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I turn back to Jake, a smug grin spreading across my face. "Well, looks like my sweet assistant has put you in your place," I say, my voice dripping with satisfaction.
Jake scowls, but before he can respond, the director calls for everyone to take their places. I shoot him one last triumphant smirk before making my way to my mark, feeling more confident and alive than I have in a long time.
Even as the cameras start to roll and the director calls out action, the strain still lingers in the air, a heavy cloud of frustration and anger that refuses to dissipate.
I can feel the weight of it pressing down on me, dragging me deeper and deeper into the depths of my own misery.
When we’re done shooting for the day, it’salready evening. Leaning against the wall, I close my eyes, hoping to find some respite from this sweltering heat. The cool metal seeps through my shirt, offering only fleeting relief.
I can feel Marissa's eyes on me, sense her worry in the lingering silence between us. But I cannot bring myself to meet her gaze, to see the pity that must fill her eyes. Instead, I let my head fall back, wishing I could sink into the wall and escape the oppressive weight of this wretched day.
"Hey," she says softly, reaching out to place a gentle hand on my arm. "You okay?"
I grunt in response, my jaw clenched tight. How could that idiot Jake have the audacity to say such things?
Marissa sighs, her hand falling away from my arm as she takes a step back. "Listen, I know that was rough," she says, her voice gentle but firm, "but we can't let one jerk ruin our day. How about we go get some ice cream? My treat."
Ice cream? Really?Well, maybe a sweet treat is just what I need to take the edge off. I nod reluctantly, my pride still smarting from the encounter on set.
"Fine," I mutter, my voice gruff with irritation. "But only because I could use some sugar to sweeten my sour mood."
Marissa laughs, the lovely sound blending with the wind. "Deal," she says, her smile bright and infectious.
"Come on, let's go before I change my mind."
We make our way to the nearest ice cream parlor, and the cool air conditioning is a welcome relief from the sweltering heat outside. The scent of freshly churned ice cream fills the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and conversation from the other patrons.
Marissa leads the way to the counter, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she surveys the myriad of flavors on display. "What'll it be, Bryce?" she asks, turning to me. "Chocolate? Vanilla? Maybe something a little more audacious?"
"Pick something. Surprise me," I say, leaning casually against the counter as I watch her deliberate over her choices.
Marissa grins, her eyes alight with malfeasance as she turns back to the counter. "One scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough and one scoop of mint chocolate chip, please."
The ice cream parlor employee nods in acknowledgment, scooping generous portions of each flavor onto a waffle cone before handing it over to Marissa with a flourish. "Here you go, enjoy!" she says cheerfully, her smile warm and genuine.
Marissa takes the cone with a grateful nod, turning around and handing it to me.
"What, no spoon for me?" I ask, taking a tentative lick of the creamy treat.
Marissa giggles, a sound that fills the air like tinkling bells. "Spoons are for amateurs," she says, nudging me playfully. "Besides, I thought you could use the extra challenge."
I chuckle, taking another bite of the ice cream and savoring the rich, creamy flavor as it melts on my tongue. Despite my sour mood earlier, a sense of contentment engulfs me as I stand there with her, enjoying a simple moment of happiness amid the chaos.
As we make our way outside, the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city streets.
I watch Marissa subtly, and I see her eyes sparkling with joy as she savors the last few bites of her ice cream cone.
Despite everything, despite the challenges and obstacles we've faced, I'm grateful for moments like this—moments of simple joy and companionship that make it all worthwhile.
I'm hoping that everything is going to be okay after all.
Chapter 19
Marissa
The soft light filtering through my curtains pulls me from a fitful sleep, the insistent throbbing in my head a cruel reminder of the unwelcome visitor that has taken up residence in my body overnight.
I groan and bury my head beneath the covers, praying for the strength to face the day ahead.