The Role

  The heavy weight of an arm wrapping around my waist and the nudge of a chin on my shoulder had me whirling around, ready to give someone a major lecture on personal space. My pointer finger poked into a hard chest covered in soft oxford cloth, and a familiar laugh tickled the hair on my neck. Markus.

  “Oh, it’s you,” I said stupidly.

  “Hey, I’m sorry I startled you. It’s crowded in here and I haven’t been able to find anyone.” He looked around as if he could make Michael materialize before our eyes.

  “Ah, no. I mean, it’s okay. I’m fine. Actually, I’m glad you found me out here before getting to the table.”

  He stepped back and raised an eyebrow at me. “Oh?”

  I nudged him with my elbow. “Yes, oh. I’ll make it quick and then we should get over there. I think they’re anxious to meet you in person.” I took a deep breath. “Okay, here it goes. On the way here, Michael offered me a role on the show too. As your love interest. Not that that’s really super important, but he offered it to me with a couple of huge benefits—along with making a lot more money than I am now—and I said yes.”

  Markus’s face went through a gamut of emotions—surprise, excitement, before landing on furious. “You’re joking, please tell me you’re joking.”

  “No? Why? What’s your problem with this?”

  “My problem, Alina, is that’s coercion, bribery, extortion.”

  Now I was starting to get mad. “Markus, I laid down conditions. I’m fine with this. You don’t get to make these decisions for me.”

  “You’re sure about this? He could try to manipulate the situation badly,” he muttered.

  “I’m one hundred percent sure,” I said firmly as I took his hand in mine and pulled, bringing him down to my level. “It’s going to be fine.”

  He stepped back but maintained a hold of my hand and nodded reluctantly. “Okay, it’s your decision. Show me to our table?”

  I pulled him along behind me and could feel his eyes hot on my backside, roving up and down my exposed neck to my heels. He pulled closer and whispered, “You look gorgeous in that dress. Can we still talk later?”

  By that point we were at the table and I nodded, working my hand out of his grasp, and sank into the chair he pulled out for me. He took the empty chair to my left and nodded at Michael and the suits. “Hi, I’m Markus. Sorry I’m late, took a little longer to get here from the set than anticipated.”

  Barry jumped in first. “No problem, Markus, we’re glad you’re here.”

  “Yes, it’s really lovely to meet you. I’m a big fan of your work,” chimed in Frances.

  “Indeed, and we hear that you’d like to join our little show?” asked Christopher.

  Susan remained quiet, stone-faced but watching Markus closely. Every one of his twitches and facial expressions was under her microscope. I reached out without thinking and placed a hand on his leg, which had gently started to shake.

  “Well, yes, I’d love to, actually. I’ve really enjoyed my time on the show. It’s been fun to work on a series as opposed to a film, and I have a great relationship with Michael. This has almost felt like a vacation!” he joked.

  “And Alina,” muttered Michael helpfully as he reached for the appetizers they’d ordered while I’d been speaking with Susan.

  “Yes, and Alina. She’s fantastic, great producer.” He smiled at me and I looked down at the table. I wanted, badly, to go back to being a fly on the wall.

  “Thanks,” I murmured.

  “Markus.” Susan joined the conversation. “What do you think about this idea to have Alina join the cast as a love interest for you? She’s not a professional actor and I’m concerned this will affect the storyline and shooting timeline adversely if we lose one of the top producers.”

  “Michael, I’ll leave the production point to you, but I’m fine with it if it’s what she decides that she wants to do. I’m sure she’ll be perfect given the opportunity to learn. I’ve read lines with her and she’s honestly a natural.” Markus played the diplomat so well.

  “She’s gonna be great. Got a coach already lined up—or I will, shortly. No worries here,” garbled Michael through a mouth full of sushi.

  “Hmm. Well, if everyone is on the same page, then I suppose congratulations are in order?” Susan asked.

  Barry, Frances and Christopher obligingly raised their glasses. Markus, Michael and I were a beat behind them.

  “To Southern Gods,” toasted Michael.

  “To Southern Gods,” we chorused.

  After dinner, Michael herded the execs over to the bar and nodded at us to get the hell out. Markus and I said our goodbyes. This time I was the recipient of handshakes and air kisses too, and we headed for a discreet back door and a cab stand.

  “Alina, are you going home? We still need to talk,” Markus said in a concerned tone.

  “No, I’m not going home. Sorry, yes, we do need to talk, but I’m supposed to meet up with Candace and the rest of them at that party. Would you like to come? Or we could get a car together, talk on the way and you could drop me off at the club?” I offered.

  “Is the party secure?” he asked nervously.

  “Um, I think so?”

  “Hmm. I’m going to assume that means no. I’ll come, but I’m going to call some people and tell them to meet us there. They’ll be unobtrusive, promise.”

  “Okay,” I said slowly, not liking the reminder of the differences between us.

  “I know, I know. But still. It’s important, okay? I had David wait. He should be already outside. He can take us. Will that work for you?”

  “No need for a stinky shared car? Hell yeah, I’ll take the free ride, let’s go!”

  Markus laughed, took me by the hand and pulled me out of the door and into the waiting SUV for our Talk, and this time I was determined to get the last word.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Markus

  I slid into the car after helping Alina up, and settled in with a probably dark look on my face. While I didn’t think Alina and Michael were trying to pull one over on me, I was a little peeved that they hadn’t conferred with me about her joining the show. I was pretty sure that was wounded pride over her making such a big decision that affected the both of us, without confiding in me. And maybe that was something I needed to work on, but I felt extraordinarily protective of her—her reputation, as well as her, personally. The film industry, and Hollywood specifically, could be very cruel to newcomers and I wanted to help her navigate it.

  “So, do you want to tell me the long version about what happened this evening?” I asked.

  “Um, it depends, I guess,” she said.

  “On…what, exactly?” I tried to keep my impatience in check, but I’d always hated feeling left out, not knowing the motivations of everyone around.

  “On whether or not you’re pissed at me. Because it kinda looks like you are, and that makes me a little mad. It’s my career, my life. We’re friends, but that doesn’t give you leverage over me,” she said emphatically with her fingers at her temples, massaging the pressure points. “I mean, I’m excited about the doors that this will open for me and you’re shitting all over my parade.”

  “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to. I’m worried about this—not you or your decision making—about the magnitude of work you’re about to take on. Plus the potential for the network and Michael to try to push us into some sort of publicity stunt. I don’t want you to get caught up in any of that.”

  “That’s fine, Markus, and I appreciate it, but it’s not your job to protect me. We’ll take it one day at a time and, for now, let’s be excited about what comes after this for me—an A.D. credit on an upcoming film? Access to Michael’s contacts? Fuck yeah.” She crowed and held out a hand for a high five.

  “Besides,” she said, “the screenwriters are going to have to work overtime to even create small roles for us. There’s simply not enough time between now and when we’re supposed to start rehearsals. We’ll see when they
get the contracts and story capsules to us, I guess.”

  I rubbed my chin and jaw, feeling the scrape of stubble I should have shaved before leaving the set. “You’re right. Hadn’t thought about it that way. What are you going to do about the contract negotiations? My team is available if you’d like to use them.”

  She looked a little embarrassed as she muttered, “I might have already told Michael he could send the contract directly to them with yours.”

  I burst out laughing. “Not presumptuous at all. Perfect, saves me the trouble of doing anything but texting them.” I pulled out my phone and sent the team a quick note that they’d be handling negotiations for two people. The car rolled to a stop before I could finish.

  “We’re here, Markus. If you want to talk to me about our penchant for inappropriate wake-up calls, it’s going to have to be inside.” She pushed me toward the door.

  “Already? Security isn’t here yet. I’d kind of like to wait.” I wanted to keep driving around. Talk out what was happening with us privately and not in a huge group of all-seeing eyes.

  She shrugged. “If you want to wait for security, you do you. I want to get in and get a drink. Do you think I can tell people?”

  “You can tell Candace, which means Rory and Ethan too, I guess. I only know a few people on this set, but I can guarantee not everyone is going to be pleased. Many will feel threatened. So maybe we wait till Michael makes the announcement and we have a messaging plan in place to control the narrative.” This reminded me, uncomfortably, of my relationship with Kate, how every movement, word and gesture of affection had been choreographed and examined so closely that they were eventually stripped of all meaning.

  “Whatever, you’re probably right,” she said, and the excitement in her eyes died a little. She rolled her shoulders back and opened the door a crack. “Sure you’re not coming?”

  “I’ll be in within ten minutes.”

  She nodded, reached out and tapped my hand. “See you inside.”

  My hand burned from that slight touch as she hopped out and slammed the door closed.

  From the front of the car came a low whistle, and I looked up at David’s grinning face in the rear-view mirror. “Oh, man. You’re in trouble. Can’t wait to see how this unfolds!” he said gleefully.

  I glared at him and spun my phone on my thigh, wondering why it was taking so long for security to arrive. “David, come on. It’s not like that, or it shouldn’t be, you know? All that shit with Kate, I’m not doing it again.”

  “Markus, if no one else is going to tell you this, then I will. That woman is not Kate Williams. I’ve only met her twice and can already tell that she’s the furthest thing from it. She’s real and smart and determined. Not an ambitious climber or manipulative actress trying to keep you under her thumb.”

  I gaped at him, wondering why on earth no one had bothered to say anything to me before. David seemed to understand my silence and he said, in a more comforting voice, “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything earlier. She had her claws in you deep and I was worried I’d lose my job. Alina is not like that, Markus, so be careful with her. Stop looking for ulterior motives.”

  Ping! A chime from my phone alerted me that security was in place, and I tried to smile at David. “Thanks, I understand. Can you circle around for a while? I’m not sure how long we—I—will be here and I might need a quick getaway.”

  “No problem, Markus. I’ll be here.”

  Walking into the club, I saw the place was packed. Talent, crew and a few hangers-on—everyone was there and I couldn’t see Alina anywhere. I headed for the bar and ordered a vodka soda.

  “My man!” A voice cut through the crowd as Rory strolled up with Ethan close behind him.

  “Guys, hey,” I responded as I tried to see through the crush of people.

  “She’s around somewhere, saw her at the bar with Candace,” Ethan offered while Rory smirked next to him.

  “Hmm? Who?” I asked, now up on my toes and using my full six feet three inches to my advantage.

  Rory punched my arm and yanked me down. “Damn, dude, be cool. Alina, man. She’s with Candace right now. I’m sure we’ll see her in a few. Now talk to us. A little bird in Michael’s office had some interesting things to say about you, our favorite assistant producer and next season.”

  “What?” I asked, stunned that the news was out already. The gossip red flags from day one started to wave in front of my eyes.

  “One of Michael’s assistants overheard him on the phone with the screenwriters after our last scene. He asked them how they were coming along with your new part and then ordered them to factor in a love interest for you that would be played by a new actor who’s already involved with the show. Assuming that’s Alina,” Ethan explained patiently, while Rory’s grin and wiggling eyebrows had me gearing up for a fight.

  “Oh, shit,” I muttered. Then, in a louder, stronger voice, “Please keep this to yourselves. Officially, contracts haven’t been signed, so we’re not talking about it.”

  “What’s all this? Hot guy convention?” Candace asked with a flirty smile as she strolled up and kissed Ethan and Rory on the cheeks, Alina trailing behind her with two glasses of what looked like vodka sodas. She wordlessly handed one of them to me.

  “Oh, no. Markus was about to confirm something for us.” Rory smirked.

  “This is all I’m saying, and this does not leave our little circle here, okay?” Everyone nodded earnestly. “I wanted to join the cast if Michael had room for a supporting role. He said yes. Then, today, he asked Alina if she wanted to add some ‘dimension’ to my character by taking on an even smaller role as my love interest.”

  “And I said yes, because he also offered me some sweet, sweet bennies,” interjected Alina. “That’s it, guys, no other news. It’s very much a not big deal.”

  Rory, Ethan and Candace all looked at one another and, in concert, snorted. Candace recovered first. “Oh, my sweet summer child. If you believe that, I’ve got a bridge in Alaska to sell you. It’s going to be a huge deal, but you should enjoy it before news gets out.” She pulled Alina in for a suffocating hug. “You’re happy?”

  Alina nodded.

  “Then I’m happy for you. Come on, boys, let’s go hit the karaoke.” She pulled Ethan and Rory after her. Rory turned back to wink and make kissy faces until Ethan grabbed his chin and turned him to follow Candace’s swaying hips through the crowd. The look of affection on Rory’s face as he glanced at both of them was undeniably sweet.

  Left alone, Alina and I stared at each other, a little island in the sea of people. Her eyes dropped to her drink and she stirred it up with the straw, making the ice cubes clink musically.

  “It’s going to be a big deal, isn’t it.” It wasn’t so much a question as a statement and she let loose a massive sigh, her shoulders slumped in disappointment.

  “Yeah, it is, but we can ride it out together. Should we go watch the karaoke?”

  “Yes, let’s do it, maybe we should sing? I Think We’re Alone Now is always a huge hit,” she said with a smile so bright it practically blinded me.

  I frowned at her and she elbowed me in the ribs. “Kidding, jeez. You know I can’t sing unless wasted, and I’m at least four drinks out from that.”

  “Probably for the best.” I laughed, but she’d touched a nerve. That reminder of how she’d stood by me when I was on such unstable footing after joining the show, her smile that never failed to reach me, the high of being with her—and having a guarantee that we’d be together, even for work, for a while—flipped a switch inside me. I suddenly wanted—no, ached—for more.

  “Nah, I want to watch tonight, and we still need to talk.” It came out flirtatious, and I was glad, because suddenly I had the balls to propose something that was borderline stupid.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Markus

  We settled into a couch in a quiet-ish corner of the karaoke lounge and I slung an arm over the back of the loveseat. My security team
had unobtrusively followed us in and were stationed at a table near our couch, chatting over two glasses of what was definitely water. Alina leaned in to whisper something in my ear as I turned to ask her if she wanted another drink. The timing was perfect and our noses bumped as our lips met with a static shock.

  She pulled back abruptly and brought her fingers to her mouth as she shook her head. “Dammit, Markus. What are we doing here? What do you want from me?”

  “I’m sorry,” I rushed to say. We sat for a moment, eyes locked on each other, and the room seemed to fall away. Watching her own her future tonight, I wanted to be part of that—somehow. The thing was, I didn’t think I was boyfriend material at the moment, and who knew if I ever would be again? And ‘boyfriend’ was such a foolish word for what I wanted to be to her. I took a deep breath.

  “I’m sorry about what I said to you at your house this morning. You were brave and I was a coward. You were right, this thing between us is more than attraction and, maybe, it could be more, period. But I disregarded what you were saying and attempted to ignore how I was feeling. I’ve got some groveling to do, so I’ll do it if you’ll let me.”

  “Continue,” she said with a raised eyebrow.

  “Here’s the thing. I feel like I just woke up from a five-year nightmare. I’m not the person I thought I was, and I’m trying to figure that out, you know? Meeting you, our friendship, it’s been a huge part of that process. Every time we talk, things fall more into perspective. Every time I’m with you, I feel like I get a new piece of myself back.”

  I attempted a smile, but her poker face was rock solid. “I don’t know if I can be in a relationship right now. I got lost in my last one and don’t really trust myself. When you asked me the other morning about the potential for more, I kind of freaked out. It’s not that I don’t feel the same, but I guess I worry that I’d hurt you, or that you’d hurt me, and I’d end up losing you altogether.”