Off Camera

Chapter 12

Tae POV

My heart pounds not only in my chest but in my ears and my head, giving me an instant headache. My body goes stiff and my blood runs cold as Tee's usually warm eyes freeze me on the spot.

If I could, I would push the woman off me and scream to Tee it is a misunderstanding. It isn't what he thinks it is.

My body moves towards him as he turns and bolts out of the studio. Every cell in my body screams at me to follow him, but the director's harsh voice stops me in my tracks. "Tae. I expect you to show miss Rhonda around. The owner told me she specifically asked for you."

Mentally, I scream, "NO! AND STOP TOUCHING ME YOU WITCH!"

Even though the words are on the tip of my tongue, I choke them down and nod as I turn and look at him. His stern look gives me the unspoken warning I knew was waiting for me to get since he told me about her visit this morning. Our initial conversation had been interrupted and he couldn't finish our talk, but I've been in this business long enough to know the underlying meaning of a visit like this.

I move my arm out from under Rhonda's hand as I nod. "I understand, but I have scenes to film today. I won't be available for a while." If I have my way, I won't be available all day. Plus, this witch has put a damper on my relationship with Tee. That is, if I still have one. I'm not going to give up on him, though.

An irritating giggle spills from the annoying woman beside me. "Oh, I came ready to watch you film some of the drama. That is one reason I'm here today. I want to see you in action." She emphasizes the last word, action.

My stomach churns.

I don't want anything to do with her. Go away.

The director claps his hands. "Good. I'll just leave the two of you together and let Tae show you around." He pats my shoulder. "I'll send someone to get you when it is time for your scenes. Don't go too far."

I plead with my eyes for him to stop this farce, but he ignores my silent protest and walks away.

A scowl slides across my face for only a second before I pull on my professional mask and act nice again. In the back of my mind, I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do to get Tee to forgive me.

Her sweet voice sounds like fingernails scraping down a chalkboard and put me on edge. "Tae. I'm so happy to spend some more time with you. We didn't have enough time together the last time I was here. I also didn't ask for the owner's permission back then. I had just shown up." Her voice softens. "I've learned my lesson."

Clearly, you haven't learned your lesson. I told you the last time that I don't have time for her and don't want any distractions. What does that mean? To her, she clearly missed my subtle meaning.

I take a deep breath and move my arm away from her touchy hand. "They pay me to work. I'm sorry, but I don't have much time to do anything with you. There is a script I must memorize which needs my time and concentration. I know what the director has said, but I don't want to push back our production because I can't film my scenes as scheduled today. I hope you understand."

Disappointment swirls in her eyes, but as soon as she blinks, it is gone. Instead, determination beams from her.

She smiles. "I'm sure you can spare me just a little time. I promise not to take too long. Plus, the studio owner told me I could take as much of your time as I want. In my book, the owner trumps the director any day. If the owner is fine with a delay, the director will too." Her eyes light up as she bounces on her feet. "Plus, I have so much to talk to you about. A few minutes won't be enough time."

Please. Someone save me.

I tuck my hands into my pockets and ball them into fists as I rock my weight onto the heels of my feet. Now, what am I going to do?

My mind runs through all my possible options, but none sound good enough or don't end with me getting into trouble. I still don't understand why I should be the one to get into trouble, but I know how this business works.

She steps closer to me and runs her slender finger up my arm as she whispers, "Should you show me the studio and maybe a private room where we could talk?"

Her attempt at a seductive voice falls flat with me. The only thing it has managed to do is upset my stomach, and the last thing I'll do is go some place private with her. I have Tee, hopefully. Why would I chance anything for a quickie with her?

I take a step backwards and glance around the studio, hoping to find someone who will help me. Just when I think I've come up empty, the makeup artist scurries towards me. "Tae. There you are. The director said you needed your makeup done. Come with me."

She doesn't wait for my response and grabs my wrist, dragging me away.

I don't know if she saw my frantic look for help or felt sorry for me. Either way, I'm happy to get away from the crazy woman.

But my happiness doesn't last long when Rhonda calls out from behind us. "Hey. Wait. I'm coming too."

I accidentally let a small groan slip from me, but quickly clamp my mouth shut before anyone notices.

The makeup artist's grip tightens around my wrist, and she pulls me faster.

When is this nightmare going to end?

I told the director this morning I didn't want to do this. I'm here to work and not to be the boy toy of some rich woman who happens to be friends with the studio's owner. He didn't say anything but stared at me like I've lost my mind.

I plop down in the chair and the young makeup artist stands in front of me, blocking Rhonda from getting to me. She gives me a sympathetic look for only a moment before it vanishes as the evil witch rushes up beside her. "I told you to wait. What is the big hurry? My friend, the owner of the studio, said Tae can take his time with me. He is supposed to be showing me around."

The young makeup artist whips her long blonde hair over her shoulder and glares at Rhonda. "I have a schedule I must follow, or I'll get into trouble. I'm not pushing my schedule back and risk getting a warning or, worse, getting fired. Are you going to pay my bills?"

The young lady's once warm blue eyes have now darkened and turned cold as she glares at Rhonda. Silently, I'm cheering for her and hoping she can chase the nasty woman away.

Rhonda shakes her head and waves her hand in the air as she turns and sits down on a chair a few feet away. "Fine. Do your thing. I'll have him as soon as you are done."

My heart sinks. Why can't she get the hint? I'm not interested.

***

I run out of the studio to my car. Relief is within my grasp, but still slightly out of reach.

Tee has left at some point, but I don't know when. I've been too busy with the cat and mouse game with Rhonda to notice. My heart twists, remembering his cold eyes.

I hope he doesn't still misunderstand everything. I need to straighten everything out.

As I zoom through the streets, back to my apartment, my finger taps non-stop on my steering wheel while I nervously nibble on my lower lip. The sounds outside dull and fade into nothingness as my thoughts drown out everything else.

Please let Tee be at my apartment. He knows the code to get in and yesterday he had a duffle bag with his clothes.

I don't know what I'll do if he isn't there.

My car comes to a screeching stop in a parking spot. I immediately bolt from it and rush into the building.

My heart hammers against my chest as I run down the hall towards my apartment, while a plea repeats over and over again in my head.

Tee, please be there.

I burst through the door and call out into the darkness. "Tee!"

Published September 4, 2022