by Krys Janae
She blushed and playfully spat: “Shut up.”
“And not a minute late. Brava.” He egged her on.
Nudging him in the gut with her shoulder, Alisa pushed past him and headed into the meeting room where Ron was already waiting behind the open screen of his laptop. He peeked up over his eyewear and stood to greet them both.
“Good morning, you two.” His hands waved over the empty chairs, where documents had already been placed.
They were about 45 minutes in, on a discussion of the script, when her phone vibrated. It was sitting on the stack of files she had set down when she arrived. Swiping the screen on, her heart sank to see who had sent her a message.
Baby, call me ASAP.
Logan. SHIT! She thought. He promised to call her, and she’d missed both of his calls the night prior. Between the meeting, the castings, the brunch … everything ran together. Then the party. Her head throbbed.
Sweetie, I’m so sorry. With Evan and Ron. Her fingers flew over the touch screen.
Okay. I was worried about you last night. Ray said you went out.
I did.
You never called. I thought something happened.
I’m fine, I promise. I’m so sorry.
I was so worried. Tell me where you’re going next time …. He was typing something else when Ron called her name for something.
“Sorry, what?”
“I was asking what you thought about the location.”
She stared.
“In New York?”
Alisa cleared her throat, doe eyes staring between Ron and Evan. Her phone buzzed again. “Yeah. New York. Sounds good.”
Evan snickered.
She didn’t like that very much, but she ignored him.
Logan text her one last time: Forget it. I’m going offline. Talk to you later.
After lunch, Alisa got ready for what she hoped would be the last round of auditions. Her mind drifted off to Logan texting her frantically during the meeting and had such dread hit her. Was he going to be upset? She almost never attended parties without him. Actually, she almost never attended parties at all. Alisa needed to blow off some steam, but it was hard to find time to go to the gym or for a run these days.
She was staring out the window at the streets below, lost in thought, when there was a faint knock. “Come in.”
To her surprise, it was Evan.
“I hope you don’t mind me coming down here. Ron mentioned you were doing auditions for the show, so I wanted to catch you before it got busy.”
Gesturing with her hand, she welcomed him into the conference room. His attitude seemed a lot less boisterous than the day before, which was a relief. He strode in, looking at the room carefully.
“Here to bring me more laughs and sarcastic remarks?” She didn’t look at him. Her voice sounded unenthusiastic. Alisa was too exhausted to deal with his antics.
Evan raised both hands in surrender. He looked genuine for once. “Safety’s on.”
Rolling her eyes, she shifted slightly where she stood.
“How are the auditions rolling, anyway?” He asked.
Alisa shrugged. “Tiring. Kassidy, our CD, went on maternity leave right before we started scheduling the auditions for the new members, so a lot of the discussion is on video chat. Ray and I have been working so damn hard to keep the production rolling on time and with Logan gone…” Her voice trailed off as she turned back to stare at the world outside. Saying it out loud was different than keeping it inside.
The sound of his heavy footsteps grew closer. Soon, Evan was standing beside her, shoulder to shoulder.
“What’s wrong?” Evan nudged her, bringing his gaze outside as well to search for what she was focused on.
“Nothing.”
“Come on. I grew up with four sisters. Nothing definitely means something.”
What? Is the award-winning Evan Gable actually opening up to me? She thought.
“So spill it.”
“I…I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Enlighten me.”
“Well, there’s what I mentioned. The script for our movie makes me nervous. The auditions…the premiere. I’m pressured to find a date.” Her mouth started running, spilling out the details of her stressed mind.
“The script looked good. I read it over.” He turned to face her now, but she didn’t move. “I think we’ll be able to find your new leads in no time.”
Alisa faced him and pulled her hands to her side, one hand holding the audition sheets. She wanted to set them down on the table, but she was too mesmerized by Evan to move. He strode alongside the table, glancing over the papers, before he came to a complete stop. Alisa tilted her head.
“You’re doing great on TV. I can tell you that much.”
“You saw that?”
“I watched your interviews with Evie, Gemma, Jimmy and Jimmy, and some of the early morning stuff when I’m actually awake, and you have done great on all fronts. Don’t worry so much about that.”
This gave her confidence.
“About the premiere… well, I’m going. Just found out a couple days ago. I’ll be dateless as well, so it looks as if we’re in the same boat, my dear.” Evan smiled. This time, Alisa found it less offensive. Part of her heart sank, remembering when she first arrived in Los Angeles. She was also very much heartbroken. She didn’t know the extent of Evan’s love life as she had just met him, but she was smart enough to piece together the information offered to her.
Whether or not he was extending the invitation to go together, Alisa didn’t bite. There was so much about Evan Gable she needed to know before leaving herself vulnerable to that sort of invite. Besides, Joann and Evie were there to go with her if she was without Logan.
There was a long stretch of silence. Alisa was staring at the show script, trying to figure out why she couldn’t find the right actors. They needed to get the new, extended part of the cast together soon, or the studio may have to find them themselves or just pull the plug. Alisa had worked so hard for this; she prayed it was not the latter.
There was rustling and when she looked up, Evan had taken a packet of paper from the table.
“Aw, come on, what do you mean you can’t take my case? I practically did all the work for you. You can’t tell me I did all of that for nothing.” The words seemed so familiar. It was a line from the script set out for those auditioning. That was the same line she’d heard over a thousand times, but she had never heard it delivered like that.
Without even thinking about it, she dropped her eyes to read the lines that were next in sequence. “I’m just saying that there’s a certain protocol ”
“Protocol? The case called for some investigation.” His pale blue eyes dug deep into hers as he stepped in closer to deliver the lines in the scene.
“The police conduct investigations, not us.”
“The police wouldn’t get near it, so I had to do all of this. It wasn’t easy, but I’m pretty sure I got everything we need. Theresa, you need me. I need you.”
“Aaron ”
Just like that, their faces were incredibly close to one another. So close, in fact, she could see his pupils had dilated some, and there were specks of green, yellow, and azure in his irises. Alisa could smell the cologne he was wearing, down to each note in the formula.
“Then they kiss. Good scene.”
She exhaled slowly, realizing she’d been holding her breath the entire time.
“Sorry… am I interrupting something?” Ray looked over from the door. He had two lattes in his hand.
“No, actually. I was just getting out of here since I know you guys have stuff to do right now, uh…good read though. I had fun. Thanks, Lis. I’ll be in touch.”
Is that him!? Ray mouthed.
Alisa nervously nodded at Ray before turning back to Evan. “Bye, Evan.”
Oh my God!
She could read Ray’s lips perfectly.
Once the door clicked shut, he let out a deep groan. �
��Good lord, woman. He is a heart attack and a half.”
“You’re telling me.”
“He doesn’t seem as bad as you keep telling me he is. Date for the premiere?”
Alisa pointed. “Don’t. Even.”
“What? I’m just saying that he is a refreshing glass of tall, dark, and handsome. Also, I think he read Aaron really well.” Ray said as he got situated in his chair.
Her face turned red. “You caught that?”
Ray nodded, “Well yeah, it was a great scene read. Though, I was a little disappointed by the ending.”
“What do you mean?” Alisa asked.
“The big finale.” He winked.
Alisa wasn’t sure it was possible, but her face felt hotter. The end of the scene was the kiss, that pivotal moment shared by the two new characters, the time Aaron confesses his feelings for Theresa. It was a few episodes into the season, but Kassidy figured this was a good scene to watch for the chemistry between the two new cast members.
She thought of the way he smelled, those piercing blue eyes that were unforgettable, and shook her head. “You stop that right now.”
“Fine, fine,” he laughed, raising both hands in surrender. “Everyone’s waiting out front. Let’s get started, so we can get outta here.”
By the end of the session, each open listing had a handful of picks, except for Aaron. Alisa wondered if Theresa would be played by Heather Hartford, the original pick from Ray. They had a little over a week before the filming would start, and Ray and Alisa (for different reasons) were hoping that Logan would be back by then.
When she arrived at the house, Alisa needed to see Logan sitting on the couch drinking a beer as he caught up on the scores of his favorite sports team. It was a fantasy to think he would actually be waiting for her. She missed him so much. The house was silent, however, too quiet. The alarm didn’t beep when she walked in. Did she forget to turn it on before she left? Was someone in the house? Eyeing her phone, she saw she had no missed calls from the alarm company. Something was very, very wrong.
As she set her purse and keys down on the table, she heard a rustling in the back of the house, down the hall. It was dark inside except the faint glow of light peeking through an open door. Their bedroom.
Cautiously, Alisa headed down the hall, her pace slow and precise. She was careful not to make the floorboards creak beneath her, but when she pushed the door open, it squeaked loudly, announcing her arrival.
The person standing in her bedroom caught her completely by surprise. Logan was there; bouquet in hand, champagne in the other. Dozens of candles were lit all over the room. It was as if their bedroom was filled with fireflies.
She gasped, placing her hand on her chest.
“Surprise!”
Alisa blinked, taking it all in. “I can’t…what…”
Logan set the items he had in hand on the chest at the foot of the bed before taking a few steps to reach her. He brought a finger to her lips then quickly replaced his finger with his lips, kissing her tenderly. Logan was gentle with his embrace, and she could feel the body he flexed slightly when he pulled her close. She pulled away and rested her forehead against his chin. The way he smelled. It was so amazing, and definitely invigorating.
Wow, she thought. She had missed him.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I was coming home.” His whisper sent a chill through her, head to toe.
Alisa panicked. She had been worried all day, worried she had pissed him off because she missed his check-in while she was at Cora’s. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you last night. I was out with Ray and the gang, and we were at--”
“Shh…” He shook his head. Logan smiled slightly. “It’s okay, baby. I was concerned is all, but you’re here and you’re more beautiful than I remember. I hope you like what I did.”
“I missed you so much,” She breathed out, pressing her forehead against his. Alisa took note of everything, tears escaping her eyes. The rose petals on the floor, the champagne and bouquet on the bed, the candles… everything was perfect. The only thing she truly cared about right then was Logan himself.
“I missed you too.” Logan brushed away her tears with his thumbs, and then pulled her in for a kiss. She was lifted into his arms and placed carefully back onto the mattress. After four miserable months, tonight, she was not alone in their bed.
***
The sun started peering through the sheer curtains. Alisa was lying on her side, facing her husband’s back as he slept. Physically, she was exhausted, having made up for their four month separation the night before, but her mind was wide awake. She was breathing it all in, still unsure that having him in their bed was reality. The muscles in his back were relaxed but even then she could see how he had changed. Reaching out, she traced the bare skin on his back with her fingertips.
He awoke with a shudder, rolling over.
Biting her lip, she looked at him with wide eyes. “Oops.”
“Morning.” Logan chuckled, wrapping her in his large arms with ease.
“I know this might sound really cheesy, babe … but have you been working out? I know it’s been four months …”
He smiled, “The movie called for it. They had me on a super strict diet and exercise plan while I was there. It was awful but worth it, I guess. Glad that’s over, but they want me to maintain for the duration of the film.”
“Believe me, I’m not complaining.” Alisa pressed her lips against his shoulder and trailed kisses up to his cheek. His body felt a lot more solid than she remembered, and his shoulder tensed as she braced herself against him. “Hmm …”
He scrunched his face, “What? You don’t like?”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong, they’re nice. Just … different.”
Logan smiled and held her for a moment before kissing her forehead. “Wow, did I miss this.”
“Me too,” Alisa replied after a beat. “Christian didn’t do it for you?”
Logan laughed aloud, “No, can’t say that he did. Despite what he thinks, Christian is not as beautiful as you are, babe.”
Seeing his smile in person was a million times better than his image on a phone, tablet or computer screen.
He stretched out and pulled her even closer. “Please tell me you have a free day today.”
She nestled her head into his chest. Mentally sifting through her plans, she was relieved to come back with: “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
“Really? No casting today or meetings or writing sessions where you disappear for hours at a time?”
“Those can wait.”
Her phone vibrated on the nightstand.
“Can they though?”
Alisa rolled towards Logan, in the opposite direction of her phone.
“Shouldn’t you get that?”
“No, it’s fine.”
“You should probably answer it, Lis.” Logan said again, attempting to grab her phone.
“No.” She wrestled him as he tried to reach for it, and before she knew it, he had answered the video call in one quick swipe.
“Well hello there.” It was Ray.
Alisa quickly buried herself under the linens, pulling the comforter over her head. “Oh my God!” She swatted Logan’s bare chest from under the sheet.
His rock hard abs deflected it as he flexed.
“Good morning.”
“Well, you’re not the … face I expected.”
Alisa reached up, took the phone from Logan, and tapped the “call only” button on the side. She pulled the device to her ear and brought herself to sit at the edge of the bed. “Enough with the drooling over my husband, Ray. What’s up?”
The other end of the bed shifted, and Logan’s naked form walked in front of her. It was a bit distracting. He winked at her and disappeared into the master bathroom where she heard the shower faucets turn on. She snapped out of her trance.
“Well it’s no wonder you ignored my texts this morning.”
Alisa smiled, “Yes. He flew in la
st night and was here to surprise me when I came home.”
He let out a yelp of excitement, “Well…?”
“I’ll let you fill in those details. I don’t spill.”
“Oh please, everyone knows the scene in The Space Defender was written purely from real-life experience.”
She blushed, “What?!”
Ray laughed, “Ha, well now I know.”
“Very funny! So why the video call, Ray?”
There was a break in the conversation, and she heard him moving a few things around before he finally responded.
“So …”
“So?”
“Kassidy made her final decisions on the cast. I had all of your notes, so we went over them and picked the best candidate for each role. And now that Logan’s back in town, I’m sure things will be easier. No panicking that our director won’t be here to begin filming. I think you’re going to love who she chose!” Ray sounded too excited for Alisa to be sure.
“Come on… who did she choose?”
Ray cleared his throat: “For Harvey, we decided on Greg Arden.”
“The tall guy, kinda burly--”
“Wore the really tight v-neck to his audition?”
Alisa clicked her tongue. She figured that would be the one thing Ray remembered from Greg’s audition. “Yes.”
“Mm-hmm. Sven went to Jens Larson,”
“Naturally. He was the best.”
Ray agreed, “Sure was! I think he’ll do great!”
“Theresa?”
It was obvious Ray was hesitant to announce this one, but he spit out Heather Hartford, making her cringe. “Nothing that some one-on-one time with Sofie won’t fix?”
Alisa groaned. “I already pray for the girl.”
Sofie Alonzo was the coach Ron had hired to work with everyone from the show to get into character. Sofie generally ran lines with an actor until they went crazy or they drove her crazy. She was eccentric and forced the actor to engage in some rather strange activities to “become their character”. The old director of Family Insurance, Roman, usually sent Sofie through to collect Dawn, Ray, Logan, and the others for “exercises”, but they rarely enjoyed it … unless Sofie offered to buy them coffee or lunch during their sessions.