and belonging as I did when in Jenner’s arms. The way it made me feel was as exhilarating as it was frightening. Most of the time, I wanted to run away from the feeling, but the pull I had toward him kept bringing me back. I thought the same could be said for Jenner as well. He didn’t like what he felt toward me, but he was tired of fighting it.

  “I think they’re going to send everyone home again, but first, they’re going to ream everyone’s ass and tell them if it continues, there won’t be a show any longer.”

  “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

  “Truthfully, yeah. This isn’t my fault, so it won’t be tainted by me.” His chest heavily heaved a couple of times before his breath went back to normal. “I just don’t know if I’ve done enough to redeem myself. I do know my acting hasn’t been the problem. I’ve put my heart and soul into this even though I wasn’t feeling it in the hopes everyone would remember me for my skill and not the fuck-ups.”

  “But?” I felt there was more and wanted him to spill his secrets while I was wrapped in his arms. Everything that was said here was protected in our little bubble. No judgment.

  “It’s no secret I’ve made my displeasure known about working on the show, and I’ve been late a few times. My stubbornness reared its ugly head and made itself known. I wouldn’t tell them why I was late. I’m not one for excuses, and that’s all it would have been. An excuse. It wouldn’t matter to them if I was late because I was stuck in traffic or because I was out getting plastered the night before and was nursing a hangover.”

  I thought it would have helped his case if he’d told them the real reason he was late, but I understood where he was coming from. Jenner felt like everyone was out to get him. They wanted him to fail.

  “Do you have anything lined up after this wraps?”

  “I have an audition for a movie with Hans Schroeber. I’ve always wanted to work with him, but now . . . ” I felt his body deflate around mine. “Now I don’t know if he’ll want to work with me. I can’t fuck anything up, but I swear life keeps trying to kick me in the face and make it impossible.”

  I felt for him, I really did, but he needed to be proactive about his life and career. Not look on it with such negativity.

  Jenner’s body straightened. He kept one arm around my waist as he turned toward who I thought was one of the producers. She gave a hesitant smile as she approached. “Hey, I’m Jane, one of the producers on Alpha Blue. Are you Mrs. Jenner?”

  Who the hell did she think I was? Some whore he brought onto the set?

  I plastered on my biggest, fakest smile as I held my hand out to her. “That would be me. Hi, I’m Abbi Jenner. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Jenner’s hand on my waist gave me a little squeeze. “What’s the consensus, Jane?”

  “We’re giving everyone time to get over what happened to Jim. Unfortunately, we don’t have an exact date on when we’ll start shooting again.”

  That didn’t sound good, but in Jenner’s case, it was probably music to his ears. He probably wanted the show to flop, for his character to die, or for this exact thing to happen every night in his prayers, and now they were coming true.

  “There have been too many instances on set, and we need to evaluate how we can keep everyone safe,” she added.

  “Shouldn’t you have thought about that after what happened yesterday and before you brought us back today,” Jenner grumbled from my side.

  What he said was true, but he could have stated it differently. If this was the way he talked to people here, no wonder they weren’t his biggest fans.

  Jane hung her head for a moment before it popped back up, and she had the decency to look ashamed. “We didn’t tie everything together until today when we heard everyone talking. You know how it can be on set. Things happen, but this is—”

  “Happening around me,” Jenner interrupted. His hand slid to the small of my back, and he rubbed small circles there with his thumb. I don’t think he even realized he was doing it. “I had the same thought last night. Every single thing that’s happened has been centered around me. As if it was supposed to happen to me, and I was lucky enough to miss each by seconds.”

  “Yes, that’s what they’re saying.” Her voice was soft with remorse.

  “I’ve heard the rumors that I’m cursed, and it’s fine. I don’t believe in them, but whatever helps them feel better about the situation, I’m cool with.”

  “Even if that means we have to let you go?” Jane asked, surprised.

  Was that what they’d been talking about over there? Were they going to play off their leave as trying to figure out how to keep everyone safe when they were actually planning on firing Jenner all along?

  “If it means keeping everyone here on Alpha Blue safe, then yes, I won’t be bitter. I only hope everyone will have only good things to say about me when I’m out looking for other work.”

  I was amazed at his acting skills because Jenner never hid how much he wanted off this show. Knowing he was probably giddy on the inside, I tried not to smile or laugh as Jane nodded at his selfless words.

  “Of course, we will. Your acting has been stellar.” She placed her frail-looking hand on his arm and smiled kindly up at him. “I’ll make sure Rick doesn’t talk to anyone.”

  So it was known Rick didn’t like Jenner. Interesting.

  Smiling with barely upturned lips, he placed his hand over hers. “I’d appreciate it. If it was up to Rick, I’d never work another day in my life.”

  Jane gave him a knowing look before she shook her head. “Why don’t you go get dressed, and I’ll contact you in a couple of days once everything is settled.”

  Wait! What?

  Were they going to let him go just like that? No wonder he hated this show. I wanted to defend him and scream loud enough for every single person on set to hear me and make them give the man beside me a real chance.

  If only they got to see who I saw at home.

  “Sure. Thanks, Jane.” Wrapping his hand around mine, Jenner looked down at me. When our eyes met, I saw a myriad of emotions move
through them, but before I could name them, they all disappeared except for humor. “Welcome to life on a TV show. I’m sorry I couldn’t have shown you more.”

  “There will be others in the future; of that, I have no doubt, so it’s okay.” I squeezed his hand to let him know I didn’t mind.

  “I guess I should get back to my trailer and see if there’s anything that needs to be packed up. Come on, let’s go.” He tugged on my hand.

  I let him lead me out of the warehouse with my head turned, my eyes trained on the group of people who had decided his fate. The second Jenner’s feet crossed the threshold, their faces relaxed.

  Had they thought he would create a commotion once he learned they wanted him off the show? I guess it was a good thing his character looked as if he was dying. Now they could kill him off without a problem.

  “What’s the deal with the director?” I couldn’t think of a single reason why he would target Jenner or make it publicly known his dislike for him. To me, it all seemed unprofessional.

  Jenner’s cheeks turned pink as he ushered me up the steps to his trailer and opened the door. He took long strides down the hall before he removed his robe and started to dress in the clothes he’d come in. The other clothes he’d tried on at wardrobe and brought back to his trailer were miraculously missing. Zipping up his jeans, he glanced over at me, where I was unabashedly ogling him.

  “Two weeks after we started filming, Rick found out I’d slept with his daughter. The worst part was I didn’t even remember her, but she pointed me out when she visited the set, and he took her word over mine.”