Chapter Twenty-One
TABITHA
Most people probably think not working feels like a vacation. While I enjoy the fact that I get to make my schedule most of the time, I don’t enjoy sitting around doing nothing. It’s only led to me spiraling into a dark place. I’ve barely managed to get back out of it.
I refuse to go back.
My job is my escape. Even when it’s stressful, when I’m racing deadlines or juggling messages from sponsors and my agent, it’s mine. It’s control. And right now, control is exactly what I need.
The package isn’t even addressed to me. A generic name, plain box, and no return address. Precaution for my safety.
I carry it upstairs, my fingers itching to tear it open. Once the bedroom door clicks shut behind me, I let myself breathe.
I sit down on the bed with the box and lift the flaps. Inside is everything I need: the new costume, freshly steamed and folded, a travel ring light, pop-up backdrop, makeup, and accessories—all packed with care.
It takes a few minutes to clear a space in the corner.
I want to use both the natural light from the window and the ring light.
I pop up the backdrop and place the poles in place to secure it.
Then, I raise the ring light and get it into position before plugging it in.
The ring light hums quietly after I turn it on, casting a soft white glow toward the backdrop. I flip the light back off—for now.
I spread the makeup across the desk. Brushes, palettes, sponges, every tool needs to transform me into someone else. My phone sits propped up against a mug, the screen glowing with a reference photo of the character. Her confidence is the key—I need to channel that.
“Dramatic eyes it is,” I mutter to myself, selecting the first palette and getting to work.
A swipe on my phone screen brings up a playlist. It’s my get-ready playlist. All girl power. The kind of music that makes you feel like you can handle anything, even when you’re falling apart inside.
Once the makeup is perfect, I move on to the wig. I secure it with pins so it doesn’t move. The short white bob makes me look like a completely different person.
Finally, I move on to the costume. It’s a black bodysuit that fits me like a glove, and I’m grateful I’m shut away from the rest of the world. I check my reflection. It’s like looking at someone else—someone braver.
Someone I can escape into for a while.
I carefully step over the cords, flip the ring light on, and position my phone in the holder attached to the light. I get everything into position and then get started.
There is something about being alone in front of the lights and camera. It’s energizing. Throw on lashes and a wig, and I honestly feel like a different person. It’s exactly what I needed.
This character is sassy, confident, and sensual. The zipper on the bodysuit only comes up so high, giving the perfect amount of cleavage. I feel like a badass superhero, just like the character.
I hide the remote in my hand as I pose and snap pictures. Once I know my camera roll is full of an assortment, I switch over to video. The company has a few sounds they want me to use, and I have a few favorites of my own saved.
It’s easy to get into character. Everything about her exudes a sassy confidence that I crave. This character is easily becoming one of my favorites as I play the part for the video clips.
I’m so in the zone, I don’t hear the door open and close. It’s not until I’m playing with the zipper of the bodysuit, acting out a scene meant to be a tease, when I realize I’m not alone.
“Fuck,” Archie growls out from the dark side of the room.
I can’t see him, so I pretend not to notice him. The ring light is blinding anyway, but I can feel his eyes on me. Burning through the layers like a fast-moving fire, eager to see everything. I should feel stuck and frozen in place—I’m not.
His eyes on me only encourage me to continue.
I’m so in sync with this character and the atmosphere I’ve created for the scene, I’m not stopping.
I pull the zipper down a little farther.
My mouth moves along with the words for the video clip.
My eyes narrow, and I suck in the edge of my bottom lip before releasing and laughing.
The scene ends, and I hit the button on the hidden remote in my sleeve.
I step closer to the ring light and dim it. Then my eyes meet Archie’s. I fake the surprise on my face.
“Hey.”
“I was just coming to check on you.” His voice comes out a little growly. “I haven’t seen you since this morning.”
“I’ve been working on content.”
His gaze travels slowly down my body, lingering at my chest. I don’t have to look down to see what he sees. A zipper halfway down and showing off the red lace bra under the suit. He swallows, then snaps his eyes up to mine.
I step to the side and take in his appearance. Gray sweatpants hang dangerously low on his hips. He’s not wearing a shirt—again. Did he suddenly get allergic to that particular article of clothing? I can’t complain. I won’t. Not when it allows me to admire his tattoos and muscles.
He’s dreamy and gorgeous, and now my mouth is salivating. What the hell is wrong with me? We’re just friends!
Why does he have to look like—that?
Better than fantasies and my wildest dreams. I shake the thought from my head. Focus.
“Are you just going to stand there and watch?” I smirk. “I mean, I’m okay with you watching me.”
His nostrils flare.
“I’m going to get back to it now.” I giggle and spin on the balls of my feet.
I set up the next scene on my phone and have it paused while I get ready. Pulling the sleeves down slowly and pretending Archie isn’t there, on the other side of the of the camera, watching.
In the scene for the movie, the character is caught getting dressed by a love interest, and she plays it off in a way I can only hope to portray is as calm and collected as her, with a flirty side.
I press the hidden button and casually pull the sleeves back up, mouthing the words and flirting towards the camera.
Once the scene is over, I backup the footage and then lean back over to see Archie glued to the same spot he was before.
“Actually, I could use your help with something.”
“What?” The question comes out strained.
“Put on your leather jacket like a good boy and find out.” I tease.