FOOLS AND GENIUSES | ✓

CHAPTER 11

Chris getting ready for their football match above.

moonstruck

(adj.) dreamily romantic or bemused

Since the first season of Enlightenment had attracted such stellar ratings and public support, the second season had already been approved months ago for production so expectantly, the writers immediately got to work creating the script. Given that Henry was offered a role in an upcoming movie and his character was absent from the sequel book the second season was based on, 'Amy Cole Is Zen As F*ck' by Elizabeth McGivern, the producers and his agent had come to a joint decision to part ways amicably. 

While the cast were all upset that he would be leaving the show, they couldn't be happier that he received such an amazing opportunity and made him promise to stay in touch. The writers were already underway crafting the script and storyline for the first few episodes and as such, arranged for a table read with the entire cast. It would be the first time they met the newest addition to the series, Milo Ventimiglia.

Kiara was seated at the table, scrolling through her phone as she waited for the other staff members and actors to arrive. She was in a particularly good mood that was likely due to her much-anticipated date this afternoon with Chris. If she were to be completely honest, calling it a date was a stretch but she was curious as to why being around that man stirred up feelings in her that she hadn't experienced in a long time. She didn't understand what it was about him that attracted her but the one thing she knew for sure was that she was determined to explore it.

She looked up as soon as Vijay walked into his room, "Leon was on the headlines today sporting a shiner."

He shrugged nonchalantly, "Wow. Should I send a 'get well soon' package?"

Raising an eyebrow and leaning back in her seat, Kiara crossed her arms and waited expectantly.

Like a child being scolded, Vijay slumped into the chair opposite her, scratching the back of his neck, "Fine. I'm sorry."

She threw her hands up in exasperation, "You should be! What were you thinking?"

"I was angry."

"So emotional."

"I lost my cool."

"You shouldn't have done that."

"I know."

After a moment of deliberation, she looked up at him impishly, "I guess I shouldn't have hit him either."

He paused, looking shocked at this turn of events, "You didn't–"

"I did."

"When?"

"Few years ago."

He raised his hand, making a fist, "Closed fist?"

"Open palm."

His eyes lit up gleefully, "Bitch slap!"

"Damn straight."

"How'd it feel?"

"Like heaven."

They both laughed and pulled out their scripts as Kiara slipped a floatie into Vijay's pocket while the remaining cast members filed in for the table read. It was well into the afternoon when the table read and logistics planning was over as everyone was finally free to go about their day. Kiara smiled upon seeing a text notification pop up on her screen. From the four simple words, she knew instantly that it was Chris and saved his number to her contacts before responding.