Seeking Escape

8. You're Being an Idiot

*** Quinn's POV ***

I gave the camera what I hoped was a charming smile because I was roiling beneath the surface. I wrapped up with my usual sign-off and waited for Mir to signal we were no longer live. Then I let into him.

"What the fuck was that?" I demanded.

"A feeble attempt to smooth over your bombshell. You're seeing someone?" He sassed back.

"I don't know. We just started hanging out. Fuck, I hope she wasn't listening." I groaned, pulling out my phone.

"She's not industry." Mir realized from my comment.

"No, and God, you had to put me on the spot." I grumbled. I was torn over whether I should text Joyce to see if she was on and heard my comment. I didn't mean it. I would never pressure her into something that she didn't want. Hell, I didn't even know if she considered us to be talking. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK.

"Well?" Mir said in an impatient tone.

"Well what?" I asked, just as snotty.

He crossed his arms and looked at me incredulously. "Who is she?"

"None of your concern." I moved to grab my bag and head out.

"Quinn. It's better if you tell me. I'm going to get questions." He insisted.

"And you can tell them what I just told you. It's none of their concern. If I come on set and do my job, that's all they and you need to worry about." I remarked.

"Yeah, yeah. Does she even know what you do for a living?" He continued to pry.

"Yes. She knows." I stated.

"And she's okay with it? I'm not asking to be judgy, you do you. I just want to make sure I can anticipate any problems." He reasoned with me.

"Look. I honestly don't know. It's really new. We've only hung out once." I decided not to tell him that it was only virtual.

"Where did you meet her? I know your schedule pretty well and you don't have a whole lot of free time. The industry party? The gym?" Mir kept digging.

"I'm out of here. I'll talk to you Monday." I informed him.

"Don't forget your mom wants that stuff moved out and go through more fanmail or I'm putting that therapy chick on the program." Mir said to my back as I was leaving. I paused and decided not to say anything. I didn't want him catching on that my mystery woman was also who he was referring to as therapy chick.

I headed to the gym, knowing I needed to work out some tension. I waseyed by a couple women in the weight room, but other than some flirty glances, they kept it tame thankfully.

It was amazing to me the number of people who had approached me for unsolicited sex since I entered this profession. I get that I work in an industry that perpetuates falsehoods about sex and sexual encounters, but damn, people take some liberties.

Today I escaped the gym unscathed. I opted for a light lunch and got back to my place. I headed out to my community's pool, lounging in the sunshine and realized I had yet to hear from Joyce about her preferences for tonight. I shaded my eyes and worked out a text.

Quinn: Hey. I hope you managed to get some sleep so that you're energized for tonight. In terms of food, I'm a pretty adventurous eater when I don't have to prepare it. Surprise me.

I included my address without hesitation and sent the text. I decided to dip into the pool to work out the tension of waiting for her reply. I swam some laps and then hoisted myself out, plopping back down and anxiously checking my phone.