The Last Take

by Tabitha Bree

“Any time,” I say in my favorite wise old man voice, and we go on eating.

  But I’m still distracted by Adam sitting on the other side of the tent. As I evoke the memory of my fingertips grazing his temples, I question how long I can ignore the thoughts in the back of my mind. And whether I can squelch my feelings for long enough to reach my own dreams.

  By late afternoon, I still haven’t spoken to Adam, and something tells me I need to. We haven’t talked properly since the day in the side office, and I’m dying to be alone with him again.

  No, not for that reason.

  Okay, maybe for that reason.

  The truth is, I’m seriously questioning my ability to keep my hands off him. It’s almost been a blessing to miss out on private time together. Sex only makes things more complicated. Especially when I need to be focusing on my career.

  But I really want to know where his head’s at. Gus is right—it’s time to figure out life after the film is done. It isn’t just a movie set fling that’s at stake for me. It’s my whole future.

  What I need is to catch Adam for a quiet conversation, but not somewhere private enough where we can get to each other’s privates. When I see him turn down the side of the sound stage towards the art department, I take the opportunity to intercept him.

  “Hi!”

  “Fuck!” He jumps away and holds up his hands like I’m about to mug him. “Why are you creeping in the corner??”

  “I wasn’t creeping, I was just waiting to catch you alone.”

  “That is literally the definition of creeping.”

  I roll my eyes and pull him behind the classroom set so we are out of view. “You’re such a drama queen. I just wanted to chat… away from everyone else.”

  Adam narrows his eyes like he’s trying to decipher my motive.

  “No funny business, just talking,” I confirm.

  All I can think about is the funny business. Or rather, Adam pushing me up against the set and pulling my underwear to the side.

  No, Evie. Bad thoughts.

  Focus.

  “What did you want to talk about?” he asks.

  “I just thought we should touch base… you know, check in with each other. We haven’t really talked since…”

  He watches me carefully, waiting for me to finish the sentence.

  “Since…”

  Is he really going to make me say it?

  “…when…”

  “When I went down on you in the side office?”

  “Shh!” I press my hand to his lips and I can feel them curl up under my fingertips. His smile is still there when I move my hand down, and for a minute I wonder if public intercourse is something I might consider. Why is stubble so sexy?

  “I wanted to talk to you as well,” he says, breaking the tension.

  “You did?”

  “Well, more like warn you.”

  I pull a face. “That sounds somewhat foreboding.”

  He laughs, scratching his head. “It’s no big deal. I just wanted to make sure you were being careful… around Damon.”

  “Does he have a shady criminal record I’m not aware of?”

  “More like a womanizer record.”

  I draw my eyebrows together. “Okay, not sure what that has to do with me, but thanks for the heads up, I guess?”

  Adam sighs, looking uncomfortably at the ground. “I just saw how you were together on set and… I don’t want you to get caught up in his whole act.”

  “Wait… are you jealous?”

  I’ve never had anyone be jealous over me before. Judgmental of my zany outfits, maybe. But never jealous.

  It’s kind of nice.

  “I’m not jealous. I’m just looking out for you.” He frowns before looking up at me and smiles out the side of his mouth. “You’re too good for him.”

  I return his smile, tilting my head to the side. “If I was going to get involved with anyone from set, I think you know who my first choice would be.”

  His chest rises under his t-shirt as he takes a step towards me. Tucked away behind the set, no one can see us.

  Just one kiss?

  What’s the harm in that?

  “Oh, sorry. I heard voices.”

  Both of our heads snap to the side, and standing there watching is no other than Kylie.

  Of course.

  “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  “You’re not interrupting,” I say at warp speed. “We were just discussing the props for the next scene.”

  “Right.” Kylie nods her head slowly, an unmistakable smirk on her lips. It’s not like she saw anything. We were only talking.

  A couple of inches apart.

  Kylie turns to Adam. “Dee is looking for you,” she says, before bringing her walkie to her mouth. “I have eyes on Adam.”

  “Tell them I’m coming.”

  “He’s on his way,” she says into the walkie, before shooting me another smug look and sauntering away. I wait until the sound of her footsteps has disappeared.

  “That was way too close,” I say, breathing for what feels like the first time in minutes. “She’s probably already onto us.”

  “I’m sorry,” Adam says, and he looks it. “I know you’re worried about people talking.

  I nod, preparing to pull the trigger I know needs to be pulled.

  “I think we just need to keep our distance until we wrap. I mean, it’s just a couple of weeks. And then maybe…” I shrug, looking at Adam with wide eyes.

  “And then what? You’d want to maybe pick up where we left off?”

  “I mean, if you’d be interested in th—”

  “I’m in,” he says, that gorgeous carefree grin spreading across his face that I love so much.

  “Okay, great. So we’ll revisit the idea of you and me in a couple of weeks,” I reply, holding out my pinky with a smile. “Friends until then?”

  He laughs and shakes his head before linking his pinky with mine.

  “Friends until then.”

  26

  Adam

  This is going to be the longest two weeks of my life.

  Every time I see Evie, I want to wrap my arms around her; kiss the gorgeous freckles right off her face. But we are playing it strictly platonic. Those are the rules. The important thing is now I know she’s at least open to the idea of there being an ‘us’. I just have to keep it cool until we wrap.

  This is no easy feat, seeing her bounce into the studio every day with all her colors and ribbons and hair ropes. But just knowing Evie Miller might be in my life after Primal Nature keeps the smile on my face. Which gets even wider when she sidles up next to me to make coffee.

  “Lovely day, isn’t it?”

  “It just got significantly lovelier,” I say quietly. Her cheeks flush red and she looks down at her cup, adding a teaspoon of sugar.

  “How’s my artwork going in your house?”

  “Well I’ve stopped playing dead whenever I pass it, so that’s something.”

  “Hey.” She playfully slaps my arm. “I know you secretly love it.”

  “You know, I actually do.”

  We share another lingering smile before moving on.

  “I’ve been meaning to ask you. How are things going with your parents? I haven’t heard you mention them ever since—”

  “Ever since you gave them the verbal dressing down of the century?”

  “Was I really that bad?” I stir in some cream, frowning.

  “Bad, no. It was epic.” She grins. “And to be honest, I haven’t spoken to them.”

  “At all?” My stomach lurches. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to make things worse for you guys.”

  “All you did was expose some realities that we were all very aware of, and chose not to confront. I think I just need to move on… I’m never going to get their support, let alone praise.”

  I exhale forcefully. It’s crazy that any parent would withhold admiration for such a great girl. How could anyone not be proud of Evie? It pains me
to see that their lack of approval affects her so much… even if she pretends it doesn’t.

  I just wish I could help.

  “Hey kids,” Dee says, joining the coffee crew. “Talkin’ shit about me over here?”

  Evie laughs, throwing an arm over her shoulder. “Dee, I am way too smart to ever cross you.”

  Dee winks and wraps her arm around Evie’s waist. There’s something satisfying about seeing them get along so well. Like seeing a sister approve of your girlfriend. Not that Evie is my girlfriend.

  Ugh, I have to get a grip.

  Evie pauses and looks into space, holding a hand up to her earpiece. “Copy,” she says into her shoulder mic. “I have to go help set up some props. A PA’s job is never done.” She waves to us like the queen and disappears into the sound stage.

  “You know, not to toot my own horn, but I did an excellent job at finding the productions assistants for this film,” Dee says.

  “I’ve never known you not to toot your own horn,” I reply. “And some might be too sharp for their own good. You know Kylie almost caught me and Evie—”

  I come to a halt just before the last words tumble out of my stupid mouth.

  This is what happens when you lose your grip. You get sloppy.

  “Almost caught you and Evie what?” Dee’s eyebrows come together in suspicion.

  “Um… talking,” I say lamely. It’s not a complete lie.

  “Why would it matter if Kylie caught you and Evie talking?”

  “I guess it wouldn’t,” I say, picking up my coffee. “I’ll see you in there.”

  I march toward the sound stage but am brought to a stop when my arm is yanked. Dee pulls me behind the catering truck and rounds to face me.

  “Do you think I’m a damn fool?”

  “Is that a rhetorical question?” I say, avoiding her eyes.

  “Adam, my bullshit radar is honed to perfection, and it just blew up back there. Now, I can get it out of you, or I can get it out of Evie.”

  “Don’t go to Evie,” I blurt. I can only imagine how panicked she’d be if Dee started questioning her about us.

  “Well.” She raises her eyebrows. “Spill.”

  It’s impossible to keep anything from Dee, especially when she suspects you are hiding something. I groan, knowing full well she isn’t going to drop this any time soon.

  “We kind of slept together in San Diego.”

  “I fucking knew it!” She punches her fist into her palm. “I knew she would be a good influence on you, and I was hoping you guys would click on your trip together. Though I’ve got to say, I didn’t think you would bang.” Her eyes are lit up like a Christmas tree. “You’ve exceeded even my expectations.”

  “Bang, seriously?” I look around to make sure there are no eavesdroppers. “Just calm down about it. Evie doesn’t want it to get out.”

  “Is she embarrassed about boning an old grizzly bear?”

  My face drops.

  “You know I’m kidding,” she laughs. “I think this is great! You guys balance each other out. Why don’t you seem more excited?”

  “Because we’ve decided to keep it platonic until the film wraps. Evie doesn’t want it getting out and people making assumptions about her. Career climbing and shit like that.”

  Dee nods, pressing her lips together. “People are the worst.”

  “And speaking of which, Kylie saw us having an… intimate conversation. So if you hear any gossip, can you handle it?”

  “I’ll deal with Kylie,” she says, before leaning back and crossing her arms. “So you two love birds, huh? I don’t know why I haven’t called you Adam and Eve before.”

  “Because it’s the worst joke I’ve ever heard?”

  Dee just laughs and shakes her head. “Little Miss Sunshine found a way to tame the angry beast.”

  “Can you stop comparing us to fictional characters and biblical figures?”

  “I’m just excited!” She grabs my arm. “Kimberly was all wrong for you. I’m just glad you’ve found a keeper.”

  “I would have to have her to keep her.”

  “Mm…” Dee’s smile fades. “I get why she wants to keep in under wraps, though. Being a woman in this industry sucks dick sometimes. The last thing you need is assholes talking shit about you.”

  I sigh, knowing she must be right. She always is.

  “Just give her space. She’ll still be the same Evie in two weeks. Cooling it for a while won’t kill you.”

  She scruffs up my hair before leaving for the sound stage. And as I follow her, I hope she’s right.

  If it’s even possible, Damon is being even more obnoxious this afternoon.

  “Let’s reset and go again,” I say to Joel, rubbing my eyes. We’re shooting a chase scene involving wires, stunts, and creature performers. There are many moving parts to keep track of as it is, but Damon has decided he needs to make it more difficult.

  “These shoes feel wrong,” he says, flicking his foot around like he’s trying to kick the combat boots off his feet.

  “They’re the same size you tried on when they were fitting you,” Dee replies, and I can tell she’s getting just as tired as I am.

  “It’s not the size, it’s that they’re rubbing against my ankle when I run.”

  “We can fly in Gus and have him shoot this scene if it’s too hard.” I’m trying my best to be patient. “You were the one who wanted to do more of your own stunts.”

  “I do,” Damon mumbles, returning to his starting position.

  He’d read somewhere that Christian Bale did his own stunt work while playing Batman, and is now insisting he do his own as well. The only problem is, Damon is crap at doing stunt work. He’s always complaining about being uncomfortable, and unfortunately, the bulk of the shots for the rest of production are stunt scenes. His request to take on his stunt work also means Gus has fewer hours on set. Which is sad for everyone, as people actually like Gus.

  “Action.”

  Damon runs to his mark, and I’m surprised he doesn’t stop to have a cry about his boots halfway through. He darts between creature performers, running down the green screen corridor that will transform into a New York City street in post-production. He reaches the part where he runs up and over a car (with the help of wires and cables) and is lifted into the air. By the time he’s on the car roof I can see his face grimacing, but we almost have the take done. So close…

  And then he reaches down and pulls at his crotch.

  “Cut!” I call, hearing Evie’s voice echo after mine.

  I walk over to Damon, burying the heels of my palms into my eye sockets.

  “This harness is so uncomfortable,” Damon says, shifting his junk around again for those who missed it the first time.

  “You can’t grab your balls in the middle of a take,” I say. It’s ridiculous I even have to point that out.

  Damon’s face turns sulky. “You try getting lifted in this thing.”

  “The stunt doubles manage just fine. If you have an issue with it, then you should’ve left it to the professionals.”

  His face goes hard. “Excuse me? Professionals?”

  “Yes, professionals. As in the people who are trained to be lifted in harnesses without pulling at their junk when I’m trying to shoot a film.”

  “Maybe if they harnessed me up properly, we wouldn’t have this problem.”

  “I don’t think the harness is the issue.” I turn and see George, who shares my tired expression. We don’t have time for this shit. “Let’s try again. From the top.”

  “I need a drink,” Damon announces. “Water?”

  Right on cue, Evie comes bouncing onto the set, passing Damon a bottle of water.

  “Thanks, gorgeous,” he says, downing the entire thing like he’s crushing a beer. I glower as he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and passes the empty bottle back to her with a grin. For someone in severe discomfort, he seems pretty happy about himself.

  The crew reset for t
heir starting positions, but Damon takes his sweet time, chatting with Evie so she’s unable to leave.

  “Did you get cuter since yesterday?” he says, running a hand through his hair and prompting someone from the hair department to come and fix it. “I think I see a few extra freckles.”

  Evie chuckles and shakes her head.

  Now he’s commenting on her freckles?

  Damon Reeves could have any girl in this room. Why does he have to set his sights on Evie? I’ve seen the women he brings to industry parties—Evie isn’t even his type. He’s not genuine about her. It’s all just a big show for everyone. He wants to prove he’s a big shot by flirting with any female within a five-foot radius. Sweet talking women is just another way to flex his muscles and prove he is a big man. And I’ve had enough of the performance.

  “Can we get back to work, Damon?”

  He rolls his eyes dramatically, shaking his head at Evie. “No rest for the wicked.” He winks at her. “Come by my trailer again so we can keep chatting.”

  Come by my trailer?

  Again?

  27

  Evie

  I’m saved from responding to Damon by Adam stalking over to us.

  “Action!”

  “I’m not at my starting spot?” Damon bunches his eyebrows at him.

  “We don’t have all fucking day to wait for you, Reeves. Can’t you see I’m trying to shoot a film here?”

  “What’s your problem?” Damon says, bringing his hands to his hips.

  “You’re my problem. You’re whining and complaining and holding up the shoot, even though you’re not supposed to be here. I knew it was a mistake letting you do your own stunts.”

  “I’m sorry, letting me?”

  Adam holds out his hands, like ‘yeah, so?’.

  “Letting me do my own stunts, like I’m a fucking child?”

  “If the shoe fits.” Adam snorts. “Wah, my feet hurt. I’m thirsty. Let’s all stop production while I play with myself!” he mocks. “Sounds like a child to me.”

  There are a few noises around the set. Dee’s eyes are wide as saucers and she lifts a clipboard over her mouth to conceal a smile.