2. Oaklyn Bridges
OAKLYN brIDGES
Now . . .
“I can’t do it, Nic. All this back and forth is ruining me.
You need to make your choice. It’s either me, or it’s her .
. .” My voice trailed off, leaving the essence of my ultimatum to weigh heavy on every molecule of air in the room.
On bated breath, I allowed the racing of my heart to drive me deeper into the moment.
I lifted my head slightly, and my eyes found the beautiful canvas of a lit-up city that brought tears to my eyes.
How could a place so beautiful produce such horrible feelings?
A hand on my waist brought me back into my body—into the room . . . with him. I felt the hardness of his body press up against mine, and inhaled slowly. This meant nothing. He gently pushed my buoyant curls so they rested behind my shoulder. Now there was a clear view of my face, so he smiled.
“It’s you, my love. It’s always been you,” he confessed, voice deep and laced with admiration. I almost believed him . . . Almost.
There was nothing left to say, so his lips smashed into mine, and we shared a passionate moment that seemed to last forever, but it was only like thirty seconds. “And scene!” Finley, our director, called out, bringing the heat of the moment back down to a zero.
My co-star, Kieran, aka Nicholas, released me with a smirk.
I sighed in relief, happy for that to be over and done with.
I had plans with my best friend, and I quite literally couldn’t wait to see her fine and thick ass.
After a year of the long-distance thing, we were both fiending for a meetup, and her birthday in a few days was the perfect opportunity.
Since it was the last day of filming Just Before Dawn, my schedule was completely open.
I specifically told my manager not to schedule any new films because, after nearly a year of filming movies back-to-back, I needed to prioritize the other things in my life that were important to me.
My friendship with Ms. Journi Ward was at the top of the list. Nearly thirty years of being someone’s rock, and vice versa, made it hard to do life on opposite sides of the country.
After years of showing up consistently and never giving up, I was finally getting the recognition and roles that I desired for the last two years.
In the snap of a finger, I’d gone from an extra to one of the most sought-after actresses for film and TV series.
While I was appreciative of where I was in my career, I knew I still had a life to live.
I was giddy knowing I was hours away from doing just that.
“Good job, you two. Your chemistry on camera is unmatched. This is going to be another box office hit for you, Oaklyn. I hope you’re ready to reach even newer heights,” Finley said, giving me praise.
I offered him a huge grin. “You know I’m ready. I waited a long time for this. Give me my tens.” I rolled my neck and snapped my fingers with a laugh.
“Congratulations, Oak. You deserve all the good things.” Keiran decided to chime in.
I gave him a side-eye. “Mhm. Congratulations to you too.”
I knew not one word out of his mouth was sincere.
Even then, his eyes were too busy studying me to offer me the respect I deserved by looking me in the eyes while celebrating me.
I was happy to be done with the film, mainly because my costar was a damn creep.
If it weren’t for this role, he would never know what my lips felt like.
While we did have great chemistry on camera, he literally repulsed me, and I would never give him the time of day in real life.
On cue, Alyssa, my assistant, walked up with my phone in hand. “Journi’s on the line,” she informed me.
I snatched the phone quickly. Before I placed it to my ear, I turned to Finley. “We’re finished here, right?”
He nodded. “Yes, we are. I’ll let you know when the edits are completed.”
“Perfect. Thanks, Fin! I hope we get to work together again in the future.”
He winked with a genuine grin. “You know if I have any roles that I feel like you will be perfect for, I will have no problem reaching out. Take care.”
I waved, completely ignoring Keiran’s presence as I retreated to my trailer with Alyssa in tow. Pressing the phone to my ear, I said, “Hey, girlfriend! I can’t wait to see you.”
Journi squealed excitedly on the other end of the phone. “Girl, same! It’s been too long. I hope you got some cuddles for me.”
I giggled. “You so damn gay.” With a shake of my head, I walked up the stairs of my trailer with the help of my armed guard, Papoose.
He opened the door for me, and I enclosed myself inside to talk in private.
“But yes, I got some cuddles for you. You know I haven’t been laid up in a good little minute. ”
Flings were fun, but with work, I barely had time for them anymore.
Since I didn’t have a man, cuddles from my best friend would be the next best thing.
“Mhm. I find it hard to believe you’re out there in Hollywood and not getting no dick.
It’s too much opportunity,” she replied, still a little suspicious of my claims to be abstinent.
“Yeah, opportunity for something you can’t get rid of. I’m so good on that, boo. I like my coochie not burning when I go to the bathroom.”
Journi burst out laughing on the other end of the phone. “Touché, my friend. Anyways, you sure you’re coming, right?”
I rolled my eyes with a shake of my head. I flaked on one meet-up, and all of a sudden, my word wasn’t good for shit. “Girl, yes. I’m about to head home to pack now. I will be up in the air by the time you wake up tomorrow.”
She sighed, still sounding unconvinced. “Okay, you better be, or I’m flying out there and yanking you back to Solaire by your little ass ponytail. Because who do you think you are standing me up and missing my motherfucking birthday?”
I chuckled. “I’m not bigger than the program, girlfriend. I swear, I’m not. I’m going to be there.”
“Okay, good. I love you. Call me when you get to the airport. There’s a storm supposed to be blowing in, and they said it could get bad. We should all be to the cabin by then, but better safe than sorry.”
I hummed because that was news to me. “I had no clue. You know it’s two things I never check for real?—”
Before I could finish the statement, Journi did so for me. “The weather and the news.”
“Exactly, but I’m sure I’ll be fine. You text me before you take off too.”
“And will. Later, Oaky.”
“Toodle-oo, boo.”
We ended our call, and I busied myself with gathering my things. Once I made it to the house, I had to pack, shower, then lay down for a few hours of sleep before I was off to Graceland. A cabin trip in the mountains was calling my name, and I was on the way.