Soulmate

Chapter 24

It was the first day of shooting of the film about Anastasia Romanoff. Catherine was on edge. The last thing she wanted in the world was seeing Mike Reid. She advanced into the studio with a steady stride, though her legs and arms were shaking a little.

"Girl, don't get nervous, okay?" Valeria whispered. She was walking beside her "That asshole's not worth it."

"Exactly. You act the same as always, easy as that. And when no one's looking, spit on him." said Greta, who was on the other side of her.

Catherine couldn't help but laugh at her sister's witticism. As much as Valeria and Greta knew nothing about the "thing," they did know that Catherine couldn't stand Mike, and that was enough to insult him. The enemies of your friends are your enemies.

Catherine said goodbye to them for a while when she had to go into the meeting room. Normally, on the first day of shooting, everyone gathered there: the director, the producers, the editors, the actors....

When Catherine entered the meeting room, it was crowded. And suddenly she saw him. There he was. He hadn't changed much. Maybe now he had shorter hair. Next to him, of course, was Malcolm Austin. They were both talking to a girl. Unfortunately, Malcom recognized Catherine and waved her over. She did so reluctantly, forcing a smile.

"Cathy, honey, it's been a long time!" Malcolm hugged her tightly. He still reeked of alcohol, tobacco and after-shave lotion "I'm so glad to see you here. Just know that as soon as I was told about this movie, I suggested you to play Anastasia. There isn't a better option in the whole country, that's what I told the casting directors."

"Thank you very much." Catherine had never liked Malcolm, even if he had never done anything wrong to her (at least directly). But she didn't like him, period.

"Look who's here too! You'll remember Mike, right?" said Malcom putting a hand on Mike's shoulder.

"Sure. How could I not..." said Catherine still trying hard to smile.

Mike gave Catherine two kisses, one on each cheek. Catherine thought she might throw up "It's been so long...how's it going?"

"Pretty good, yeah." said Catherine through her teeth. She thought, if it had been just the two of them in the room, she would have given him a punch. A good hard one. Enough to wipe that perfect smile off his face.

"Oh, what a mess, I forgot to introduce you two." laughed Mike "Cathy, this is Marie Beauchamp. Marie, this is Catherine McNamara."

Marie was a girl of average height. She had short, straight brown hair. She had gray, really pretty eyes.