Summer Girl || A Shourtney Story

.05 keep my mind turned 'round after dark, after light

The wake-up call came way too soon. Though I managed to fall asleep shortly after the hot chocolate intermission last night, my body radiated fatigue when my alarm went off. A few hours of rest wasn't nearly enough.

Despite my best efforts to snuggle deeper into my bunk and avoid all sense of responsibility, Olivia gave me a pointed look on her way to the bathroom. That in itself was enough motivation to rise out of bed. If Olivia, the only person to show up hours late for filming was up, then I definitely should be too.

Olivia and I got ready for the day in tandem. It was easy work considering we were wearing the same outfits as yesterday, minus the sweat. My fingers were crossed that the weather would be a little milder today. I made my way to the common area, hoping for a less intense film schedule.

The kitchen was buzzing with excitement as I entered. Most cast members were lightly joking, clutching mugs of coffee or snacking on a small breakfast. Mmm, coffee. I made a beeline for the caffeine almost immediately.

Keith was currently filling up his thermos with the beverage as I approached him.

"Morning!" I chirped. Despite my groggy state, I managed to gather up some energy. It may or may not have had something to do with my late-night realization, but I tried to bury that thought as quickly as possible.

"Hey, Court. How'd you sleep?" Keith asked.

"Eh, I've had better. Still think I'm getting used to the bunks," I confessed sheepishly.

"I feel you," he chuckled. "That's why I packed a shit ton of sleeping aids just in case. Let me know if you want some tonight."

Classic Keith relying on the quickest solution possible. I smiled. "Thanks, bud. You're the best."

Keith finished filling his thermos, the black beverage brimming the edge of his container. He left the kitchen area, leaving me to my own devices. As I searched for an empty mug in the kitchen cabinets, a familiar voice greeted me.

"Hey, Crotchney!" Shayne said. "I got you something."

Shayne crossed through the cabin entrance to meet in the kitchen, lightly greeting his passerbys on the way. I tried really hard not to stare at him, but he was making it damn near impossible. His eyes were bright and energized despite a lack of sleep, his eyes crinkling with humor. His cheeky grin revealed a perfect set of pearly white teeth. I wondered what it would be like to have him smile at me like that before leaning in, capturing my lips with a morning kiss...

Snap out of it! My subconscious yelled. You're being creepy as hell!

Luckily, he didn't seem to notice my odd behavior. Instead, he handed me his sealed metal tumbler. I eyed him curiously as I unscrewed the top to reveal its contents.

A tan foamy liquid bubbled on the edges of the container with a sweet caramel swirl sitting above steamed milk. A caramel coffee, my favorite drink. I knew for a fact that this dingy cabin didn't have caramel or a milk steaming machine - it was far too advanced. Something didn't add up.

"But how?" My mouth watered at the sight.

His eyes glinted, obviously thrilled with my perplexed reaction. "Contraband. My lips are sealed."

"You're a lifesaver, ya know that?" I said gratefully. My arms briefly wrapped around his torso for a quick hug in appreciation.

"Don't sweat it," he replied with sincerity. His smile brightened as he released me.

All of Shayne's favors this week made my head spin in an obsessed, teenage heartthrob kind of way. Had he always been this caring? And had I just been too oblivious to notice?