11. Reese
Chapter 11
Reese
Yesterday’s training session left me with sore muscles and an even sorer ego—though the latter might have more to do with my embarrassing near-drowning incident. I’m sprawled on my cabin bed, feeling like a human-shaped collection of sweat and conflicting emotions.
The thing is, Dante saved my life and discovered my deeply mortifying diving phobia that could blow up my entire role in this movie. That’s the kind of leverage that requires at least a text message.
Not that I’m overthinking this or anything.
I’m being professional, making sure he keeps my water-related trauma under wraps. Surely that level of vulnerability earns him a spot on the list of people I very occasionally text?
Before I debate much longer, I pull up our message thread.
Reese
Thanks for keeping the lake incident under wraps. I appreciate your discretion on set.
Dante
A promise is a promise.
Reese
Who knew getting thrown around a gym could be a great way to forget a lifelong fear of diving underwater?
Dante
I’m a man of many talents. Keeping secrets and throwing you around are just two of them.
Reese
*slow clap* Your humility is truly inspiring.
Dante
One of my better qualities, I’ve been told.
Reese
About that bath suggestion…I might actually take your sage advice.
Tonight’s the night.
Dante
Want daily accountability checks via text? Wouldn’t want you slacking, Miss Type A.
Reese
You’re already doing more than enough.
Dante
I live to serve.
Just remember who prescribed this luxury when you’re soaking in bliss.
Reese
Speaking of prescriptions, might I suggest one for you? Something to address that cigarette smell you keep bringing to practice?
It’s very…distracting.
Dante
The cigarettes are distracting?
Or is it something else?
Reese
Good night, Dante.
My phone buzzes again as I sit in the makeup chair on set. I nearly drop it, fumbling to angle the screen away from prying eyes.
I’m not delusional. This flutter in my chest is clearly a symptom of isolation-induced desperation. Cleo’s gone off-grid for this new season she’s shooting, and I’m so starved for human interaction I’d probably get butterflies from a spam call.
Plus, Dante and I are basically partners in crime now—we share a secret, for heaven’s sake! That makes these predawn text exchanges totally normal, right?
Dante
It’s Wednesday, which means you’re in luck.
Reese
Luck?
Dante
I got my fresh shipment of Berg since you keep “accidentally” taking the water bottles from my bag. Got you your own case. Though I suspect the theft was never about hydration.
Reese
And rob you of your daily chance to lecture me? I wouldn’t dare deprive you of such joy.
Dante
Keep stealing them. I’m keeping a tab of favors you owe me.
Reese
A tab? How very methodical of you.
Dante
Keep the compliments coming though. They might improve your form in training.
Reese
Tempting, but Felix is torturing us with reshooting the same scene from this afternoon. Again.
Send thoughts and prayers.
Dante
What’s in it for me?
Reese
One bonus minute of Friday’s voice recording.
Yes, that means extra homework. Try to contain your excitement.
Dante
I solemnly pray for your deliverance from Felix’s tyranny.
Divine spirits of Hollywood, grant her the perfect take.
Oh mighty cinema gods, please free Reese from Felix’s 47th take of her walking through a door with more emotion.
Reese
You’re ridiculous lol
Dante
That was three very heartfelt prayers. I believe the going rate is one minute per prayer? I don’t make the rules.
Reese
Here are your scene recordings for the week. I made sure to speak extra clearly and added timestamps in case you need to pause and replay any tricky dialogue.
Dante
It’s Friday already?
Reese
Time flies when you’re working hard and memorizing all of your lines…
And don’t even think about using the weekend as an excuse to slack. I know where you train.
Dante
Already planning our next rendezvous? I’m touched.
Reese
Our strictly professional training sessions are hardly a rendezvous. Though your ego seems to be getting quite the workout.
Dante
Speaking of workouts. These homework assignments are starting to feel less like fight prep and more like 20 Questions. Not that I’m complaining.
Reese
Your top three regrets are vital character research.
Dante
Careful with all this research, you might actually start to like me.
Reese
Don’t get carried away.
A smile tugs at my lips as I place my phone on my nightstand, snuggling deeper into my bed. It’s been a long week. What started this Monday as purely professional exchanges about training schedules has morphed into something dangerously close to banter. Ever since that day at the lake, our daily check-ins have become as much a part of my routine as my morning cup of tea—which is exactly the kind of realization that should send me running for the hills. And yet here I am, actually looking forward to his messages.
Dang it.