Leading Lady

CHAPTER 16

After spending what seemed like forever going around and being introduced to the production staff and other actors, Jackson finally showed Lucille to her trailer. The moment she stepped inside the camper she was surprised at how spacious and comfortable it was inside. There was a small bed off to the right side of the trailer. To the left stood some director's chairs in front of a long vanity table with bright lights surrounding the large mirror. A little further from that, Lucille could see a small closet and nearby there was an open doorway that lead to her very own bathroom.

"This is so cool," Lucille whispered in awe. Jackson smirked and found himself putting his hand against the small of her back. Lucille turned to him the moment he touched her which in turn made him bring his hand away immediately.

"Sorry."

"Why be sorry?" She asked with a devilish grin and stepped closer to him. She started to lean up when the door of her trailer flew open and in walked the director, Langston Crawford. He stopped and stared at them as Jackson quickly stepped back from Lucille.

"Am I interrupting?" Langston asked.

"No," Jackson said with annoyance in his voice. He glared over at him. "But please, try to knock the next time you want to come in here."

"Sure," Langston nodded, looking at them with a hint of suspicion in his eyes. He turned to Lucille, "Hair and makeup is on its way over and wardrobe will be here in an hour."

"Your assistant couldn't come and tell her that?" Jackson asked. Lucille fought to keep herself from smiling. She loved how defensive Jackson was acting for her.

"I wanted to pass by personally to welcome her to the set, Jackson," Langston forced a smile. Lucille stood there feeling awkward, for it was obvious Langston and Jackson weren't fond of each other.

"Thank you, I'm incredibly happy to be here," Lucille spoke, breaking the silence. "I can't wait to get the day started."

"Well, I hope you like waiting, there's going to be lots of it," Langston said dryly and threw another one of his forced smiles at her before leaving the trailer. Once they were alone again, Jackson turned to Lucille.

"Sorry about that," he said to her. Lucille smiled and hugged him tight. Without thinking, Jackson wrapped his arms around Lucille.

"Thanks for standing up for me," Lucille told him. She looked up at him, still in his arms. "No one's ever done that for me."

"Not even Cliff?"

Lucille shook her head, "I have to admit, I'm excited to be starting my career but I'm also nervous. It all seems so scary but so marvelous at the same time. I'm glad I have you by my side as a support. I'll always be thankful for this opportunity you've given me."

Jackson smiled down at her and was taken aback when Lucille jumped up and gave him a quick peck on the lips. Jackson let her go and stepped back.

"Sorry," Lucille muttered, "I can't help myself. I'm really trying hard to fight these feelings."

Yeah, same here, Jackson thought miserably.

"We should really try and avoid doing anything like that," Jackson murmured. "I'll be around. Make yourself at home."

"Thanks," Lucille said as Jackson quickly turned and left the trailer.

Outside, Jackson loosened his tie and walked away. As he returned to his office, Jackson touched his lips. He licked them and could taste a bit of Lucille's pink grapefruit lip balm. A little smile appeared across his face until Clarice suddenly appeared on his mind. He imagined her finding out about the things he's done with Lucille, the way he was feeling towards her and it devastated him. He imagined her falling off the wagon, having a mental break down.