2 #2
“You’re right. This is the biggest role of my career.
” Still leaning against his vehicle, he carelessly slung one foot over the other, the very picture of unflustered composure.
“Which is why I’m displeased to be cast opposite a total amateur.
One who’s likely to drag down my performance and stop me from getting the recognition I deserve. ”
Wow. Wow .
Once more, she’d proven her inability to choose men who weren’t assholes. Which was why, when her friends had asked why she
wasn’t dating again months after the breakup or hurrying to move out of her parents’ home, she’d told them men would come
and go, but family was forever.
Her brow furrowed in feigned confusion. “I hadn’t realized one could still remain an amateur after years of performing onstage
in one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities and earning the most prestigious theater awards offered by her country.”
“Ah.” He nodded thoughtfully. “Out of curiosity, what’s Sweden’s population?”
Oh, she knew where he was going with this. “A little over ten million.”
His chest shook with his laughter. “That’s even less than I thought. Shit, it’s about the same population as Los Angeles County.
Still, congratulations on your very prestigious awards. I’m sure your family is extremely proud.”
Her hands on her hips curled into fists, but she bit back the vicious swipe tingling at the tip of her tongue. At least I’ve won acting awards, unlike my new castmate. His roles were never prominent enough to garner that sort of attention.
Instead of lashing out, she told him the simple truth. “They are proud.”
For some reason, that was when his fake little smile died.
“I’m sure Stockholm’s great, honey, but it’s no Broadway.
” The endearment was so acidic, it should have stripped the finish from his vehicle, his condescension so thick it could choke them both.
“And theater experience doesn’t always serve film and television actors well.
As I believe you learned during our first go-round today. ”
“True.” Her own smile was sweet enough to give him a toothache. “But one thing theater experience teaches you is how to adjust
your performance quickly, as needed, so the production can shine. As I believe you learned during our second go-round today.”
He didn’t argue that point, probably because he couldn’t without outright lying. Again.
After one long, slow breath from the depths of her diaphragm, then another, she softened her tone and offered him the best
olive branch she could. “I may not have much experience in film or television, but I’m a talented, hardworking actor, and
I’m excited about this role. I don’t want to fuck up your career or my own, and I won’t.”
He regarded her silently, his narrowed gaze guarded.
Then he sighed and dropped his arms to his sides. “I guess that’s something.”
Maybe it wasn’t the sturdiest of olive branches to get in return, but she’d take it. Take it and run with it, especially since
she had a question for him.
“I was wondering...” She paused, waiting him out. Forcing him to engage.
It took him a minute, but he finally sighed and grunted, “What?”
Ah, the taciturn sound of victory.
“Isn’t it . . .” Her nose wrinkled. “Isn’t it a little odd that the showrunners chose fat actors for characters not specified as fat in the source material?
As far as I know, neither Ron nor R.J. has ever expressed an interest in body diversity, and they don’t seem like natural champions of fat acceptance in Hollywood. But maybe you know something I don’t?”
After she’d seen the other actors up for the roles of Cassia and Cyprian, certain suspicions about the showrunners’ intent
had crept into her thoughts. As a Hollywood insider, though, Peter would understand the dynamics better than she would. And
hopefully, asking him to share his experience and wisdom would flatter his ego enough that he’d stop being a dick.
But he only lifted a shoulder. “I don’t care why they did it. I’m just grateful they did.”
Well, that was remarkably unhelpful.
“And you should be grateful too,” he added. “A lot more grateful than you seem to be.”
Also patronizing.
Maybe he simply needed time to get past his wounded pride. She’d give it one more try, and if he didn’t respond to this attempt
at reconciliation, she’d let it go for now.
“Peter.” Keeping her voice calm and quiet, she moved a step closer to him. “I know you’re unhappy with me. But from what I
understand, we’ll almost always be the only two actors shooting on that island. And throughout E. Wade’s books, Cyprian and
Cassia remain stuck there, so we could be filming together for years. Years . I’ll have to rely on you, and you’ll have to rely on me. Otherwise—”
Before she could even finish her thought, he was roaring with laughter. Bent over at the waist, he actually slapped his knees in merriment before looking up at her and laughing harder.
“I’ll have to...” Shaking his head, he wiped his eyes with the collar of his shirt and calmed himself. “Jesus Christ almighty,
I’m not going to rely on you .”
If anyone ever handed him an actual olive branch, he’d prob ably snap it over his knee and use it as kindling, then extinguish the resulting flames by urinating on them.
He gave a final, rude little snort. “Have you ever filmed on location?”
“No.” A lie might be easier, but she wasn’t ashamed, and she wasn’t backing down.
“What about working with a camera crew? Have you done that before?”
She pressed her lips together. “Sometimes my performances got filmed for television.”
“How often?” he pressed, his eyebrows raised in mocking inquiry.
“Not that often.”
Three times, maybe? And she hadn’t been asked to alter her performance for the cameras, although she didn’t intend to volunteer
that tidbit of damning information.
“Hmmm.” In a singularly infuriating gesture, he stroked his beard, as if in deep contemplation. “Have you acted in front of
a green screen before?”
Skit , he was obnoxious. “No.”
“I see.” All at once, he dropped his hand and his curious-professor act. “So how the fuck could I possibly rely on you? You
know next to nothing about what we’ll be doing.”
Given the shooting location and circumstances, she genuinely didn’t see how he’d have a choice in the matter. He’d only rarely
be performing opposite anyone else, and people who shared one-on-one scenes necessarily leaned on their acting partners.
Clearly, though, he was going to try to find a way. His unyielding obstinacy would almost be impressive, if it weren’t so
shortsighted and self-defeating.
Also stupid. Very, very stupid.
“I’m just going to do my job to the best of my ability and try not to let your performance harm mine.
” Pushing away from the car door, he stepped closer and ducked his head to make certain she could see nothing but his face, hear nothing but his derision.
“We’re not on the same side here. We’re not a team, we’re not going to stand united, and you’re no longer in a socialist country.
Welcome to unfettered capitalism, Pippi. ”
What an ass , she thought, and unlike last night, she wasn’t praising his actual, physical ass.
He straightened and produced his keys from his pocket. “Besides, even if I could rely on you, there’d be no point in trying.”
She smiled at him, ready for whatever barb he intended next. “Why would that be?”
“Because I figure they’ll realize their mistake well before we ever make it to that island, and you’ll be replaced by our
other possible Cassia.” A casual toss of his keys high in the air, and he caught them in his broad palm without even looking.
“Amber, I think her name was. I look forward to working with her. She’s very talented, as I found out today. Very experienced.
Very pretty. I expect the camera will love her.”
Her smile didn’t waver, even though a startling lick of rage had stiffened her entire body. “I suppose we’ll see.”
“I don’t have to see.” He threw the words over his shoulder as he unlocked his car and climbed inside. “I already know.”
He shut the door before she could respond. And as his engine roared to life, she walked away, thinking she would gladly give
him the last word.
In fact, he could have all the last words he wanted.
Because she’d enjoy watching him eat them.