Breaking Free (Tom Holland) BOOK ONE [COMPLETED]

Breaking Free Chapter 7

The next few months were very busy in our household. For the first time in a long time our brother Jason was getting involved. Now that Valerie and I had to be at different places at the same time we needed a second driver. We weren't allowed to drive ourselves to events due to a clause in the contract we had with our modeling agency. But with the promise of a nice paycheck from Uncle Travis, Jason was more than happy to pitch in. Especially since it didn't interfere with his school schedule. That was the only thing he refused to give up.

"Jason you should do the commercial with me," I teased.

"Real funny Nessie. It's been a long time since I was behind a camera. Pretty sure my skills are too rusty for the current audience."

I rolled my eyes at him. "I'm sure Charlie would love to see you all over her TV screen."

"Are you kidding me? She gets so jealous she might end up stealing all of the TVs in the world just so that no one else can see me."

I snorted. It was honestly laughable imagining Jason's mousey girlfriend being jealous enough to pull something like that off. Still, he knew her better than I did. A text message on my phone distracted me from my train of thought. I opened the message and saw a picture of Valerie surrounded by her co-stars. Then another message appeared under the picture.

Valerie: Wish you were here! Everyone wants to get together soon!

Vanessa: Pretty sure if I skipped the shoot today the director would have my head.

Valerie: Nonsense! The director loves you. You should have heard the way he was talking to Uncle Travis about you.

Valerie: By the way, what time does your shoot end today? Asking for a friend.

Before I had time to reply my brother pulled into the gate of the studio. "Look alive Nessie. We're approaching our destination," he called out as he showed his ID badge to the security guard. I began to gather up my things. Once we reached the curb I jumped out and quickly closed the door behind me.

"Have fun at school!" I yelled. Jason honked the horn in reply as he sped off towards his first class of the day. I hurried inside to begin my shoot.

"There she is!" the director announced as I entered the studio. I waved hello to everyone as I headed straight for hair and make up. Susan worked her magic before releasing me to the wardrobe department. Within 20 minutes of my arrival I was ready to begin filming. I ran onto set and felt a wave of confidence wash over me. It was go time.

A few hours later the shoot was finished and everyone was saying their goodbyes. I was discussing next week's shoot with the director and a few producers. We were deep into our conversation which made it even more surprising when my sister suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Vanessa!" she exclaimed as she threw her arms around my neck. A bit of my stage make up got wiped onto her shirt sleeve. She didn't seem to mind.

"Valerie what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Well you didn't answer me when I texted you so the gang and I figured we'd come by and surprise you."

"But what about the script reading?"

"It ended early because our director got called away. He said there was some issues with permits," Tom answered. I glanced in his direction before quickly looking away. I hadn't talked to him since the party. Things were still a little awkward between us.

"So now we're kidnapping you and taking you out to eat," my sister grinned.

I sighed knowing I had no choice in the matter. "Fine. Just let me finish my discussion and then I'll go get changed."

"Nonsense, we've already discussed this at length. Go on ahead and have fun with your friends," my director said with a kind smile. I thanked him and went to go change. When I emerged from my dressing room I was surprised to see that Zac had joined the group. Rebecca did not look too happy.

"When did you get here?" I asked Zac as I gave him a big hug.

"Valerie called me about 20 minutes ago asking if I could come meet you guys since there wasn't enough room in their van for everyone," Zac replied. "Now who all is riding with me? I promise I'm a good driver."

"I think Vanessa, Madison, and Tom should ride with Zac. The rest of us will go in the van," Valerie volunterred.

I opened my mouth to protest but I didn't get the chance. Everyone began moving towards the exit. Once we made it outside I was able to grab my sister's hand and pull her toward the back of the group. "Why did you put me with Tom? You know things have been awkward between us ever since the party."

"That's exactly why I put you two together. He's always asking about you. With how stubborn and closed off you are I figured the only way to get you to open up to each other is to force it. Remember, I do this only because I love you."

"That smirk on your face says differently."

We all piled into our respective cars. Zac's insistence that Madison sit in the front led me to believe that he was in on my sister's plan. Tom was doing his utmost to avoid all eye contact. After a few minutes of riding in silence my sister's plan worked and I cracked.

"So how is preparing for the movie going?"

My sudden conversation startled Tom so much I thought he was going to launch out of his seat. "It's going well so far. We're almost done with the script reading so we should be able to start filming soon."

I caught Zac looking at us in the rearview mirror. I fought the urge to flip him the bird. "Is my sister doing well? She seems to really be enjoying herself."

Tom hesitated. He opened his mouth to reply several times. Finally he let out a breath and turned to me. His face suddenly looking at me gave my heart a start. Why the hell was he so cute?

"The last time we talked about your sister I feel like I tripped a landmine. I'm hesitant to talk about her again until I know where those landmines lie. I really don't want to make you angry again."

I let out a laugh. "Sorry about that. I was really sensitive that day due to unfortunate circumstances but I'm better now."

Tom looked unconvinced. "Can you at least tell me why?"

"Let's just say I was a little jealous that my sister chose to spend her time with you and not with me."

"Of course she wants to spend time with you. Who wouldn't?"

I gave Tom a small smile. "Thank you for saying that. And once again I'm sorry."

By the time our gang arrived at the diner Tom and I had almost completely shed our awkwardness. There was still a little bit there but it was melting slowly. And that was a start.