Forgotten age [a Martin Freeman fanfic]

15.

"Martin." I muttered. "Jeremy and I broke up."

His gaze froze on mine, pricking into my mind in search of answers. 

...Dun dun du du run dun, bloop!

The big screen that hung from the ceiling lighted up, announcing an incoming Skype call.

I reached for the computer mouse and cleared my throat, nodding at Martin as I accepted the call on the screen. Martin finally dropped my gaze, breaking the tension momentarily. A few seconds passed until all the pixels from Kevin's face rearranged correctly on screen.

"Hi guys!" He greeted us forcing a smile in a rush. "You can open your scripts now."

I sighed at his impatience. We were the ones who had been waiting awkwardly for the past few minutes. Not him. I looked for the folder inside my bag and took it out quickly, eager to find out the story of my character.

"First of all, I'd like to go through the contract points one last time, in case there are any questions." He told us, readjusting his glasses.

I kept glancing at Martin. Couldn't help it, he looked stupidly good.

He caught me staring. 

I blushed. 

He smiled.

"—...However, the payment will be done after the premier date because of the reasons stated in points number three and five. Fortunately, y'all are fucking wealthy so that shouldn't be a problem."

Martin chuckled.

I laughed too. 

Not because of Kevin's comment.

I wasn't listening to anything he was saying nor I wanted to, to be honest.

God knows why, but I just couldn't stop myself from laying my eyes on Martin. My eyes, my thoughts, hell my whole presence was literally on top of him, watching his every move. Admiring his every move. Reminiscing about all those long night drives years ago. Even though he looked noticeably older, he still looked perfect to me. 

"—Now, you see... If you turn to page 86..." 

A rummaging of papers brought me back to reality. 

"Ah..." Martin sighed. "The sex scene."

I choked on my own words. "Sex, the, scene, the... I'm sorry, the wHAT?"

He narrowed his eyes at me visibly hiding his amusement.

"I was informed you knew about this." Kevin stated from the screen.

I looked at him, my lips pressed in a thin line. "I was NOT !"

"Uh...—" Kevin cleared his throat. "Well... Melissa... There's not much we can do about this. I'm really sorry you had to find out this way, I apologize if in any way this made you feel uncomfortable. We could always call your back up, maybe she'll be willing to do it. What do you think?"

"Yes! I mean, no! I mean, I'll do it." I said in a rush, avoiding Martin's gaze.

This was an important decision, I needed some time. Even though I was quite sure I wanted to do the scene (due to clear signs such as: racing heartbeat, loss of appetite, genuine distraction/inability to focus, loss of senses...etc) I knew it probably wouldn't be the best option, him and I were incapable of this acting any longer. Paradoxical, huh? Actors who cannot act.

I heard him chuckle. "Between me and you, Kev. It wouldn't be the first time."

"Martin, oh my god!" I snapped, stepping on one of his feet under the table.